Chrysler S platform

The Chrysler S platform and its successors are the platform for Chrysler Group LLC's minivans. Now in its fifth generation. the platform has evolved from the original S platform to the current RT and RM platforms, which have underpinned badge engineered minivan variants including the Plymouth Voyager (1984–2001), Chrysler Voyager (1988–2014), Chrysler Town & Country (1989–present), Chrysler Grand Voyager, Lancia Voyager (2011-2015) and Volkswagen Routan (2008–2012).

The S platform was used in minivans originally manufactured in St. Louis and at Chryslers Saint Louis Assembly and Windsor Assembly plants, the latter which continues in minivan production.

S

S Platform, Generation I, 1987-1990 Dodge Grand Caravan

The S platform was a modified variant of the Chrysler K platform and underpinned the Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Plymouth Voyager minivans. Chrysler manufactured the Generation I minivans, internally codenamed T-115 during development from October 1983 until 1990.

Models:

AS

AS Platform, Generation II, 1994-1995 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE

Developed from 1985 to 1989, Generation II was introduced in 1990 and called AS. Design specifications were chosen in 1987 and were evolutionary. This was the last K-based version of the S platform, as the NS platform switched to a new cab forward design.

Models:

NS

NS Platform, Generation III, Dodge Grand Caravan ES

Generation III of the platform was developed from early 1990 to December 26, 1994, being introduced on January 4, 1995 and called NS. Its cab forward design was defined by September 23, 1991 and inspired by the 1992 Chrysler EPIC concept minivan, designed in-house by Julie Dolan in mid-1991. Final exterior designs were development program approved in May 1992 and frozen for scheduled late 1994 production that same month. The first NS prototypes were built in November 1992 and presented on November 24, 1992 to Chrysler executive management. The 1992 "Reinventing Chrysler" documentary, provided footage of the NS design process in the spring of 1992.[1][2][3]

Models:

GS

The Chrysler GS platform is the European counterpart to the North American Chrysler NS platform.

Model:

RS

RS Platform, Generation IV, 2007 Dodge Caravan SXT (SWB model)

Generation IV of the platform was introduced on January 10, 2000 and was called RS.

Models:

CS

CS Platform, 2004-2006 Chrysler Pacifica

The CS is a variant of the RS platform made specifically for the Chrysler Pacifica crossover SUV.

Models:

RG

The Chrysler RG platform is the European counterpart to the North American Chrysler RS platform.

Model:

RT

RT Platform, Generation V, Dodge Grand Caravan SXT

Generation V Chrysler minivan was introduced at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show as a 2008 model, based on the new RT platform. It offers a new 4.0 L V6 as its top engine, mated to a six-speed automatic. The short-wheelbase model was dropped, and, as a result, there is no longer a Dodge Caravan, only the Grand Caravan. A version of the Chrysler Town & Country is sold in Europe as the Lancia Voyager and several other export markets as the Chrysler Grand Voyager. In Europe this version is equipped with a standard 2.8 L 4-cyl turbodiesel engine (which is also standard on the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan in the Philippines) and six-speed automatic transmission. For 2011, all the previous engines were dropped and replaced with Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar V6.

Models:

RM Volkswagen

RM Platform, 2009 Volkswagen Routan SE

The Volkswagen Routan was introduced at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show as a rebadged variant of the Chrysler minivans, manufactured at Windsor Assembly using the RT platform, marketed as the RM platform. Marketed by Volkswagen exclusively in the North American market, the Routan features revised interior and exterior styling as well as feature content from the Chrysler vans.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Riding the Roller Coaster: A History of the Chrysler Corporation - Charles K. Hyde - Google Books. Books.google.com. Retrieved 2012-09-03.
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8hVdrBEJILA#t=530
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8hVdrBEJILA#t=578