Autoblog

Innovative trailer concept inspired by USB drive [w/video]

George Kennedy — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Australia, Specialty

When it comes to camping, Americans tend to either rough it with tents or go for broke in massive bus-size recreational vehicles. Down in Australia and New Zealand, the caravan reigns supreme. Not to be confused with the Dodge minivan offering, caravans provide humble accommodations for vacationing, but they can be pulled by much smaller vehicles than, say, a fullsize Airstream trailer.

New Zealand-based design house W2 has unveiled a new twist on the caravan with the Romotow, and it is clearly not your ordinary camper trailer. Claimed to be inspired by a USB drive, this trailer folds in and out of itself, providing extra living space. Lightweight materials are used, and the concept also features power-assisted braking, self-leveling pads and shocks and a backup camera. The interior features a bathroom, kitchenette, louvers for cross ventilation, and available features such as deck area and sliding doors.

W2 is currently at the design and testing stage. A fully functional Romotow should be ready by 2015. If you are a camper that's tired of roughing it, or one who enjoys the outdoors but would prefer more domestic confines, the Romotow looks like a solid option for a camping tr- er, caravan. Check out more on this wild concept in the video below.

Continue reading Innovative trailer concept inspired by USB drive [w/video]

Innovative trailer concept inspired by USB drive [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports calls out "Five Popular Cars To Avoid"

George Kennedy — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Toyota

Those crusaders of shopping empowerment over at Consumer Reports have put together a list of five cars to avoid, even if their sales numbers suggest otherwise. CR points out that just because a vehicle is making a lot of buzz and ringing cash registers, that doesn't necessarily make it a wise choice for buyers. According to the report, these are vehicles that either tested poorly or have been experiencing poor reliability in their new car surveys.

Perhaps of little surprise is the presence of the Honda Civic on this list. The latest Civic has been getting dinged by auto critics left and right, and CR specifically points to a "Choppy ride, noisy cabin, vague steering, and mediocre interior quality" as reasons for its inclusion on the list. Its a good thing, then, that a short-term update is its way.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Consumer Reports once again voices its disapproval of the Toyota Prius C. We knew they weren't in love with it when they reviewed it back in May, and apparently the passage of time hasn't softened their opinions of Toyota's least-expensive hybrid.

Check out the gallery of all five cars that Consumer Reports is telling buyers to avoid and then weigh in with your thought in Comments.

Consumer Reports calls out "Five Popular Cars To Avoid" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Grand Caravan, Avenger to be replaced by Fiat-based crossover

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat

According to Automotive News, the Chrysler Group will kill off one of its bread-and-butter minivans - the Dodge Grand Caravan - sometime during the 2013 calendar year. This will leave only the Chrysler Town & Country to do minivan battle for the Pentastar automaker. Curiously, through September of 2011, the Grand Caravan has actually outsold the more expensive Town & Country by almost 14,000 units.

Getting rid of the Grand Caravan is apparently part of Chrysler's move to eliminate dealership duplication, a plan that was started under the company's previous owners, Cerberus Capital Management. In addition to the Dodge van, the Avenger sedan will also be killed off when the Chrysler 200 replacement arrives in 2013. (Like the Grand Caravan and Town & Country, the Avenger and 200 are nearly identical underneath the skin.)

Automotive News suggests that the Grand Caravan and Avenger will be replaced by a single future Dodge crossover that will be based on a Fiat platform. The next-generation Town & Country is expected to arrive sometime in 2014.

Do you think this is a smart move? Have your say in Comments.

Dodge Grand Caravan, Avenger to be replaced by Fiat-based crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Chrysler minivan to see return of all-wheel drive, spawn second model

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Crossover, Chrysler

2011 Chrysler Town & Country - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sergio Marchionne has reportedly confirmed that the next Chrysler Town & Country minivan will be available with all-wheel drive. According to The Detroit News, Marchionne has also confirmed that this vehicle will continue to be a traditional minivan, but the company also plans to spin off a crossover-style people mover as well, a model that which hasn't been finalized yet.

