So the new Miata has been out for about a week now and already the news is reporting that enthusiast’s drool is up to people’s knees. Or, maybe that was a flash flood in Arizona, I can’t be too sure. What I am sure of is that the new edition of Mazda’s perennial hit parade is likely going to have a sibling, and an Italian one at that. The rumor is that the new Miata will serve as the basis for an even newer Alfa Romeo, perhaps anointed the Spider, or maybe, the Duetto. Whatever it’s called, this melding of marques brings a whole new chapter to the Miata story. For decades now, the little roadster has been the king of cheap-seats sports cars, and no other maker has come close to offering even a pretender to the throne. Most are too expensive, while others are just nowhere near as compelling. It’s the Miata formula that seems elusive to all other makers, but as the old adage goes, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Alfa has waved the white flag and will supposedly share the Miata’s mojo in a car co-developed with Mazda and sharing much of the Miata’s hardware. But why should they have all the fun? If the Miata is so great, why shouldn’t other makers get to play? Think of all the money Mazda could make selling the Miata’s mojo to makers like Ford, BMW, or maybe even to the Chinese for the rebirth of a classic British sports car brand like MG! If they were willing to do so, what makers do you think would most benefit from getting Miataized? Image: Mazda USA