When other manufacturers are all but abandoning the minivan for crossover-type vehicles, the Chrysler Group has no plans to can the family-mover. In fact, the automaker has sold over 11 million minivans since 1984 and has been number one in terms of minivan sales for 23 consecutive years. Chrysler Group introduced its redesigned Dodge- and Chrysler-brand minivans at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the group's bread and butter vehicles. 

The 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and 2008 Dodge Caravan twins represent The Chrysler Group's fifth generation of minivans. The vans' exteriors have been redesigned to give them more character, according to Chrysler, with a new front end and straighter lines.

New interior features turn the revamped vans into what Chrysler calls family rooms on wheels. In the back is a foldout table illuminated with pinpoint LED lights for passenger night vision and Swivel 'n Go second-row seats that rotate to face the table. Stow 'n Go Seats return. Further upping the passenger entertainment factor are separate DVD systems for the second- and third-row seats with overhead compartments for holding headphones. Available for the third-row seat is a one-touch power-folding feature for the 60/40-split bench seat. The vans also now feature power windows for the sliding doors. 

Newly standard safety features include an antiskid system and side curtain airbags that cover all seating rows, which were previously optional on most models. Also available for 2008 is ParkView, a back-up camera.

Five models will be available: the Dodge Grand Caravan SE, Grand Caravan SXT; and the Chrysler Town & Country LX, Town & Country Touring, and the Chrysler Town and Country Limited. Power for the lineup comes from a 4.0-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (both Chrysler minivan firsts), the returning 3.8-liter V6 mated to the six-speed automatic, or the flex-fuel capable 3.3-liter V6 matched with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Town & Country and Caravan will go on sale this fall.

2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan

Pairing luxury with horsepower is the Chrysler Nassau concept. Powered by a 6.1-liter 425-horsepower Hemi V8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission, Chrysler refers to this rear-drive sedan as a four-door luxury coupe because of its curved, coupe-like roofline and lack of center B-pillar. Nassau is 196 inches long and rides on a 120-inch wheelbase and 22-inch wheels.

Inside are individual bucket seats for four and 2 vertical skylights covering both rows of passengers. According to Chrysler, the center console and instrument panel are inspired by the design of cell phones and MP3 players. Could Chrysler be testing the waters with this new design direction for the next-generation 300?

Chrysler Nassau Concept