Re-Tooled For Battle - DaimlerChrysler minivans - Brief Article

Automotive Industries,  Jan, 2000  by Dale Jewett

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With others nipping at its heels, DaimlerChrysler gives its minivans a major overhaul.

Since Chrysler Corp. first launched the minivan in 1983, it has kept its competitors firmly planted in the rearview mirror. Others tried to emulate the automaker's versatile, smooth-tiding vehicle but none could seem to exactly duplicate the formula.

But new minivans launched during the last year by Ford, Toyota and Honda have closed in on the leader's bumper, taking market share from one of DaimlerChrysler's main profit centers.

"We've got a dozen competitors, every one of them getting a hell of a lot closer to our formula," says Ralph Sarotte, general product manager of minivan operations. "We think we can hold on to the market because we offer the broadest range of product, from $18,000 to $37,000."

Adds Gordon Rinschler, vice president of minivan platform engineering, "Brand H is right on to our formula."

DaimlerChrysler responds next fall with redesigned minivans (platform name: RS) that will be sold under the Dodge and Chrysler brands.

The RS replaces the five-year-old NS platform, but the new program is no mild reskin -- engineers tore up virtually the entire platform in their search for more power, safety, comfort and versatility, then topped it off with tricks such as a power-operated litigate.

Because styling and performance aren't the primary drivers for minivan buyers, today's competitive landscape boils down to a battle of features, and DaimlerChrysler has loaded up its new vans with:

* Adjustable pedals for the driver.

* An optional center console with power outlet can be latched between the front seats or second-row bucket seats. The console mounting point lets dealers sell a drop-in entertainment system

* Optional power sliding doors designed to operate as low-effort conventional sliding doors when the handle is pulled.

* Seat-mounted side airbags are optional on base models, standard on higher trim levels.

* The cargo area can be equipped with a plastic organizer that pops up to create storage bins.

Engineers also labored over making it easier for passengers to talk at highway speeds.

DaimlerChrysler turned to a proprietary sound insulation, made by Rieter, that heightens the sense of speech intelligibility, Rinschler says. Also helping is a platform that has 20 percent more torsional rigidity. Aluminum steering knuckles and a redesigned rear suspension helped offset weight gains.

The heads and blocks of the pushrod 3.3L and 3.8L V-6s were thoroughly reworked The result: the 3.3L output rises to 158 hp and 210 pounds-feet of torque; the 3.8L is boosted to 215 hp and 245 pounds-feet of torque. Midway through the model year a 230-hp, sohc, 3.5L V6 joins the lineup, giving DaimlerChrysler top bragging rights in minivan horsepower.

COPYRIGHT 2000 Cahners Publishing Company
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group