It cost Alfa Romeo $1.07 billion out of its research and development piggybank to create the new rear-wheel drive Giorgio platform that underpins the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV. So now you know the answer to the question, "why do auto companies pass platforms around to their partners and subsidiary brands so freely?" Alfa Romeo was initially planning on keeping the platform within its factory doors where it would spawn eight vehicles including a hatchback and full-size sedan, but that may no longer be the case.

Automotive News insists that FCA no longer thinks that's the right course of action. Alfa boss Reid Bigland brought this piece of news to attention at last week's press days during the LA Auto Show, citing that the platform is so good that it would be a waste to not share it with other FCA brands. "Modifying that platform to spawn additional FCA products is a possibility," he said. "We've got a jewel here. In terms of driving dynamics, it's best in class, so it's going to be difficult to keep that exclusive for Alfa Romeo." Names of possible partner brands weren't brought up, but Bigland hinted that Giorgio could be seen on brands that sit both higher and lower than Alfa Romeo on the FCA totem pole.

Just two weeks prior, news that the Giorgio platform would make it to the next Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Chrysler 300 (if it isn't killed off before that) was announced, giving these claims credibility. If Giorgio is to move upmarket, the only tangible recipient that's higher up than Alfa Romeo is Maserati. This shift could be seen when Maserati rolls out sedans to replace the Ghibli and Quattroporte. This would be a welcome shift given that the alternatives, using Chrysler 300's underpinnings or keeping the same aging platform, don't sound anywhere near as good as using the Giulia's crisp handling Giorgio platform. While Giorgio is primarily a RWD platform, it can be adapted to drive all four wheels, helpful in case FCA wants to avoid spending another billion.