The new platform will also allow Chrysler to narrow the minivan's track, which helps attract European buyers. The fate of Stow 'n Go seating, the feature whose packaging requirements is understood to have killed all-wheel drive back in 2004, remains to be seen. Though the new models were scheduled to arrive in 2014, Marchionne has apparently also pushed up the timetable for their release, and they will likely surface in 2013.

Next-gen Chrysler minivan to see return of all-wheel drive, spawn second model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bimmerfest 2011 invades the Rose Bowl

Michael Harley — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Performance, Etc., BMW, Luxury

Bimmerfest 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Started more than a decade ago as a small get-together for enthusiasts at a Santa Barbara BMW retailer, Bimmerfest celebrated its eleventh anniversary at a much larger venue this weekend: the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The largest BMW gathering in North America draws participants from all over the country thanks to a very active online membership in its Bimmerfest forums. As has traditionally been the case, most attendees meet up early in the morning to caravan hours to the Southern California event.

Despite unseasonably gloomy weather, there were more than 3,000 BMW vehicles on display. BMW North American brought its big rig with several cars including the new 2011 1 Series M Coupe. There was an excellent showing of E31 8 Series models, including an 850CSi (powered by a S70B56 5.6-liter V12 with a six-speed manual gearbox). We spotted plenty of E30 M3 models, several Z3 Coupe variants and an E23 745i (the gray market sedan features a turbocharged inline-six). The Nitto Tire both held the GSR Autosport Z4R, competing in the 2011 Formula Drift series with a 600-plus horsepower turbocharged S54 engine. Other notable BMWs in attendance included a race-bred M1, several sinister X6 M SAVs, and a spectacular 1972 E9 3.0 CSi Coupe - this year, we'll call that one our show favorite.

There is good news for BMW owners on the East Coast. The event organizers have announced a second North American event, to be held in early August in Aberdeen, Maryland. BMW owners, start polishing your cars now.

Bimmerfest 2011 invades the Rose Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's fastest Dodge Caravan for sale

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Minivan/Van, Dodge, Specialty

World's fastest Dodge Caravan - Click above to watch the video after the jump

That's right, the world's fastest Dodge Caravan is being hawked to focus on other projects, and the seller has set a reasonable $6,500 selling price for the rolling novelty. The van started life in 1989, hauling the Joneses to soccer practice and Walmart. When current owner Ryan got ahold of it, though, its m.o. changed dramatically.

The minivan's engine and transmission were treated to thorough performance rebuilds, and the Chrysler four-pot got some much-needed oomph via a turbo. All that work yielded a stock-looking Dodge Caravan that's good for 11.5 seconds at 115 mph in the quarter mile, if you're brave enough.

You can see the original listing for the van here. Click past the jump to see a video of this family hauler turned dragstrip nightmare.

[Source: 1A Auto via Jalopnik]

Continue reading World's fastest Dodge Caravan for sale

World's fastest Dodge Caravan for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Dodge, New Car Reviews

Chrysler Tries Harder To Compete With All-New Competition

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Among the most famous advertising slogans of all time is the Avis classic: "We try harder." Conceived of in the early '60s, when Avis was the number two rental car company behind Hertz, the tagline made a virtue out of second place. With its mid-lifecycle refresh of its minivan line, including both the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler is making a similar case.

But wait a minute here, isn't Chrysler the long-time industry leader in minivans? Well, that depends. The Honda Odyssey took the minivan sales crown in 2008 and 2009, while the Town & Country triumphed last year. Honda would contend that's only because its rival sells so many minivans to fleets, while Chrysler might point out that if you add sales of its nearly identical Grand Caravan to the numbers, it's the minivan leader by a Reagan-esque landslide.

