2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country (VIDEO)

Every time a new Caravan is introduced, it seems to push its segment to new heights and force its rivals to follow suit. Today at the DaimlerChrysler stand, it's déjà vu all over again.

With sporty new styling that incorporates Dodge's muscular stance, the Grand Caravan will be available in three trim levels when it will reach showrooms in the fall of 2007: the SE, the Canadian Value Package, and the SXT.

Three engine choices are offered in the Grand Caravan. A 3.3L V6 that produces 170 hp and 205 lb-ft of torque can run on E85 Ethanol. A 3.8L V6 is mated to a 6-speed automatic and produces 198 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. Finally, a new 4.0L V6 with 6-speed automatic that produces 240 hp and 253 lb-ft will power the most expensive versions of Dodge's new minivan.

The new Swivel 'n Go seating system offers 2nd-row seats that can swivel 180 degrees to face backwards. A table can be inserted between the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats. With three seating configurations including the handy Stow 'n Go, the 3rd-row bench folds flat into the floor in every Grand Caravan.


There are 35 new or improved features, including:

• Integrated child-booster seat
• Side-curtain airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESP) with traction control and brake assist
• ParkView rear back-up camera
• Dual-screen DVD entertainment system that can play different media at the same time
• Voice-activated navigation system
• Remote starter
• Removable flashlight
• Heated first- and second-row seats
• Ambient halo lighting
• MyGig CD/DVD/MP3 audio system with 20-Gb hard drive and satellite radio

The Town & Country means business with its projector-beam headlights and typically-Chrysler chrome grille. It will feature all of the Grand Caravan's improvements, and adds leather seating with a power-folding 60/40 3rd-row bench seat. It will be available in Touring and Limited trim levels.



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