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2007 Dodge Caravan RT R/T Concept

Finally Dodge has answered requests for a hopped up R/T version of its class-leading Caravan, although for the time being what they first showed at SEMA in Las Vegas and more recently in

Now that's a family hauler! (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Detroit at the North American International Auto Show is only a prototype, with no announcement for production made. This is disappointing, because something like the RT R/T (RT is the internal code name for Chrysler group's new minivans and R/T refers the automaker's famed sport designation going back to the muscle car era) might be exactly what's needed to spur interest in this most practical of automotive segments.

In my mind's eye, at least, I see myself as a sporting dad forced to conform my once flashy lifestyle around family life. I'm not complaining, as I'd take a good (and good looking) wife and three wonderful kids over the life of a lead singer in an up-and-coming rock band in a heartbeat, and as much as I needed a van for my band back in those days I need it even more now. There's just no more efficient way to transport a family and all of its gear than a minivan, and the Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town and Country twins (and now the new

The name on the back says it all. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Volkswagen Routan which is based on the RT architecture and built in Canada alongside the Chrysler group vans) do the best job of this thanks to their amazingly flexible seating options, particularly the standard of the industry Stow 'n Go system.

Still, as excellent a family hauler as the Caravan is, I found myself wishing for something a little sportier when driving it in Southern California during its launch program, something with a little more spunk for edgy families. The vision for the RT R/T came from Chrysler's Product Design Office, a division headed up by design manager Jeff Gale, the son of ex-Chrysler head of design Tom Gale, who I first met on the Dodge Magnum launch (RIP) while standing on the tarmac of an airport runway in California. Jeff had designed the Magnum R/T's alloy wheels, and obviously has risen through the ranks to a much more prominent position.

This truly magic van, boasting some of the stock vehicle's most enticing options as well as some unique twists, is a real breath of fresh air in the staid and conservative midsize van segment. First and foremost its Viper-like hood scoop gives the machine a rather menacing appearance, and more impressive is that the orifice is functional, ramming air into a revised induction system. The front and rear fascias have been modified too, now lower and more capable of keeping rushing air away from the van's underbelly, while the side rocker panels have been recovered to send that air down the side of the vehicle, increasing stability and reducing drag. A unique rear spoiler was added, increasing aerodynamic and style points, and seriously fat 245/45 20 Goodyear performance tires fill out the Caravan's wheel wells, wrapping 20 x 9 SRT wheels.

Those wheels connect through to a reworked sport suspension featuring a lowered ride height, giving the

What a great wheel, and those Brembo brakes add to the Caravan R/T's safety arsenal. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

van a hunkered down, ready for business attitude, while a sport-tuned exhaust system adds to the visual and dynamic punch of the van.

Increasing performance over the sport exhaust and new induction system, Dodge revised the powertrain control module for snappier acceleration, although the powers that be aren't 'fessing up to its final output numbers.

The last item of business, on the outside at least, was to coat the new R/T in a striking hue of Fire Red Pearl paint that makes it look fast standing still.

Inside, the RT R/T gets a sportier look, with dark slate trim, sport seats wrapped in dark slate leather complemented by fire-red stitching and perforated suede inserts. Not quite as aggressive as those in a Viper or one of Chrysler group's SRT8 LX cars, the seats nevertheless appear capable of keeping driver and front passenger in place during spirited driving.

Those in back will be kept in full multi-media bliss thanks to the Caravan's dual-screen DVD entertainment system, ideal for movie lovers or gamers thanks to multiple input ports no matter where they're sitting. And speaking of seating arrangements, this Caravan features the new Swivel 'n Go seating system, with a second row that swivel 180 degrees rearward and a removable table that can be installed between second and third rows, allowing fun for the whole family.

So,

Twin chrome pipes define the Caravan R/T from the rear. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

should Dodge build it? While I like it a lot, due to my love of minivans and lack of concern for others' opinions of my lack of cool in wanting to drive such a practical appliance, there are probably many others who would rather not attract attention to the fact that they are forced to forgo the stylish sports car of their dreams, and travel in the most noticeable compromise to their idealized self image. My advice to these fantasy fathers is to get real. The fact is, you are what you are and you might as well embrace it and stop compromising practicality for less useful crossovers and SUVs, unless, of course, you're one of the three-percent of sport ute owners that actually go off-road, in which case there is nothing more practical than a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited or some other five- or seven-passenger 4x4. I'm stuck somewhere in between, using a 4x4 in its element once in a while when the opportunity poses itself, but more often than not needing the practicality of a minivan, and given that I'd never attempt anything more than a drive to the cottage in a Caravan, lowering it to improve handling and style seems the smart move.

So Dodge, be bold and build it. If anything you'll sell more regular Caravans for all the news you make with the R/T, and truly own the minivan market from a volume perspective and a performance one.

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