The all-new '07 Dodge Sprinter...
The all-new '07 Dodge Sprinter comes standard with antilock brakes and a brand-new, adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to keep the wheels on the ground. This new technology helps the vehicle learn a new center of gravity when the Sprinter is loaded with cargo, and the ESP bases its calculations and actions on the new information. The standard '07 Sprinter safety features include available side and head curtain airbags, Acceleration Skid Control (ASC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Load Adaptive Control (LAC), Rollover Mitigation (ROM), Roll Movement Intervention (RMI), Under-Steering Control (USC), and a strong unibody structure.
All-New '07 Dodge Sprinter
When the Dodge Sprinter first came to the U.S., it seemed like an oddball. Its boxy appearance made the first-generation breadbox Toyota minivans look like designs by the Ferrari sculptors at Pininfarina. The Sprinter's competent diesel engine didn't earn it a reputation as a tire-smoker, but commercial owners soon realized the relatively low output meant big savings in the fuel-economy department-making the Sprinter a hit.
New 3.0L, V-6 Turbodiesel
Folks who buy the all-new '07 Dodge Sprinter will be sitting behind the same 3.0L, V-6 turbodiesel engine that will be sold in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and other DaimlerChrysler vehicles starting this year. The new Sprinter replaces the old 2.7L, inline-five-cylinder diesel that made 154 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. The new 45-state-emissions-compliant, 3.0L, V-6 CRD also makes 154 hp but creates 280 lb-ft of torque at just 1,200 rpm (400 rpm less than the peak torque in the old inline-five). The diesel clatter from the all-aluminum engine is minimal thanks to high-pressure, common-rail fueling and a dual overhead-cam valvetrain that uses a balance shaft to counter engine vibrations.
Performance
The torque improvement provided by the new engine is a welcome addition. Even when loaded with cargo, the Sprinter is able to pull its own because of its relatively light curb weight and the unibody design (instead of a body mounted on a heavy ladder frame). The stiff chassis also helps the Sprinter exhibit handling characteristics you wouldn't expect from a van that looks so top heavy-and that's before any of the advanced stability-control equipment kicks in.
Safety
When the Sprinter reaches its natural limits, which are quite impressive, the adaptive Electronic Stability Program steps in. This system measures the way the Sprinter is handling and determines how the cargo load (if any) is affecting it. It makes adjustments based on the calculated center of gravity and other factors to prevent understeer while limiting skids and avoiding rollovers.
Thanks to available side and head airbags, standard headrests, and three-point seatbelts for every seat, the new Sprinter should perform much better in a crash than the old model. Multiple tie-downs and a lashing cargo rail setup also help prevent items from being damaged or causing injury to the driver or passengers. Parking sensors are available for the front and rear bumpers to help the driver maneuver through tight traffic jams and make it easier to park the van during deliveries.
Interior
Drivers of the new Sprinter will be happy to see a more American-friendly dash layout. The industrial-looking toggle switches and Euro controls have been ditched in favor of a setup that mirrors the current Dodge truck lineup. The air-conditioning controls are easy to read, and the stereo controls are familiar and simple to use. The shifter still juts out of the center stack at the driver, but cubby holes and a storage tray on top make it more functional (and more visually appealing) than the outgoing model. The seats are firm but comfortable and offer multiple adjustments, including hip bolstering. A small jump seat is also available for the front passenger.
Plug-In Hybrid Models
One of the most exciting announcements about the new '07 Dodge Sprinter is the potential for a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain supplemented by its ability to be plugged in to charge the batteries. The drivetrain should provide exceptional fuel economy and help reduce emissions. The New York Times is currently testing a plug-in version of the Sprinter in its fleet of delivery vans in association with DaimlerChrysler and the New York Power Authority.
Sprinter vs. the Americans
While the Sprinter looks nothing like the medium- and heavy-duty vans being sold by General Motors and Ford, they will all be competing for the same customers. Even though the availability of diesel engines in these vans is unclear, the standard gasoline V-8 engines offer a lot more horsepower and torque than the Sprinter gets from the 3.0L, CRD V-6. The GMC and Ford vans always have extra power on tap when compared with the Sprinter's adequate output. That motivation comes at the expense of fuel economy, which is where the Dodge really shines. Even with significantly less power than the competition, the Sprinter still has a maximum GVWR of 11,030 pounds-similar to the ratings for the gas-hog American vans. In other words, it looks like the '07 Sprinter has what it takes to get the job done, and that's all it needs.