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2017 Chrysler Pacifica videos detail features and hybrid tech

In a new video, Chrysler put a few designers and engineers in front of the camera to discuss the behind-the-scenes work on the 2017 Pacifica that was revealed at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday. They take a closer look at some of the details that went into the new minivan, like getting the occupants seated lower down in the vehicle, the fact that the hybrid Pacifica takes about two hours to fully recharge on a Level 2 charger, the eight-passenger seating, and the "Are We There Yet?" app for kids to let them know how much longer it is to grandma's house. Sure, dismissing the Town & Country name to reboot Pacifica has drawn plenty of attention. Nevertheless, based on the our first impressions of seeing it in person and crawling around it at the Detroit Auto Show, and the terrific notes struck by Chrysler's recent product, this has the potential to be a really good minivan. Chrysler also revealed its first marketing spot for the Pacifica. Having come out with a cool looking minivan, the brand guys decided to have fun with an anti-buzzword, anti-curated, anti-viral two-minute spot called Real Life that plays up the anti-cool you would normally associate with the family school bus. You can watch that in the video above, and check what the engineers and designers have to say in the videos below. The Town & Country is dead. Long live the Pacifica. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Chrysler via YouTube [1], [2], [3], [4], Carscoops Design/Style Green Marketing/Advertising Chrysler Minivan/Van Hybrid Videos chrysler pacifica

Why a Renault-FCA merger could be good news for Nissan, Mitsubishi

TOKYO — Nissan's advanced technologies including platforms and electric powertrains could give it leverage in a merger involving Renault and Fiat Chrysler, thanks to a royalty system it has with the former, two people with knowledge of the matter said. A merged Renault-Fiat Chrysler could face an extra hurdle each time it uses technology developed by Nissan or Mitsubishi Motors, while the two Japanese automakers stand to gain a client in Fiat Chrysler (FCA), one of the people said. Both sources declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Nissan's technology, particularly in electrification and emissions reduction, could give it some sway in the $35 billion potential tie-up between Renault and FCA, even as its stake in the newly formed company would be diluted. Currently Renault SA pays less for technology developed by Nissan than the Japanese automaker pays for French technology, a third person said. This has long been a sticking point for Nissan, and an area where Nissan could seek more favorable terms. "Whenever Nissan transfers platform, powertrain or other technology to Renault, there is a margin or royalty which Renault has to pay for use of that tech," one of the people said. "In that sense, FCA, if everything went well, would become another 'client' of ours and that's good. More business for us." A Nissan spokesman declined to comment on its royalty system. The potential Renault-FCA deal has complicated the Japanese automaker's already uneasy alliance with Renault. A further deal with Fiat Chrysler looks likely at least in the near term to weaken Nissan's influence in the 20-year-old partnership. Renault owns a 43.4% stake in Nissan and is its top shareholder. Nissan holds a 15% non-voting stake in Renault and would see that diluted to 7.5% after the FCA deal, albeit with voting rights. The imbalance between the two has long rankled Nissan, which is by far the larger company. Alliance imbalance Renault had previously angled for a merger with Nissan but has been rebuffed by CEO Hiroto Saikawa. Securing benefits from the merger deal will be important for Saikawa, who is grappling with poor financial performance while he struggles to right the company after the ouster of former chairman Carlos Ghosn last year.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica will start at $29,590

Early reports suggested the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica would be more expensive than the outgoing model, but that's not entirely the case. The new minivan's base LX trim starts at $29,590 (after $995 destination) versus $30,990 for the 2016 Town & Country. The latest vehicle's prices are also in line with its competitors. All Pacificas have amenities like Active Noise Cancellation and the model's famous Stow 'n Go seats. For $31,490, customers can upgrade to the Touring trim to get SiriusXM satellite radio, power sliding doors, and automatic headlights. The Touring-L adds a little more luxury for $35,490 with features like rear parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and leather seats, which are heated for the front row. The Touring-L Plus at $38,80 includes even more useful items like a seven-inch driver display, 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and an upgraded stereo. The top of the Pacifica range is the Limited trim for $43,490, which piles on even more luxuries to haul the family around in style. The amenities include Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, an integrated vacuum, 3D navigation, HID headlights, LED foglights, panoramic sunroof, and hands-free doors and liftgate. It seems perfect for a road trip. Compared to the competition, the Pacifica has good fuel economy and similar pricing (all of which include destination). For example, the 2016 Honda Odyssey starts at $30,300 and can go up to $45,775 for the top Touring Elite model. The situation is similar with the Toyota Sienna, which ranges between $29,750 and $46,170 for the most expensive two-wheel drive version. The rapidly aging Nissan Quest starts out cheaper at $27,480 but tops out at $44,130. However, the Kia Sedona is significantly cheaper than the Pacifica, starting at $27,295 and going to $40,795 for the highest trim. The only potential downside to the Pacifica's pricing is FCA's discontinuation of the Dodge Grand Caravan. The model started at just $23,090 and topped out at $31,990, which gave the automaker a range of less expensive trims to lure price conscious customers. The company has lost that market advantage. We look forward to spending more time with the 2017 Pacifica when it arrives at dealers this spring. The Hybrid joins the lineup in the second half of the year.