Becker JetVan 2007
01/01/2007
The originality of Howard Becker, president of Becker Automotive Design, is flaunted to perfection in the Becker JetVan Luxury Coach. The humble Dodge Sprinter van emerges from the clutches of Becker with a state-of-the-art interior designed specifically for the luxury-business buyer. These aftermarket luxury vans boast an in-house PC controlled with a wireless keyboard and integrated touchpad, as well as a printer with fax, copy, and scanning capabilities; all computing functions are facilitated through a mobile Wi-Fi network accessible to anyone inside the vehicle. Furthermore, a 32-inch LCD monitor enables the passenger to orchestrate a videoconference or simply watch the news while resting comfortably in first-class aviation-style seating with ample legroom and six feet of headroom. One of the few items that Becker Design will not overhaul is the Mercedes-manufactured 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine that is able to travel nearly 30,000 miles without requiring an oil change: "Mercedes calls it their ‘million-mile engine’ because it lasts so long," says Becker. The 2007 Sprinter van is the first redesign for the model in 10 years, offering four different body lengths ranging from 17 to 24 feet, and Becker intends to make it the top luxury choice for the business man or woman.PRICE: $200,000 to $350,000
ENGINE: 3.0-liter V-6 diesel
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual and automatic
POWER: 184 hp at 3,800 rpm
TORQUE: 295 ft lbs at 1,600 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 5,100 pounds
0-60 MPH: N/A
TOP SPEED: Over 100 mph
PROS: All the comforts of first-class travel with a low-profile
exterior
CONS: Some people don’t like planes