Refining the van further, a fluid-filled hydro engine mount is said to significantly reduce engine vibration into the front rails, helping to isolate engine vibration. Also hydro bushings fitted to suspension control arms reduce suspension vibration. The engineers went another step farther by using triple door seals, molded gaskets, aerodynamically configured roof rack cross bows, and a spiraled antenna to reduce wind noise, the latter fine tuned in the automaker's wind tunnel in Auburn Hills.
 |
| Chrysler's attention to detail has resulted in a significant 16 percent decrease in overall cabin noise when compared to last year's already quiet model. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Can you see a trend here? Chrysler doesn't want to be second best when it comes to minivans. In this department they won't be, as the brand's attention to detail has resulted in a significant 16 percent decrease in overall cabin noise when compared to last year's already quiet model. The company considers it to the quietest minivan available.
 |
| The Town & Country's 3.8-L V6 engine offers an abundance of torque, at 245 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and an adequate 215-hp. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
There are no changes to the T & C's 3.8-L V6 engine, however, which for the most part is no bad thing. It offers an abundance of torque, at 245 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, and an adequate 215-hp at 5,000 rpm. Just the same I would have thought that Chrysler might finally offer its wonderful 250-hp 3.5-L unit currently standard in the new Pacifica and dearly departing 300M. While it needs additional revs to reach maximum output, it bypasses 218-hp lower down in the rev range than the 3.8-L engine and therefore would provide more power when needed. Even more important the 3.5-L engine's 250 lb-ft of torque, that comes on 100 rpm earlier than the 3.8-L, would be well suited to minivan duties, as proven in the equally sizeable Pacifica. Of course, adding the multivalve, multi-cam V6 would increase the price which is not optimal even in the premium minivan category.
