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Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Although a little bit later than expected, Mazda and Fiat have signed a final agreement that will bring a next-generation MX-5 Miata to the Japanese automaker and a new roadster to Alfa Romeo. When the proposed arrangement was announced back in May, the two automakers had hoped to seal the deal last year, but it doesn't appear that the production timeline for these cars has slipped any, with both expected to start rolling off assembly lines in 2015.
Other than a shared chassis with a rear-wheel-drive layout, it sounds like the two cars are still planned to be distinct in their own ways from their styling right down to their engines. Mazda will produce both cars at a plant in Hiroshima, Japan, but it isn't clear what role each automaker will play in the cars' developmental process. The big question, of course, is what clever portmanteau name we can come up with, like Toyobaru. Mazda Romeo is the easy choice, but Alfazda might roll off the tongue a little better.
Scroll down for a brief press release from both automakers.

2014 Fiat 500C GQ Edition mans up [w/videos]

Fiat dealers recently welcomed the five-door 500L into their 'studios' as a much-needed second model line, but franchisees are still clamoring for additional new model ranges as most struggle to reach profitability. There's more in the pipeline for the reborn brand, but in the meantime, Fiat continues to rely on special editions of existing products to drum up interest, in this case, the just-introduced 2014 500C GQ Edition. Meant in part to extend appeal of the tiny 500C to more male shoppers, the GQ Edition teams up the rolltop Cinquecento with publishing juggernaut Conde Nast for a (somewhat) more masculine special edition version of the 500 Turbo.
Chief among the exterior changes are 16-inch gloss black alloys with red-trimmed center caps, a more aggressive lower fascia and black-bucket headlamps, along with the requisite GQ badging. There's no additional chutzpah found under the Fiat's tiny hood, but that's okay, the 'Diet Abarth' Turbo model has a plenty adequate 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque from its 1.4-liter Multiair engine to go with its five-speed manual gearbox.
As you'd expect of a GQ-branded product, due attention has been paid to the interior furnishings, including a matte-finish body-color gauge cluster nacelle, and Nero black leather seats lifted by Alcantara inserts incorporating a Steam leatherette center stripe and GQ embossing on the backrest.

Jeep first American carmaker to return to Tokyo show

Despite foreign-brand car sales in Japan declining six percent in the first four months of this year, Jeep sales are up 21 percent in the same period. That could explain why Jeep will be the first the US manufacturer to return to the Tokyo Motor Show after eight years away. Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler walked away during the global crisis that struck after the 2007 show. Jeep will be part of an eight-vehicle, four-brand showcase overseen by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Japan, the local subsidiary. For the moment, it is the only US brand to sign up - neither Ford, GM, or even Chrysler are committed to attend. Stablemates Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Abarth will be there, along with 13 other foreign makes, answering the "Technology & Fantasy" theme for this year's event. In total, organizers announced 15 brands from 14 Japanese manufacturers, and 27 brands from 17 foreign carmakers. The show opens to the public from Oct. 30 to Nov. 8. Related Video: