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2008 Chrysler Town & Country

All-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan Sets A New Standard For The Segment

The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country raises the bar with 35 new or improved features that make it the best vehicle to transport people and things.

'The all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country spices up the minivan recipe by offering an all-new contemporary appearance; three different models, three distinct seating and storage systems, unmatched entertainment systems, including Chrysler Group's exclusive SIRIUS Backseat TV and the safety you expect and deserve,' said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Marketing. 'Add in three powertrain options, clever interior features and industry-leading functionality, and you have a recipe that will be a favorite with any family.'

The newest ingredient for functional family seating is the all-new Swivel 'n Go™ seating system. Swivel 'n Go offers second-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third-row with a removable table that installs between the two rows, covered storage bins in the floor of the second-row, third-row uncovered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating.

'Chrysler Group engineers turned the tables on traditional seat systems to come up with a technology that lets families have more choices of how to spend their time while traveling,' said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Chrysler Group Front-wheel-drive Product Team. 'With Swivel 'n Go, second- and third-row passengers can face each other to have a conversation, play games or have a meal on the go.'

The industry-exclusive Stow 'n Go® seating and storage system, the only minivan seat system to offer both second- and third-row seats that fold into the floor, is still part of the Town & Country recipe for success. For 2008, both seating systems offer a minivan-first one-touch power folding third-row seat.

Design

The new Chrysler Town & Country exterior design starts with clean, tailored lines that create better aerodynamics and a solid stance on the road. With cues from the Chrysler 300, like a similar body-to-glass proportion, simple wheel flares, sleeker pillars, chrome accents and detailed ornamentation, the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country is at home at the country club or the hockey arena.

Unique exterior design cues include a distinctive front end with the 'face of Chrysler' grille featuring the Chrysler winged badge, quad headlamps and clean, tailored lines. Chrome accents that include the belt molding, mirror cap, light bar and door handles make the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country a noticeable member of the Chrysler family.

A contemporary interior is created with a combination of satin finishes and Elm Burl or Medrona Burl wood and leather interior trim. The unique Chrysler instrument panel includes an analog clock and is accented by tailored lines and rich trim.

The comforts of a well-appointed home are incorporated into the interior design of the vehicle to make time spent traveling time well-spent for families. Detail is driven into every facet of the Chrysler Town & Country, from the analog clock in the dash to the detail along the D-pillar.

Engineering

The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country offers three powertrains, including a new 4.0-liter V-6 engine mated to a minivan-first six-speed transaxle that produces 240 hp (180 kW) at 6000 rpm and 253 lb.-ft. (343 N•m) of torque at 4100 rpm. A 3.3-liter V-6 engine that can be fueled with E85 is mated to a four-speed transaxle that produces 175 hp (131 kW) at 5000 rpm and 205 lb.-ft. (278 N•m) of torque at 4000 rpm. A 3.8-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed transmission that produces 197 hp (148 kW) at 5000 rpm and 230 lb.-ft. (312 N•m) of torque at 4000 rpm rounds out the powertrain line up.

The six-speed transaxle's higher numerical first gear launches the new 2008 minivan more briskly than a four- or five-speed transaxle. It also provides smaller steps between ratios, which means the engine speed changes less with each shift and makes the shifts feel smoother and engages a more appropriate ratio for any driving situation.

'Chrysler Group is the first to offer a six-speed transaxle in a minivan,' said Chris Alaniz, Chief Engineer, Chrysler Group Minivan Team. 'With a new 4.0-liter, V-6 aluminum engine and new six-speed transaxle, the 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans offer added performance and a smoother driving experience.'

Aerodynamic improvements have reduced wind noise, while high-strength and hot-stamped steel and improved structural body stiffness have reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) on the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country. Additional acoustic treatments also have improved interior quietness. The new twist-beam rear axle with coil springs and new front-wheel-drive suspension architecture provide improved stability and ride comfort, and prevent road noise and transmission harshness from entering the passenger compartment.

A family-friendly interior full of innovation complements the new powertrains. Chrysler Group engineers developed three distinct seating systems for the new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The industry-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, the new Swivel ‘n Go seat system (both available with a minivan-first one-touch power folding third-row seat) and bench seating in both the second- and third-row.

Entertainment options are unmatched by competitors. With a minivan-first dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, SIRIUS Backseat TV satellite streaming video, SIRIUS satellite radio, MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System that includes real-time traffic and navigation, a USB port, a 20 gigabyte hard drive with six gigabytes of music storage that can store approximately 1,200 songs and a jukebox that offers a customizable play list and dual A/V jacks with an inverter and 115v power outlet in the second-row, there is something to keep everyone entertained while traveling.

An ambient halo light package, second-row power windows, second- and third-row sunshades, remote start, a removable, rechargeable flashlight in the rear cargo area and a new D-pillar-mounted power liftgate button are some of the family-friendly innovations found in the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country.

