Chrysler rolls out all-new minivan at Detroit auto show

Chrysler unveiled a replacement for its longstanding Town & Country minivan, the 2017 Pacifica, on the opening day of the Detroit auto show.

Based on an all-new platform, the 2017 Pacifica replaces the fifth generation Town & Country after an eight-year production run, and features a European-inspired design that is a big departure from its predecessor's look.

"The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is truly a no-compromises minivan, giving customers everything they need or want," FCA North America's head of passenger car brands, Timothy Kuniskis, said in a statement.

Gas-powered versions of the Pacifica will be powered by the familiar 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, which makes 287 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque in its latest iteration, while a hybrid version will also be available.

"The industry's first electrified minivan," Chrysler claims the Pacifica Hybrid will deliver an estimated electric driving range of 48 kilometres thanks to its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery.

In city driving, Chrysler said it is expected to achieve 80 mpge, equivalent to 2.94 Le/100 km.

"We started from the ground up to design the most technologically-advanced minivan, which offers bold styling, class-leading ride and handling, and unmatched fuel economy," Kuniskis said. "The all-new Chrysler Pacifica was thoughtfully designed and engineered to provide unsurpassed levels of comfort, convenience, technology and functionality, making it the perfect combination for modern families."

Like its predecessor, the Pacifica will be built in Windsor, Ont., and is set to go on sale in the spring.

The hybrid version will go on sale in the second half of 2016, according to Chrysler.

If the Pacifica name sounds familiar it should—Chrysler built a midsize SUV bearing the name from 2003 until 2007.

There was no immediate word on when and if a replacement for the Dodge Grand Caravan will be available.