New Alfa Spider, rwd, based on next MX-5

That sounds very promising, Matsoc, but only if Alfa install a more powerful engine - 2.3/2.5 - than Mazda, and if, in my view, there is no off-centre reg plate stuck on the nose. Historic Alfa racing car reference aside, it is pretentious and annoyingly asymmetrical. A light weight Alfa roadster is a welcome addition.

I'm not all that fussed about engine power - one of the best things about the MX-5 is that it is a delight to drive at normal speeds, rather than being heavy and powerful and uninvolving.

The off-centre reg plate is a result of the principal styling feature of the nose being the deep Alfa shield grille.  If they are keeping that, and there has been no indication that they are planning to drop it, the number plate must necessarily be moved aside.  It looks much better in countries where you can have a much smaller front plate (or none at all, as in parts of the US and Canada).  I don't think it is pretentious at all.

I saw many in Italy and Spain with smaller plates sit under the long grille ... but the DVLA does not recognise innovation, alteration, or diminution of profits. Pretentious in this instance is when Alfa supposes everybody and their granny will admire the genuflection to their racing history - when in fact to the general public a reg plate way off centre is an anachronism.

However, an Alfa roadster using Mazda's superb chassis has to be a winner!

I like the idea of this, Alfa styling (in alfas case) with Mazda rwd sports car engineering, Alfa and Mazda are very simmilar, both sporty brands, but in different countries. This could work really well for both. As a fan of both brands I am excited by this.

If true, this is a bit of a coup for Alfa. Mazda know how to make a lightweight sports car, Alfa know how to make beautiful cars. The mixture could be heavenly.

I drove a 3.2 Brera recently. I wanted to love it so much. In fact, I hated it. It was heavy and slow.

By the way, LA, I'm not sure how you can speak for all of the general public. I thought the number plate was a pleasant Italian quirk and something which cocks a snook at the Teutonic symmetry, logic and order.

You express the general view exactly. Very good. 

Good man.

"Respect my authoritah." Fat Cartman - South Park.

I like the number plate off center it looks like it has been designed, then they thought about making it road legal! 

"I was just wondering where I can pickup a wig like that. " Matt Sorenson, Jill Rips.