Dodge pulls wraps off New Avenger

Dodge continues the complete revamp of its product lineup with the Avenger mid-size sedan. The current generation has been on sale since 2008, so it’s time for a mid-cycle refresh. That’s where things get interesting. The Avenger shares platform and parts with the Chrysler Sebring, which is being replaced by the Chrysler 200. That opens up a whole slew of upgrades for the Dodge. Click past the jump for the details, press release and pictures.

Chrysler is concentrating on its interiors, and the Avenger gets a host of updates in that area, specifically in the materials and fit and finish department. Upscale materials abound, and the Avenger will feature the automaker’s latest electronics packages. The inside of the new Avenger is almost monochrome, with most of its surfaces swathed in black. Luckily, there are some contrasting silver-colored trim pieces to break up the darkness.

Outside, things aren’t as wildly different as inside, but the sheetmetal sees some updates, most notably up front. The fender flares are crisp and pronounced, and the back glass area – the C pillar – has a smoother transition between it and the trunk area. The rear taillamps are now LEDs, which is becoming more and more mainstream with each model year. Up front, the Dodge cross-bar is large, but not as big as the headlights. The fog lights, in contrast, are almost too small. Overall, the Avenger looks a lot like its big brother the Charger.

The changes continue underneath the bodywork, with a completely revised suspension. The new Avenger should be a lot more fun and engaging to drive than its predecessor. I have a feeling that the new suspension bits are more a function of the Chrysler 200’s revised chassis, but the Dodge will be the more fun-to-drive car. In addition to the suspension, the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine gets updates, and the Pentastar V6 will be available, with 283/260 horsepower/foot-pounds of torque, which will bring it up to par with some of its competitors and beyond others, which should put the Avenger on the short list of buyers looking for a speedy mid-size sedan.

The 2011 Avenger goes on sale later this year.

Show Press Release

An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance

October 28, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -Dodge today introduced the new Dodge Avenger, totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes that put the “fun” in functional. A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension mean drivers will experience Dodge’s fun-to-drive dynamics in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.

The Avenger’s “fun to drive” quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver.

Dodge engineers retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension and the geometry were completely rethought. The track is an inch wider, tire width increased from 215 to 225 millimeters and the vehicle is 12 millimeters lower in the front and 6 millimeters in the rear for a more aggressive stance. Customers will feel more confident when driving the new Avenger because of less body roll, less vehicle shake, improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel and the increased grip of new premium tires.

A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the 2011 Avenger’s driving experience. The vehicles has a standard 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now available mated to a new smooth-shifting six-speed transmission for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (an increase of 12 percent) combined with competitive fuel economy.

New exterior styling features clean, smooth aggressive lines. The new fascia sports the new signature Dodge Brand “split crosshair” grille, while an aggressive lower fascia completes the Dodge look from top to bottom.

The Chrysler Group LLC’s Interior Design Studio also worked its magic on the new 2011 Avenger. The all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and new Dodge steering wheel transform the driver seat into a cockpit-like experience. Upgraded seats incorporate more cushion material and revised spring geometry. Dodge Avenger also features several new two-tone interior color schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching. Owners can select from these schemes to design a vehicle that matches their lifestyle needs.

Designers developed the 2011 Dodge Avenger with new “soft touch” armrests and instrument panels, new, premium interior finishes for touch points that are not only pleasing to the touch but also to the eye. They also redesigned the heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and better functioning. The 2011 Dodge Avenger also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout the vehicle.

Clever features include new ambient interior lighting and a new multi-function three-spoke Dodge steering wheel with integrated controls that allows drivers to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel. Available cool technology includes voice command functions for hands-free phones, integrated USB port for streaming music, navigation and memo record, an iPod/MP3 jack, Bluetooth streaming music; Gracenote music identification; a hard drive that stores approximately 6,700 songs and remote start.

The standard mid-size sedan segment is the largest vehicle segment in the United States, with more than 1.6 million vehicles sold in 2009. The 2011 Dodge Avenger is uniquely positioned as an alternative for consumers looking for a sedan with more style, personality and performance than the segment is traditionally known for.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., and will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter this year.

by John Suit

Source: Chrysler

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An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance

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