Why are we thinking that E-Evo work has been pushed back, or even abandoned? That's the first I've heard of it. Wouldn't E-Evo be a pretty important platform, since it would cover the current L* cars, a Maserati, and maybe even the future minivan or lifestyle pickup and has been mentioned here in the past? And if the platform would serve that many vehicles, why would they abandon work on it?
E-Evo would be very important but it hasn't been mentioned lately and I think it's just not practical as it was originally pitched, that is, to encompass FWD cars, RWD cars, minivans, trucks, SUVs, etc.
I think the L-cars will be redone but not completely re-engineered; I think the Ghibli is the shape of things to come but I also think it is not going to be as simple as "let's take Ghibli and make it cheaper." No, I think the 2017-2019 L-cars will adopt some of Ghibli's changed, e.g. the front suspension changes and mounting point movement, and go from there.
I'd also like to see, at the risk of starting a flamewar, a FWD car that uses the Ls as a base. It would not be the same platform if they did it right: no V8 (shorter hood), axles pushed out further to the edges, and more interior space. In short, a replacement for Intrepid that was set up for those who want a big big car inside and would rather have higher gas mileage than crazy acceleration. One can see this fitting into the 300C length footprint. It would cost quite a bit to develop but would be very competitive and might really be a winner if gas prices go up and full-size buyers want something economical but good. (Figuring it would use the 3.2 at first and maybe the 3.0 DI and/or VM diesel.) Also a good choice for the snow belt. Some people are likely to start screaming and crying about how it's the end of RWD, but again, I'm just suggesting
adding a front driver.
There are times I also think it would be interesting to set up Dodge as the RWD brand (the BMW, so to speak) while Chrysler goes all FWD (the Audi, so to speak). Both would have AWD options (the Audi and BMW and Subaru, so to speak). It would be a differentiator and would expand upon the upcoming midsize segmentation (Dodge/Alfa = RWD, Chrysler/Lancia = FWD) and would transfer to Europe (again Alfa vs Lancia).