Along with the new facelifted Avenger, Chrysler also released details and images of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, the one that they claim has driving dynamics of a performance sedan. Really?! Like the Avenger it comes with the Pentastar V-6 engine and also like it, gets a reworked suspension and a whole new interior.
Other similar upgrades between the two includes the styling tweaks, where the Caravan gets new front fascia that sports the new Dodge signature “split crosshair” grille, a new hood, quad headlamps. It also gets new rear “ring of fire” LED taillamps along with the new Dodge badge.
The redesigned interior which has much better quality than before features nice stuff such as ambient blue-green color, larger Stow ‘n Go seats with a new, easy to use one-touch fold down function. New, premium seating materials and new door trim are soft to the touch. A minivan-first heated steering wheel option and the best storage in the segment round out the improved interior.
As for the standard and available equipments, they include include 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 and remote keyless entry. The available Safety Sphere package of features includes ParkSense® rear park assist system, a rear back-up camera, blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection system, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps.
2011 Grand Caravan also gets an R/T trim level which is supposed to a sporty Man Van as they call it! It will have more equipments and tweaked styling inside and out.
As mentioned the new Caravan comes with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, which replaces 3.3-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6 engines. It delivers 283 hp and 260 lb.-ft of torque features a new driver-selectable Fuel Economizer Mode.
With the flip of a switch, drivers can change the transmission shift schedule to maximize their fuel efficiency. In addition, a 12 millimeter lower ride height, new premium, lower-rolling resistance tires, a new spoiler and reduced brake caliper and rear bearing drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan’s excellent fuel economy.
The car will hit the showrooms later this year, coming with a 100,000-mile warranty.
