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Melbourne - Dodge has unveiled the 2008 Avenger at the Detroit Motor Show
overnight and confirmed that the aggressively styled mid-sized sedan will be the
third vehicle from the U.S. brand to be sold in Australia.
The Dodge Avenger, which will arrive for sale at Chrysler Group dealers in
the third quarter of 2007, is an all-new mid-size sedan that combines bold,
aggressive Dodge styling with innovative interior features, high-levels of
safety and reliability and excellent fuel efficiency.
“Just as the Dodge Caliber and Nitro have sparked huge interest in the Dodge
brand in their respective segments, the Dodge Avenger brings that assertive
attitude and bold styling to the mid-size sedan segment,” said Gerry Jenkins,
managing director, Chrysler Group Australia.
“There’s just nothing else like the Avenger on the road,” he added.
From the front, the brand’s signature crosshair grille and large, quad
headlamps all add to Avenger’s menacing glare while the side profile shares
family traits with the Dodge Charger with muscular rear shoulders, large wheels
and a sleek rear spoiler.
Dodge Avenger rides on a 2765mm wheelbase and 1570mm track, which adds to its
athletic stance and ride quality and stability.
Whilst the Avenger’s engine line-up and packaging won’t be confirmed until
closer to launch, it is likely to include a range of fuel efficient petrol
powertrains including a 2.4-litre four cylinder and 2.7-litre V6 and a
state-of-the-art 2.0-litre turbo diesel.
Safety levels will be high. Avenger’s safety cage is constructed with
dual-phase, high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all
driving situations. Standard features will also include advanced multi-stage
front air bags, side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes and Electronic Stability
Program with Traction Control.
Further setting Dodge Avenger apart will be a slew of new technologies unique
in the segment including Chill Zone, a storage compartment that holds up to
four standard cans, YES Essentials® Fabric—an easy-care, soil-repellent and
anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odours and
discolouration and MyGIG, a cutting-edge information, entertainment and safety
navigation audio system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications.
This next-generation navigation radio features a 6.5-inch Thin Film
Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000
colours. The MyGIG system follows voice-activated commands and includes many
new features for music, sound, movies and personalised picture displays,
including a 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for
organizing music and pictures on the hard drive, MP3 connectivity and
downloading, voice memo recording and a radio screen, which can display movies
(when the vehicle is not in motion).
Dodge has enjoyed success with its five-door crossover Caliber since it
spearheaded the brand’s expansion into Australia in late 2006. The Dodge Nitro
will be next when it spices up the mid-sized SUV segment arriving for sale mid
year and the Avenger will continue the brand’s renaissance arriving in the third
quarter.
2008 Dodge Avenger Production
Production of the 2008 Dodge Avenger
began in the fourth quarter of 2006 at the refurbished Sterling Heights (Mich.)
Assembly Plant, alongside the Chrysler Sebring and Chrysler Sebring Convertible.
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 spearheaded the Dodge brand’s expansion into Australia
late 2006, with the Dodge Nitro mid-sized SUV arriving mid year and the Dodge
Avenger to follow in the third quarter.
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