2008 Dodge Avenger

Dodge figures the full-size Charger's styling will work just as well on a mid-size car. And so we have the Avenger, which basically looks like a three-quarter-scale Charger. Mechanically, the Avenger is a twin to the Chrysler Sebring sedan, sharing its underpinnings and powertrains. And like the Sebring, the Avenger hopes to out-value the Honda Accord, the Nissan Altima, and the Ford Fusion. To that end, the Avenger starts at$18,895--$1605 less than an outgoing Stratus but with $985 more content.

The Avenger's cabin is spacious enough for two six-foot, two-inch occupants to sit one behind the other in comfort. Perceived quality is a big step up from other recent Chrysler efforts, and the unique dashboard architecture is characterful. Other neat cabin touches include the Chill Zone (a beverage cooler mounted in the dash) and MyGig (an optional audio, navigation, and entertainment system that allows you to download music and photos to a hard drive).

The driving experience is not nearly so cool. The 2.4-liter four moves the beast along reasonably well, but those expecting a performance hit from the V-6-powered R/T (man, does that badge set up expectations, or what?) will be disappointed. At least the six-speed automatic is smooth and fast-reacting, especially in manual mode.

Eventually, there will be an Dodge Avenger SRT, but Dodge hasn't decided yet whether it will use a blown version of the 3.5-liter V-6 or a higher-displacement V-6. It'll almost certainly be all-wheel drive, an option that arrives by July for R/T models.

This new Avenger won't be rewriting any rules for the mid-size class. At best, it's an alternative with a uniquely American accent.

© Source: automobilemag
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2007 Dodge Avenger Tuner Stormtrooper

(from Chrysler Press Release) The Dodge Avenger Tuner – Stormtrooper is a sophisticated sedan designed to appeal to an adult tuner with an appreciation for technical superiority, exhilarating performance and unbridled luxury and style. The technical, yet organic nature of the Stormtrooper costumes from Star Wars inspired its execution. The Avenger Stormtrooper represents the holistic fusion of technology, racing, comfort and performance.

Smooth power is unleashed by the digitally-tuned 4.0-liter V-6 engine – that packs the punch of a velvet hammer. It features an all-wheel-drive powertrain and six-speed automatic gearbox with AutoStick steering wheel paddle shifters and KW custom coil-over suspension that is tuned for ride-height and damping. Its custom exhaust is from Borla. The large 20 x 9 custom Alcoa Forged rims come with die-sub custom graphics and Michelin 245/35R20 Pilot Sport PS2 tires. It also features a StopTech six-piston front and four- piston rear big-brake package, Xenon HID projector head lamps, Umnitza Predator halo lighting and Challenger fuel filler cap.

© Source: seriouswheels
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