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Report: Chrysler extending production of current Dodge Avenger, Jeep Wrangler, Grand Caravan

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Dodge, Jeep

2013 Dodge Avenger - front three-quarter view

Are you hesitant to pull the trigger on a brand new Dodge Avenger in hopes that a new one will be coming? Well, don’t hold your breath. According to The Detroit News, Chrysler will be extending production of the current Avenger sedan through the end of 2015.

Originally, we heard that the company would kill the Avenger to better focus its midsize sedan efforts on the Chrysler 200 replacement. But then new reports stated there would indeed be an Avenger successor, and that we could see it as early as next January. This Detroit News report cites supplier sources confirming the extension of Avenger production, though Chrysler has not released an official statement on the matter.

These same suppliers say that the current Jeep Wrangler will live on through mid-2018 – that’s right, another five years. The Detroit News reports that a replacement for the iconic, go-anywhere Jeep was due in mid-2016.

Lastly, the report mentions that the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan will remain in production through late 2017, though its Chrysler Town & Country counterpart will be replaced by an all-new vehicle for the 2016 model year. This only further backs reports that the Grand Caravan will be killed from the Chrysler Group portfolio, with the T&C remaining the only minivan in production at the company’s Windsor facility.

Chrysler extending production of current Dodge Avenger, Jeep Wrangler, Grand Caravan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK company markets caravan pulled by mobility scooter [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Specialty, Electric

2011 ETA QTVan

2011 ETA QTVan – Click above to view video after the jump

Mobility scooter owners now have a new way to make sure they’re first in line for the early-bird special or senior discount day with the QTVan, a mobility scooter-towed mini caravan. The trailer was designed by English company Environmental Transport Association as a convenient way to dodge lines, or a handy place to stay should your Rascal crap out on you. With the Royal Wedding fast approaching, ETA is touting the mini camper as a perfect way to beat the crowd in comfort and style.

It’s no Airstream by any means, but manages to fit a raft of features into a package just over six feet long. Inside, there’s a full-size bed, a tea service, a full bar and a 19-inch flat-screen television. It’s even available for short vacations, though with a 30-mile range and six-mph top end, it won’t get you much further than the park.

For those with a green-sensitive mindset, the ETA says the QTVan is 100-percent carbon neutral, provided you use sustainable energy sources to charge it. Conveniently, ETA will also sell you a mobility scooter ~~roadside~~ curbside assistance plan, covering everything from loss of charge to flat tires. Between the QTVan and the breakdown coverage, ETA has all your mobility scooter needs in hand.

The QTVan is available now to English customers, with a starting price of £5,500, or about $9,000, not including the scooter itself. Breakdown coverage will run you £49.99, or around $82, per year. Click past the jump to check out an epically awesome video of the QTVan in action.

[Source: YouTube via ETA]

Continue reading UK company markets caravan pulled by mobility scooter [w/video]

UK company markets caravan pulled by mobility scooter [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World’s fastest Dodge Caravan for sale

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Minivan/Van, Dodge, Specialty

1989 Dodge Caravan

World’s fastest Dodge Caravan – Click above to watch the video after the jump

That’s right, the world’s fastest Dodge Caravan is being hawked to focus on other projects, and the seller has set a reasonable $6,500 selling price for the rolling novelty. The van started life in 1989, hauling the Joneses to soccer practice and Walmart. When current owner Ryan got ahold of it, though, its m.o. changed dramatically.

The minivan’s engine and transmission were treated to thorough performance rebuilds, and the Chrysler four-pot got some much-needed oomph via a turbo. All that work yielded a stock-looking Dodge Caravan that’s good for 11.5 seconds at 115 mph in the quarter mile, if you’re brave enough.

You can see the original listing for the van here. Click past the jump to see a video of this family hauler turned dragstrip nightmare.

[Source: 1A Auto via Jalopnik]

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World’s fastest Dodge Caravan for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Grand Caravan gets new $23,995 base MSRP, now least expensive minivan in U.S.

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Dodge

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has announced that the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan will get lob $1,000 off of its base MSRP, making it the least expensive minivan in the United States. This savings applies to the base Express model, which is now priced at $23,995, not including the $835 destination charge.

The slightly higher-grade Mainstreet model (no, the naming structure doesn’t make sense to us, either) also benefits from a bit of cost savings, taking $250 off of its base price. The mid-range minivan now wears a $25,745 sticker price.

Both the Dodge Grand Caravan and its Chrysler Town & Country twin were substantially refreshed for the 2011 model year. In addition to the higher-quality, more comfortable interior, both minivans now use the automaker’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. We still aren’t sure if either of the Chrysler vans are the best-in-segment players, but with a new ultra-low MSRP, the Grand Caravan should now be a bit more attractive to prospective buyers.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

[Source: Chrysler]

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan gets new $23,995 base MSRP, now least expensive minivan in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is spruced up, yet unsurprisingly sedate

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Dodge

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T – Click above for high-res image gallery

Long ago, Chrysler told us that it would be launching a “manlier minivan,” and the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T looks to be just the ticket. Sort of.

Power still comes from the automaker’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and while there’s nothing weak about 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in a minivan, our own visions of a proper “man van” involved some sort of Hemi-spec power outputs. Nevertheless, the Grand Caravan R/T looks slightly more aggressive, wearing a unique set of 17-inch alloys, and employs design tweaks like body-colored side moldings. Inside, black leather seats are standard kit and red contrast stitching gives off an aura of sportiness, even though the family-hauler won’t impress your sports car-driving friends at parties.

Man van? Not so much. But even so, the Grand Caravan’s R/T trim package has a good chance of speaking to those consumers who need a minivan’s capability while still trying to play it cool. Scroll through our high-res image gallery of live shots direct from the Chicago Auto Show floor to see for yourself.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: Chicago 2011

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is spruced up, yet unsurprisingly sedate originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Dodge

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T – Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of Chrysler’s giant product onslaught for the 2011 model year, The Pentastar has released new R/T trim levels of both the Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey crossover. Both models make their debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week, and while there aren’t any big power boosts, the spruced up exterior and interior designs speak of sportiness.

Both the Grand Caravan and Journey R/T use Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, pumping out 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. The minivan is only available with front-wheel drive, though an all-wheel-drive variant of the Journey R/T is available.

Outside, the Grand Caravan R/T gets new appearance tweaks like a “dipped” body-colored grille, body-colored side moldings and a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Likewise, the Journey R/T features the same sort of exterior treatment, but rides on larger 19-inch aluminum wheels with a satin carbon finish. Inside, both vehicles benefit from upgrades like black seats with red contrast stitching throughout, as well as the latest in Chrysler connectivity and infotainment.

The 2011 Grand Caravan R/T and Journey R/T will arrive at dealerships this Spring, priced from $30,595 and $28,995, respectively. Opting for the all-wheel-drive Journey R/T will set you back $30,695, and you can read the full suite of details in the automaker’s press release, after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Journey R/T

2011 Dodge Journey R/T

[Source: Chrysler]

Chicago 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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