Currently reading: Next Jeep Grand Cherokee to be based on Alfa Romeo platform
FCA boss Sergio Marchionne said that the Grand Cherokee SUV is almost certain to use architecture from Jeep's Italian stablemates

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee due in 2018 or 2019 will be based upon the same architecture as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV and Alfa Romeo Giulia saloon, FCA boss Sergio Marchionne has confirmed.

Speaking at the Detroit motor show, Marchionne explained that FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) was completing a feasibility study into the viability of building the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee upon the rear-wheel-drive ’Giorgio’ platform.

“The most natural application of a further evolution of the Alfa Romeo platform is the Grand Cherokee,” he said.

“We’re finishing off the study now, but I’m going on the basis of the latest information, which is that it will be the basis upon which the Grand Cherokee will be developed, unless something happens in the next 60 days that suggests it isn’t doable.

“That would really complete the story of architectural development for us because I think it would certainly nail in a big piece of the Jeep story.”

The longitudinal-engined Giorgio architecture was developed by FCA at a cost of about £800m and can be adapted for a variety of vehicle types, in addition to having four-wheel-drive capability. Development of the platform focused on ensuring it was light in weight and imbued with good fundamental driving dynamics.

The current Grand Cherokee, launched in 2010, harks back to the Daimler-Chrysler era and shares its underpinnings with what was then called the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, now known as the Mercedes-Benz GLE

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Ian French 22 January 2017

Astounded, and not in a good way

Alfa's are not known for their mud plugging off road ability, so why the hell would Jeep base their next model on an Alfa?

Utterly barmy

sabre 10 January 2017

Next Jeep Grand Cherokee to be based on Alfa Romeo platform

Are you sure the hedline is positive news?
Marc 10 January 2017

sabre wrote:

sabre wrote:

Are you sure the hedline is positive news?

Why wouldn't it be?

TheDriver 11 January 2017

It all depends

If you're a fan of traditional hardcore off-roaders, of course this news is worrying. If, like most buyers it seems, you like your SUV to be as car-like as possible, then this is a welcome prospect. All depends on your taste. Given Jeep's reputation for tough vehicles, any link to Alfa Romeo may be more of a gamble in the US, but who really knows.