DCX took up THREE conference rooms at the Holiday Inn Select in Naperville, IL and the event was filled. Fleet sales is indeed a big chunk of business for the automakers.

More details and driving impressions after the jump…

They ran through a presentation about all the vehicles available for fleet sales and hit fleet-centric highlights for each one. More interesting to me was that some options that aren’t available in certain retail-spec models are available on fleet-spec models.

The fleet guys were seeing good success with the Avenger and Sebring in the corporate fleets. I noted that on the Avenger SE Fleet model, one can get the 2.7L V6 in either FFV or gas-only versions instead of the standard 2.4L World Engine - in retail-spec you have to move up to the SXT model to get the 2.7L V6 option.

Charger, 300, and Magnum were touted as holding their residual value better than the Ford Five Hundred or Chevy Impala - in the case of 2006 models with 60K miles, the Charger had almost $5000 more value over the Chevy Impala, and the 300 had almost $1800 more than the Charger. As in retail-spec, the Charger SE gets the 2.7L V6 as standard, with the 3.5L V6 as an option. The Magnum, however, doesn’t get that option - to get the 3.5L V6, you have to move up to the SXT.

The fleet guys are very excited about the new minivans, and were really disappointed when they couldn’t get one to bring to the event. They also mentioned here that, in an attempt to bolster residual values, they’ve cut back on the sales to rental car fleets - if I can read my notes correctly, I believe that since February 2007, they have not sold ONE minivan to a rental car fleet. They shows a video of the new Grand Caravan in action, and it’s pretty darned impressive. One thing I noticed in the spec sheet is that the 3.3L V6/4-speed auto is standard in the SE with no option to upgrade. Moving to the SXT gets you the 3.8L V6 with the SIX-speed automatic, with an optional upgrade to the new 4.0L V6.

For 2008, the base model of the PT Cruiser gets the “LX” designation. Otherwise it soldiers on unchanged for the most part.

Like the PT Cruiser, the 2008 Sebring Sedan base model gets the “LX” designation. Unlike the Avenger, the Sebring Sedan has the 2.4L World Engine/4-speed auto as the standard powertrain on ALL trim levels. Touring models can upgrade to the 2.7L V6/4-speed, and Limited models can upgrade to the 3.5L V6/6-speed (which I believe was the case with the 2007 models as well.)

The 300 doesn’t get the LX designation - the base 300 remains just that. 5-speed automatic remains available only with the 5.7L V8 on the 300C and with the 3.5L V6 on AWD models only.

Pacifica base becomes Pacifica LX, and the 4.0L/6-speed is available (apparently) on all trims - LX, Touring, and Limited.

The new Town & Country follows the Dodge Grand Caravan specs above. Base model is the LX, not to be confused with the SWB model from 2007.

On the new 2008 Dakota, the new 4.7L V8 will be available in SXT trim - at least for the fleet customers. Base powertrain is the 3.7L V6/6-speed manual. Four-speed automatics are options with either 3.7L V6 or 4.7L V8. The 4.7L V8 comes standard with the 5-speed automatic.

The 2008 Ram 1500 has a plethora of options too numerous to mention. Powertrains range from the 3.7L V6 with 6-speed manual or 4-speed auto, to the new 4.7L V8 with 6-speed manual or 5-speed auto, to the 5.7L V8 MDS with 5-speed auto, to the MegaCab 1500 with the non-MDS 5.7L V8 with the 5-speed auto.

The 2008 Ram 2500/3500 trucks can be had with the 5.7L non-MDS V8 and a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (except the 3500 Quad SWB or 3500 MegaCab), the Cummins 5.9L I6 with 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (fleets only), or the Cummins 6.7L I6 with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.

The Sprinter is very popular in the commercial fleet market - we were told that the 2007 model year run allotment is already sold out.

The Chrysler Aspen is apparently popular with higher-up managers and VPs in corporate fleets. Aspen gets the new 4.7L V8 or the 5.7L MDS V8, both backed by 5-speed automatics.
The Dodge Durango also gets the new 4.7L V8 as standard in 4×4 models, and in limited quantities it can be paired with the full-time NV244G2 4WD system. Base Durango 4×2 engine is the 3.7L V6 with 4-speed auto. The 5.7L MDS V8 is standard on the full-time 4WD models.

