Automobiles Review

Tag: Grand Caravan

  • Wrangler, Avenger and Grand Caravan production is being prolonged for a couple of years.

    As stated in the recent The Detroit News report, Chrysler has extended the production lives of Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Caravan, which goes slightly out of sync with what was announced earlier in Chrysler’s product plan.

    Quoting reliable sources, the newspapers says the Wrangler will continue through 2018 the way it is now, the Grand Caravan got a two-year extension up to 2017 and the current Avenger is likely to last through 2015, which means we’ll have an opportunity to get this sedan a year longer then expected previously.

    Gualberto Ranieri, Crysler spokesman, rejected to give any comments on this statement, though.

    Assuming that everything afore-mentioned is an absolute truth, we might think that the automaker along with Fiat S.p.A., its corporate parent, are doing their best to preserve cash in the teeth of European financial pressure and the on-going purchase of the rest of Chrysler share by Fiat.

    Avenger was said to end up later this year or at the beginning of 2014. The main cause of such a rush was Chrysler’s intention to speed up the production of its successor, the next generation of sedan, Chrysler 200. The last one, as it was announced by chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne, will be shown in a 6-months term, allegedly in January of the upcoming year. Since then, the Sterling Heights plant will be forced to produce both Avenger and redesigned Chrysler 200.

    Marchionne’s tactics mainly consists in cutting down on the production of resembling vehicles which permanently compete with each other in showrooms. From now on one of the biggest American automobile manufacturers will only launch one minivan production, for example, instead of having a couple of them at a time. Chrysler Group LLC is currently getting prepared for its future minivan production program. The name of the one to survive remains unrevealed, despite being an actively discussed thing during the last year.

    Popular Jeep Wrangler will experience scheduled well in advance makeover in 2016, providing the Toledo plant with a time to raise its productive capacity. The new Wrangler will get a new diesel engine, which would be an alternative option for those who prefer diesel over gas. The sad news is that we aren’t going to meet a pickup version of wrangler unless the company finds some additional productive capacity. Apparently, we’ll have to postpone browsing through autoclassifieds in search of new Wranglers till the things go better.

  • Sinister Blacktop Package – Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey

    For the 2013 calendar year, the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan, Durango seven-seat SUV and Journey mid-size crossover join the Challenger, Charger and Avenger to complete the Dodge brand’s offering of sinister-looking Blacktop packages.

    “Our Blacktop packages have been so well received on Charger, Challenger and Avenger that we’re expanding it to our innovative Grand Caravan, Journey and Durango,” commented Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand.

    “All three of these Blacktop vehicles offer class-leading attributes with seating for up to seven and a customized one-of-a-kind appearance package starting at just $295 MSRP.”, he added.

    Dodge Durango Blacktop will start arriving at dealers in the first quarter of 2013. The Journey and Grand Caravan Blacktop editions arrive in the second quarter of 2013.

    The Blacktop package for Dodge Grand Caravan SXT models and adds 17” polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black pockets, a Gloss Black grille, black headlamp bezels (late availability) and fog lamps. The interior receives a customized all-black interior, including the headliner, door panels and class-exclusive Super Console. Silver accent stitching adorns the Grand Caravan Blacktop’s black cloth seats, door trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel. A leather shift knob finishes off the interior enhancements.

    Customers can order the Grand Caravan with the Blacktop package in Billet Silver, Brilliant Black, Maximum Steel, Redline and Stone White exterior colors.

    Dodge Grand Caravan
    Dodge Grand Caravan
    Dodge Grand Caravan
    Dodge Grand Caravan
    Dodge Grand Caravan
    Dodge Grand Caravan

    Available on the sportiest Dodge Durango models – the Rallye and the R/T – the Blacktop package comes with a distinctive Gloss Black crosshair grille and Gloss Black 20” aluminum wheels with gloss black center caps for the special price of only $295 US MSRP.

    Adding to the already sporty looks of the Rallye, the interior can be upgraded to the R/T’s trim with premium Digital Suede seat inserts, complemented by Capri bolsters and red accent stitching, Black Comodo Elm trim and a power 12-way driver’s seat, including power lumbar, for a U.S. MSRP of only $595.

