For nearly six month now, there have been rumors that Mazda->ke53 and Alfa Romeo->ke1386 were working on a deal that would have the next-gen MX-5 Miata and the upcoming Alfa Romeo roadster share a platform. Well, the ink has now reached the signature line on an official agreement between the two to co-develop a two-seat roadster. Both models will be built at Mazda's Hiroshima plant starting 2015.

Both models will be offered in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, but each one will feature engines developed in-house. The next MX-5 for example is rumored to be powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged unit featuring SkyActiv technology, while the next Alfa Romeo Spyder is rumored to be powered by a turbocharged 1750 cc engine capable of developing an impressive 296 horsepower. Other rumors suggest a 1.4TB engine with an output of 168 horsepower.

While we know for sure that the next Mazda will keep the usual MX-5 nomenclature, for Alfa Romeo things aren't very sure at this point, but it has been rumored that the company plans to bring back the legendary Spyder name.

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