1998 Dodge Caravan Base Mini Passenger Van 4-door 2.4l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Dodge Grand Caravan to live in fleets through 2017

After a hard-working career of hauling around families for decades, the Dodge Grand Caravan name was set to retire in 2016 under FCA's five-year plan for the US. The decision would have put all of the automaker's focus behind the next-generation Chrysler Town & Country, but that original strategy might have changed. Now, Dodge's minivan may have to work just a few more years before it can finally shuffle off. There are set to be 2016 and 2017 model year examples of the current Grand Caravan, according to an internal FCA production document obtained by Automotive News. This report suggests no changes in the minivan between those two years, and there's no mention of the company's intentions deeper into the future. "While we've announced the Grand Caravan will eventually be the minivan that goes away, we're not going into more detail at this time," a Dodge spokesperson said to AN. For the next Town & Country, production would start in Windsor, Ontario, in late February 2016. This document also suggests a brief run of 2016 Chrysler minivans based on the current model from August 2015 until February 2016. Automotive News speculates that the reprieve for the Grand Caravan could allow that model to focus on fleets and the Canadian market while the new Town and Country gets up and running. The latest generation T&C will reportedly debut at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and will possibly carry a higher price to befit a vehicle with a more modern platform and improved tech.

Dodge Durango gets the Blacktop treatment

The Dodge Durango is getting a meaner, more aggressive look as it becomes the latest model from the brand to wear the Blacktop Appearance Package. The upgrades are strictly cosmetic, but they lend the SUV a more assertive demeanor that some buyers like.
Available on the SXT, Limited and R/T (shown above) models, all Blacktop Durangos get black 20-inch wheels, dual exhaust, bod- color fascia and gloss black trim. The grille surround, air dam, mirrors and headlight surrounds all get the inky treatment, as well. The improvements add $1,590 to the cost of the SXT. They come to $1,990 on the Limited but also include HID headlights with LED running lights and a leather interior. Finally, R/T buyers only need to pay $295 for the upgrades. The Blacktop Durango hits showrooms this October.
If you're already in the market for a Durango but want a dash more style with no added performance, the Blacktop might not be a bad way to go. It certainly gives the SUV a bit more edge than it has in stock form. Scroll down to read the full release.

Help us decipher the cryptic license plate on the latest Dodge Demon teaser

If you've been following along, you know that the slow rollout of the Dodge Demon has been filled with hints and teasers of what's to come. Every release encourages fans to watch the videos over and over to try and catch any hidden info. Last week, brief a glimpse of the wheels in a video hinted at this week's reveal, 18x11 inch lightweight wheels wrapped in what the DOT barely considers street-legal rubber. Along with details on the custom Nitto tires, Dodge released an image of the Demon in all its wide-body glory. Planted on the back of the car is a cryptic Michigan license plate that reads #2567@35. It's obvious that this is another clue, but after a few hours of note taking, Google searches, and general discussion, we can't figure out what it means. We're throwing this out there in the hope that someone has better luck than we did. Here are some of the things we've ruled out: Address or coordinates 1/4 mile ET 1/4 mile trap speed Power Supercharger boost pressure Some event in 1982 A hint at gear or final drive ratio If you have some idea, post it in the comments. Related Video: