Official Viewing: Dodge Avenger
UPDATE: Dodge Avenger VIDEO added
UPDATE 2: High res gallery, more pics, official press release added

click on image to enlarge
No longer do we feel like bad little boys (and girl) sneaking a peek, not since Chrysler released this gallery of official images this morning showing the Dodge Avenger that will be unveiled in Paris next week. Being a platform mate of the Chrysler Sebring, the Avenger will likely have the same choice of engines, which includes the 172-hp, 2.4-liter World Engine; 190-hp, 2.7-liter V6; and 235-hp, 3.5-liter V6. We wouldn't be surprised, however, if the Avenger got a little something extra in the perfromance department to differenitate it from the Sebring and drive home the message that Dodge is still the performance brand. We'll be very curious to see what's up with the Avenger R/T when we meet these cars in Paris next week. Until then we all have a few more angles to critique than we had before.
UPDATE: Chrysler's press release confirms that the Avenger concept is powered by a 2.0-liter turbodiesel CRD engine. While the engine may be offered in Europe, it's unlikely to be an option in the U.S. Although the thought of any kind of turbo under the hood of a front-wheel drive Dodge brings back fond memories of the Dodge Spirit R/T Turbo. Perhaps Dodge could make a big statement with the Avenger by foregoing the addition of a big V6 in the R/T and stuffing it with a high-po turbo-four.
[Source: Chrysler]
PHOTO GALLERY
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Press Release:
Dodge Avenger Concept Makes Bold, Powerful Style Statement
- Dodge Avenger concept vehicle revealed at the "Mondial de l'Automobile" in Paris
- Designed for global appeal; brings Dodge brand heritage into the D-segment (mid-size sedan market)
- Chrysler Group global product offensive continues at full throttle
Paris, Sep 20, 2006 -
Dodge is looking to spin the global D-segment with the all-new Dodge Avenger concept - a bold, styling statement that does away with the idea that a functional mid-size car is automatically boring. Avenger's Dodge branded styling makes a definite statement in the D-segment, commanding attention and evoking attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart.
This Avenger concept, finished in a striking Inferno Red, will appeal to car buyers around the world who need the practicality, functionality and fuel efficiency of a mid-size sedan, but want more, including a vehicle with pizzazz that stands out and makes a statement. Avenger's bold Dodge styling, innovative features and solid performance would allow them to do just that. The Avenger concept hints at the next-generation global D-segment vehicle from Dodge.
"This Avenger concept is another expression of where the Dodge brand is headed," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. "Avenger brings Dodge brand American muscle car heritage into the global mid-size car segment. It does for the global D-segment what Caliber has done in the global C-segment - it offers a unique alternative to the competition."
From the front, there's no mistaking the bold presence of Dodge's heritage cues in Avenger's crisp and edgy exterior design. Large, modern quad headlamps surrounded by black housings create the distinctive glare that forms Avenger's face and surround the signature Dodge crosshair grille, which features body-color accents. Fog lamps are positioned in the outer corners of the front fascia and surround a diamond mesh texture that runs the length of the fascia. The lower fascia splitter is punctuated by two fairings. A stamped formation in the center of the hood carries the vertical lines of the crosshair grille.
Avenger's side profile is distinguished by a long hood, short deck lid proportions with muscular rear shoulders and sleek rear spoiler. This concept's long greenhouse is created by the use of a high-gloss black B-pillar and aerodynamic inspired rear door appliqués, which make this mid-size sedan look like it's pouncing forward, even when it's at a standstill. A strong character line stamped in the sheet metal accentuates Avenger's chiseled profile.
With its wide stance, lowered ride height and deep side sills, the Avenger concept is firmly planted on the road. Nineteen-inch five-spoke painted Satin Silver wheels and all-season performance tires add to the Avenger concept's sporty look. Deep red brake calipers gleam from the wheels. Body-color door handles and fold-away mirrors add to Avenger's sport appearance, keeping the side profile clean and sharp.
