Fiat-Chrysler Ponders New RWD Car Platform

Fiat SpA and its Chrysler unit are studying plans to co-develop a rear-wheel-drive platform for midsize cars to be marketed under the company's Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Dodge brands, says Automotive News Europe.

Unnamed sources tell the online newspaper that a decision to proceed may not come until year-end. If the project does move forward, they say, the first cars to use the new platform could debut by the end of 2015.

The new chassis would carry next-generation Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, a new Dodge Challenger coupe and two Alfa models: the midsize Giulia and a new large flagship sedan, ANE says.

Alfa currently offers no vehicles with rear drive, the configuration generally preferred by auto enthusiasts. The newspaper points out that rwd also enables a sportier design profile with shorter front overhang and a longer wheelbase.

ANE says the new platform would supplement the "compact U.S. wide" front-wheel-drive chassis shared by the Alfa Giulietta and Dodge Dart small sport sedans and Jeep Cherokee SUV. The so-called CUSW platform also will be used by the next-generation Chrysler 200 sedan due in 2014.