2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: First Drive
Along with most of the Chrysler lineup for 2011, this year's Grand Caravan pitches headlong into the rejuvenation fad. Not that it didn't need a tightening here, a mini-lift there, a spa weekend most everywhere (and mostly for its plasticky, creaky cabin), but the Grand Caravan's always been a fundamentally sound package.
It's only recently--since the new version arrived in 2008--that it's undercut itself with a cost-cutting interior. That's been gutted this year, and with a new drivetrain plan that includes the new Pentastar V-6, the massaged minivan greets a slew of new competitors nose-on. It's an interesting footnote: for 2011, every new minivan for sale in the U.S. gets a moderate to complete makeover, from the Kia Sedona's light updates to the complete overhaul of the new Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.
Let's start with how it looks, because with the Odyssey's new lightning-bolt sideview and the Sienna's tarted-up swagger--not to mention the Quest's overt Flex cues--the Grand Caravan suddenly seems more boxy than ever. There's an honesty about its shape that didn't play as well three years ago, when this Grand Caravan replaced the old egg-shaped one. Going from truly handsome to truly, er, space-efficient still doesn't give the Grand Caravan the gorgeousness that no driver expects from a minivan--but the new, small touches are nicely faired into the one-box canvas. The headlights round down into suggestiveness, the crosshairs grow on the grille to military grade, and the re-faired skirts and bumpers drum up a little curiosity, especially on the new R/T version. The taillamps are LED sprays dubbed the "ring of fire" by Dodge; they mimic those in the new Charger, and sound a little unfair to Johnny Cash.
Moving inside through the front hinged doors, the Caravan's playspaces have ditched the gross-grain plastics for something more suitably adult. From the sliding side doors back, not much has changed--it's still crayon-and-vomit-proof--but facing the senior family members is an uncluttered, upgraded dash with better materials all around. That's with the exception of the cloth upholstery: the Grand Caravan will be Chrysler's sub-$30,000 minivan, and the "premium" cloth interior isn't the top-grade equal of the plastics and metallic trim surrounding it. It's a little fuzzy, a little vintage-80s Korean--and leather's only an option on the top two trim packages.
Aptera 2e: On-Track For October, Official Shot Leaked
We haven't heard much from Aptera for a while -- at least, not since Jay Leno gave the company's 2e prototype a test run on LA's freeways. But despite the lack of updates, production on the 2e seems to be moving swiftly ahead, and an official image of the production model has been leaked to the interweb.
In its final form, the three-wheeled vehicle looks very similar to previously published renderings and the 2e prototype. However, the greenhouse appears to be somewhat airier, particularly the rear side windows. And we presume that the company fixed that pesky little problem about the windows not rolling down. The front wheel housings look slightly chunkier, as does the fin-like one covering the back wheel. And maybe it's just the angle and lighting of this shot, but the whole car (well, technically it's a motorcycle, though that may change) looks a little heavier. Not quite as light and space-agey as we'd hoped. We'll reserve judgment until we ge a better look, though.
According to reports, the 2e will offer a slightly larger interior than the Chevy Volt and more storage space than the Honda Accord. It will ultimately be offered with three drivetrain options -- a conventional gas engine, a plug-in hybrid set-up, and a battery electric system. The fully electric 2e is said to have a charge time of eight hours and a range of up to 100 miles; of the three drivetrains, the EV is expected to arrive in showrooms first.
Aptera has previously said that the first 2es would be delivered to buyers in October of this year, and the company appears to be on track to meet that goal; the rest of the US should see it by late 2010. No word yet on pricing, although rumors place it between $25,000 and $45,000 -- quite a large range.
We're looking forward to official details -- and a test drive (hint, hint) -- in the near future.
UPDATE: Our pals at GreenCarReports have gotten test drives. Color us jealous.
[AutoblogGreen via MotorAuthority]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Jaguar Debuts Plug-In Hybrid ‘Limo-Green’ Concept
Hot on the heels of Fisker's announcement about fuel efficiency for its Karma sedan comes word of a new luxury vehicle from Jaguar that bears a few technological similarities to the Karma. Based on the Jaguar XJ, the new plug-in hybrid/extended-range electric concept has been dubbed the Limo-Green.
Not many specifics have emerged about the Limo-Green, but we do know something about its drivetrain. Created in conjunction with the British government, Caparo, MIRA, and Lotus, the Limo-Green derives power from a lithium-ion battery pack, which runs an electric motor capable of 195 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle has a projected range of about 30 miles per charge, after which an efficient 1.2-liter gas engine from Lotus kicks in to re-power the batteries. (Presumably that's the same Lotus engine that everyone's been talking about, which is set to debut in Frankfurt next week.) In this extended-range mode, the Limo-Green can manage 600 miles of travel per tank, or about 47 miles per U.S. gallon. That's slightly less than the Karma estimates, but as we all know, it's a brave new world when it comes to judging fuel economy. The Limo-Green tops out at around 112mph.
According to Jaguar's Anthony Harper, the Limo-Green will remain a concept vehicle for the moment: "The components aren't at the right cost or quality yet you would expect of a Jaguar product, but the technology is there." However, the concept is fully functional and is expected to enter rigorous testing during the 2010 calendar year. It could launch as a new vehicle in the Jaguar lineup, or as a variant of the XJ. No word on when that launch might take place, but some suggest it could be as early as 2011. We'll keep you posted.
[Autocar via MotorAuthority]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Geneva Motor Show: Infiniti Gets To The Essence
Among the many vehicles dropping trou in Geneva today, few are as highly anticipated as the Infiniti Essence concept.
You might recall that Infiniti teased us with a detail shot a few weeks back, but of course, we couldn't tell much from one wee pic. (Not that we didn't try.) Today, the veil finally dropped, and we have to agree with the one member of the TCC crew who'd seen the car beforehand: the Essence is a beaut.
Not only that, but unlike some cars we could mention, the Essence has substance to match its remarkable style. We won't make you slog through the entire press release, but here are some of the more notable details:
- A front-engined, two-seat, 600PS luxury coupe concept, 4.7m long
- First motor show preview of Infiniti's petrol/electric hybrid drivetrain
- Capable of vast speeds where conditions allow, zero emissions where they don't
- Rear-wheel drive for maximum driver involvement
- Previews new safety technology including Back-up Collision Prevention
- Minimalist and intensely driver-focused interior
- Bespoke Louis Vuitton fitted luggage to maximise trans-continental capability
Just in case you're wondering, that hybrid drivetrain employs Infiniti's new lithium-ion "3D" electric motor, which boasts nearly 160hp on its own. On the open road, the Essence's 3.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 kicks in, with adding over 430 ponies to the mix. Not too shabby.
There's a lot more we could talk about--including the snazzy way that the tailor-made three-piece Vuitton luggage set nestles in the trunk--but instead, we'll leave you with a video. Which, in turn, will probably leave you wanting more.
[Infiniti]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