No matter which side of this argument you're inclined to believe, the fact remains that Chrysler no longer has a lock on minivan mindshare. In fact, among a certain slice of the status-conscious, import-loving populace, Chrysler minivans don't even rate second - more like a distant third or even fourth, behind the Odyssey, the recently redesigned Toyota Sienna and the brand-new Nissan Quest.

Chrysler finally seems to have adjusted to this reality, making some major upgrades to its minivan lineup for 2011, including a complete overhaul of the engine, suspension and interior. After a week behind the wheel, we can enthusiastically endorse the new engine and suspension, and we liked the new interior a lot. The end result might not be quite as polished as the all-new models from its three main competitors, but the Grand Caravan has been changed dramatically since its 2007 debut, receiving as close to a complete overhaul as you'll see in this business without starting from scratch.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan...

Gallery: Review: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Continue reading Review: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Review: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler's Marchionne says only one minivan per brand, C-Max competitor coming

David Kiley — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Dodge

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne says the automaker plans to only offer one minivan in the future, eliminating either the Chrysler Town and Country or Dodge Caravan by 2013. Additionally, the company is working on a smaller "people mover," that will go to whichever marque doesn't retain the minivan.

"If our Project Genesis [a plan to have all Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep showrooms at a single dealership] goes to its conclusion, which is the plan, then it makes no sense to offer consumers two minivans differentiated only by equipment," Marchionne said in an interview with reporters at the North American International Auto Show.

The smaller "people mover" is being engineered from a new architecture that will underpin several new vehicles in the Fiat and Chrysler lineups. Though Marchionne didn't get into specifics, the platform is likely to be developed for the Fiat Giulietta, with Chrysler and Fiat engineers planning to expand and adapt the chassis to serve as the basis for a replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot, among other vehicles.

Inititally, Marchionne indicated that he would prefer to keep the Dodge Caravan and make the micro-van a Chrysler. In Canada, 80% of the minivan mix is comprised of the Dodge Caravan. But the Town and Country outsells the Caravan in the U.S. and other markets. "We will have to look at the branding, but we are absolutely going to one minivan." One consideration for Chrysler planners will be that it would be difficult to get the premium price points - over $40,000 for the top-of-the-line Town and Country - for a Dodge branded minivan. LIkewise, it will be difficult to get prices North of 30,000 for even a loaded Chrysler micro-van.

Marchionne also said that both the minivan, and the micro-van would be built at the company's Windsor, Ontario plant where the minivans are currently produced and designed to compete against the Mazda5 and Ford Grand C-Max.

Chrysler's Marchionne says only one minivan per brand, C-Max competitor coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan reports for family duty

Zach Bowman — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Dodge

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has just dropped details on the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Along with packing the company's new Pentastar V6 under the hood, Dodge says that the minivan also sports a significantly revised suspension designed to make the vehicle a little more engaging to drive. So far we haven't been told exactly what's been changed underneath, but the press release says that "virtually every system" has received some sort of tweaking.

Behind the new 3.6-liter V6 sits a six-speed automatic transmission, and that duo effectively replaces all three of the previously offered drivetrains. Look for 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque when the van hits the road later this year.

But the biggest change looks to come from the styling department. Chrysler has heaped all of the company's new found enthusiasm for excellent interiors onto the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, swaddling surfaces in top-notch materials, better seats and throwing in redesigned gauges, to boot. The Grand Caravan even wears a massaged front fascia to go along with all of the changes inside as well as a set of LED taillamps out back. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan reports for family duty

Officially Official: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan reports for family duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:28:00 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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Video: How to turn a caravan into a fixed abode

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:39:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, UK, Humor

How not to get your camper unstuck - Click above watch the video after the break

The caravan you see above is stuck betwixt the two walls. We don't know how they got it in there, if they couldn't get it out - nevertheless, the reality on the ground is that it wouldn't come up. One would think there had been enough of these videos from all corners of the world to prove that sledgehammering the throttle doesn't solve problems. Unless you're in Iceland. Yet this gent, who isn't in Iceland, is the next to learn that lesson the hard, and expensive, way. Follow the jump for the turmoil. Hat tip to Duy!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: How to turn a caravan into a fixed abode

