The next-generation Fiat Stilo's 'Compact' platform, has now been chosen for the new 2008-due Alfa 149, reports Automotive News Europe, who add that Fiat Auto CEO Sergio Marchionne is talking to other car manufacturers about sharing the platform's technology.The highly versatile new 'Compact' architecture is an evolution of the existing Fiat Stilo model's C-frame platform and has been developed specifically for the Fiat's next C-segment car which will replace the current Stilo model range next year. Already confirmed to be used by the new Lancia Delta model (due in 2007) the 'Compact' platform has now reportedly been given the green light to form the basis of the vital new 'Premium C-segment' Alfa 149, which will succeed the Alfa 147 late next year.
Alfa Romeo had recently been considering two architecture options by either using the 'Compact' platform or building their next-generation C-segment model on a shortened version of their in-production 'Premium' platform. With the Alfa Romeo 159 sedan, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider all being based on the 'Premium' floorpan obvious economies of scale and harmonisation opportunities presented themselves although the Premium architecture's biggest deficiencies, such as its inherent weight disadvantage, would have been difficult to overcome for a C-segment application.