    Customers can order the Durango with the Blacktop package in Bright White, Brilliant Black, Granite Crystal, Billet Silver and Redline Red paint colors.

    Available with four-cylinder or V-6 engines, five- or seven-passenger seating, and front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and a color palette consisting of Bright Silver, Bright Red, Brilliant Black, Brilliant Red Tri-Coat, White, Pearl White Tri-Coat and Storm Grey, customers are offered a lot of choices on Journey SXT Blacktop editions.

    Exterior enhancements include 19-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels and center caps, a Gloss Black grille, Gloss Black bezel headlamps, Gloss Black lower front fascia accent and Gloss Black exterior mirrors. The award-winning 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen is also included. All of these distinctive features are included in the Blacktop package for only $995 U.S. MSRP, representing a package discount of $400. Journey SXT Blacktop models are available with premium black cloth seats or available black leather heated seats with heated steering wheel.

    Source: Chrysler

  • 25th Anniversary Edition Chrysler and Dodge Minivans

    While Trivial Pursuit was the gaming craze in 1984, nothing about Chrysler’s invention—the minivan—was trivial. With more minivan-first innovations than any other minivan on the market—ever, Chrysler and Dodge minivans continue to be the best vehicles to haul families and their belongings. (more…)

  • Chrysler Improves Fuel Economy By 8 Percent on 2009 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan

    2009 Dodge Grand CaravanNew 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models equipped with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine now deliver EPA fuel efficiency in the city of 17 mpg and 25 mpg on the highway, a label unbeaten among minivans. (more…)

  • Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country

    The all-new 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans once again prove they have the right ingredients to be the best vehicles to move people and cargo. With 35 new and improved features, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country aren’t just practical vehicles, they also have the right mix to be “family rooms on wheels,” with something for everyone to enjoy.

    “The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan spice up the minivan recipe by offering an all-new contemporary appearance, five different models, three distinct seating and storage systems, unmatched entertainment systems and the safety you expect and deserve,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Add in three powertrain options, clever interior features and industry-leading functionality, and you have a recipe that will be a favorite with any family.

    Dodge Grand Caravan 2008
    Dodge Grand Caravan 2008
    Dodge Grand Caravan 2008
    Dodge Grand Caravan 2008
    Dodge Grand Caravan 2008

    The newest ingredient for functional family seating is the all-new Swivel ’n Go™ seating system. Swivel ’n Go offers second row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor of the second row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating. Swivel ’n Go also offers an available industry-first integrated child booster seat in the second-row quad chair and an available minivan-exclusive one-touch power-folding third-row 60/40 bench seat.

    “Chrysler Group engineers turned the tables on traditional seat systems to come up with a technology that lets families have more choices of how to spend their time while traveling,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-wheel-drive Product Team, Chrysler Group. “With Swivel ’n Go, second- and third-row passengers can face each other to have a conversation, play games or have a meal on the go.”

    Safety is a key part of any minivan recipe, and that continues to be true with the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. All-row supplemental side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist, LATCH child seat anchor system and a patented, energy-absorbing steering column are among the standard safety features included in the 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans. Innovations like an industry-first integrated child booster seat, ParkView™ rear back-up camera, a rearview interior conversation mirror, integrated child safety seat and ParkSense® rear back-up system also ensure peace of mind while traveling.

    Chrysler Town & Country 2008
    Chrysler Town & Country 2008
    Chrysler Town & Country 2008
    Chrysler Town & Country 2008

    Minivan Innovation Leadership

    The modern minivan was invented by the former Chrysler Corporation in 1983. Since then, the Chrysler Group has sold more than 11 million minivans and invented more than 60 minivan firsts that not only have revolutionized the minivan segment, but made their way into other vehicle segments as well.

    “Chrysler Group is the leader in bringing innovations to the minivan segment, and those innovations seem to have an uncanny way of ending up in other products,” said Lyons. “Integrated child safety seats, dual-zone temperature controls, a power liftgate and DVD entertainment are just some of the features that started in a minivan, but are now available in other vehicle segments.”

