As expected, the Chrysler Town & Country has been updated and released at the Detroit Motor Show 2016 although unexpectedly, it is now dubbed the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.
Underpinning the all-new Pacifica is a bespoke platform which the automaker promises delivers both a class-leading ride, improved handling and lowered noise, vibration and harshness levels. The new platform found beneath the sleek skin of the Pacifica is reported to be the lightest and stiffest in its class and all told, the car is more than 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing Town & Country weighing in at 4,330 pounds in base spec.
In terms of proportions, the Pacifica is slightly shorter than the Town & Country but is an inch wider and about half an inch taller. Visually, the new dimensions and radically-overhauled body panels ensure the car looks nothing like its predecessor. There are clear similarities to the Chrysler 200 sedan with curvaceous headlights, an eye-catching grille with a chrome surround and a set of 17-inch wheels as standard.
Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder so we’ll leave it up to you as to whether or not the new design is a success. Whatever your thoughts, it’s certainly more in touch with existing Chrysler products than the current Town & Country.
In terms of powertrains, just two are offered. The first model is powered solely by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles 3.6-liter V6 delivering a total of 287 hp and 262 lb-ft, joined with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Power from that engine is sent directly to the front wheels and soon after the Pacifica reaches the market, a stop-start feature will be added.
The second powertrain available is a hybrid. It utilises the same Penastar V6, albeit detuned to 248 hp and 230 lb-ft, as well as a 16 kWh battery pack. That battery can be charged in two hours and makes the Pacifica the first car in its segment available as a hybrid.
Pricing for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has yet to be released.
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