Paris Motor Show: Dodge Avenger Concept
The Chrysler Group debuted its latest "world car," the Dodge Avenger, in Paris Thursday, and Autoblog's Eric Bryant was there for the ceremonial unveiling.
The Inferno Red Avenger "concept" is officially said to "hint" at the next generation global D-segment Dodge, but the word is that the concept car is very, very close to the production version. The "CRD" badging on the concept's decklid highlights the concept's 2-liter turbodiesel powerplant - undoubtedly targeted at the European market.
Lots of live shots, studio shots and the official press release after the jump!
Official 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 – 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.
Dodge Brand
Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2005. With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles. Dodge Caliber spearheads the Dodge brand's expansion into volume markets outside North America, and will be followed by the Dodge Nitro and the high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Rock 11:40AM (9/28/2006)
It's OK, styling is kind of dated already.
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Voz 11:46AM (9/28/2006)
Dated styling? Ok where do you live in the future? Anyway the car looks great hopefully they make a couple version as well. I like the look a lot.
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J P 11:48AM (9/28/2006)
The badge on the back of the avenger says CRD, as in common-rail diesel. Could this mean what I think it means???? I hope diesel dodges are in America's future.
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BMW Guy 11:49AM (9/28/2006)
The new Dodge Charger mini looks great!
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chuck goolsbee 11:51AM (9/28/2006)
CRD! yes, somebody finally has the balls to drop an oil burner in a car with an "R/T" badge. Now where is my Diesel roadster and would somebody please whack the CARB weenies upside the head and get more Diesels to the USA! VW has been left doing all the heavy lifting for far too long.
--chuck
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Jeff Crew 11:51AM (9/28/2006)
Wow, this is a Dodge "concept vehicle". Obviously it is production. We get the concept of Dodge styling as it has not changed in the last decade since the original Dodge Ram. This is a "World Car"? I guess Pontiac G6's should be shipped all over the world too. I guess in some ways it is with it's platform buddies, but it would get killed over in Europe where I am sure Dodge will find the same result with this car.
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nailz420 11:53AM (9/28/2006)
I agree with #1, it does look dated. It looks great for 2005 not for 2007-2008.
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Rock 11:54AM (9/28/2006)
Voz; Yes
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menice 11:56AM (9/28/2006)
sooo tired of seeing the same front end on their cars.
VOZ.... that is the same RAM front for years, unchanged. that looks like the rest of the dogde line up... totally boring.
if I'm not mistaken, there will be no CRD for the USA.
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pedro 11:59AM (9/28/2006)
This is a much more successful styling than the Chrysler Sebring, in my opinion. The Sebring looks a little bizarre, like its a much larger car pretending to be a much smaller one. This one, while not "pretty" in my opinion has much more cohesive and distinctive styling. It will find success in the marketplace.
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Tommy 12:02PM (9/28/2006)
Lose the chin spoiler and they had me at 'CRD'... Too bad it's not coming to the good side of the planet.
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MW 1:02PM (9/28/2006)
The front-end styling of Dodge cars may be similar but it's not that similar. At least it is interesting.
In my opinion, this car looks great.
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MattB 12:11PM (9/28/2006)
wow, much better interior than the sebring!
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submachine 12:12PM (9/28/2006)
This was produced by the mating of a Caliber and a Charger.
Enough mediocre cars, make the Nitro SRT8.
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Glen from Hesperia, CA 1:34PM (9/28/2006)
I understand that this is the same Dodge Avenger that will be introduced into the United States as a 2008 model in the spring of 2007. I realize that this is the sister-car to the Chrysler Sebring, but I must admit that Daimler-Chrysler did a great job of providing a totally different look to a car that shares so many components. GM and Ford could take a lesson from Daimler-Chrysler on this one. GM and Ford think that changing taillights and a grill creates a different vehicle.
I truly like the look of this Avenger and think it will provide dealers with something that can really compete against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The look is bold and the technical features such as the 20GB hardrive along with heated/cooled cupholders will be great for promoting this vehicle. I love the similarities to the Dodge Charger. Looks great!
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y2jmp 12:56PM (9/28/2006)
The thing I like about Doge is the fact they dont over chrome the front ends of there cars and trucks. The thing I dont like about dodge everything looks alike (the cross hairs) I know its what makes dodge a dodge but a lil much.
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doug 12:38PM (9/28/2006)
Kep in mind that this car is supposed to compete in Europe's mid size market. Compare it to the new Ford Mondeo. Put the Kool Aid down Dr. Z!!! Stop embarrasing your US engineers but showing their slop to the whole world. It's bad enough that the rental car employees have to deal with them!!
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sam cook'd 12:52PM (9/28/2006)
i was thinkin a charger and a 05 stratus mated and this thing was birthed 9 months later......i like the looks kept the sharp lines aon the rear and along the side of the body of the charger....also kept the charger 'eyes'(headlights).....but the proportions of this car seem off for wat ever reason cant put my finger on it....hope the CRD makes it to this side of the globe but i doubt it
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pd 12:53PM (9/28/2006)
Another ugly truck-like car from DCX, your right VERY DATED. WAL-MART interior doesn't help either.
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mr 12:57PM (9/28/2006)
I like how they provided detailed concept drawings of the headlights and taillights, as if they hadn't used them on 4 cars already.
Dodge is quickly becoming the Dane Cook of automotive brands. There's nothing there beneath the desperate attempts to appear "in your face." Just appallingly, pathetically average.
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