The Dodge Nitro - again, if I’m reading my notes right - offers the Load’N'Go floor on the SXT model for fleets - retail buyers need to step up to the SLT model to get it. The 4.0L V6 remains exclusive to the R/T model.

The Jeep Patriot is other model the fleet guys are really excited about. The 2.4L World Engine with 5-speed manual remains the standard powertrain, with the 2.0L World engine/CVT2 combo as an option (at retail, you get a $200 credit for going down to the 2.0L engine, but are forced to pay $1050 for the CVT2.) We were told there were a few fleets using Explorers and Trailblazers that were looking to downsize and looking closely at the Patriot.

The Compass is available with the same powertrains as the Patriot, minus the availability of FreedomDrive II. The Compass was largely ignored by most of the people in attendance here and was offered as the “substitute” when the Caliber and Patriot were out on test drives.

The big news for the Grand Cherokee was the new 3.0L CRD model, and they had one on hand. The CRD is only available in the Limited and Overland packages with the 5-speed automatic. Interesting is that they list the 4.7 and 5.7 V8s as being available with a “multispeed automatic.”

The Commander continues unchanged, but also gets that “multispeed automatic” with the V8s.

They talked up the new Liberty a bit - mostly to say it was bigger and has more room behind the rear seats. They never mentioned the SkySlider roof at all, not was there one available to test drive.

Jeep Wrangler was big news as far as sales - but not so much for the fleet buyers.

As it was a DaimlerChrysler event, there was a Mercedes fleet rep on hand to talk about Mercedes car and SUV offerings for fleets. Mercedes is very high on the new C-Class, and for fleet buyers, the entry-level C-Class will come in around $30K - they are looking to make a dent in the “VP/SVP” company car market with this one. Virtually all the Mercedes cars and SUVs are available to fleet buyers - ranging from $30K to $500K - including the AMG models. (We all thought it amusing when the rep - with a straight face - pronounced the word “coupe” as “coo-pay” - he did slip once, which leads me to believe that “coo-pay” is the official Mercedes pronunciation.) There was an E-Class, CLS550, and an R320 CDI on hand for test drives - once you signed a waiver.

If there was one thing that resulted from the “merger” - it appeared to be Mercedes new desire to get deeper involved in fleet sales. Overall, comments on the Cerberus buyout were positive - they are happy to still be working with Daimler on key projects, but also happy to be able to ‘do their own thing.’

And then - test drive time!

Jeep Patriot
I made a beeline straight for the Patriot, as I’ve wanted to drive one since they became available. This was a Limited model with the FD1 4×4 system on it. It wasn’t until the halfway point of my test drive that I remembered that this was the CVT2 I was driving - I had never driven a CVT-equipped vehicle until this time. That said a lot to me, as I didn’t experience the “oddness” that some folks have with CVT operation. I pushed the pedal and it went - no hesitation, no problems. Interior was very nice - the center armrest seemed to come up a bit short for my taste, but overall I had no complaints about the interior. Well, one. My right leg would find itself resting against the center console. While a repositioning of the seat may cure that in the long run, it didn’t cause any real problems overall. I really liked the Patriot.

Dodge Avenger
This was another vehicle I was wanting to try out. It was an SXT model, fairly well loaded, in black, with the spolier. It looked good. Had the heated/cooled cupholder - while I didn’t get to try it out - I can see where a guy who works out of his fleet car might find it handy. The seats had the Yes Essentials fabric on them and felt kind of hard initially - I felt like I was sitting ON them rather than IN them. By the end of the drive, it wasn’t an issue and they felt fine. Controls were all reachable. Accelleration was good, even with the “old” 41TES and the 2.7L V6. My only complaint was when I headed back - this was around 11am and the sun came into the large front windows and struck the chrome trim around the shifter - and then was directed right into my right eye. This would be a recurring theme on the rest of the test drives - each one with the trim around the shifter would put the glare right into my eyes. That was the only issue I had at the end of the drive. Well, that and I prefer the grey interior to the beige. COmpared to my current 98 Stratus, the Avenger has more “vertical” room, but it seemed like less “horizontal” room. And there’s a lot of distance from the outside to the seat and vice versa - almost like I had to take an extra large step to get in and out. Pant legs and skirts will get grimy on the lower part of the car in the Avenger (so it’s a good thing I wear my skirts short I guess.)

