The Fiat 124 Spider, named after Fiat’s classic 1966–1978 two-seat roadster, got its new version. Built in Hiroshima by Mazda, the new Spider is five inches longer and about 100 pounds heavier than the Miata, its close cousin.
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Fiat decided to keep the MX-5 platform’s 90.9-inch wheelbase, which means the extra length is all in the front and rear overhangs. Next to the Mazda, the 124’s nose looks longer and more upright. In back, the extra length yields a larger trunk opening and an extra 0.4 cubic foot of capacity. In back, the extra length yields a larger trunk opening and an extra 0.4 cubic foot of capacity for all your fancy stuff.
Italian design house Pininfarina made the original 124 Spider and Fiat decided to follow the philosophy because Pininfarina is Pininfarina, it would be a shame to cut it out completely. The shape of the headlight cutouts, the hood bulges, and the kink in the doors are all lifted straight from Pininfarina’s design. The new design mix the tradition and legacy of the old Fiat with modern times, and it does it very well.
The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is assembled in Italy and shipped to Japan to be installed. The engine is with 4 psi of additional turbo boost and modifications for longitudinal mounting in the rear-wheel-drive Spider. Bolstered by 22 psi of boost, this MultiAir four makes 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm. The Abarth version of the 124 Spider, and you’ll get four more horses but the same amount of torque.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard and the turbo engine is quite happy working with the six-speed automatic transmission, an additional option. Interior is following the same philosophy as in Mazda’s roadster but there are change gauge faces a few soft-touch materials, and new door panels. Fiat has its own seat fabric and padding and leather is available in Lusso and Abarth models. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider was made for true car fans who will enjoy its every detail. ■
