L.A. Auto Show 2015: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider - Los Angeles Times
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L.A. Auto Show 2015: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider

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What is it:

Bringing back a beloved if eccentric crowd-pleaser from the '60s and '70s, Fiat is reintroducing this classic, stripped-down, two-door, convertible roadster. Luckily, for those concerned about Fiat reliability, the engine and power train are mostly made by Mazda: This is a Miata, in other words, in Italian clothes.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

(Webb Bland / Fiat)

(Webb Bland / Fiat)

Why it matters:

The Fiat brand was once associated with affordable fun and European flair. This convertible could make that happen again. Americans have become accustomed to the quirky Fiat 500s, and might be ready to embrace a sprightly soft top.

UPDATES: Get live updates from the floor of the L.A. Auto Show

What's new:

Stylistically in some ways to the Fiat 124 Spiders of the '60s and '70s, this is the first sexy Fiat to come off the line in quite a while.

The competition:

The landscape isn’t exactly crowded with two-seat sports cars. Fiat will fall somewhere between the highly affordable Mazda MX-5, on which its platform is based, and the expensive but exciting Alfa Romeo 4C Spider – also just introduced, and hoping to catch the same rag-top wave.

PHOTOS: See the best of the L.A. Auto Show

2017 Fiat 124 Spider
(Jeff Ludes / Fiat)

(Webb Bland / Fiat)

The details:

Powertrain: 1.4 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: N/A

Horsepower: 160

Torque: 184

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