Video: How to turn a caravan into a fixed abode originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge

Just because Toyota may be garnering the most attention for its current recall crisis, it isn't the only automaker having issues. Chrysler has just released its own recall which affects more than 312,000 2005-2006 Town and Country, Caravan, and Grand Caravan models.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the minivan's front crash sensors may crack "under certain environmental conditions," which can then cause water to seep into the sensor. We're guessing that these environmental conditions refer to cold temperatures, since the list of states affected by this recall are mostly in the northern half of the U.S. If water does enter the sensor, it can trigger the airbag fault warning light and may hinder the performance of the overall airbag system.

In the event of airbag warning light illumination, owners are asked to have their vans serviced immediately to correct the problem. The full recall campaign will begin in June of this year, and owners can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for more information. Click through the jump to read the official NHTSA statement.

UPDATE: Chrysler informs us that this is not an official recall, but rather a "safety improvement campaign" that was reported in early January.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE

Chrysler recalls 312,000 2005-2006 minivans over airbag issue *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit supplier organizing March of Green Vehicles to Washington

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green, Chrysler, Ford, GM

Bad idea: Detroit 3 CEOs showing up for a Congressional hearing to beg for money in private jets. Good idea: said CEOs showing up at Congress' curb in their respective company's greenest vehicles. Just such a caravan has been proposed by Tim Leuliette, CEO of supplier Dura Automotive Systems Inc., and it's gaining steam. The idea is to highlight how integral the Detroit automakers are to the lives of many who work outside the companies themselves, and to showcase their latest fuel efficient models.

Expect the march to Washington to remain a grassroots effort. Each of the Detroit 3's spokespeople have commented that they are in support of the plan but are not interested in organizing it. It is also highly unlikely that any Detroit 3 CEO would travel to D.C. in the motorcade, as well. To be as effective as possible, some are suggesting that the organizers create a central website with information for those who want to participate like where they should go and when they should be there. Now, if Bob Lutz lead the procession in a Volt mule, that'd send a message. Do it, Bob!

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Detroit supplier organizing March of Green Vehicles to Washington originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:58:00 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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Spotted in Illinois: Dodge Caravan "hybrid"

Merritt Johnson — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:45:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

Click the image above for a high-res view.

An eagle-eyed reader has spotted a hybrid Dodge Caravan in the Chicago, Illinois area. Don't get your panties in a bunch, though, as this hybrid is not the sort consumers have come to know and love as of late. This Caravan has no electrical propulsion system, but rather two front ends. Before Honda and Toyota forever tied the hybrid term to gasoline-electric drivetrains, it was used to describe vehicles constructed out of various donor parts, such as this one. After all, no one has yet marketed a better name for dual front fascia automobiles. Now obviously this Caravan looks nothing like the one in which your mom carpooled you to soccer practice. Especially since hers probably had a rear end. However, that might be where the differences end, at least from what we can tell. Besides the obvious exterior alterations, there are no hints at what other tricks the minivan might have up its sleeve. It makes for a pretty clever advertisement for an alignment shop though. Nothing quite screams we're good at getting the wheels straight more than a vehicle equipped with two steering racks. Not to mention the fact that the paint happens to be the color of the Incredible Hulk. Although, as far as utility goes, we can't image it would make a good shop runner since chopping off the rear hatch looks to have significantly reduced available cargo space. Be sure and check out the lime green Dodge Caravan that couldn't help but catch a reader's eye in the gallery below and judge for yourself. Thanks for the tip Bdubb!

