Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is expected to announce a new five-year strategy for his company’s struggling Alfa Romeo unit, a strategy that's expected to center on the utilization of a new modular rear-wheel-drive platform. The new platform is currently under development in Italy and will underpin much of Alfa Romeo’s future lineup as well as some key models from Chrysler and Dodge.
Automotive News (subscription required) has dug up a number of details on the platform, which is said to have been code-named the Giorgio. An engineer by the name of Philippe Krief is said to be overseeing a team in Italy working on the new platform. While in its basic form it will feature rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive should be an option for the Giorgio platform.
Some of the Alfa Romeo models Giorgio will underpin are expected to be the Giulia small sedan, a new mid-size sedan and possibly a large coupe. At Chrysler, the Giorgio platform will likely be used first for the next-generation Dodge Challenger and then for next-generation versions of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Marchionne’s new strategy for Alfa Romeo is expected to be revealed during Fiat-Chrysler’s first-quarter results announcement in May.
Stay tuned for an update.
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