Dodge Avenger
| Dodge Avenger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors (1995-2000) Chrysler LLC (2008-present) |
| Production | 1995-2000 2008-present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
The Dodge Avenger is a front-wheel drive, mid-size sedan, built by the Chrysler Corporation for the Dodge marque. In its initial debut, the Avenger was produced from 1995 to 2000 as a 2-door coupe. It was re-introduced to the market as a 4-door sports sedan starting in 2008.
Dodge Avenger coupe (1995-2000)
| Dodge Avenger coupe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1995–2000 |
| Assembly | Normal, Illinois, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Chrysler FJ platform |
| Related | Chrysler Sebring (coupe) Eagle Talon Mitsubishi Eclipse Mitsubishi Galant |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L 420A I4 2.5 L Mitsubishi 6G73 V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed 41TE automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in (1998-2000) Template:Auto in (1995-97) |
| Width | Template:Auto in (1998-2000) Template:Auto in (1995-97) |
| Height | Template:Auto in (1998-2000) Template:Auto in (1995-97) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dodge Daytona Dodge Stealth |
| Successor | Dodge Stratus coupe (for 2001) |
Introduced as a 2-door coupe in North America, the Dodge Avenger was built from 1995 to 2000 in a similar size and price class as the Dodge Daytona, which was discontinued in 1993. The Avenger, along with the similar Chrysler Sebring coupe, was built by Diamond Star Motors (DSM), a joint venture between Chrysler Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors, on a version of the Mitsubishi Galant platform (which also spawned the similar Mitsubishi Eclipse). Mitsubishi purchased Chrysler's share of the joint venture in 1995. Avengers and Sebring coupes built from 1995 to 1996 both have DSM markings in their engine compartments.
The Avenger had a 103 in (2.62 m) wheelbase and used either a 2.0 L straight-4 (the Chrysler 420A) or a Mitsubishi-designed 2.5 L V6. The 4-cylinder was coupled to either a five-speed manual transmission, shared with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, or a 4-speed automatic. The V6 was only available with the A604 transmission.[1]
Changes
ABS was used in all ES models to 1999. In 1997, the front fascia, trunklid, and rear bumper were changed; 16 inch wheels were standard, and the license plate was moved from the decklid to the rear bumper. In 2000, the V6 and automatic transmission combination was made standard on all Avengers, and ABS was made an "option" for ES models. The four-cylinder engine was dropped for 2000.
Trims
- 1995-2000 - "Highline" base model (V6 among other options made standard in 2000)
- 1995-2000 - ES
A "Sport Appearance Package" could be added on to Base model cars. This package included alloy wheels (different from those on the ES) with other options.
Timeline
1994: A 1994 Dodge IROC Dodge Avenger sports coupe replaced the Dodge Daytona, which had been used since 1990. Only six of these were sold from IROC in New Jersey.[citation needed] All were powered by a small block V8.
1995: Initial introduction - replaces the Daytona. A DOHC 16-valve 2.0 L I4 engine (140 hp, Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque) is standard. A SOHC 24-valve 2.5 L V6 engine and an automatic transmission (155 hp, Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque) are made optional on the ES. Fog lamps and ABS are also optional on the ES.
1996: Power and torque ratings for the V6 are increased (163 horsepower, Template:Auto ft.lbf. torque), ES Coupes had new seat fabric.
1997: Sport model introduced (in addition to the base and SE). The Avenger Sport package consisted of exclusive 16-inch aluminum wheels and a body-color spoiler. New front and rear fascias are added. Added a body-color rear spoiler, P215/50HR17 tires, and 17-inch cast aluminum wheels for the ES. The V6 is also standard for the ES, as well as rear disc brakes.
1998: An on-board recycling vapor recovery system, cafe latte exterior color and a black and gray interior color combination are added.
1999: Next generation driver and front passenger airbags are added, as well as a new exterior color: Shark Blue. The V6 engine and automatic transmission are standard on all models in mid-year, as well as several options.
2000: Last year for the Avenger. V6/automatic drive train are standard. ABS an option on ES models. Gained a number of standard features that had previously been optional, including power windows and locks. Base models added cruise control and 4-wheel disc brakes. ES coupes now come with standard leather upholstery, keyless remote entry, and a power driver's seat.
In 2000, the Avenger was discontinued and replaced by the Dodge Stratus coupe for 2001. This model was also made at the former Diamond Star plant by Mitsubishi, using the Eclipse platform and architecture, though the Stratus sedan was engineered and built by Chrysler.
Dodge Avenger sedan (2008-present)
| Dodge Avenger sedan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Dodge Evangeline R (Israel) |
| Production | 2008-present |
| Assembly | Sterling Heights, Michigan, United States |
| Designer | Ryan Nagode, Graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, Industrial Design Program 2003 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler JS platform |
| Related | Mitsubishi Lancer Chrysler Sebring |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4 L GEMA I4 Complete engine specs Complete engine specs Complete engine specs Complete engine specs |
| Transmission | 4-speed 40TES automatic 4-speed 41TES automatic 6-speed 62TE automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dodge Stratus |
The Dodge Avenger name returned in February 2007 as a MY2008 model[3] as a sedan to replace the Dodge Stratus, whose coupe version had replaced the original Avenger in 2001. According to some reports, the Avenger, along with the redesigned Chrysler Sebring, shares a DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi Motors platform called JS which used the Mitsubishi GS as a starting point, then was heavily modified. The base engine in the SE and SXT trim levels is the 2.4 LGEMAI4 naturally-aspirated "World Engine", a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai. Additional engines include an optional 2.7 L V6 in the SXT and a standard 3.5 L V6 in the R/T trim level. In addition to the 2.4 L "World Engine" and the V6s, export vehicles will be offered with the 2.0 L naturally-aspirated "World Engine", as well as a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel (Pumpe-Düse) made by Volkswagen.[4] As a 2008 model, the Dodge Avenger came to showrooms in February 2007.
