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Is it possible to man up the minivan? Chrysler is giving it a go with
the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Back in 2008, Dodge displayed the
Dodge Caravan R/T concept at the North American International Auto Show
in Detroit. The Caravan R/T was complete with hood scoop, 20-inch
wheels and Dodge's trademark fiery red paint. At the time, the Caravan
R/T received little more than curious looks and scant serious
consideration from the press. However, consumer response must have been
enough to convince Chrysler that manning up the minivan held promise,
even if we don't get a hood scoop in the bargain.
The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan will be hitting dealer showrooms within
the next couple months, and when it does, Chrysler is hoping the Grand
Caravan will catch the eye of men in need of family transportation. To
achieve this goal, Chrysler has updated the 2011 Grand Caravan both
inside and out. The split crosshair grill, quad headlamps, updated rear
fascia and LED taillights spice up the exterior look, which carries
over into a sporty interior that still retains the amenities Chrysler
minivan buyers have come to expect, such as ample storage, Stow n' Go
seats, etc. Perhaps hedging its bets, Chrysler also mentions that the
interior includes "storage space for larger items, like a purse" in the
center console.
The aggressive nature of the 2011 Grand Caravan is more than skin deep.
The vehicle is equipped with the new 3.6L Pentastar V-6, which produces
283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Not too shabby, especially
considering that the 5.9L V-8 found in the Dodge Ram just a few years
ago produced only 245 horse and topped out at around 15 mpg (on a good
day). Coupled with a six-speed transmission, the 3.6L engine is
expected to return up to 23 mpg on the highway. A driver selectable
Fuel Economizer Mode adjusts shifting to maximize fuel efficiency. A
factor which should not be overlooked by drivers whom enjoy keeping
control is the term "driver selectable."
 Safety, of course, remains securely in focus. In addition to standard
safety features, an available Safety Sphere package includes
ParkSense(r) rear park assist system, a rear back-up camera, blind spot
monitoring and rear cross path detection system, rain-sensitive wipers
and automatic headlamps. Chrysler's press release rattled off the
following list of standard security and safety features:
- Front seat mounted side air bags
- A new driver side knee blocker air bag
- Supplemental three-row side-curtain air bags
- Electronic stability control
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Remote keyless entry
We'll have to wait and see if the Dodge Grand Caravan resonates with
male buyers, but the question might not be is it possible to man up the
minivan, but rather why man up the minivan? With a plethora of
aggressively styled crossovers on the market, the hot rod minivan has
some very stiff competition for family haulers seeking a manlier mode
of movement.
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In the past 24 years, I've owned 7 mini-vans. three Caravans, four Town and Countrys. I consider myself a "minivanolgist". I know and understand these vehicles the market segment very well. I believe the Chrysler MVs are still the leaders in this very competitive segment. My kids have grown and gone away to college, but I still have to have the functionality and utility of a MV in our household.
Regardless of brand, minivans by their design, are the most functional vehicles on the road; they carry passengers (7, 8) like a bus, haul a full sheet of plywood better than a pick up truck, and ride like a quiet car with great fuel efficiency. They haven't yet dreamed of a crossover that can match this kind of utility. The MV is ultimate functionally perfect vehicle.
For years, I have felt that the manufacturers were ignoring a large number of potential buyers by aiming primarily at the soccer mom segment. I have always yearned for a more sportier model minivan, i.e., more power, firmer suspensions, better handling tires, stiffer shocks/struts, and an all around more aggressive look. My "car guy" friends would laugh and scoff at such a suggestion, but finally, here comes the Dodge Caravan R/T.
The worst part of this story is; I am in a 3 year lease on my current Chrysler T&C and I'm only starting my 2nd year. Its going to be a long two year wait.
For what its worth, my other car is a supercharged 2010 SS Camaro.
Alfie