Fiat

Resurrection: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider has a bit of Mazda MX-5 in it

Published on November 18, 2015

The Fiat 124 Spider first arrived on the scene back in November 1966 at the Turin Auto Show. The car was sold in the US and Europe where it dropped after 1975. Designed by Pininfarina, the Fiat 124 Spider was a sporty 2 seat roadster powered by a 2.0-liter 133 hp engine by the time it went out of production in the mid-80s. Now, the Fiat 124 Spider is back and will be showcased at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider is a revives the legendary Italian badge with a little help from Mazda. The new Fiat 124 Spider is based around a 2016 Mazda MX-5 chassis, however gets a major overhaul in terms of drivetrain and exterior design. Fiat has made big changes to the exterior of the MX-5, so much so that almost each and every panel is new. The front fascia reminds us of the original 124 Spider with those round headlamps and hexagonal grille.

Pininfarina had designed the original 124 Spider with a long hood and short overhangs for that classic roadster look. The same treatment is evident on the new model. A wide track and a low slung bonnet-line gives it at that quintessential 2-door sports car look. The interior of the car has also been completely redesigned so that you will never know about its Japanese origins.

The biggest change however is the engine. Instead of using the 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engines from Mazda, Fiat decided to put their own MultiAir 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mill from the 500 Abarth to good use. The engine makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Fiat will offer a choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic on the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider when it arrives in showrooms.