The fate of the Mazda MX-5-based Italian roadster, which at first was supposed to be the new Alfa Romeo Spider but later on turned into the Abarth Roadster, is still unclear. For all we know the whole project could be canned. But here we have an speculative rendering of this car which shows us how great it could be.

This imaginary Abarth Roadster, rendered here by talented designer Theophilus Chin, is basically a new Mazda MX-5 fitted with revised bumpers and some Abarthy features such as the  red stripes. It looks good, but if what Theo is suggesting here is true, and the Abarth does indeed look exactly like the MX-5, that’ll be a huge let down for the fans who were expecting an open-top sports car with the Mazda’s brilliant drive and a gorgeous Italian design.

Initially, the joint venture between Fiat-Chrysler and Mazda was to result in a modern-day Alfa Spider with the MX-5’s running gear, but Alfa’s own engine and body. That was a helluva recipe, but for some reason the deal fell through. The Abarth Roadster, which is pitched as the replacement for that car, could still be a great machine if they fit it with one of those hot little four bangers they put in Fiat 500 Biposto for example.

Rendering by Theophilus Chin