Dodge Nitro
Not sure why I decided to drive the Nitro - I’m not in the market for such a truck - it may have just been that it was available. The color was sharp - a very vibrant blue. All black interior - which made it very hot inside. I put it into reverse to back it up and…nothing. I’m used to a vehicle with an automatic starting to creep forward or backward when in gear and my foot is off the brake. Not the Nitro. I had to give it gas. Which leads to issue #2 - there’s a bit of pushing until the truck moves, and then at that point it MOVES. RIGHT NOW. I think I scared the people standing nearby - there was just not a smooth way to slowly back the truck up. Got it moving foward - no smooth way to get going forward either - and proceeded to brake. Problem #3 - there was about 1.5-2 inches of pedal travel (it seemed) before the brakes began to apply. So, with my training out of the way, I moved on with the test drive. There’s no big expanse of dash top between driver and glass like in the cars - which pretty much means no glare on the glass from the dash - that was nice. Center console was HUGE in width, as was the armrest. No good place to put my left elbow - sill was too high, armrest was too low. And make no mistake - the Nitro isn’t some cute-ute SUV with car-like ride - this thing is and rides like a truck. On the plus side, the fact that the windows aren’t very tall means they don’t take long to roll up or down.

At this point the event was winding down. I really wanted to drive the CLS550, but it proved to be popular. I wanted to drive the Sebring to compare it with the Avenger, but it was out as well. Then, something red caught my eye…

Dodge Charger SRT-8
I actually wanted to drive the 2.7L Charger they had, but it was out. So I figured - what the hell? - and grabbed the SRT-8’s keys. Comfortable seats, good dash and console layout, it was very nice. I was able to back it up and move out with little fanfare - I was trying to behave myself, after all. Moved towards the street and immediately hit the silly cruise control level that sits right above the turn signal stalk. I’d gladly give up the radio and info controls on the steering wheel for cruise control buttons, because that’s where God intended them to be. Plus too many stalks looks stupid. But I digress. The area we were in is suburban, heavy commercial and retail, and heavy traffic While were were asked/told not to get on the nearby tollway, I was aware of the frontage road. Little development there, and more importantly, little traffic. Left the light just fine, and then gravity took hold of my right foot. Quicker than I could say “sorry officer”, I was doing 90 with no fuss and no drama. And just as quickly, I was back down to 45. Now that I got those demons out of my system, I could focus on the rest of the car. Other than the “glare on the trim” issue as before, I had no complaints - this was just a damn nice car.

Time for only one more ride. Sebring is still out, as is the CLS550. So, to compare against the Patriot I drove earlier…

Dodge Caliber
Not sure if it was because this example was beat on more than others (it had 5000 miles on it), but the Caliber did not impress me. In fact, it didn’t compare to the Patriot at all in my mind. The textured dash reflected in the glass and was annoying, the lid for the SRS seemed to be a different shade than the rest of the dash, and that annoying “CVT-ness” was fully present and accounted for here. The 2.0L made more noise than I recall the 2.4L making in the Patriot. The power was fine overall, but I just did not get the same feeling overall with the Caliber that I did with the Patriot. It seemed a LOT cheaper (and likely was - Caliber SXT versus Patriot Limited 4×4) - but it did show me just how much two vehicles that were very similar under the skin could have a very different experience overall.

Both the Patriot and Avenger are on my ‘future vehicle’ list - I was impressed with both. My initial impression of the Avenger at the Chicago Auto Show wasn’t all that good - there were fit and finish issues - and it’s nice to see those have been addressed. The Patriot flat-out impressed me, and after looking at the pricing, it’s got to be one of the best bargains in the business today.

The car is built on a 120″ wheelbase, but appears to be smaller than it really is. Many media people at the show thought it was more Dodge Caliber-sized than Chrysler 300-sized.

The upper portion of the car is painted Mystic Blue Pearl, while the sill and the lower portions of the fascias are done in Starbright Silver.

Read and see more after the jump…

Chrysler Nassau Concept Gallery

The front and rear side glass retracts fully, and there is no above-the-belt B-pillar (which seems to be a big theme for DCX vehicles as of late.)

