 | By Yoann Besnard/petrol-head.com
In an interview Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that the future Alfa Romeo will share its platform with another car maker to cut cost. Fiat is in talks with several manufacturers and a decision will be taken in next January.
Due to go on sale in late 2009, the future 169 was originally thought to be based on the Maserati Quattroporte's platform, but high manufacturing costs likely obliged the company's executive to reconsider an alternative. As Marchionne has already said in a previous interview, Fait was interested in Jaguar and Land Rover for their American dealer network but also for the Jaguar platforms. Indeed, the platforms would have enabled the 169 to get a rear-wheel drive platform with front longitudinal engines while sharing costs. But Fiat's situation prevent it to enter the bid.
However as a adviser to Tata which is likely to win the bid, the Italian group might be in a very good position to get the Jaguar's platform and the future 169 might be derived from the XF saloon.
See attached picture of 169 | |