Product Highlights

• The all-new Chrysler Town & Country again raises the bar for the minivan segment. No other minivan in the marketplace offers the combination of functionality, flexibility and clever features available on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country family of minivans

• More than 35 new or improved features that continue the Chrysler Group's tradition of minivan innovation and leadership

o With all-new exterior and interior designs, three different seating and storage options, new, more powerful drivetrain options and clever interior features, the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country has evolved to become a 'family room on wheels' – a vehicle that offers the ultimate flexibility and utility for active lifestyles

• With the new Swivel 'n Go seating and storage system, the Chrysler Group minivans are the only minivans in the market to offer three distinct seating and storage systems

o Swivel 'n Go seating system is a new, unique seating and storage system that offers the storage bins of the Stow 'n Go seating and storage system combined with second-row quad chairs that can rotate 180 degrees to face forward or rearward, along with a table that installs between the second- and third-row seats (and stows in the second-row storage bins when not in use). The flexibility of the seat system allows for a variety of configurations, including conversational seating without the table and just about any use with a table, from homework, to game playing, to meals on the go, to a home office on wheels

o The Stow 'n Go seating and storage system is still an industry-exclusive available only on the Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country. They remain the only minivans to offer fold-in-the-floor second-row seating without the need to remove the seats, and fold-in-the-floor third-row seats

o A second-row bench seat with second-row storage bins and third-row fold-in-the floor seating also is available on the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country

• The 2008 Chrysler Town & Country is a 'family room on wheels' because of its fun features, practical comforts and pleasant driving experience

o Fun features like the Swivel 'n Go seating and storage system, a dual DVD system that can play different media at the same time, SIRIUS Backseat TV, MyGIG Infotainment System with available surround sound, LED pinpoint reading lamps, ambient halo lighting, a removable, sliding center console and removable flashlight in the tailgate give more options to families on the go

o Practical comfort features like the Stow 'n Go seating and storage system, heated first- and second-row cloth or leather seats, remote start, second- and third-row sunshades, personalized navigation backgrounds, YES Essentials stain resistant, odor resistant, anti-static fabric, an umbrella holder next to the driver's seat, removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders, second-row power windows and third-row power folding seat provide the comforts of home while on the road

o An available new six-speed transaxle and new 4.0-liter engine option offer an enlivened driving experience

• Safety continues to be paramount in the design of the Chrysler Town & Country minivan. All-row side supplemental curtain air bags and an Electronic Stability Program are among the standard safety features on the 2008 Chrysler minivans. With innovations like a patented, energy-absorbing steering column, driver and passenger knee blocker, integrated child safety seats, LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) a rearview interior conversation mirror, available ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System and ParkView Rear Back-up Camera, the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country ensures peace of mind when traveling

Model Lineup

• Chrysler Town & Country LX

• Chrysler Town & Country Touring•

• Chrysler Town & Country Limited

Safety and Security

• Standard Supplemental All-row Side Air Bag Integrated Curtains (SABIC)

• Electronic Stability Program with Traction Control and Brake Assist

• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

• Three-point Lap and Shoulder Belts for All Seating Positions with Automatic Locking Retractors

• Pretensioning and Load-limiting Retractors for Front Seat Driver and Passenger

• Advanced, Multistage Driver and Top-mounted Front Passenger Low-risk Deployment Air Bag

• Knee Blocker, Driver and Front Passenger

• Patented Energy-absorbing Steering Column

• Occupant Restraint Controller with Rollover Sensor (will Deploy SABIC in the Event of a Rollover)

• Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)

• LATCH (Two in the Intermediate Row and Two in the Third-row Bench Seat)

• FOB Integrated Key

• Remote Start

• ParkSense Rear Park Assist System

• ParkView Rear Back-up Camera

• HomeLink® Universal Garage Door Opener

• Power Adjustable Pedals

• Remote Keyless Illuminated Entry with Sentry Key® Engine Immobilization Theft Deterrent System

• Power Sliding Passenger Doors

• Power Liftgate

• DoorAlert

• BeltAlert

• Brake/Park Interlock

• Power, Heated, Fold-away Mirrors

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

• Signal Mirrors

• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System with Bluetooth® Compatibility

Color Availability

• Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat

• Modern Blue Pearlcoat

• Bright Silver Metallic

• Brilliant Black Pearlcoat

• Stone White

• Deep Crimson Crystal (New)

• Light Sandstone Metallic (New)

• Clearwater Blue (New)

by Chrysler

by Chrysler

A company that has marketed a far-reaching production in various countries such as Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Taiwan, and the U.S., Chrysler has earned a reputation for the best-selling minivans in the United States.

Completely eradicating the negative image that America held regarding family transportation, Chrysler reformed the idea of usable space for passengers and cargo.

Marketed by DaimlerChrysler, the Chrysler Town and Country was introduced in 1990. The vehicle was meant to be a companion to the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.

The Chrysler Town and Country is one of the first-ever luxury minivans.

Using the Chrysler S platform closely related to the K-cars, the original Town & Country minivan came standard with an electronic four-speed automatic transmission.

The Chrysler AS Platform was used from 1991 until 1995 in the Town and Country.

In 1991 the 'Quad Command' bucket seats were made standard on the Town and Country. Anti-lock brakes were available in 1991, and integrated child safety seats were installed in 1992. The Town and Country became the first minivan that met 1998 U.S. federal Safety standards.

More than 11 million Chrysler Dodge and Plymouth minivans have been sold since production began in the fall of 1983.

Marking the twentieth anniversary, the Platinum Series Town & Country was released.

For 1996 and 1997, the Town & Country was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list.

In 1997 an available option was permanent all-wheel drive on long-wheelbase minivans. All-wheel drive models received 4-wheel disc brakes. Becoming standard on all 1997 Town & Country was the rear driver's side sliding door.

The lineup for 97 included two long-wheelbase modes: the LX and LXi, and a short-wheelbase SX model.

In 2000 the short-wheelbase minivan was dropped. Leaving only extended wheelbase models, these models seated seven and had sliding doors on each side.

The following year, Town and Country minivans utilized the Chrysler RS platform.

The newly designed 2007 and 2008 models are expected to be redesigned by Ralph Gilles. Gilles is acclaimed for his work on the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Production is expected to commence at Windsor Assembly.

by Jessican Donaldson