From the rear, the large, expressive taillamps placed at the corners frame the deck lid. A finely-tuned body-color spoiler is sleekly integrated in the deck lid. An integrated lower rear diffuser reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. Chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets communicate the performance capability of the Avenger concept's 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, which could be sold in markets outside North America.












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Jeff Crew 10:33AM (9/20/2006)
Boring.
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Taylora 2:35PM (2/25/2008)
what do you drive may i ask?
Justin 10:33AM (9/20/2006)
Baby Charger anyone?
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Steve 10:36AM (9/20/2006)
Wait a minute, what's CRD for? That's not a diesel badge, is it?
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SherbornSean 10:36AM (9/20/2006)
I like the design of the Avenger. Brash. Not sophisticated, but not pretentious. Easy to understand – a midsized, FWD Charger. This is what Dodge cars are about. A hundred miles ahead of the Sebring, and it stands out from the Sonata/Camry/6 crowd.
Although I am suspicious that there are no interior shots – what are they hiding?
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k0an 10:36AM (9/20/2006)
I think they are diluting the visual impact of the Charger by using the same look on a mild-mannered FWD vehicle. It's almost the equivalent of making the Mustang II (I know, not a great analogy but that's the best I could come up with early in the morning).
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Sid 10:41AM (9/20/2006)
Nice car. But the name should have been kept for a low-slung, mean-looking sports car. This is just a family sedan with racing stripes.
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Big one 10:46AM (9/20/2006)
Yawn...
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Richard Warren 11:19AM (9/20/2006)
Looks good, I agree with this from #3 "it stands out from the Sonata/Camry/6 crowd."
What I'm hoping the CRD statnds for is Coming,Rear Drive
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jwhite 11:53AM (9/20/2006)
Yes it will come with a CRD in Europe (and hopefully later in the US) - Same as the Sebring
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Alex Nunez 10:43AM (9/20/2006)
Steve, it is a diesel badge. Keep in mind that the car's unveiling is happening in Paris, and that the diesel is a must for European sales.
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Jon 10:44AM (9/20/2006)
I'm surprised nobody said anythign about the CRD badge before the fifth post. I'm really hoping for a 2.4 turbo , but a diesel would be just as good. Any speculation on a possible diesel motor, possibly sourced from DC of Europe?
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HemiDakota 10:49AM (9/20/2006)
Hey Jeff, what car do you drive? LOL
CRD = Common Rail Diesel [Turbo 3.0 Diesel engine]
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Justin 10:46AM (9/20/2006)
CRD is the commonrail diesel isn't it? Why would they show a picture of that if it's sharing engines with the Sebring?
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Adam Singer 10:52AM (9/20/2006)
Re: Steve
You're right. I was just noticing that too. CRD (common rail diesel) is DCX's name for their diesel motors.
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cars 10:49AM (9/20/2006)
Jeff Crew, I can't belive you called a car like this "Boring" !
http://www.auto-power-girl.com/
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Curtis 11:03AM (9/20/2006)
I can't believe the "it's so un-original" crowd hasn't hit this thread yet. If any car diserves that treatment it's this one. Is Dodge really going to have an Avenger and Charger on the lots at the same time? They look the same, they are both sedans, why?
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Glenn 11:14AM (9/20/2006)
Yeah, it is being shown in PARIS. Since, in Europe, 60-70% of new cars are diesel, it probably IS a diesel car. Ironic, no?
We probably won't get any diesels here, since the Mercedes diesels won't fit (being designed for rear wheel drive applications and all). Don't DCX buy in VW diesels for the euro-cars? We'll see....
Anyway, I have to say - WOW - THIS THING IS RELATED TO THE UGLIER THAN SH!T CHRYSLER SEBRING?! Just goes to show that sometimes just because one woman may be pretty, her sister might be PUG UGLY.
I like the Dodge Avenger's looks.
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Hamud 11:03AM (9/20/2006)
For GOD sake, take out the RAM grille.
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Big One 11:10AM (9/20/2006)
Re: Curtis #15
Because Robots designed this car!
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