Dodge Avenger Concept Unveiled

One week prior to the Paris Motor Show, Dodge gives us the first look at the Avenger concept. The vehicle is a concept in name only; expect the production version of the Avenger to look identical to this concept. It will probably debut at an upcoming American auto show in the next six months. In the U.S., the Avenger will most likely share the same engines, transmissions and pricing as the redesigned Chrysler Sebring that will roll off the assembly line any day now. 

Those Sebring engines include:

• 173-hp four-cylinder shared with the Dodge Caliber, mated to a four-speed automatic and getting 24/32 mpg city/highway
• 189-hp flexible-fuel V-6 that can run on E85 or gasoline, teamed with a four-speed automatic. Mileage is estimated at 22/30 city/highway
• 235-hp V-6 with Chrysler’s new six-speed transmission, registering mileage of 19/28 mpg city/highway

The big difference between the two cars is of course the design. In that department the Avenger wins the sibling rivalry battle by a mile. Unlike the Sebring, Dodge used the best design elements of its current lineup for the Avenger. The rear flank is taken straight from the macho Charger sedan, while the front end builds off the Caliber but looks elegant for a Dodge. Expect prices in the range of $18,000 – $25,000 when it finally does end up in production sometime in the second half of 2007. Unfortunately there isn’t much news about the concept until it bows in to the public in Paris next week. For now click below for more images.

Dodge Avenger Concept

CRD stands for “Common Rail Diesel” an engine option purely for the European market, where Dodge hopes to increase market share.