Features on the new Avenger include optional heated/cooled cup holders as well as Dodge's new "Chill Zone", a feature that comes standard on all Avenger models, which can store up to four 12-US fl oz cans in the glove box and chill them to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.[5]
Like its Dodge Journey stablemate, the Avenger's exterior was styled by Chrysler's Ryan Nagode.[6] The interior was styled by Ben S. Chang.[7]
The Avenger replaced the Charger as Dodge's car in NASCAR in 2007 for Car of Tomorrow races. It got its first win with former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya in the 2007 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway.
The Avenger was officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on September 28, 2006 as a concept car. It has been launched in Europe and is sold in Britain, filling a gap in the Chrysler range that was left by the Neon's demise four years earlier. It has also been launched in Australia, although currently with only the 2.4L engine.
In the US, the Avenger was launched with a 30 second television ad, "Tuned Up," that debuted Sunday, March 4, 2007 during NHL hockey, an ad in which a lab technician discovers he can play Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple on the Avenger's transmission. Another television spot likened the Avenger to the "superhero" vehicle for the everyman, depicting a driver piloting his Avenger through Gotham-like streets and alleys, speaking to the MyGig entertainment system in distinctly Batman-reminiscent tones, to arrive home, pull into a two-car garage and open the rear door to a sleeping child in the rear car-seat.[8]
Trims
SE: 2.4L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4-speed automatic (Discontinued in 2009)
SXT: 2.4L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V Dual VVT 4-speed automatic SXT optional powertrain: 2.7L V6 DOHC 24-valve MPI 4-speed automatic
R/T: 3.5L High Output V6 24V MPI 6-speed automatic
R/T AWD: 3.5L High Output V6 24V MPI 6-speed automatic (Discontinued in 2009)
Total American sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2008[9] | 61,963 |
| 2009[10] | 38,922 |
Motorsport
The first-generation Dodge Avenger body style was widely used in the National Hot Rod Association, but came to the most prominence being driven by Darrell Alderman, and Scott Geoffrion, during their run from 1994–2000, as the celebrated Dodge Boys. The car was also used for the 1994 and 1995 incarnations of the International Race of Champions. The second-generation Dodge Avenger was used in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season as the Car of Tomorrow model from Dodge. In 2008, the Dodge CoT was changed back to the Charger.
Chrysler bankruptcy and sale to "New Chrysler"
The Sterling Heights, Michigan plant which makes the Avenger and the Sebring will not be included in the sale of the company to a new company formed in alliance with Fiat, called Chrysler Group LLC. It will be leased by Chrysler Group LLC until the end of 2012, at which time the plant will close.[11] On October 29, 2009, The Wall Street Journal originally announced that Fiat plans to cut the Avenger from the Dodge lineup;[12] however, Car and Driver, in a later article, has said that Chrysler plans to continue the Avenger and its cousin, the Chrysler Sebring, well into the future. Chrysler also plans to redesign both the Chrysler Sebring and the Dodge Avenger in late 2010-early 2011.[13] Chrysler has also confirmed that future Sebrings and Avengers (after the 2011 redesign) will most likely be Fiat-based sedans marketed as Sebrings and Avengers in the United States.[13] On November 4, 2009, Fiat announced that the Avenger will be remade in 2010.[14]
See also
Notes
- ^ "The First Generation Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger coupes". Allpar. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
{{cite journal}}: External link in|journal= - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Dodge - Specs & Upgrades:". Chrysler LLC. Retrieved 2008-07-17.
- ^ "New Dodge costs less than outgoing model". Autoweek, By Bradford Wernle, Automotive News.
- ^ "2008 Dodge Avenger cars". AllPar.com. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
- ^ "2008 Dodge Avenger". CarGurus.com. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
- ^ "DRIVELINE: Dodge has strong hand in Journey". The London Free Press, Harry Pegg, February 8, 2008.
- ^ "2008 Dodge Avenger production cars". Allpar, LLC. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "2008 Dodge Avenger Launches Marketing Campaign". Carbuyersnotebook.com March 2, 2007.
- ^ "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
- ^ "Chrysler Group LLC December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
- ^ "Deal's first steps begin - Chrysler will sell its assets to Fiat; five plants to close".
- ^ "Fiat to Gut Chrysler Lineup - KickingTires". Blogs.cars.com. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ a b Posted by **TIME AGO**. "Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger to Live on Through 2012 - Car News - Auto Reviews". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
- ^ "Chrysler's Complete Product Plan - Chrysler". Jalopnik. 2009-11-04. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
External links
