DETROIT -- Barely two months after being named to a key Chrysler product development post, one of Chrysler's top vehicle engineers has left the company.

On Tuesday, Mike Donoughe resigned his position heading Chrysler's top secret Project D, which was developing a new global mid-size car platform to replace the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. He had just been named to the post in January. Citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal reported Donoughe left the company after clashing with senior management.

In a prepared statement, Chrysler denied there was any clash.

The company made several changes in its product development department following Donoughe's departure.

Mark Chernoby was appointed to replace Donoughe as vice president and chief engineer for Chrysler's future mid-size product team.

James Issner replaced Chernoby as vice president of core components, process and international engineering.

Louis Rhodes was named vice president of advance vehicle engineering. He adds that title to his responsibilities at ENVI, Chrysler's internal unit responsible for electric cars and other advanced propulsion systems.

Donoughe, 49, was regarded as one of Chrysler's most talented engineers and had worked on both front- and rear drive vehicle programs. He did a two year stint in Stuttgart as director of passenger car development for Mercedes-Benz when Chrysler and Mercedes were owned by DaimlerChrysler AG.

Chrysler has made the development of a global mid-size car platform a key priority in its restructuring efforts. The current company's current mid-size cars, the Sebring and Avenger, have been critically panned and have failed to meet sales expectations.