Autoblog

LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the new third-generation 2011 Toyota Sienna shows up in dealerships next February, parents should head straight to their closest dealer after dropping the kids at soccer. Notice we didn't say "Moms." We said "parents." Although other minivan makers have attempted to butch up their people movers in the past, those efforts have been mostly lamentable. Toyota, on the other hand, has actually made a van (there's nothing mini about this new Sienna) that arguably looks sporty enough to chip away at the undeserved mommy-mobile stigma of the class. Don't let that purse tray dissuade you.

And if NASCAR dads drag their feet a bit before heading over to trade in the old Previa or Chevrolet Suburban, they may choose the sportier SE in the showroom come April. While even the base Sienna will boast a design theme that looks surprisingly assertive, the SE adds an aggressive body kit and 19-inch six-spoke wheels to go with its stiffer suspension and remapped transmission programming. There's also a different grille and clear tail lamps. Unfortunately, there won't be a TRD supercharger underhood or even a cold air intake or freer-flowing exhaust to up the power, but on looks alone, this thing might have what it takes to broaden the appeal of minivans to the XY set.

Debuting at the LA Auto Show today, the 2011 Sienna looks like a more macho 2009 Sienna cross-bred with Toyota's Venza crossover. The family resemblance is striking, particularly from the rear. Nifty details are to be found all around - things like the cleverly hidden high-mounted rear wiper. Toyota promises that this third-generation Sienna will also drive more like a sedan while still swallowing people and cargo with equal ease.

We've had an advanced in-person look at this model, and the seven or eight people who find themselves filling the seats inside this new Sienna figure to be impressed by the Lexus-like interior with its new three-tone color scheme, ample use of wood, and clever luxury touches. Particularly "wow" inducing are the wooden swoosh across the dash, the second row seats with their integrated retractable leg rests that slide a long way forward to grant access to the power-operated 60/40 Split & Stow third row, and the 16-inch dual view LCD screen for rear seat entertainment. Yes, sixteen.

Built on a revised version of the outgoing platform, the 2011 Sienna has the same wheelbase but is slightly shorter, lower and wider than its predecessor. It will be available in five different trim levels: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel-drive will still be available on V6-powered LE, XLE and Limited models. That V6 is the same 3.5-liter Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) unit available today, with 266 horsepower. The engine is stout enough to give the Sienna a 3,500-pound tow capacity while returning mileage of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Also available in Sienna and LE will be the VVT-i 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horses and a slight bump in mileage to 19/26.

We'll have lots to say about this new Sienna after our first drive in a couple of weeks, but for now, you can read more about it in the press release we've pasted after the jump and check out high-res shots in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge

LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Toyota

Soccer moms, NASCAR dads and empty-nesters rejoice! It looks like Toyota is going to debut its 2011 Sienna minivan in Cali next month at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Although the minivan market doesn't get a lot of playtime on enthusiast websites, the segment remains an important (if shrinking) one for full-line manufacturers. While Toyota's past minivans have ranged from the bizarrely interesting (Previa) to the drab but competent (current Sienna), word has it Toyota plans to introduce a van that will once again make it the segment's top choice.

No specifics have been released, but we've previously heard that the new Sienna would be shifting to the MC platform that Toyota uses for the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Venza and even the Prius. Personally we're hoping for a lower, wider track, luxury vehicle with an available hybrid model. That, or something like the JDM Alphard/Vellfire we saw at SEMA. We'll have all the details and a bunch of live shots on December 2 when we see it at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but in the meantime, you can check out Toyota's brief press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan

LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Honda SkyDeck, is this the future of the Odyssey?

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda

Honda SkyDeck Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Unlike the CR-Z which is nothing more than a thinly veiled preview of an upcoming production model, the Honda Skydeck remains a pure design study at this point. While most automakers would provide a full list of specifications for a concept that is nothing more than a fiberglass buck, Honda isn't bothering with even that. The only thing the automaker says about this Tokyo Motor Show star is that it's a theoretical hybrid.

The SkyDeck is a six-seat MPV with some oddball portals and interesting interior fitments. The front doors swing up Lambo style, while the rear sliders actually pop out like normal doors and drop down as they slide back, ideal for jamming against the curb.

