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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee May Spawn SUVs For Alfa Romeo, Maserati

 
5 7,155 views Nov 8, 2010
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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Apart from its extensive North American distribution network and production base, Chrysler doesn’t have much to offer its new strategic partner Fiat--especially when it comes to actual product. There is the new Pentastar V-6 engine as well as the Chrysler 300C’s LX rear-wheel drive platform, though with emissions and fuel economy regulations tightening both of these items have lost much of their shine.

One bright star in Chrysler’s portfolio is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was developed with former partner Daimler and shares much in common with the next-generation Mercedes-Benz ML SUV.

Fiat bosses are now considering using the big Jeep platform for premium SUV models from Alfa Romeo and even Maserati. A luxurious Alfa Romeo SUV would be a perfect rival for the likes of the BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, while a Maserati version would compete nicely with upmarket off-roaders like the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover.

The information was revealed by none other than Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne. The Grand Cherokee “architecture has legs. It's important for us to tap all of the hard work that has gone on inside Chrysler on the new Grand Cherokee,” Marchionne stated during a profit announcement conference call. “It has a level of solidity and resilience that we have underestimated.”

Marchionne also revealed that the Grand Cherokee platform can handle more powerful powertrains and that production of any new Alfa Romeo or Maserati versions could start within the next 12 to 18 months at Chrysler’s Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit.

Expect the Alfa Romeo SUV to miss out on much of the Grand Cherokee’s off-road credentials, as well as its Hemi V-8 powerplants. Instead, it will likely make do with the latest 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, as well as a turbodiesel option. The Maserati version, meanwhile, will likely be fitted with the 4.7-liter V-8 currently found in the GranTurismo and Quattroporte models.

Importantly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t the only model Fiat is considering for platform sharing. Maserati is also expected to launch a new entry-level sedan built on the rear-wheel drive LX platform underpinning the 2012 Chrysler 300C. 

[Automotive News, sub req’d]
HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee




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Comments (5)

  1. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/2/2009 8:11pm PDT

    Seems like a bad idea that will turn out a very ugly vehicle
     
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  2. By  Alister Posted: 9/2/2009 8:48pm PDT

    A fantastic idea!!!! Rememger the still born Kubang? http://www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk/alfieri96.htm
    Same company essentially... You can gurantee there were people inside Alfa at the time wishing it was their name on the front. The V8 from the 8C will easily fit in the snout of the Jeep platform too. Can't wait!
     
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  3. By bepsf Posted: 9/3/2009 9:32am PDT

    I don't get the point - Wouldn't that be like the Porsche Cayenne?
    Now if it were branded as a FIAT, that might make more sense and would compete easily w/ the VW Touareg (sic?)
     
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  4. By  Mens Health Posted: 12/4/2009 11:33pm PST

    I would say an Alfa based on truck underpinnings is heresy, but Porsche has de-sensitized me for life. Next up- the McLaren SUV? The Bugatti SUV? They all sound plausible now.
     
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  5. By  Loans Posted: 10/20/2010 6:28pm PDT

    LOL Bugatti SUV that made me chuckle ! I like this Alfa SUV idea why not powerful it will be im sure.
    Steve
     
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