Chrysler's Town & Country minivan is new for 2008, and features a host of new interior upgrades as well as a more upright stance.
New under the hood is a 4.0-liter V-6 with 240 horsepower and a six-speed automatic. The six-speed is also offered with a 3.8-liter V-6, while a fuel-sipper 3.3-liter V-6 is mated to a four-speed automatic. The latter version is E85 flex-fuel capable.
The interior of the new vans also promise to ring some bells with a lot of minivan buyers with unique features such as a collapsible table that turns the rear of the van into an RV or a rolling family room.
The second-row-seats can turn to face the rear of the vehicle and a small pole and plastic table top can be pulled from a storage bin inside the van to create a surface for enjoying a meal or playing a game or doing homework. Chrysler also has added pinpoint LED lighting at strategic points in the rear so the table also can be used while traveling at night.
The addition of the table and swivel seats (Swivel 'n Go) adds a whole new dimension to the interior of the van and is almost certain to draw some keen interest from the carpool set. The table is not as revolutionary perhaps as Chrysler's Stow 'n Go seats, which seemed to catch Chrysler domestic and Japanese competitors flat-footed, but it will definitely create some buzz in a segment that could use some spicing up.
There are 35 new or improved features on the 2008 minivans, which will be offered an array of five different models with three distinctive seat and storage arrays and three different powertrains, including the first six-speed transaxle in the segment.
The safety equipment includes curtain airbags, electronic stability control with traction control and brake assist, child seat anchors, and back-up cameras as well. In addition, there are separate DVD systems for second- and third-row seats. Storage and power outlets are also built in at strategic points throughout the interior. Chrysler's MyGIG entertainment system and Sirius satellite radio and Sirius BackseatTV are also available. Other options include remote start, a rearview camera, high-intensity discharge headlamps and mirrors with built-in turn signals.
Chrysler says it's preparing to better market one of the minivans' hidden assets - flex-fuel capability. The flex-fuel capability, which means the vans can run on ethanol as well as gasoline, will be standard on the 2008 vans.
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