Once inside, the first two rows of seats are cantilever mounted off of the center tunnel and the second row can slide forward and down to stow underneath the fronts. All the seats consist of a mesh material stretched between a wooden frame.

One interesting styling note is the shovel scoop grille similar to the CR-Z coupe. Is this the look of Honda models to come? We'll be asking when we visit the design center on Friday.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda Skydeck concept

[Source: Honda]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Honda SkyDeck, is this the future of the Odyssey? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: iDriver app controls cars through the iPhone

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Technology, Videos

iDriver iPhone App controls a car - click above image to watch the video

There's a lot we could say right now. We could point to a recent LA Times Highway 1 blog post about how kids today are so into social media/sitting on their butts in front of the computer that they don't want or need cars. Or, we could talk about how awesome robo-technology like this (you'll see it all after the jump) would be a great way to bring back Group B or CanAm -- races deemed "too dangerous" for human being to compete in. Or we could just point out that we've seen Terminator 3 and we know how these things begin (and end), so excuse us if we run off to hide in cave up in the Sierra Nevadas.

But really, what you've got here is an iPhone controlling a minivan via an application called iDriver. That's right, an iPhone controlling a minivan. You got your control for the gas, the brakes and a steering wheel icon where you put your left thumb and twist it around to steer the minivan. Actually, that's not totally true. Your thumb stays still. The user must actually twist the iPhone around to steer.

The best part? The minivan beams images of what lays ahead directly back to the iPhone so you can see what the vehicle's pointing at, although there are a couple features notable by their absence. First, can you turn off the third row A/C while starting the Veggie Tales DVD for the hundred billionth time? Second, any contingency plan at all for what happens when the iPhone rings and you have to take the call? You can't exactly hit pause. Oooh -- what if the iPhone's battery goes dead? Interesting, no? Full video, after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via Engadget]

Continue reading VIDEO: iDriver app controls cars through the iPhone

VIDEO: iDriver app controls cars through the iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford widens cruise control recall by 4.5M vehicles - now biggest in company history

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Ford

For the past ten years, Ford has been doing a dance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and consumers over the issue of leaking cruise control switches in certain company vehicles. As of 2008, it had recalled some 9.6 million vehicles to repair a faulty Texas Instruments cruise-control deactivation switch, and now after a NHTSA investigation, the Blue Oval has added 4.5 million more Ford and Mercury vehicles to the recall.

The latest action covers these vehicles:

1992-2003 Ford Econoline
2000-2003 Ford Excursion
1995-2002 Ford Explorer
1993-1997, 1999-2003 Ford F-Series Super Duty
1994 Ford F-53 chassis
1995-1997, 2001-2003 Ford Ranger
1995-2003 Ford Windstar
1995-2002 Mercury Mountaineer

According to NHTSA, the switch can leak and overheat, which can lead to smoking and, in some cases, fire. In fact, The Detroit News notes that the switches have been faulted in more than 550 fires - some of which led to fatalities - many of which have led to lawsuits. A Ford statement declared, "Aside from the Windstar, the additional vehicles addressed in this action have different system parameters and do not pose an unreasonable risk to safety. However, Ford is taking this action on all of these vehicles to address possible ongoing customer lack of confidence in vehicles with the affected switch."

The recall begins on October 26. Anyone with an affected vehicle can take it to a Ford dealer and have the switch repaired with a fused harness. Owners can get more information directly from NHTSA by calling the government agency's hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford widens cruise control recall by 4.5M vehicles - now biggest in company history originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Routan recalled for... magic 8-ball shake... owner's manual omission?!

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

In Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, one of the characters decries the need for a set of detailed instructions on a packet of toothpicks. Volkswagen might feel the same way now that 18,500 of its 2009 Routan minivans are being recalled because their owner's manuals don't include a required warning not to put items on or near the airbag. In the words of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

The owner's manual was printed without the required information explaining that no objects should be placed over the or near the airbag on the instrument panel. Any such objects could cause injury to the vehicle's occupants in the event of a crash severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.

VW is sending dealers an insert to be placed in affected Routan manuals. If you don't trust yourself to handle the insert, you can take your Routan to the dealer and they'll be happy to assist.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volkswagen Routan recalled for... *magic 8-ball shake*... owner's manual omission?!

