Plan for Alfa Due Early 2014

Alfa Romeo sold 100k units worldwide last year, a tenth what BMW and Mercedes move. Alfa is product starved--the only models the MiTo subcompact, Giulietta compact, and the low-volume 4C coupe--and it deals almost exclusively in Europe.

A developing plan for Alfa focuses on a new RWD and AWD architecture, being worked up by a crack team of engineers who report directly to Harald Wester,* that will be flexible enough for Chrysler and Dodge vehicles. Alfa wants to compete better with German rivals.

The new architecture will underpin the Giulia mid-sized sedan and wagon, a large flagship sedan, and a mid-sized SUV/crossover. The first of these should debut in Europe late 2015/early 2016. All models built on the new chassis will be sold in the U.S. Replacements for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger large sedans, as well as the future Dodge Challenger coupe, could be based on the new architecture.

*Fiat-Chrysler's chief technical officer as well as CEO at Alfa and Maserati.

FROM: Automotive News