Here’s more of the gushing marketing prose from Chrysler:

“We sought to capture the effect of a classic sculpture – an artistic approach with a shapely flowing of lines that give the impression of movement even while standing still,“ Barrington said. “The line in the profile draws down and into the taillamp, leading the eye of the observer toward to the dramatic back end which creates its unexpected ‘shooting brake’ appearance.”
In side view, the upper portion of the rear hatch is steeply raked, with the back light swept cleanly around to the C-pillars. The lower portion of the tapering back light glass is pulled emphatically rearward, a treatment repeated in the near vertical surface of the lower hatch. The flanking taillamps are graphically the reverse of the headlamps, with the lenses growing wider as they sweep around to the side, with the bright accent along the bottom of the lens. Much of the lens is populated by rows of bright rectangles set in a red field, the rectangles helping to delineate the surface of the rear quarters when the lamps are unlit. All exterior lighting is visually distinctive with the use of atypical textures, colors and LED technology.
Fronting the long hood is a new interpretation of the eggcrate Chrysler grille, rendered in chrome and satin aluminum. Bracketing the grille and sweeping rearward nearly to the wheel openings, the long, narrowing headlamps and their upper chrome brows combine with the rising sculptured line of the upper fascia to subliminally evoke the uplifted wings of the Chrysler badge.
The Chrysler Nassau’s lower fascia is accented by the long chrome brows of the tapering left and right fog lamps, a detail replicated in the “repeater lamps” of the slim, door-mounted side view mirrors. The plan view of the Nassau highlights the dramatic swept-back curves that define both the front and rear fascias.
Stepping into the Chrysler Nassau, one enters a new world of luxury specially designed to a younger, aspiring audience. The presiding interior theme is one of flowing seamless sculpture composed of leathers and fabrics derived from futuristic architectural interiors.
“We looked carefully at space efficiency,” said Ben Chang, principal designer of the Nassau’s luxurious interior. “We pushed the interior surfaces outboard to increase the space inside while individual bucket seating provides each of the four occupants personal space.
“The look of various components inside the vehicle was inspired by the design of contemporary cell phones, computers, iPods and MP3 players,” Chang added. “We paid close attention to the graphics and finishes of these technologically advanced products, seeking to make controls in the Nassau’s interior that the driver interfaces with similar to what you’d find in the office or among personal electronic devices. We strived to achieve a seamless interface between your car and the rest of your electronic world.”

The instrument panel is a showcase for new technologies in data display, personal control interface, and home theater-inspired entertainment. Gear selection is accomplished via a pod control mounted on the instrument panel while the steering wheel incorporates auxiliary paddle shifters.
“The look of the instrument cluster was based on an expensive watch, again because we sought to create a visible connection with what people have and use,” Chang said.
While the instrument cluster has its own taut brow, the shape of the forward portion of the instrument panel is sensuously sculpted. Housing the main cluster, the upper surface of the panel includes a wide asymmetrical elliptical opening.
The shape was inspired and reminiscent of Constantin Brancusi’s famous Bird in Space sculptures. Brancusi, an artist based in Paris from the 1920s to the 1940s, was preoccupied by physical attributes of birds in flight, or more specifically, the essence of flight. The theme fits perfectly with the vehicle’s goal of giving the constant impression of smooth, slender movement.
Within the housing of the instrument panel (I/P) is a three-layer screen, which allows the simultaneous display of the navigation, passenger entertainment and vehicle function displays.
As they move toward the doors, the left and right side lower portions of the two-tone I/P rise upward, again subtly reprising the Chrysler wings. Sandwiched between the upper and lower surfaces of the instrument panel are partially-concealed horizontal vents that direct cool air into the cabin.
The four handsomely-formed bucket seats are covered in cream-colored leather, with the suede accents in a fine bamboo texture, a theme repeated on the door trim panels. Occupants can gaze upward through twin “Picture View” skylights, longitudinal blue-tinted glass panels that run the length of the roof panel. Those in the rear seats can enjoy a movie displayed on the flush video screens incorporated into the rear-facing portion of each of the front seat headrests.
Running fore-aft between the seats is a center console with a satin silver trim strip that travels from the I/P center stack to the upper rear seat backs. Set within the console are the front and rear “joy stick” controls designed to function much like the “mouse” control of a home or office computer. Power window switches and flush-mounted pop-up cup holders are also contained in the console.
Among the more interesting visual details within the Deep Mystic Blue and Cream interior are the refined-yet-simple chrome accents and textures used on the silver speaker grilles on the doors, seat back monitors, headliner and foot pedals.
Behind the passenger cabin, the surface of the boat tail-shaped cargo cover is accented with five stainless steel accent strips, while panels in the carpeted cargo area below offer additional storage.
“With its sculptural artistry and technological sophistication, the interior of the Chrysler Nassau is the perfect complement to its visually-arresting exterior,” said Chang.

