Alfa Romeo 169 To Be Based Off Chrysler 300C Platform: Rumours

ALFA ROMEO'S planned successor to the 166 executive saloon, the 169, is reportedly going to be built off Chrysler's LX large-car platform, the very same platform that underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C.

Talk of a Chrysler-based Alfa isn't new, though. We first spoke of such plans earlier this month, and the idea of the LX platform being exploited by Alfa Romeo has existed almost since the Fiat-Chrysler alliance was first mooted.

Now, analysts IHS Global Insight says it's got the rundown on Fiat Sp.A's plans for the LX floorpan. According to IHS, the new Alfa 169 will be built atop the Chrysler-sourced platform sometime in 2011, with production to be centred in Canada.

The Fiat-Chrysler hookup is a major boon for the 169 project, as prior to the alliance being finalised a suitable RWD platform was proving difficult to find. The Maserati Quattroporte's underpinnings were prohibitively expensive, and talks with Mercedes Benz for the E-Class platform and discussions with Tata Motors for the Jaguar XF platform failed to secure a deal.

Pricing for the 169 is expected to sit around US$62,000 (AU$78,000), however further details are scarce and Alfa Romeo is keeping its mouth shut about the project. Driveline selection is a mystery, however with Fiat expected to make use of Chrysler's flex-fuel Pentastar V6 odds, are high a version of that engine will see service in the 169.

Fiat's upcoming Multiair V6 is also tipped to be fitted to the 169, as is a Maserati-sourced V8. Styling is the biggest question mark for now, but word around town is to expect something markedly different - and much more 'premium' - than Alfa's current offerings.