Volkswagen Routan recalled for... *magic 8-ball shake*... owner's manual omission?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unlikely State Of Tune: Mugen takes on the Honda Stream

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Minivan/Van, Honda

You wanted something sporty, but due to additions to the family, a minivan is as athletic as its going to get. But if that minivan is the 2010 Honda Stream, you can still satisfy your sporty urges thanks to Mugen. The practically in-house tuner has developed a full line of interior, exterior, aero, performance, handling and cosmetic parts for the people mover -- from typical Mugen mods like spoilers and wheels to a performance air filter and TypeT touring brake pads. If you add the sport suspension to your minivan, well, maybe you really do need to get a different car.

Gallery: 2010 Mugen Honda Stream

[Source: Mugen]

Unlikely State Of Tune: Mugen takes on the Honda Stream originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot releases new 5008 minivan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Minivan/Van, Europe, Peugeot

2010 Peugeot 5008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The French are known for two things: style and love. Trouble is, the product of the latter tends to cramp the former. So what's an amorous Frenchman to do? If the legion has grown too large for the cabrio, then perhaps you get one of these: the new Peugeot 5008. The French automaker's latest MPV (that's Euro-speak for "minivan") offers a wide variety of configuration options to accommodate loads of cargo or up to seven passengers in a tech- and glass-intensive cabin to make cruising in this Très Grand Véhicule as comfortable as a ride through the Alps in a rail-bound TGV.

Among the gizmos incorporated into the new 5008 are a head-up dashboard display, Snow Motion traction control, a choice of nav systems and, of course, a full multimedia array to keep the kids placated while watching Asterix. There are a couple of gasoline engines available - 1.6-liter turbos with either 120 or 150 horsepower - but most buyers will probably opt for one of the four diesel options, ranging from 109 horses up to 163. When the 5008 makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this coming September, we doubt anybody will be falling in love - but the svelt brood buggy could come in handy if you already have. High-res gallery below, full details in the encyclopedia press release after the jump.

Gallery: Peugeot 5008

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot releases new 5008 minivan

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot releases new 5008 minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW planning Polo-based mini MPV

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Volkswagen

Next up to announce a miniature MPV is Volkswagen, said to be eying its Polo for conversion to a (little) people hauler. In Europe such a car would go against competition like the Opel Meriva and Fiat Qubo. A VW board member suggested that such a car would be about adding to the company's small car variety, and it wants to have the right mix of offerings when the recovery comes.

On a side note, VW is also planning a "less effeminate, more assertive and masculine" Beetle that they want more men to buy. Because who knew button-cute car with a flower vase holder wouldn't appeal to men?

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Polo

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: VW planning Polo-based mini MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, China, Buick, GM, Shanghai Motor Show

Buick "Business" MPV concept - Click above for a hi-res gallery

General Motors has unveiled its new Buick "Business" MPV concept in Shanghai, and while details remain scarce as we try to practice our Chinese, we can tell you that while the idea of another Buick minivan may be hard for U.S. audiences to swallow (after the poor sales and driving experience of the Terraza), Buick MPVs do a very solid trade in China as executive transports. Thus, instead of prioritizing sippy cup storage, this is clearly more of a high-roofed luxury limousine.

Our compatriots over at Autoblog Chinese (who bring you these images) tell us that this vehicle is the result of a joint-venture between General Motors China and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, as was the 2007 Rivera concept before it. If our Google translator is to be believed, this vehicle is still based on the Buick GL8 (read: Terraza), and the "land-based business class" concept is designed to point the way toward future visions of Buick luxury for customers in the land of the Great Wall. We'll have more details for you as they become available. For now, take a look at the gallery below.

