New Alfa Romeo 169 flagship may ride on Chrysler 300 LX platform

The long-awaited return of Fiat and Alfa Romeo is due to get underway soon following the signing of the new alliance with Chrysler, and word of the first cars to be brought in is finally emerging. While most of the Italian cars will be skewed towards the smaller end of town, one of the most anticipated, the Alfa 169 (the replacement for the aging 166), will be a large, luxurious, RWD saloon. Reports coming out today claim that the Alfa Romeo 169 could be manufactured at Chrysler’s Brampton plant in Ontario. According to research firm IHS Global Insight, the 169 will most likely ride on the RWD platform that underpins the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models and will be priced around the $40,000 mark. If the research firm’s predications prove true, the new Alfa Romeo 169 would likely be powered by Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6 engine and would share much in common with the next-generation Chrysler 300 sedan due next year. Production volumes would be low, with only about 10,000 units expected annually. Chrysler spokeswoman Mary Gauthier told the Financial Post that the company is still reviewing production plans and no final decisions on building Fiat vehicles in Canada have been made. Tax incentives and loan commitments to the Canadian government, however, suggest that it is a very real possibility.

by NoNameDenton #1, Posted: 2/16/2009

That would sure get people into Chrysler show rooms
by Mike #2, Posted: 2/16/2009

I stopped believing Alfa several years ago. I know they're "returning", but whenever they set an actual date, it inevitably gets delayed another two years. And another. And another.
by NoNameDenton #3, Posted: 2/16/2009

I like the idea of a rwd Alfa sedan, especially on a platform as good as that one
by Jim #4, Posted: 2/17/2009

The speculation for Chrysler & Fiat is getting ahead of the reality as Chrysler maybe in bankruptcy by April Fools day.

Let us see what they report their plan is to the Feds today.
by 54chevyman #5, Posted: 6/15/2009

That is an overweight and dated platform, but with some upgrades it may work. What they need is a great handling chassis. These key decisions will decide how experts view this Italian beauty!
by NoNameDenton #6, Posted: 6/15/2009

That is an overweight and dated platform, but with some upgrades it may work. What they need is a great handling chassis. These key decisions will decide how experts view this Italian beauty!

Dated and yet it still got top reviews.
by Roy #7, Posted: 6/15/2009

I can't imagine anything worse than Italian build quality with a German-designed (harsh, firm) but American executed (soft, wallowy) chassis. I really hope we don't get a horrible handling, yet ludicrously softly sprung rust-bucket that lacks the best features of any of these fine car-producing nations.
by 54chevyman #8, Posted: 6/15/2009

I thought the chassis rode a little rough and didnt corner well and was heavy thus not fuel efficient? I hope Im wrong!
by NoNameDenton #9, Posted: 6/15/2009

I can't imagine anything worse than Italian build quality with a German-designed (harsh, firm) but American executed (soft, wallowy) chassis. I really hope we don't get a horrible handling, yet ludicrously softly sprung rust-bucket that lacks the best features of any of these fine car-producing nations.

They 300 got great reviews even for handling (not the best but not bad) and Italians are doing better for build quality
by 54chevyman #10, Posted: 6/16/2009

Saab comes to mind, GM really turned their quality around. Same can be said for Fiat besides they have some of the best engineers in the world over there they bag one and it's Ducati II! GM really had it made with Opel, and to a lesser degree Saab! We'll see how it all shakes out but the potential is there for the US to be lean and mean. GM has plans to use magnesium in the drive train, my girlfriend almost got a job as a material scientist there! They have one of the best labs period!