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

• All-new interior gives consumers more comfort, world-class craftsmanship and high-tech features to make their lives easier
• All-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission provides best-in-class V-6 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy
• Proven 2.4-liter World Gas Engine is retuned and mated to an available six-speed automatic transmission
  Major suspension overhaul and improved acoustics result in an exhilarating driving experience with one of the quietest cabins in the segment
• Updated exterior design showcases an athletic yet refined exterior with the new Dodge brand “split crosshair” grille
  

November 15, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

Dodge introduces the new 2011 Dodge Avenger, the perfect sedan for the customer who wants an enthusiastic driving performance and exceptional fuel economy. The 2011 Dodge Avenger provides more standard content than others in the segment, high-tech features that keep them connected and the safety features consumers expect, all at an excellent value.

The Dodge Avenger receives a major overhaul for 2011 with an all-new world-class interior, a redesigned, more sculpted exterior and performance attributes that put the “fun” in functional. A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension results in exceptional driving dynamics. When combined with the exterior and interior design upgrades, the 2011 Dodge Avenger is a vehicle packed with value and a style all its own.

“From the ground up, the Dodge brand has reenergized and redesigned its 2011 model-year lineup to deliver vehicles with American design and the performance customers are proud to drive,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Consumers will experience this renaissance when they drive the new 2011 Dodge Avenger. The Avenger offers tons of standard features packaged to fit almost any lifestyle, a new world-class interior with a new level of comfort and craftsmanship and a driving experience they’ll look forward to every day.”

The 2011 Dodge Avenger delivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver. Engineers retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The track is an inch wider, tire width has been increased from 215 to 225 mm and the Avenger has been lowered 12 mm in the front and 6 mm in the rear for a lower, more aggressive stance. When they get behind the wheel of the Avenger, customers will feel more confident, experience less body roll, reduced vehicle motion, improved isolation, better steering precision and increased grip thanks to new premium tires.

Dodge also updated the Avenger’s powertrain options for 2011 to make it even more responsive and fun to drive. The vehicle comes with the standard 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now available mated to a new six-speed transmission for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. The new Avenger powered by the 2.4-liter engine produces 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque.

Buyers also can opt for the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives them the best of both worlds – best-in-class V-6 horsepower and exceptional fuel economy. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces a best-in-class 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

Avenger’s cabin is now one of the quietest in the segment, thanks to the engineers’ efforts to isolate all outside noise where it belongs — outside the vehicle. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) were reduced, and 45 new sound-deadening treatments were added, including an acoustic glass windshield, laminated side glass, new sound absorption materials throughout the vehicle and a new three-point engine mount system for the 2.4-liter World Gas Engine.

New exterior styling features clean, smooth aggressive lines. The new, more sculpted front fascia sports the signature Dodge brand “split crosshair” grille, while an aggressive lower fascia with the honeycomb texture grille features new projector beam fog lamps. The rear fascia is also more sculpted, and new “ring of fire” LED taillamps provide an easily identifiable on-road presence.

With an all-new interior for 2011, Avenger customers will step into world-class levels of craftsmanship, content and comfort. The all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and the new multifunction three-spoke Dodge steering wheel transform the driver’s seat into a cockpit-like experience. Armrests and the instrument panel are soft to the touch, and new premium interior finishes are pleasing to the eye. New heating and cooling outlets are redesigned to fit seamlessly into the new instrument panel. The driver and passengers will sink in to new upgraded seats with more cushion material and be able to pick from new leather and cloth seating options. The Dodge Avenger’s new interior color schemes and accent stitching complete the makeover.

Avenger’s high-tech features are designed to keep drivers connected with their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. New ambient interior lighting and the new Dodge steering wheel with integrated controls let the driver operate the radio, cruise control, handsfree phone and other vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel. Drivers also can stay connected via an available media center with voice command that is easy to use and offers SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a 30-gigabyte hard drive, iPod® connectivity, streaming music capability and a navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time information.

Safety and security features abound in the 2011 Dodge Avenger, giving owners peace of mind. Standard features include advanced multi-stage front passenger air bags, active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC), supplemental side-curtain air bags, front seat side air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic traction control, Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) child seat anchor system and available Uconnect® Voice Command.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is available in five different configurations in the United States, packaged to fit almost any lifestyle. The Avenger Express, Avenger Mainstreet, Avenger Heat, Avenger Lux and Avenger R/T models are packed with cool standard features and unexpected versatility at a surprising value.

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 as well as with value for their dollar.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger is available in eight exterior colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat, Redline 2 Pearl Coat, Stone White Pearl Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat, Bright White Pearl Coat or Black.

The new 2011 Dodge Avenger Express, Mainstreet, Heat and Lux models will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter 2010. The Dodge Avenger R/T arrives in U.S. dealer showrooms in Spring 2011.