In all honesty, I think this may have been the concept for the next-generation Pacifica, which was recently axed by Chrysler Group (allegedly due to cost concerns.) While I don’t expect to see a car like this produced (although perhaps a 300 Touring Wagon?) I do expect to see some of the styling and interior elements make it into future models.

2007 CHRYSLER NASSAU CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

Weight and Dimensions
Weight: 4500 lbs (est)
Length 196.1” (4981 mm)
Wheelbase 120” (3050 mm)
Front overhang 37” (940mm)
Rear overhang 39” (991 mm)
Width 74.2” (1885 mm)
Height 58.9” (1496 mm)
Track front/rear 63.8”/65.5”
Turn circle 38.7 ft (11.8m)
Couple 35.5” (755 mm)

Powertrain and suspension
Engine 6.1L HEMI, 425 hp @ 6200 rpm, 420 ft. lb @ 4800 rpm
Drivetrain RWD, A580 5-speed automatic
Suspension Front/SLA, Rear/5-Link Independent

Wheels and tires
Tire size front/rear P245/40R22 29.7” (755mm)
Wheel size front/rear 22” x 8.5”

Color scheme
Exterior Mystic Pearl Blue
Interior Deep Mystic Blue and Cream, Leather and Ultra Suede

Key Performance Attributes
0-60 mph 5 seconds
Standing 1/4 Mile 13.5 seconds
Top speed 165 mph
Range 380 miles

Photos, specs, and more information after the jump…

View the images in our 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan galleries…

Taken from the Chrysler press release…

ALL-NEW 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY MINIVANS RAISE THE BAR FOR THE MINIVAN SEGMENT

Fifth generation of industry-leading Chrysler Group minivans to arrive this fall

All-new exterior and interior design for a more contemporary appearance

Thirty-five new or improved features make the 2008 Chrysler Group minivans “family rooms on wheels”

Five models, three distinct seating and storage systems and three powertrains, including a minivan-first six-speed transaxle, offer the right ingredients for any active lifestyle

The all-new 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans once again prove they have the right ingredients to be the best vehicles to move people and cargo. With 35 new and improved features, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country aren’t just practical vehicles, they also have the right mix to be “family rooms on wheels,” with something for everyone to enjoy.

“The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan spice up the minivan recipe by offering an all-new contemporary appearance, five different models, three distinct seating and storage systems, unmatched entertainment systems and the safety you expect and deserve,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Marketing. “Add in three powertrain options, clever interior features and industry-leading functionality, and you have a recipe that will be a favorite with any family.”

The newest ingredient for functional family seating is the all-new Swivel ’n Go™ seating system. Swivel ’n Go offers second row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor of the second row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating. Swivel ’n Go also offers an available industry-first integrated child booster seat in the second-row quad chair and an available minivan-exclusive one-touch power-folding third-row 60/40 bench seat.

“Chrysler Group engineers turned the tables on traditional seat systems to come up with a technology that lets families have more choices of how to spend their time while traveling,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Chrysler Group Front-wheel-drive Product Team. “With Swivel ’n Go, second- and third-row passengers can face each other to have a conversation, play games or have a meal on the go.”

Safety is a key part of any minivan recipe, and that continues to be true with the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. All-row supplemental side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control and brake assist, LATCH child seat anchor system and a patented, energy-absorbing steering column are among the standard safety features included in the 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans. Innovations like an industry-first integrated child booster seat, ParkView™ rear back-up camera, a rearview interior conversation mirror, integrated child safety seat and ParkSense® rear back-up system also ensure peace of mind while traveling.

MINIVAN INNOVATION LEADERSHIP
The modern minivan was invented by the former Chrysler Corporation in 1983. Since then, the Chrysler Group has sold more than 11 million minivans and invented more than 60 minivan firsts that not only have revolutionized the minivan segment, but made their way into other vehicle segments as well.

