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Base on the discussion in this thread:
https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=370916
So what if recognizing that the Panther tank would tank time to implement because to get the package together they'd have to redesign parts for a 40 ton tank instead of using the 30 ton design they already had, they opted instead to maximize existing assets and hold off on Panther introduction until mid-1944 or whenever its ready. That means in the meantime all the expansion of production goes into Pz III, IV, and III/IV chassis production. So they focus on Nashorn/Hornisse SP AT guns, StuGs, Pz IVs, and an über-Marder than I postulated mounting a PAK42 (AT version of the Panther gun) on a Pz III chassis in Marder configuration, but enclosed, sort of like the British Archer Tank Destroyer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archer_(tank_destroyer)
This is planned in early 1942 so that the first of the expanded tank production is available in late 1942 as are the new Marder IVs:
https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showpost.php?p=11476134&postcount=798

What sort of effect would it then have on German material resources to have expanded Panzer IV and Panzer III chassis production? The Panzer III chassis are going to be used now for StuG and Marder IV production, while the III/IV chassis is used for the Nashorn and Hummel SP guns, and the Pz IV used for Panzers to be the standard Panzer, phasing out all Pz IIs, IIIs, 38ts, etc. When enough Pz IVs are available the older tanks are sent back to conversion to whatever they use the chassis for.

Marder_Pz - III_Kwk.42-L70.png
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