https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/alfa-romeos-revolutionary-gamble-in-developmentPlans for a 159 successor were almost signed off by Marchionne in 2007 as one of many models to be co-developed in a joint-venture with BMW. Both sedan and wagon would share the 3 Series’ rear-drive platform. A replacement for the 166 would be built on 5 Series architecture.
In return, Alfa would develop a new rear-drive platform for B- and C-segment cars for both brands. This would, of course, throw up packaging compromises, especially in rear-seat legroom, but a Wheels source involved in the JV business case says that was of little concern, to Alfa at least.
“For sure we knew this… we didn’t worry,” our source revealed. “Driving dynamics came before comfort. We wanted rear-drive for all Alfa Romeo models. And we had a very good positioning plan, too: [Alfa Romeo models] would be lighter and more powerful than the BMW ones, and more affordable.”
Rear-drive, light weight, better power-to-weight, more affordable, and Italian. What’s not to like?
But instead of going into partnership with BMW, Fiat Group saw an opportunity in struggling Chrysler. Development plans were put on hold, and eventually cancelled when Fiat bought a controlling stake from investment firm Cerberus in early 2009. "