Gallery: shanghai 2009:buick mpv concept

Photos copyright (C)2009 IceBin/ Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering

Michael Harley — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials

When Hyundai dealers complained about not having a minivan in 2006, the automaker reached into the corporate pool and re-badged the Kia Sedona, turning into the Entourage. The timing was poor, as minivan sales plummeted across the board. Last year, sales were down 50% on the Entourage to just 8,400 units (Kia sold 27,000 Sedonas in the same period). It was a brutal lesson, but Hyundai's U.S. CEO John Krafcik says the company learned "why you don't do badge engineering." Needless to say, the plug is being pulled on the Hyundai Entourage later this year. With its sales wounded by the dismissed Hyundai, the Kia Sedona will continue to grace showrooms. For now, at least.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Opel Meriva mule caught brandishing suicide doors

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Europe, Crossover, Opel

The Opel Meriva concept shown at last year's Geneva Motor Show had a nifty set of rear doors that employ that less-than-nifty epithet: suicide doors. According to all the spy shots that have surfaced, the production model won't exchange the concept's novelty for more sedate, rear-hinged doors at the rear.

The latest prototype caught out has a fake set of door handles at the back of the rear door. However, there are shots of the sheetmetal from the inside, and you can plainly see the recessed hinge mounting areas at the rear of the panels. General Motors calls the arrangement FlexDoors, and evidently unlike other such setups, the rear doors will be able to open independently of one another (most such setups require that the front door be opened first). GM says the design will make the new Meriva safer and more convenient.

Gallery: Opel Meriva Concept

[Source: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: Opel Meriva mule caught brandishing suicide doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Hatchback, Toyota

If you've been distressed by not being able to buy a clown car at any local lot, Toyota has news for you: the company is working on a Yaris-sized seven-seater. That is odd enough to make us ask "What?" and "Why?" in several languages. Even better, though, is when Toyota engineer Hiroki Nakajima says "We can do it, and give limo-like legroom in the back." We aren't sure what Nakajima-san's idea of a limo is, but the current five-searter Yaris doesn't have limo-like room for the people in the front, much less the back and the cargo area...

The next Yaris is due in 2011, and recent rumors suggest the use of Toyota iQ's packaging to make it more roomy inside. Toyota has also said it planned to build an MPV on blueprints of the iQ. While a repackaged Yaris with iQ clever bits would be an impressively spacious subcompact, we simply can't see it making for a limo-like minivan.

[Source: Auto Express]

Toyota working on Yaris-sized 7-Seater? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Saleen Windstar (Seriously!)

Chris Tutor — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, Auctions, Ford, Celebrities

Click above for image gallery of the Saleen Ford Windstar

Outrageous minivans are oddities of the train wreck variety. You don't want to, but you just gotta look. And we're suckers for them. Not that long ago we had the ridiculously fast, jet-powered Dodge Caravan, and then there was the show but stock slow Mugen Honda Odyssey.

But what do you think of a Saleen-built Ford Windstar? And, no, it's not a soccer mom special that someone slapped a Saleen windshield header on. This is the real deal. It's got custom-made carbon fiber mirrors, valve covers and steering wheel. The double-nostril hood is custom-made as is the gauge cluster and the fender flares over the Z-rated 18-inch Rikens. Underhood is a Saleen supercharger atop the Ford V6. The eBay auction says more than $100,000 was spent on the monster minivan's production.

So who in their right mind would spend that kind of cash on something originally meant to sit idle in front of daycare facilities? Two words: Tool Time. As in Tim "Tool Time" Allen. Tim teamed up with Steve Saleen several years ago to produce the Saleen Windstar. Just as this prototype was finished, however, Ford redesigned the Windstar and all plans to offer the package for sale were scrapped.

Luckily the van wasn't, and lately has been used as a promotional tool for Port-A-Board, a company that makes collapsible skateboards. It was founded by Brett Gregory, who is a producer of Tim Allen's upcoming movie. And since the Saleen Windstar is still in the family, the winning bidder will get a photo of Tim and the van together ~~can choose to have a photo session with their new vehicle and Tim Allen himself~~. After six bids, the auction is up to $3,650 without hitting the reserve. You've got six days. Thanks for the tip, Joe.

