Technology Slice Blog

Jeep Grand Cherokee - The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee could provide the donor platform for new SUVs from Alfa Romeo and Maserati, according to Fiat CEO Marchionne, who said the Grand Cherokee platform also could support the use of Ferrari powertrains. In a third-quarter conference call Monday with reporters, Marchionne said the Grand Cherokee "architecture has legs and should be extended as much as possible." The platform is being shared with the new Dodge Durango. Marchionne said, "I envision using the (Grand Cherokee) architecture for the benefit of Alfa Romeo and Maserati," adding, "the possibility of using Ferrari powertrains (with) the architecture is real." He said the Grand Cherokee architecture "is capable of handling much more powerful" engines, such as the Maserati 4.2- and 4.7-liter V8s that are built by Ferrari. "This is a unique opportunity to use all work that has gone on inside Chrysler and extend it to areas (for which) t...