They've done "Both" types of axles before...except back then it wasn't exactly "plug and play"....If the mounting points are the same, my first inclination is to assume the chassis would be the same (or at least the hard-points), which could lend credence to the rumor they're going to continue using the S197...
Will be interesting to see what the cook up. They promised something "drastically different" if memory serves. Can't wait to see what that is.