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Rumormilll: Ferrari-powered 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T coming?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Dodge, Rumormill

2008 Dodge Caravan R/T concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's include this one in the highly improbably file. The Mopar specialists at Allpar.com are reporting that the previously reported 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T minivan could come powered by a V8 engine. Along with most of the Chrysler lineup, the Town and Country and Caravan will be getting a substantial mid-cycle refresh in the coming months. While the main focus will be on upgraded interiors, the minivans are also getting new powertrains with the fresh Pentastar V6 replacing the tired old 3.8- and 4.0-liter V6s.

However, putting a V8 into the Grand Caravan seems like a stretch at best. Chrysler's own 4.7- and 5.7-liter V8s almost certainly won't fit in the vans, which are designed around 60-degree V6 engines. That leaves an engine out of the Fiat lineup as the only option. Unfortunately, the only V8s at Fiat reside under the hoods of Maseratis and Ferraris (along with the late Alfa Romeo 8C). Aside from the fact that these probably wouldn't fit either, none have ever been configured for a transverse application and they would all be enormously expensive.

As intriguing as the idea of a 400+hp Ferrari-powered Grand Caravan might be, it makes about as much sense as a Bentley-powered Volkswagen Golf. Wait a second...

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T concept

[Source: Allpar]

Rumormilll: Ferrari-powered 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T coming? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler prepping manlier minivan

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:36:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Dodge

2008 Dodge Caravan R/T concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is a "macho" minivan even possible? Toyota's exploring the "Swagger Wagon" angle with the Sienna SE, and Dodge is apparently going to try and find out with a new variant of the Grand Caravan. Minivans are generally not aspirational vehicles; people buy them because they need the utility. Of course, that's not a bad thing - people haulers were created for a reason.

However, Dodge is going to try and spread the appeal beyond kiddie-schlepping moms to attract more men into the fold. A "sportier-looking" front end paired with a black-and-grey interior doesn't seem like it'd be enough to swing much of the male demographic. After all, how sporty can you make a big box without a total redesign?

The new model will reportedly draw from the Caravan R/T concept that was quietly displayed at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and it could debut within a few months. The Chrysler minivans have a lot to offer in terms of packaging, but their interiors leave much to be desired. If Chrysler substantially upgrades the look and feel there, its vans could land a few body blows in the battle against the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. But adding a hood scoop and big wheels? Not the answer.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T concept

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Report: Chrysler prepping manlier minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Out 'n about: Dodge Caravan R/T goes shopping

Alex Nunez — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Dodge

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Caravan R/T in the wild

Reader Joe Donaldson was out taking photos over the weekend when he happened upon a more-interesting-than-normal Dodge Caravan parked outside a Best Buy. While we generally find the terms "interesting" and "Dodge Caravan" to be mutually exclusive, we'll grant an exception here, because what Don stumbled upon was none other than a Caravan R/T sporting manufacturer tags. Is it the very same Caravan R/T that we saw in Detroit back in January? Who knows, but from the looks of things, it's identically equipped, with the hood scoop, darkened grille area, big wheels, Brembos, dual exhaust, and the requisite badging. We're not particularly big on minivans, but we thought that the Caravan R/T show car was pretty cool, and seeing it in the wild does nothing to change that opinion. Hey Chrysler, Dad might not feel as lame driving around in one of these boxes if you were to, you know, actually offer this.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T in the wild

[Source and Photos: Joe Donaldson]

Out 'n about: Dodge Caravan R/T goes shopping originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Dodge Caravan R/T Concept spotted!

Eric Bryant — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Dodge

click above for more images of the Dodge Caraven R/T Concept

Tucked away among its more pedestrian brethren was Dodge's Caravan R/T concept. We have no details on the powertrain or what else may lie beneath its skin, but the appearance changes are rather obvious. Sporting 20" forged Alcoa wheels and 245/45-20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A rubber, the fast family hauler sits just a bit lower to the ground, as well (we suggest telling your significant other that this feature makes it easier for the kids to get in and out of the vehicle). A scooped hood feeds air to whatever powerplant resides underneath, and a dual exhaust out back facilitates the removal of spent combustion gases. Inside, white-faced gages communicate information to the driver, and each occupant gets two-tone leather buckets with bright-red stitching.

We have no idea when such a vehicle might hit the showrooms, so direct your requests, complaints, and begging towards your nearest Chrysler representative.

Gallery: Dodge Caravan R/T concept

Detroit 2008: Dodge Caravan R/T Concept spotted! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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