The Grand Caravan has been one of the better selling minivans in North America for more than two decades. However, the model reached the end of its life in the US while in Canada it will only be sold until the mid of 2017. Officially the car has been replaced by the Chrysler Pacifica. Despite that, it seems that it is not entirely dead. There are some strong rumors out there which suggest that a new one will be showcased with the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. At this point, there is very little information about this new model but it seems it might be a bit more different than what we currently know. For starters, it will not be the usual minivan.
Source: thecarconnection.com
But what then?
Well, Dodge will become FCA’s sporty arm in North America and the Grand Caravan should make no exception. The car will continue to offer 7 or 8 seats but it might not be the usual minivan. Instead, it could take the form of a crossover, more similar to what the Durango used to be. However, this would still be based on a car’s chassis offering front wheel drive as standard and a transverse engine. The end result should be a rather cheap crossover that will be able to carry eight people in its base configuration. Not much is known about its release date but a concept might be shown in 2017 with a production-ready model in 2018. The price would likely stay under $25,000 for a basic model which would allow it to undercut a lot of its rivals by a really big margin.
Source: thecarconnection.com
Is it really needed?
At this point, there is a lot of great minivans and seven-seat crossovers out there but there is always room for more. The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan would likely become just as successful as its predecessor thanks to its low price and tons of space inside the cabin. However, if Dodge wants it to be successful then the Grand Caravan will have to be different. Even though it is quite early, the move to a crossover design would allow for some more serious competition for the Pilot and cars like it.
Source: dodge.com – Entire Dodge Lineup
New Grand Caravan Design
The previous model looked simple and utilitarian but this will not be the case for the future 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. If the rumors are true then expect it to grow in size quite a bit. On top of that, the car will get rid of its sliding rear doors and it will get a much more muscular shape. In the front, it is expected to get quite a few design traits from the Charger which would make for a very interesting look for sure. The only unknown factor is the actual size of the model but rumors did say that a larger footprint is to be expected.
Source: thecarconnection.com – 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Exterior
Under the hood of 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
Being a product of FCA’s sporty arm, the future Grand Caravan won’t be slow. Even the most basic model is expected to continue to use a 3.6 liter V6, most likely the updated Pentastar. This will easily make over 300 horsepower which is more than enough for a car like this. However, for those wanting more, a new 3 liter twin-turbocharged V6 could be added to the mix. This is known for making close to 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque in certain applications and it would make a great offering in a future Grand Caravan SRT. A new 2 liter turbocharged petrol engine which could offer 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque is also expected.
Source: thecarconnection.com
This will first debut on the Wrangler and it will then migrate to most of their other cars. So far the official output hasn’t been released but it would make a great “economy” version for the rumored Grand Caravan.
Dodge has invested many years, in becoming reconized in the minivan sector,
the first decade with mitshibishi junk, Dodge had a hard go, of getting faverable ratings in the consumer guides
very few products from dodge gets a second look, yes they made trendy PT cruzers. and prowlers vipers, how much of that junk is makeing money for them today?
the trucks….. thanks to the cummings the big truck has found a following, even though the truck itself ride like a lumber wagon, and has a death wobble
Dodge does sit, on the only product reconized in north america to measure up agianst the asian made machines, and that is the grande caravan, the most versatle machine ever made, and dollar for dollar, is likely the best value out there! …. even the original mini van, puts there VW sign on it
remember when chevy quite making the caprice, the millions of taxis and police and other costomers went to…. ford LTD
when the caravan is deleted, honda, toyota, and korean vans will fill that void, it won’t be replaced by a suv with no history!