"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," said Marchionne during a conference call on the Chrysler Group's Q3 financial results. "It has a level of solidity and resilience that we have underestimated."

Marchionne added that the Grand Cherokee's platform, which was developed with Chrysler's former partner Mercedes-Benz, is capable of handling more powerful engines.

If a decision were to be made, all versions of these SUVs could enter the market as early as 2012 with production to most likely take place at the Jefferson North plant, which already runs two shifts, but can easily accommodate a third should the need arise.

The Detroit plant is an obvious choice as it has shown critical progress in the quality of assembly. "I'm delighted with the performance of the Jefferson plant here in Michigan" Mr. Marchionne added.

The same plant is also used for the trial production of the 2011 Dodge Durango, which is also based on the new Grand Cherokee and is scheduled to go on sale next month.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Detroit News & Automonews

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Our summary presents the remaining candidates in alphabetical order, with the winner set to be announced on November 29. We'd really like to know which of the seven cars would get your vote, though, so comment away below.

And the nominees are…

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

No COTY final should be without an Alfa Romeo. The Italian manufacturer builds some of the most beautiful and sexy cars on the planet. For this alone they deserve a nomination. The Giulietta is no exception, as it revives the name of the first mass-produced Alfa. Fortunately, unlike its 1950s predecessor, the modern day Giulietta is a much more reliable and safer car (it has a 5 star EuroNCAP rating), with a wide range of engine choices, of which the 235 hp (175 kW) 1.8-liter turbocharged version really stands out.

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Citroën C3/DS3

Citroën is also known as a design reference, though its creations don't stir as much passion as Alfas. They're more eccentric, weird even, but mostly in a good way. The new C3/DS3 pair continues this trend, albeit with better interiors, more standard equipment and excellent petrol and diesel engines. The panoramic Zenith windscreen deserves special recognition, as it not only looks cool, but it also significantly improves the angle of vision from inside the cabin.

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Dacia Duster

I grew up around Dacias and it's obvious that Renault did a good job revitalizing the Romanian brand, but I wasn't expecting this. Sure, it is the most affordable European SUV, it does have a larger-than-expected interior (and boot), surprisingly good off-road capabilities and decent engines (especially the 85 hp [63 kW] 1.5-liter diesel), but I didn't think its image was strong enough to be a COTY finalist (though it's getting stronger every day). Still, sometimes it's good to be proven wrong.

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Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max

The original C-Max was criticized for not having seven seats. Enter the Grand C-Max, now suitable for 7 passengers thanks to its stretched wheelbase and a foldable third row of seats. This generation of C-Max also showcases Ford's new direct injection, force inducted Ecoboost engines, with ample power (up to 180 hp/134 kW) and torque, plus good fuel efficiency.

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Nissan Leaf

Nissan's EV is quite a technological marvel that's set to get a lot of political backing in the following years, as many governments try to change people's opinions on alternative fuels. With a range of more than a 100 miles (160 km), the Leaf can be used as an everyday car without any major impediments, the 110 hp (80 kW) electric motor being more than up to the task, reviewers say.

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Opel/Vauxhall Meriva

The new Meriva wants to build on its predecessor's success (it was the leader of the small MPV segment), by using a bigger platform for more interior space and increased boot capacity. Access to the cabin has been dramatically improved by the rear "suicide" (or rear-hinged) doors, which also add a stylish note to the Meriva's design. Multiple engine choices are available, with strong, economical diesels taking center stage.

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Volvo S60/V60

The S60 is a truly beautiful car, a tribute to the so-called IKEA design, one that seems to signal Volvo's renaissance (now under Chinese ownership). Contrary to its predecessor, the new model is meant to compete with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class & Co. Measuring 4.63 meters in length, it easily trumps the Germans and we haven't mentioned yet the V60's even more versatile interior. Younger buyers could be persuaded by the 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 petrol engine, with 304 hp (227 kW) on tap, while the more "mature" public can opt for frugal 4 or 5-cylinder diesel engines. Volvo's excellent safety record is another good point for the S60.

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So, there you have it, the last seven standing gringos. But only one can survive this shootout and if you're asking for my take, that would be the Alfa Romeo. I'm happy that the Duster made it this far, I can appreciate the insane amount of engineering showcased by the Leaf and Volvo's comeback with the new S60, but, in my opinion, the winner must "speak" to you on a more personal level. And for me, the Giulietta does that best.

By Csaba Daradics

2011 COTY: Which Car Should Win?

In an apparent nod to the belief that Alfa Romeos have a soul, the mosaic was created by using thousands of photos from past and present owners, historic stills from film, TV and landmark motorsport successes.

Damien Dally, Brand Communications Manager, Alfa Romeo said:

"This piece of artwork communicates the brand in its centenary year extremely well. Creating our latest Giulietta model from hundreds of images sent in by fans of the brand and from our heritage really sums up what Alfa Romeo is all about. Not only does the final outcome look fantastic, it also a great piece of memorabilia to mark this special year."

Alfa Romeo said that every person who contributed a photo will receive a Limited Edition print of the mosaic artwork as a token of appreciation.

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Alfa Romeo, as you may know, is not exactly pulling its weight; it is estimated that Fiat loses over $400 Million a year because of the upscale brand, which Marchionne says will have to move 300,000 units annually to earn money. For the record, Alfa is on pace for ~105,000 units this year, and Marchionne wants to hit 500,000 units by 2014 with the help of new models and the US market (possibly in 2012).

If and when Alfa does show up, America should get some cars that will aim to compete with BMW. That means on top of the entry-level Giulietta (no MiTo for us), we should get the mid-size Giulia luxury car to take on the 3-Series, a larger 169 based on Chrysler's RWD platform, and possibly a small soft-roader to compete with the X1 and X3. As for other possibilities down the line, look no further than the Alfa Romeo lineup: the Brera's successor, a new Spider, and a larger SUV are all possibilities in a perfect world.

Before any of this happens, though, Fiat, its multi-tasking head honcho, and its shareholders will soon have to make a very important decision: invest upwards of $2 Billion to pull Alfa Romeo back from the brink or ditch it and regroup.

By Phil Alex

Source: Bloomberg

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The car would measure 4.8 meters long, similar to BMW's current 6-Series. From the looks of it, this could also provide Alfa with a regular-production flagship coupe in place of its beautiful and very limited halo car, the 8C Competizione.

While Alfa has been reinventing itself lately with attractive small cars targeting younger buyers, a slick full-size coupe could very well be in the pipeline, especially since Alfa is rumored to be using Chrysler's large RWD platform for its long-delayed 169 sedan.

Since Alfa Romeo hopes to one day make a return to the US market as a BMW competitor, a car like this is something that can't be ruled out. Vent and rave in the comments below.

By Phil Alex

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