Alfa Romeo has been in the doldrums of late with only three vehicles in its line-up and a market share dwindling to less than half a per cent. So far, however, 2013 is looking like a positive year for the Italian company.
The long awaited 4C is expected to be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and the final paperwork concerning Alfa's tie-up with Mazda for collaboration on a new, MX-5-based, roadster has been signed.
The as-yet unnamed car will be built by Mazda at its Hiroshima plant in Japan alongside the next generation MX-5, but both cars will be distinctly styled and they will be powered by specific proprietary engines unique to each brand.
No official word from Alfa Romeo but the turbocharged 1.7-litre '1750' engine has to be in with a shout. The roaster will another piece in the jigsaw for Alfa Romeo that, when completed, is hoped will see the Italian marque sell over 300,000 cars worldwide by 2016.
Paul Healy - 21 Jan 2013