Can the 2011 Dodge Caravan Impress the Judges?

Can the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan impress the judges? At first glance the Grand Caravan for 2011 may look like another plain-Jane minivan-style family conveyance. However, it is not only auto show judges but, more importantly, customers from all walks of life who are duly impressed as soon as they take a closer look at this reliable, yet comfortable and powerful, mini-van.

It was the first Dodge Caravan that created the entire mini-van concept back in the 1984 model year. Today, with the sweeping changes and updates that Dodge has implemented for the 2011 model, the Caravan has come full circle as it re-establishes itself as the most valuable player of the mini-van league.

The main improvement is to be found inside the roomy cabin, where "Stow 'n Go" seating modifications allow drivers to easily convert the same vehicle they use to transport their children to soccer practice into a tough hauling and transport van that can easily be filled with lumber and cement for a do-it-yourself home remodeling project, or sports and camping gear for an extended vacation or nature excursion. That is not the only interior improvement, though, as the 2011 model of the Grand Caravan also boasts a new design that is flawlessly executed with higher quality materials.

Dodge has also updated the basic engine for the new Grand Caravan, replacing an older, less efficient engine with the highly acclaimed and powerful 283-horsepower Pentastar V6 that also powers its sports cars and SUV models. This engine delivers very respectable fuel mileage, and combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, it makes the Grand Caravan the quickest and highest performing of any minivan model available in the United States for the 2011 model year. Torque steering adds to the performance and versatility of the new Caravan.

Of course, a mini-van is first and foremost a family vehicle for which safety is a paramount consideration, and the Dodge Grand Caravan is a leader in that realm as well. With active front head restraints, and a full set of airbags including driver knee airbags as well as side curtain and front seat side airbags, the Grand Caravan provides ample protection in the event of a crash. Antilock disc brakes are standard as are stability and traction control, with safety-oriented options including rear parking and cross-traffic sensors, a rearview camera and a blind spot monitoring system.

Price is another factor that makes the Dodge Caravan quite impressive, as it is the minivan that provides the best set of options for its base price of just under $30,000. It is available in five trim packages, from the stripped-down commercially oriented C/V and entry-level Express through the Mainstreet and Crew and up to the luxurious R/T that adds both higher performance and top-class interior amenities to the Grand Caravan package.

At first glance, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan may just look like another mini-van. However, a close look at the redesigned exterior, and a test drive that showcases everything it has to offer, presents a very impressive picture indeed.

Top Stolen Cars

Looking for a new car can be a very fun and exciting time. With all of the options to choose from, it is easy to go with the shiniest object. However, if you are going to make a true investment, it is important to take the time and do your research. In our society there is the threat of your car being stolen and vandalized. So before you even apply for your car loan, take a look at our list of the top cars that are stolen. We don't mean to deter you; we just want to warn you.

Ford F-150. This truck is on the list mainly because of its popularity. In the last 25 years this truck has been one of the best-selling trucks in America. Therefore its accessibility is what adds to it being stolen a bunch.

Ford Taurus. Again, the main reason that this car gets stolen is because of its popularity. For every group of cars that are stolen it is likely that at least one of them will be a Taurus.

Jeep Grand Cherokee. The reasoning behind this car being on the list is because of the demand in utility vehicles. Since they are in demand, thieves know that they will have an easier time off loading them onto someone else.

Honda Civic. The parts that comprise this car are the reason behind its stealing. Even though this is a relatively cheap buy, the parts associated with the car are worth more therefore thieves like to steal their parts on the black market.

Cadillac Escalade. This car comes in many forms. The most popular to be stolen are the models that include a truck bed. Cadillac is continuously trying to make adjustments to make these cars less likely to be broken into or stolen.

Hummer. Many of these vehicles come with accessories that are very profitable for thieves. Chrome wheels, and pricey parts add this vehicle to the list.

Dodge Charger. This cars are very fast and punch a powerful engine. Being equipped with a HEMI makes them a thief target.

2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport - Highlights and New Exterior Features

With the successful launch of the GranTurismo Convertible in 2010, Maserati has further enhanced the power, handling, appearance and sound to create the new Sport version for 2012. An array of dynamic features, such as MC Autoshift, sport exhaust and increased power and torque are standard in the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport. This model appeals to the many performance-oriented owners whom are seeking the highest level of driving enjoyment in a Maserati convertible.

The new Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport features six soft colors, headlights with black look, newly designed colored GT S side skirts, new Astro Design 20" wheels, black grille and Trident with red accents, body colored front splitter (in carbon fiber as an option), Hi-Tech steering wheel with Trofeo Shift Paddles, body-color handles, GT S exhaust system with oval outlets.

Highlights

444 hp 4.7 L V8 Engine: Thanks to upgrades to the engine internal components, a power increase of 10 hp and +15 ft-lbs has been achieved together with a 6% fuel economy improvement.

MC Autoshift: Based on the transmission of the Quattroporte Sport GTS, the MC Autoshift adds gear-holding in manual mode, faster shifting, double declutch downshifts and digital RPM indicator.

Sport Exhaust System: As expected on the sportiest version of the GranTurismo Convertible line, the exhaust is true performing with bypass valves allowing open performance and sound.

Sport Skyhook Suspension: Specifically calibrated for sharper handling, the GT convertible has sport skyhook adaptive suspension standard.

MC Sportline: Popular MC Sportline options, such as exterior and interior carbon fiber, are now available on the GranTurismo Convertible Sport.

New Leather Colors: Biancopregiato (replacing the avorio) which is a more white-colored ivory, and grigiochrono, a darker grey (replacing medio).

New Paint: Rossotrionfale, which is a new metallic red matching the national color of 150's racing Maseratis.

Exterior Trim: Dark look trim is standard along with black headlamp surrounds, body-color door handles and the "S" grille with red inserts.

Sport Interior: M-designed seat center sections in Poltrona Frau™ leather are combined with standard aluminum driving pedals and longer Trofeo shift paddles

Astro Design Alloy Wheels: Attractive new 20-inch Silver Astro Design wheels are standard (RM40) while grigio mercury finish (RM41) is optional.

Aerodynamics: Standard wider sport side rocker panels and front fascia with aero extensions.

Trident on headrests: To match the contrast stitching option (STC3), the Maserati Trident logos can now be finished in contrast color stitching for a striking look (STCT).