Proof That Dodge is out of Ideas: The Dodge Caravan R/T Concept

  • Thread starter Thread starter YSSMAN
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Gashlycrumb
(I still think of once of these
images
everytime I hear that name)
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That's precisely why they called it the Caravan.

YSSMAN
Lolzasaurus!

I'd estimate that the use of the 4.0L V6 with the addition of direct-injection could easily edge into the 300 BHP range, maybe even more. Do that, Chrysler. Of course, you are "operationally bankrupt," so there is only so much that can be done...
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Anybody down for a turbo 4 cylinder minivan? I am. I would only take an aftermarket turbo-back exhaust to crank 300hp out of that mill. Plus, it'd probably be lighter than the big 6, which means the fatty van may handle better.

Oh, and a stick!
 
Keef
That's precisely why they called it the Caravan.


Anybody down for a turbo 4 cylinder minivan? I am. I would only take an aftermarket turbo-back exhaust to crank 300hp out of that mill. Plus, it'd probably be lighter than the big 6, which means the fatty van may handle better.

Oh, and a stick!
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SRT-4's mill, anyone?
 
A turbo four-pot is a good idea if they can do power delivery on the same level as Ford's new EcoBoost setup, but it being Chrysler, I highly doubt it. Just go for a DIG V6, add a sport algorithm to the transmission, and give it a proper suspension/wheel/tire setup.
 
They have a turbo four that can do that, the SRT-4 engine. The problem with saying "Just go direct Injection" is that we've seen NO major investment by the company in that realm, and I do believe it would be difficult to impliment effectively. They'd have to get rid of their ancient V6 range, first. and update the HEMI lineup, too.
 
YSSMAN
A turbo four-pot is a good idea if they can do power delivery on the same level as Ford's new EcoBoost setup, but it being Chrysler, I highly doubt it. Just go for a DIG V6, add a sport algorithm to the transmission, and give it a proper suspension/wheel/tire setup.
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What's this power delivery you're talking about? Soothness, and without lag? Pah! This is a minivan! Boost it to HELL!!!!
 
But the kids! The kids would lose their drinks and cards on the Swivel-and-Go seatin'!

====

Jim
They'd have to get rid of their ancient V6 range, first. and update the HEMI lineup, too.
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I hear ya on that. I don't know what GM's plans are exactly with DIG on V6s other than the "Alloytech/High-Feature" series, but it would seem as though it would be easy to adapt to the "old" 3.5L and 3.9L "High-Value" engines. Although that being said, Ford had to shove it onto their new 3.5L/3.7L DOHC engines...

Chrysler could very easily do this, they've just got to spend a little money to make some. I'm sure Delphi or BOSCH, or whoever, would be happy to design a system for them.
 
Stig22121
Boost It! Boost It! Boost It!
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A turbo four would be a smart move on Chrysler's part.

A mantra to the SRT team:

Lag is your friend.. We wants the boost. We WANTS the boost! My...Precioussssss
 
they should put a clothes-dryer sized turbo in one of the sto-n-go compartments.
 
I dont' think they have Sto-N-Go anymore, think it was replaced with Swivel-N-Go.

To tell the truth, this IS one of Chrysler's better cars. At least they got rid of the solid rear axle and it's accompanying leaves. (And, thank god, the last of those damn K-Car transmissions.)
 
You can get either Stow-N-Go OR Swivel-N-Go, but not both.

Decisions, decisions, right?
 
Jim Prower
Well, we did have the Mercedes R-Class...and I rather liked that, though it could've used bigger, sliding doors.
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My uncle has one and he really likes it. It has the all wheel drive and a diesel engine.While riding shotty it was very smooth and quiet. I haven't driven it yet but plan to my next visit to Atlanta. I agree it is expensive but if you can afford it, go for it.
 
I don't know, but the fact that Mercedes even attempted to build a van when SUVs are more popular (including its own), and when the result is so -eccentric- is really beyond me to begin with.

The Caravan R/T, if any sport resides in it, should be a hoot with taxi services.

Keef: Nice.
 
I forgot about the table. What a hilarious joke would that be! The kids are back there all comfy and playing cards while you're sitting at a stop light. The light goes green and you pounce on the gas, this minivan going up in a huge cloud of tire smoke, WAAAHHPAPAAAAAAPAAAAA!!!!! Backfires and gargles and poofs of black smoke and blowoff. Kids are going AAAAAHHHHHHH!H!H!!! and the mom is going BWAHHHHAHAHAHHAAHHA!!! and then you emerge from the cloud. In a minivan.
 
This thing looked like utter garbage in person, really cheap and poorly done.
 
It was to be expected, I think. It really just looks like they custom made a grille and a hood scoop, threw Magnum SRT-8 wheels on it, and pained it that crazy red color. Sure, it was a "SEMA Design Exercise," but still, why?

I just can't imagine there being a market for something like this. I mean sure, sales are beginning to sag a bit for the minivan segment that they dominate, but I highly doubt that throwing a bunch of "sport equipment" at a van will make Mr. Smith down the road find it that much more appealing...

Dodge would have spent money more wisely on getting that new crossover into the market. At least that would seem like a decent idea with an R/T package...
 
I really wish Chrysler could manage to raise enough money to do stuff like this. It is SRT afterall, and they're the craziest of the Big Three's performance divisions, so I don't see why they shouldn't be able to throw out some limited edition insane turbo maniac minivans. I mean, AMG even makes two versions of some Benz cars!!
 

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