Chrysler · 1990–1995

Chrysler minivan

The second-generation Chrysler minivans are a series of minivans that were manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Corporation in North America and Europe from 1991 to 1995. Officially designated the AS platform by Chrysler, the second-generation minivans were an extensive revision of the first-generation chassis and body. As before, passenger and cargo configurations were sold by Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler divisions. The first minivans offered with driver-side airbags (in 1991) and with optional integrated child safety seats (in 1992), the second-generation Chrysler minivans offered all-wheel drive as an option for the first time; a manual transmission would be offered for the last time in the North American market. As with its predecessor, Chrysler assembled second-generation minivans at Windsor Assembly in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with additional production at Saint Louis (North) Assembly in Fenton, Missouri from 1990 to 1994. In 1992, to supplement exports from the United States, the Chrysler Voyager and Dodge Mini Ram Van began production in Graz, Austria (in the Eurostar joint venture factory between Chrysler and Steyr-Daimler-Puch). For the 1996 model year, the AS-generation minivans were replaced by the NS platform, marking the first complete redesign of the Chrysler minivans since their 1984 introduction.

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Overview

Introduced in November 1990, the second-generation Chrysler minivans were marketed by the Dodge, Plymouth, and Chrysler divisions. The Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager nameplates returned, with both short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase (Grand) body configurations. As with the first-generation minivans, base-trim examples were equipped with 5-passenger seating, with 7-passenger seating as standard in higher-trim versions (SE, LE, ES/LX, and all Town & Country vans). For 1994, the model range underwent a mid-cycle revision, primarily intended to comply with 1998 upgrades to US federal safety standards for cars (although the entire model range was officially considered a light truck). Alongside minor exterior styling changes, the minivans were given dual airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and side impact beams in the front and sliding doors. In another set of revisions, Chrysler sought to make the vans quieter, improving fit and finish. Chassis. The second-generation Chrysler minivans are officially designated the Chrysler AS platform (matching the Chrysler shift to two-letter platform designations in 1990). Largely a substantial revision of the first-generation S-platform minivans, the AS chassis retained the 112.0 inch wheelbase for standard-wheelbase vans and 119.1 inches for extended-wheelbase "Grand" vans. Structurally unrelated to the (discontinued) Chrysler K-cars, the second-generation minivans shared mechanical commonality with its larger derivatives, adopting engines and transmissions from the Chrysler AA platform (Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaim) and the Chrysler AC/AY platform (Chrysler New Yorker/Fifth Avenue/Imperial and Dodge Dynasty). Retaining the unibody construction of the first-generation minivans, the second-generation minivans are fitted with a M

Alternative-fuel vehicles

=== CNG minivan (1994) === Following the production of CNG-fuel (compressed natural gas) van prototypes derived from the Dodge Ram Van in 1992, Chrysler began production of a CNG-fuel version of its minivan in 1994. Using the 3.3L V6 and 4-speed Ultradrive transmission powertrain, the CNG minivans underwent several modifications to accommodate the change in fuel. Along with modifications to the engine valvetrain, four 3000PSI CNG fuel tanks were added to the vehicle, taking the place of the spare tire well and gasoline tank, holding the energy equivalent of 8.5 gallons of gasoline. Electric vehicles (1992–1995). The Chrysler TEVan is a battery electric vehicle developed between Chrysler and the Electric Power Research Institute. First unveiled as a concept in 1992, an unknown number were produced between 1993 and 1995 (between 56 and 80). Deriving its name from the original T-115 codename for the Chrysler minivans and EV, the TEVan was sold nearly exclusively to fleet buyers; the vehicle was based on a standard-wheelbase five-passenger Dodge Caravan. The TEVan used a 27 hp, 65 hp max (48 kW) Separately-Excited GE DC traction motor coupled to a two-speed FWD trans-axle that featured Hi, Lo, Reverse and Park. The owner's manual referred to it as a 'semi-automatic transmission' although it used a clutch. The motor controller was also manufactured by GE. Two different battery types were available for the TEVan during its production; weighing in at 1,800 pounds (820 kg), the battery pack brought the curb weight the minivan to 5,060 lb (2,295 kg). The 180 V nickel-cadmium pack consisted of 30 SAFT STM5-180 6 V 180 Ah batteries in six removable pods under the floor of the car, delivering over 50 miles (80 km) of range, and used an automatic watering system for easy battery mai

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Specifications

name: Chrysler minivans (AS)
Manufacturer: Chrysler Corporation
Layout: Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Production: August 14, 1990 – August 1995
Model years: 1991–1995
Assembly: Fenton, Missouri, U.S. (Saint Louis Assembly), Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Windsor Assembly), Graz, Austria (Eurostar), Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China (3-Star)
aka: Dodge Caravan, Dodge Mini Ram Van (Netherlands), Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Voyager (Europe), Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan (LWB), Plymouth Grand Voyager (LWB), Chrysler Grand Voyager (LWB, Europe), 3-Star Grand Caravan (China)
Wheelbase: 1991–1993 C/V: 112 in, SWB & 1994–1995 C/V: 112.3 in, 1991–1993 C/V Extended: 119.1 in, C/V AWD: 112 in, LWB & 1994–1995 C/V Extended: 119.3 in
Length: 1991–1993 C/V: 175.9 in, 1991–1993 SWB & 1994–95 C/V: 178.1 in, 1991–1993 C/V Extended: 190.6 in, LWB: 192.8 in
Width: 72 in, 1991 C/V: 72.2 in, 1992–1993 C/V: 69.6 in
Height: SWB & 1991–93 C/V: 64.2 in, Grand Caravan: 64.8 in, 1991–93 AWD: 65.9 in, LWB: 66 in, Grand Caravan: 66.7 in, 1994–95 SE: 64.3 in
Body style: 3-door minivan
Platform: Chrysler AS platform
Engine: 2.5 L K I4, 3.0 L Mitsubishi 6G72 V6, 3.3 L EGA V6, 3.8 L EGH V6, 2.5 L VM 425 turbodiesel I4 (Europe)
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 3-speed A670 automatic, 3-speed A413 automatic, 4-speed A604 automatic
Kerb weight: 3305 lb , 3531 lb (Grand Caravan)
Predecessor: Chrysler minivans (S)
Successor: Chrysler minivans (NS)