New Chrysler Minivan Gets Upgraded Powertrain, Amenities

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's 2017 Chrysler Town & Country minivan will be more stylish, more fuel efficient and feature several new amenities, Automotive News reports.

The long-awaited new model, which was first previewed in 2012 as the 2012 700C concept vehicle, will bow in 2016, according to the newspaper. It says the front of the redesigned minivan will look similar to Chrysler's 200 sedan.

Power will come from an upgraded version of the carmaker's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that will be mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The combination is expected to improve on the U.S. fuel economy rating of 17 mpg/25 mpg city/highway for the current V-6 and 6-speed automatic combination.

The conventionally powered Town & Country will get a new all-wheel-drive option with an electrically powered rear axle for added traction on demand, according to AN.

A plug-in hybrid variant of the next-generation minivan also is in the works that could deliver a fuel efficiency equivalency rating of 75 mpg. AN says the hybrid also is likely to debut late next year.

Other goodies will include USB ports for all three rows of seating, easier-to-operate "Stow 'n Go" fold-flat seats, an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an optional built-in vacuum cleaner.

Chrysler's "Open n Go" foot activation system will be expanded to operate the minivan's side sliding doors in addition to the rear liftgate. The feature, which allows motorists to open a door by wiggling a foot under a sensor, is similar to one introduced three years ago by Ford Motor Co.