[Stratuscaster]

The 3.0 EcoDiesel oil change interval is up to 18500 miles, with the DEF good up to nearly 4000 miles.

The 3.6 Pentastar oil change interval is up to 10000 miles.

Those notches on the left and right corners of the front fascia? Built-in steps, like the ones found on the new GM pickup truck's rear bumper.

 

[Stratuscaster]

I think in my opinion the "ProMaster " needs a bigger engine. not saying the 3.6 cant do the job...but for it to be able to be a 3500 motor home conversion its going to need at least a small V8. heck just put the 5.7 Hemi in it.

I also thing when the thing is out for a few months someone will make a conversion to a bigger engine.

I seriously doubt the HEMI would even fit. Images are forthcoming, but even the 3.0L EcoDiesel pretty much fills the engine bay. Some of you guys might going to lose your stuff and wonder just how you're going to service these things yourself.

Something Fred Diaz mentioned during the reveal - in Europe, the most popular RV chassis is the Fiat Ducato.

What front wheel drive transmission does Chrysler have that's capable of supporting a V8?

Maybe they can fit that Olds Toronado Dodge Rampage Concept transaxle in there...

 

[Stratuscaster]

As noted before, 2 out of every 3 RVs in Europe are Fiat Ducato-based.

The front seating is interesting - the floor is low, the seats are high, and the view out the front window is very expansive.

I saw the steering wheel could telescope, but didn't find a tilt-adjustment, which made the driving position very "bus-like." I may have simply missed it.

 

[Stratuscaster]

Specific changes were made to the 62TE for use in the ProMaster - I believe gear ratios were among them.

 

[Stratuscaster]

The current Ducato debuted in 2006. It's coming due for a refresh or redo within the next 2-3 years. And, in my opinion, it will be THEN that efforts to de-uglify the front fascia will be done.

I'll also predict that the various changes that were made for the ProMaster (the beefed up chassis, possibly the Pentastar drivetrain - as it is ethanol-compatible - and such) will end up finding their way into the next-generation Ducato as well.

I will also predict that the fascia's between the ProMaster and the Ducato will remain more-or-less limited to a different modular grille insert. Just as the only major difference between a Mercedes, Freightliner, and Dodge Sprinter were the grille and the badges (and later, the hood.)

This confirms what I suspected all along; they can change those gear ratios when they want to, without breaking the bank.

I wouldn't say that - but I would say that they can change the gear ratios when the program requirements dictate that they be changed. And also that the 62TE will likely remain in product for a while, even after the 9-speed automatic arrives.

 

[Stratuscaster]

I'd say this design does transcend regional tastes since I'm pretty sure most Europeans find it ugly. The E-series design is a better example, looks "normal" in the US and ugly in Europe.

If we are talking the latest Ford Econoline vans, I'll beg to differ - they are (IMHO) ugly in the US, too.

Probably a NAFTA only mod, nobody in Europe/LatAm would buy this with a gasoline V6 in it. Diesel is the engine of choice, and this is already excessive for those markets. The 2.3L is the most popular IIRC.
Same for the heaver gauge steel used for the chassis, not needed elsewhere and no reason to add cost and weight if the market doesn't want those features.

Agreed on the chassis - that's simply means that you now have the ability to offer an "HD" Ducato in the next generation in markets that it may play in.

My point on the Pentastar was the ethanol capability, in markets where it's more popular - like Brazil.