“Chrysler Group is the leader in bringing innovations to the minivan segment, and those innovations seem to have an uncanny way of ending up in other products,” said Lyons. “Integrated child safety seats, dual-zone temperature controls, a power liftgate and DVD entertainment are just some of the features that started in a minivan, but are now available in other vehicle segments.”

For 2008, the Chrysler Town & Country (sold as the Chrysler Grand Voyager in most markets outside North America) and Dodge Grand Caravan offer value, functionality, safety and a package of innovative features that no other manufacturer can match. With 35 new or improved features, the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan offer consumers a home away from home.

“The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan offer the best amenities for today’s busy families,” said Murphy. “With a dual DVD system that plays different media at the same time, pinpoint LED lighting to read by, a table to play games or finish homework, a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, power sliding doors and liftgate and YES Essentials® cloth seats, every member of the family will enjoy their journey.”

UNMATCHED FUNCTIONALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country have spiced up the recipe for minivan success to include a place for everything. A premium, multi-function, front-row sliding console, dual glove boxes, second-row covered storage bins, third-row storage area and clever storage bins and pockets offer more places to store things than ever before.

Three distinct seating configurations are available for 2008 in North America. They include a second-row bench seat with second-row covered storage bins and third-row fold-in-the-floor seating, a Stow ’n Go® seating and storage system that offers the only second- and third-row fold-in-the-floor seats in the industry and the new Swivel ’n Go seating that allows the second row seats to swivel 180 degrees to face rearward. Swivel ’n Go also includes a removable table that fits between the second and third rows with a fold-in-the-floor third-row seat. A one-touch power-folding third-row seat also is available.

Available comfort and convenience features include a new, removable sliding front console that is large enough to store a purse; remote start; heated first- and second-row leather or cloth seats; rearview interior conversation mirror; YES Essentials stain-resistant, odor-resistant, anti-static cloth fabric; a removable flashlight in the rear quarter panel; first- and second-row power windows; second- and third-row retractable sun shades; power sliding doors; power liftgate with power button on the key fob and rear-pillar, ambient halo lighting; movable, pinpoint Light Emitting Diode (LED) reading lamps; map lights; and a dual- or tri-zone heating and cooling system.

“To get the best recipe of comfort, security and flexibility that fits any lifestyle, we added comfort features like remote start, heated first- and second-row cloth or leather seats and ambient lighting, then mixed in standard safety features like all-row supplemental side-curtain air bags and ESP,” said Ann Fandozzi, Director – Chrysler Group Front-wheel-drive Product Marketing. “Clever features found in the 2008 Chrysler Group minivans include a ‘Swiss-army-knife-like’ sliding front console and a removable flashlight in the rear quarter panel.”

Entertainment features include a dual DVD, multimedia entertainment system that can play different media at the same time, MyGIG™ CD/DVD/HDD/MP3/satellite radio with voice-activated capability, touch screen and real-time traffic and navigation, UConnect hands-free communication system with Bluetooth® technology, mesh side pockets on the second-row seats that can hold iPods, hand-held gaming systems or beverages, 110V inverter, two second-row output/input jacks with a 12-volt power outlet and an overhead console with bins large enough to store headphones.

MODEL LINEUP
Five models and three powertrains are available for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country. Dodge offers two models: the Dodge Grand Caravan SE and Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Chrysler offers three models: the Chrysler Town & Country LX, the Chrysler Town & Country Touring and the Chrysler Town & Country Limited.

Powertrain choices for North America include a new 4.0-liter V-6 aluminum engine mated to a new six-speed transaxle that produces 240 hp (179 kW) and 253 lb.-ft. (343 N•m) of torque, a 3.8-liter V-6 aluminum engine mated to a new six-speed transaxle that produces 198 hp (148 kW) and 230 lb.-ft. (312 N•m) of torque or a 3.3-liter flex-fuel-capable (FFV) V-6 aluminum engine mated to a four-speed transaxle that produces 170 hp (127 kW) and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque. The varied powertrain options provide a pleasant driving experience in a variety of conditions.

“Chrysler Group has been a leader in flex-fuel-capable vehicles,” said Lyons. “We sold our first minivan capable of running on E85 in 1998, and since then, Chrysler Group has sold more than 1,330,000 flex-fuel minivans.”

MANUFACTURING INFORMATION
The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans will be built at Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and St. Louis South Assembly Plant in Fenton, Missouri.

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country are expected to be in dealerships in the United States in the fall of 2007.