    For 2008, the Chrysler Town & Country (sold as the Chrysler Grand Voyager in most markets outside North America) and Dodge Grand Caravan offer value, functionality, safety and a package of innovative features that no other manufacturer can match. With 35 new or improved features, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan offer consumers a home away from home.

    “The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan offer the best amenities for today’s busy families,” said Murphy. “With a dual DVD system that plays different media at the same time, pinpoint LED lighting to read by, a table to play games or finish homework, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, power sliding doors and liftgate and YES Essentials® cloth seats, every member of the family will enjoy their journey.”

    Unmatched Functionality and Entertainment

    The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country have spiced up the recipe for minivan success to include a place for everything. A premium, multi-function, front-row sliding console, dual glove boxes, second-row covered storage bins, third-row storage area and clever storage bins and pockets offer more places to store things than ever before.

    Three distinct seating configurations are available for 2008 in North America. They include a second-row bench seat with second-row covered storage bins and third-row fold-in-the-floor seating, a Stow ’n Go® seating and storage system that offers the only second- and third-row fold-in-the-floor seats in the industry and the new Swivel ’n Go seating that allows the second row seats to swivel 180 degrees to face rearward. Swivel ’n Go also includes a removable table that fits between the second and third rows with a fold-in-the-floor third-row seat. A one-touch power-folding third-row seat also is available.

    Available comfort and convenience features include a new, removable sliding front console that is large enough to store a purse; remote start; heated first- and second-row leather or cloth seats; rearview interior conversation mirror; YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static cloth fabric; a removable flashlight in the rear quarter panel; first- and second-row power windows; second- and third-row retractable sun shades; power sliding doors; power liftgate with power button on the key fob and rear-pillar, ambient halo lighting; movable, pinpoint Light Emitting Diode (LED) reading lamps; map lights; and a dual- or tri-zone heating and cooling system.

    “To get the best recipe of comfort, security and flexibility that fits any lifestyle, we added comfort features like remote start, heated first- and second-row cloth or leather seats and ambient lighting, then mixed in standard safety features like all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags and ESP,” said Ann Fandozzi, Director – Front-wheel-drive Product Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Clever features found in the 2008 Chrysler Group minivans include a ‘Swiss-army-knife-like’ sliding front console and a removable flashlight in the rear quarter panel.”

    Entertainment features include a dual DVD, multimedia entertainment system that can play different media at the same time, MyGIG™ CD/DVD/HDD/MP3/satellite radio with voice-activated capability, touch screen and real-time traffic and navigation, UConnect hands-free communication system with Bluetooth® technology, mesh side pockets on the second-row seats that can hold iPods, hand-held gaming systems or beverages, 110V inverter, two second-row output/input jacks with a 12-volt power outlet and an overhead console with bins large enough to store headphones.

    Model Lineup

    Five models and three powertrains are available for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. Dodge offers two models: the Dodge Grand Caravan SE and Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Chrysler offers three models: the Chrysler Town & Country LX, the Chrysler Town & Country Touring and the Chrysler Town & Country Limited.

    Powertrain choices for North America include a new 4.0-liter V-6 aluminum engine mated to a new six-speed transaxle that produces 240 hp (179 kW) and 253 lb.-ft. (343 N•m) of torque, a 3.8-liter V-6 aluminum engine mated to a new six-speed transaxle that produces 198 hp (148 kW) and 230 lb.-ft. (312 N•m) of torque or a 3.3-liter flex-fuel-capable (FFV) V-6 aluminum engine mated to a four-speed transaxle that produces 170 hp (127 kW) and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque. The varied powertrain options provide a pleasant driving experience in a variety of conditions.

    “Chrysler Group has been a leader in flex-fuel-capable vehicles,” said Lyons. “We sold our first minivan capable of running on E85 in 1998, and since then, Chrysler Group has sold more than 1,330,000 flex-fuel minivans.”

    Full model details and feature availability for markets outside the United States will be released ahead of the vehicles’ launch in each respective market.