Chrysler Keeps Town & Country, Axes Grand Caravan
Chrysler released an onslaught of future product information today including plans for a plug-in hybrid version of the Town and Country minivan.
The MPV is supposed to return up to 75 MPG in plug-in hybrid form. Previous reports suggest that the new minivan will come packaged with Chrysler’s go-to nine-speed automatic transmission also found in the Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler 200. the upcoming van is also expected to offer all-wheel drive just like both of those vehicles.
Expect the seats to be overhauled as well in the replacement Town & Country with thinner seat backs that offer an improved stow-n-go design compared to the current vans.
SEE ALSO: Chrysler Stow ‘n Go Seats Slated for Improvement
The new Town & Country will arrive in 2016 and Chrysler expects to introduce its plug=in hybrid version of the van sometime that year after rolling out the more traditional model. When that happens, Chrysler will also eliminate the Dodge Grand Caravan.
Expect the new van to draw its styling heavily from the 700C concept first seen during the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (pictured). While Chrysler didn’t specify when the Grand Caravan will exit production, the transition will likely coincide with the planned launch of the 2016 model year Town & Country.
GALLERY: Chrysler 700C
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Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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I will hate not being able to buy a Grand Caravan after next year. Guess I'm stuck with one of the Japanese or Korean ones. I've had Grand minivans for over 15 years. End of an era, Chrysler and me!