We’ve seen a few de-badged, current-generation Mazda Miata–based test mules running around the Ann Arbor area over the last few months, and although we’ve gathered some good intelligence regarding Mazda’s role in the development of the new Alfa, powertrain details have remained a mystery. Our latest bit of intel helps fill in the blanks.

C/D sources are telling us that the powertrain in the test mule is most likely a version of the corporate 1.4-liter turbo four that powers both the Dodge Dart and the hotted-up Fiat 500 Abarth. The engine will be longitudinally mounted to facilitate rear-wheel drive—phew—and although we have no new details regarding transmissions, our previous encounter with the mule revealed a manual of unspecified gear count. In use in the Dart, the 1.4-liter makes 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the Abarth sees torque dropped by 14 lb-ft. Both applications make for steady if not neck-breaking acceleration, so power is expected to get a slight increase for Alfa duty.

The Alfa won’t share sheetmetal with the Miata, but it will benefit from extensive weight-saving measures employed by both the Italians and Japanese to help improve the power-to-weight ratio of the two cars. We hope the exclusive content extends throughout the car, because a re-badged Miata is no way to re-introduce the revered Alfa Romeo nameplate to the fickle U.S. public.



Full article - HERE

 

I'm sorry but 160 hp in that car is just ridiculous for the amount of money I'm sure it will cost. Roadsters like that should have at least 200. Lets hope they rework the engine to provide a bit more power. It doesn't have to be blistering fast but at least keep it entertaining. It feels like car companies are regressing. Heck the late 90's BMW M roadster at least came with a 3.2L Inline 6 that made 240 hp.

 

If it's priced like a Miata ($23-28k) and is under 3000 lbs it would be OK with 160 HP. If it's $40k or porky it's DOA.

Would like to see 180-200 to compete with the FRS/BRZ.

The late 90s M Roadster was a $45k car in 1998, $55-60k in today's dollars? Not a good comparison.

 

I'd rather just build a Factory Five 818 kit car with a WRX motor. 1800 LBS and ~220 HP. Perfect.

 

Looks attractive (but hate the continued LED strip fad), but I don't see anyone running out to buy a 160 hp car. Hell the S2000 looked better, weighed 2700 lbs, and had 230 hp, and it was discontinued. I just don't see this creating a new market of buyers. If anything, assuming it is lightweight like the miata, it would purge some of those buyers. Without an expanding market, I don't see it being long-lived.

 

The S2000 had 240! ( ) It also, like the NSX, died because Honda never put anything into it. The 2009 CR was the same car more or less as the 2000 model. All the competitors (Coxster, Z3/Z4, etc) kept adding power and features. The S2000 just added price. There's a market for $25k convertibles (the S2000 was $37k when it was done) and they don't need gobs of power to sell. The Miata is basically proof of that.