Gallery: eBay find: Tim Allen's Saleen Windstar

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Saleen Windstar (Seriously!) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans

Michael Harley — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Green, Chrysler, Dodge

With moms now actually reading EPA fuel economy figures on the window sticker before trying out the dozen cup holders found in most modern minivans, Chrysler went back to the engineering lab and knocked out a few more miles per gallon for its 2009 minivan offerings. Bragging that no other minivan offers better fuel economy than the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the automaker is boasting EPA figures of 17 city / 25 highway for the minivans when equipped with the automaker's 4.0L six-cylinder engine and minivan-first 6-speed automatic. Considering that the original 1984 Chrysler Town and Country achieved 18 city / 21 highway with a 2.6L four-cylinder and three-speed transmission, we've clearly come a long way. To squeeze out the extra miles per gallon, Chrysler tweaked the large 4.0L V6 engine and then changed the ratios on the transmission. With a higher ratio first gear, and smaller steps between the new ratios, the minivans are quicker off the line and the engine doesn't loose as much speed between shifts. The result is a fuel economy improvement of about 8 percent or about 2 mpg. Now, if the engineers could just do something about that minivan stigma...

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans

Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Chevy Tacuma minivan

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Europe, Crossover, Chevrolet

Jalopnik has caught spy shots of a fleet -- well, two -- of the new Chevy Tacuma minivans bound for Europe. If they are indeed replacing this Chevy Tacuma as well as that aardvark masquerading as a minivan, the Uplander, then it looks like things are about to get a lot more spacious over yonder pond. Supposed to be about the size of a Mazda5, the Tacuma appears to have front-hinged rear doors, which might make it more CUV than minivan. Also, the Tacuma is also supposed to be built at GM's Hamtramck plant in Michigan. If so, that would make it bedmates with the Chevy Volt, and, as Jalopnik speculates, perhaps another good home for a hybrid drivetrain...

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: 2011 Chevy Tacuma minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Things that never were nor ever should be, Part II: the Dodge Caravan "CarCamel"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:58:00 EST

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

Click above for gallery of the Car Camel

You need something to carry a car, but you don't want just any old pickup truck or SUV because anybody could do that. And since you do have that vintage Dodge Caravan lying around... why not grab the chainsaw and make something really special?

Allow us to officially introduce the Car Camel. Apparently plying the highways of Ontario, Canada, it's a shortened minivan with a car hauler stuck to its backside. It ain't pretty, and it probably ain't too fast, but we have to admit that it is pretty neat... if you're into that kind of thing. Have a look at the gallery of images below, but if any of you get the idea to make a Car Koala... please, don't. Thanks for the tip, Zak!

UPDATE: Jackpot! Autoblog reader Paul H found the owner's personal blog on which he explains how, and more importantly why, he built the Car Camel. Also check out more pics of the Car Camel, including it actually carrying a car, in the gallery below.

Gallery: Car Camel

[Source: Photobucket]

Things that never were nor ever should be, Part II: the Dodge Caravan "CarCamel" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:58:00 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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Ford subject of another fire investigation

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Ford

Even after recalling 10 million vehicles over the past few years, Ford just can't seem to shake the cruise control blues. There have been 130 reports of fires in 1998-2003 Ford Windstars, both during use and while parked, and the NHTSA is looking into the matter to determine if a recall is needed. The fires may be due to the Windstar's cruise control system, but Ford says this unit is different from the system that caused the 10 million-unit recall because it isn't powered at all times, and it doesn't pose a risk. If the Windstars are recalled, over 1.7 million minivans will be affected.

[Source: Autoweek]

Ford subject of another fire investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans

Dan Roth — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:31:00 EST

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

Think of what the automotive landscape looked like nigh on 25 years ago. Mentioning "family car" in 1983 would have conjured a station wagon. Some of us dig wagons, while others think we're daft because of the stigma they still carry. There's no denying that a wagon is an excellent way to transport kids and stuff, but those beasts of yesteryear often led to yearnings for an alternative. We all remember getting carsick while sitting in the rear-facing third row torture chamber, cut off from the rest of the family and their future-looking vantage point. The tailgunner position was a great way to test out new hand gestures on following motorists, though.

When the Chrysler minivans were revealed to the world in 1983 as 1984 models, they were a revelation. The Caravan and Voyager were not the first vans based on compact chassis, but they were such a successful combination of the elements that sales took off and imitators sprang up only after Chrysler had firmly established its status as the segment trendsetter. Continued after the jump.

Gallery: First Generation Chrysler Minivans

Continue reading Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans

Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 May 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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