Gallery: Dodge Caravan "Hybrid"

Spotted in Illinois: Dodge Caravan "hybrid" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chryslers to remain Sirius-equippped through 2017

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Chrysler, Dodge

We may not know exactly which vehicles Chrysler will still be making by 2009, but we do know the automaker will offer Sirius Satellite Radio through 2017. Chrysler has had plenty of success with its Sirius offerings, so the long-term contract should come as no surprise. The take-rate for the audio technology across the Chrysler product line is a hefty 70%, and Sirius gave the Pentastar first crack at Sirius TV in the company's minivans and SUVs. Let's just hope that Chrysler's deals with interior suppliers don't last well into the next decade as well.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Chryslers to remain Sirius-equippped through 2017 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:03:00 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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Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, Honda

The moral of a certain African tale is: no matter whether you're the lion or the gazelle, when you get up every morning you better be ready to run. That counts for rams, as well. One of Chrysler LLC's most profitable divisions is getting run down in a historically dominant specialty: minivans. The Dodge Caravan (and Grand Caravan), specifically, is in danger of losing its best selling minivan title to the Honda Odyssey.

The Detroit Free Press reports that year-to-date, Dodge has sold 154,824 Caravans, which is a 21.4-percent decline from last year. Part of that has been explained with the arrival of a new model and the elimination of the cheaper, short wheelbase version. Honda meanwhile has sold 158,139 Odysseys so far this year, which is only a 2.3-percent decline from last year. Honda also has a new version of the Odyseey this year, introduced in August, and has outsold Dodge for the past six months -- which means the new model picked up where the old one left its marker.

Follow the jump for more.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Caravan

Gallery: 2008 Honda Odyssey

Continue reading Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title

Dodge in danger of losing #1 minivan title originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To kill a minivan: kid-haulers a dying breed

Chris Shunk — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Ford, GM

Just 12 years ago, minivans made up 8.5% of the overall vehicle market here in the US. Since that time, a string of SUVs and then later CUVs have cut into those vehicles with the magical sliding doors. In the last couple years, GM and Ford have abandoned the minivan segment all-together and concentrated on crossovers like the Buick Enclave and the Ford Flex. In 2006, minivan production fell below 1 million units for the first time in 15 years, and this year is looking much, much worse. The proliferation of CUVs in the past year and the end of the Uplander and Freestar have contributed to minivan sales shrinking an astonishing 22% in 2007.

At first glance, Chrysler's pending launch of the new Town & Country and Caravan appears to be as poorly timed as Toyota's introduction of the all-new Tundra. Both products would have sold in higher numbers only a few years back, when buyers were less afraid of purchasing a vehicle with less than perfect fuel economy. On the other hand, with improved styling (only so much you can do with a minivan), an even better interior, and more flexibility, Chrysler's new minivans may just help turn the tide.

[Source: Detroit News]

To kill a minivan: kid-haulers a dying breed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge-based VW minivan caught on dealer TV - too little, too late?

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Dodge, Volkswagen

After teasing fans with a modern interpretation of the classic Type 2 micro-bus a few years ago, Volkswagen decided it wasn't an economically viable project. It ultimately decided to strike a deal with DaimlerChrysler to use the Caravan/Town and Country minivan platform as the basis for a VW van. Unfortunately for VW, the minivan market is shrinking as they finally get their own unit to market.

A poster on the VWVortex forums has reportedly caught the first image of the new Chrysler-based VW van on a VW dealer TV screen and had his camera phone ready. No one should be surprised that from the rear quarter angle it looks like a 2008 Dodge Caravan with Touareg taillights. The question remains whether or not by the time it appears in VW dealerships in the summer of 2008, will anyone still care?

In addition to the new van, the dealer TV system also gave timing for some other new products, most of which we already know about. VW had previously confirmed that the Jetta TDI and Tiguan were coming in the first half of 2008 and the Touareg diesel was coming in the fall of 2008. What hadn't been confirmed previously was the Passat coupe also coming in the fall of 2008.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: VW Vortex forums]

Dodge-based VW minivan caught on dealer TV - too little, too late? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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