Autoblog

The upcoming Alfa Romeo 169 flagship sedan is slated to be based on a modified platform from sister-company Maserati, but a potential tie-in with Jaguar could provide an interesting alternative.

A report from British magazine Autocar recalls that Alfa's parent company Fiat initially expressed interest in acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, but decided to pass in favor of focusing on the rejuvenation of its own divisions instead. However, Indian automaker Tata, which is tipped to have placed the winning bid for the English marques, shares close relations with the Fiat Group. The Italian auto giant advised Tata on its acquisition bid, and the partnership could stand to benefit the Alfa Romeo division.

Borrowing a platform and powertrain from Jaguar could, according to Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne, lead to a "stunning" rear-drive Alfa 169, while optimizing the cost to benefit ratio for the Italian automaker. As Autocar points out, Land Rover's existing American dealership could also prove an irresistible asset for Alfa Romeo's imminent return to the US market.

[Source: Autocar]