second sliding door, even as an extra-cost option. Ironically, the feature had been planned for the first-generation minivans, but was removed in 1980 due to concerns over additional tooling costs. Alongside the sliding door, several designs underwent consideration for the floor layout. Initially, a lower floor height was considered (research feedback felt that the step-in height was too high), but was rejected as it jeopardized the higher driving position sought by buyers. For production, a compromise design was approved, retaining the same floor height as the previous generation eased into lower door sills. In addition to preserving the higher driving position, the floor design allowed the fitment of all-wheel drive without major modification, larger wheels and tires, CNG tanks, and batteries for electric vehicles. While the V6 powertrains of the previous-generation platform were retained, during the development of the NS platform, several configurations were under consideration. To improve the body structure, a mid-engine powertrain in line with the Toyota Previa was initially considered, but was rejected for cost and complexity considerations. A transition to a longitudinal-mounted powertrain to simplify V6 engine access and all-wheel drive configuration also underwent strong consideration; the transverse layout was chosen in order to reduce overall length. In an extensive shift from the boxy design of the first two generations, the body adopted cab-forward design, shifting the dashboard and windshield forward. In contrast to the controversial styling of the GM APV minivans, the roof was moved upward (nearly 3 inches) and the cowl moved lower, allowing for a less radical windshield angle. To move the base of the windshield back several inches (to further improve visibility), Chrysler designed the windshield wiper module/lower windshield cowl to be removable (allowing for improved engine bay access). In total, the development of the NS platform would cost Chrysler Corporation $2.8 billion dollars (approximately $4.6 billion in 2017 dollars), the most costly vehicle ever developed by Chrysler at the time. Model overview Chassis The third-generation Chrysler minivans use the Chrysler NS platform designation. Using a completely new unibody chassis, the NS platform uses a 113.3 inch wheelbase for standard-wheelbase vans (1.3 inches longer) and a 119.3 inch wheelbase for long-wheelbase vans (same as 1994-1995 AS-platform vans). Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain configuration with all-wheel drive offered as an option. The suspension of the NS platform is a modified version of the previous two generations. In front, the use of MacPherson