It's rare when minivans get attention from anyone other than moms and preschoolers, so when our latest spy photos of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan came in we figured they were worth a look. Heavy camo conceals the details, but the overall shape reveals a few things about the direction of Chrysler's next-generation minivans.
Unlike the current Dodge Grand Caravan, and its Chrysler Town and Country twin, this prototype has a much boxier shape. The grille is more upright than the current model and the rear end looks more squared off. The new look gives the Grand Caravan some family resemblance to the Magnum wagon and Charger sedan and might even add some extra interior space.
Another noticeable change is what looks to be a switch to rear windows that roll down. It's a must-have feature now that more than one Asian competitor already offers it. We doubt there's much in store for the seating arrangement inside the van as Chrysler already has a lock on cabin versatility with its Stow 'n Go foldaway seats in the second row. A recent Dodge concept incorporated a Stow 'n Go front-passenger seat, but it's doubtful Dodge will go that far with this van.
Recent engine upgrades in the minivans from Honda and even Kia should guarantee a more powerful engine under the hood of Dodge's next minivan. A switch to a five-speed automatic is another expected upgrade which will help to keep the Caravan competitive. The electronic stability control would be a welcome addition to the Caravan's list of safety features, but in all other areas of passive safety it's already a competitive minivan.
There's one last element to these pictures that we can't ignore — the Volkswagen angle. Just over a month ago DaimlerChrysler signed an agreement with Volkswagen to build minivans for the German automaker. Although Volkswagen is quick to point out that its minivans will have unique styling inside and out, underneath the skin it will be all Caravan. Look for the Dodge and Chrysler vans to hit the market next spring while the Volkswagen version probably won't show up for another year.
Unlike the current Dodge Grand Caravan, and its Chrysler Town and Country twin, this prototype has a much boxier shape. The grille is more upright than the current model and the rear end looks more squared off. The new look gives the Grand Caravan some family resemblance to the Magnum wagon and Charger sedan and might even add some extra interior space.
Another noticeable change is what looks to be a switch to rear windows that roll down. It's a must-have feature now that more than one Asian competitor already offers it. We doubt there's much in store for the seating arrangement inside the van as Chrysler already has a lock on cabin versatility with its Stow 'n Go foldaway seats in the second row. A recent Dodge concept incorporated a Stow 'n Go front-passenger seat, but it's doubtful Dodge will go that far with this van.
Recent engine upgrades in the minivans from Honda and even Kia should guarantee a more powerful engine under the hood of Dodge's next minivan. A switch to a five-speed automatic is another expected upgrade which will help to keep the Caravan competitive. The electronic stability control would be a welcome addition to the Caravan's list of safety features, but in all other areas of passive safety it's already a competitive minivan.
There's one last element to these pictures that we can't ignore — the Volkswagen angle. Just over a month ago DaimlerChrysler signed an agreement with Volkswagen to build minivans for the German automaker. Although Volkswagen is quick to point out that its minivans will have unique styling inside and out, underneath the skin it will be all Caravan. Look for the Dodge and Chrysler vans to hit the market next spring while the Volkswagen version probably won't show up for another year.
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