Lancia Voyagers running at Windsor

A source noted that the 2012 Lancia Grand Voyager pilots are running at Windsor; while one prototype was shown by Lancia this week, the exact changes were unknown to most readers. The launch of actual production Lancias is not expected until Fall.

The Chrysler-Lancia minivans are running down the line with both left-hand and right-hand drive, in preparation for sale in the United Kingdom and other left-lane driving nations. The 3.6 liter engine remains, with a 2.8 liter diesel added to the mix.

Other changes include hoods with charged actuators at the rear corners which sheer the hinge rivets, allowing the rear of the hood to raise in a pedestrian collision; hinges are spring assisted to cushion the blow, and an extended chin spoiler directs the body towards the hood, all designed to reduce injury to pedestrians in an accident.

Features not found in domestic vans include headlight washers, power folding mirrors with auto return, and retractable cargo cover.

The source also noted that 24 high-seniority jobs are being eliminated, resulting in substantial cost reductions, and that Saturdays are being tentatively scheduled, now that orders are at nearly a month of production.