It’s a long trip to grandma’s house, the vehicle is packed tight, the kids are buckled in and ready to go, go, go – so what’s a family to drive? How about a total rethink of the minivan?

While the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country may have debuted at the NAIAS in early-January, Chrysler just announced a slew of specs and a ton more info for the consumer at the New York Auto Show, which bodes well for the T&C’s (our little nickname for the van) upcoming launch.

While its sibling, the Grand Caravan, may look similar, DCX is trying to separate the Dodge from the other models by moving the Chrysler a bit more up market with more luxurious appointments, options and looks. Chrysler offers three Town & Country models in the line-up: The LX, Touring and the Chrysler Town & Country Limited, which is like the Aspen of minivans. Powertrain choices range from a 240 horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 to a 198 horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 -- both are mated to a six-speed automatic. For those who like a little more choice with their gasoline options (who doesn’t?) there is a 170 horsepower, 3.3-liter flex-fuel-capable V-6 with a four-speed automatic. E85, here we come!