Fiat plans sexy 124 Spider roadster

Fiat is planning to reveal a sexy small sports car, the 124 Spider, at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The Spider, a two-seat sports car, is based on Mazda's fourth-generation MX-5 Miata, is expected to arrive in the U.S. next year.

Fiat, of course, takes pride in its Italian-inspired styling while Mazda is thoroughly Japanese. The MX-5 Miata is made in Hiroshima, where, conceivably, the 124 would be made a well.

The new model could provide an emotional spark for a Fiat brand that is underperforming. Until now, it's lineup has been centered around the 500 small sedan, and a couple of crossovers.

For those who remember, the 124 Spider also recalls the 1960s when Fiat sold a similar model in the U.S. While stunningly beautiful, it came at a time when Fiats were not known for reliability.