SCOOP: Alfa Romeo Test Mule Hides New Jeep Liberty's Underpinnings

For those of you wondering what an Alfa Romeo Giulietta prototype with a raised ride height, a bulkier shaped front end and Michigan manufacturer plates is doing in the States, the short answer is testing.

The more detailed answer is that the Chrysler Group's engineers are trying out the platform that will underpin the next generation of the Jeep Liberty or Cherokee for overseas markets.

Like the new Dodge Dart as well as the replacement for the Chrysler 200, the next Liberty will use the Chrysler Group's new Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform, which itself is a longer and slightly wider version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta's chassis – hence the use of the Italian hatchback as a test mule.

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SPIED: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Receives an Interior Makeover As Well

Following on from last week's scoop with two exterior shots (click here and here) of the upcoming 2011 model year Jeep Wrangler, courtesy of the news website 'Toledoblade', the Chrysler Group enthusiasts over at Allpar have now come into possession of some revealing images of the facelifted 4x4's interior.

The photos show a redesigned dash with a new instrument panel and center console, and possibly higher-quality materials. There's also a new three-spoke steering wheel with a thicker rim, which now houses the audio and cruise controls. Other changes include the restyled door panels, a new audio system and the generous use of aluminum trim throughout the interior for a more upscale feel. For the complete set of scoop photos, hop over to Allpar.

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