2011 Dodge Caravan gets refreshed look, new attitude

(October 30, 2010) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge continues its product onslaught with the reveal of the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan — and a little bit of attitude.

Dodge believes that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn’t mean that the experience has to be boring.

So engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan’s suspension. That major suspension overhaul, combined with a new V-6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the segment just don’t deliver.

At the heart of the Grand Caravan is an all-new powertrain. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination replaces all three of the previous minivan engines. Gone are the 3.3-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter V-6 engines.

With the Pentastar engine, the new Grand Caravan delivers best-in-class horsepower (283 horsepower compared with 197 horsepower in the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine) and more torque (260 pound-feet versus 230 pound-feet) without sacrificing fuel economy.

It features a new driver-selectable Fuel Economizer Mode. With the flip of a switch, drivers can change the transmission shift schedule to maximize their fuel efficiency. In addition, a 12 millimeter lower ride height, new premium, lower-rolling resistance tires, a new spoiler and reduced brake caliper and rear bearing drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan’s excellent fuel economy.

Dodge has also redesigned the 2011 Grand Caravan to match its new attitude about driving. A new front fascia that sports the new Dodge signature “split crosshair” grille, a new hood, quad headlamps, all of which combine to give the face of the 2011 Grand Caravan a more aggressive look. A new, more sculpted rear fascia and liftgate, new rear “ring of fire” LED taillamps and new Dodge badging complete the look from front to back.

Owners will step inside to an all-new world-class interior for 2011. A modern, new one-piece instrument panel is more intuitive for the customer with improved ergonomics and larger, redesigned gauges. An available new “super” center console provides clever functionality and storage for the active commuter, as well easy driver/passenger access with a pass-through storage space for larger items, like a purse.

Trim rings in the console glow an ambient blue-green color, which allows passengers to find the items they are looking for at night. The Grand Caravan also features more comfortable, larger Stow ‘n Go seats with a new, easy to use one-touch fold down function. New, premium seating materials and new door trim are soft to the touch. A minivan-first heated steering wheel option and the best storage in the segment round out the improved interior.

Standard safety and security features include front seat mounted side air bags, a new driver side knee blocker air bag, supplemental three-row side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and remote keyless entry. The available Safety Sphere package of features includes ParkSense rear park assist system, a rear back-up camera, blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection system, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan will be available in four configurations that fit almost any lifestyle — the Dodge Grand Caravan Express, Grand Caravan Mainstreet, Grand Caravan Crew, and arriving in spring 2011, the ultimate “Man Van,” the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T.


The R/T is where versatility meets performance and attitude. Uniquely designed both inside and out, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T proves a driver doesn’t have to give up a spirited driving experience or their identity when they have a family.