The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Li'l Red Truck edition is inspired by the late-1970s Dodge Li'l Red Truck pickup.
Dodge continues to leverage its proud performance heritage with a special Li'l Red Truck edition of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. Inspired by the late-1970s original Dodge Li'l Red Truck pickup, the Grand Caravan Li'l Red Truck (or GCLRT) grabs life by the horns and breaks down the paradigm that a single vehicle can't offer both classic "muscle-truck" styling and all the utility that families expect from America's original--and favorite--minivan.
"We're already offering special 25th Anniversary Editions of our class-leading minivans, but we're not done celebrating yet," said Mike Accavitti, director, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge Brands. "Let's just say that the Li'l Red Truck Grand Caravan is the newest "Express-sion" of Dodge's Grab Life by the Horns philosophy."
All Li'l Red Truck Grand Caravans come finished in eye-grabbing Inferno Red paint. Gold "Li'l Red Express Truck" door graphics are precise replicas of the unforgettable originals, complemented by a traffic-stopping gold pinstripe package that highlights the Grand Caravan's finely sculpted contours. Slotted, chrome-plated "deep-dish" steel wheels recall the iconic originals, adding a just-right dose of "street-cred" style and machismo.
The GCLRT's 4.0-liter V6 is equipped with a performance-tuned 6-speed automatic transmission that features reprogrammed shift points for sharper upshifts. In addition, a driver-activated 3-speed "TorqueFlite Mode" uses only first, third, and fourth gears for an authentic level of performance. For enthusiasts that long for an even more-accurate nostalgic experience, the GCLRT's "Lean Burn" switch electronically simulates classic 1970s-style engine knock and run on.
But Dodge engineers didn't stop there. Class-exclusive heat-shielded side-exhaust pipes serve double duty as deployable heated step plates for easy entry and exit. The exhaust note itself has been tuned for a throaty, authoritative rumble. Thanks to the less-restrictive exhaust and the transmission modifications, this Li'l Red Caravan can travel "express" indeed. In fact, it matches the 15.7-second quarter-mile performance of its legendary namesake.
"'Ahhh love it!!! Ahhh need it!! I'mmmmm a Highway Staaaaaar! I'mmmmm a Highway Staaaaaar!' That's what customers will be singing once they get behind the wheel of the Li'l Red Truck Grand Caravan and start haulin'," said Accavitti.
As if the hairy-chested performance and appearance upgrades weren't enough, Dodge engineers also went to work on the interior. The dashboard boasts chrome-rimmed trim panels of bird's-eye maple appliqué, and all three rows of seats may be upholstered in nostalgic maroon button-tufted vinyl.
Plus, the GCLRT takes Dodge's unparalleled uconnect multimedia suite to a whole new level of functionality. Integrated 8-track capability is standard, and a dealer-installed Mopar/Kraco-branded adapter adds cassette tape playback to the GCLRT's already impressive selection of entertainment options. The optional "10-4 Good Buddy" Quick Order Package includes a Realistic-brand CB (Citizen's Band) radio, bodyside-mounted spring-whip antenna, and Yosemite Sam "Back Off!" adaptive mudflaps. For the first time in North America, the CB is Bluetooth enabled, allowing for voice control of cell phones through the handy corded mic.
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Li'l Red Truck will be available at dealers nationwide starting April 1, 2009.
04.01.2009
