29 Sep 06 15:14
Chrysler's Dodge division says that the Avenger concept, no relation to the old Hillman of that name, is "a bold styling statement that does away with the idea that a functional midsize car is automatically boring". Yep, it certainly isn't dull - though it's not exactly pretty, either.
The sister model to the Chrysler Sebring (see separate story), this Avenger previews the production range to go on sale early next year. It's based on a lengthened version of the Caliber/Mitsubishi Lancer platform, and could offer an interesting alternative to the likes of the Mondeo, Vectra and suchlike - for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
It's an all-American muscle car, with large black-edged quad headlamps, a crosshair grille, a meshed grille in the lower front spoiler, a rear spoiler, aerodynamic door panels and black B-pillars - as well as, refreshingly in an age of one-box MPV-like cars, an ol'-fashioned long-bonnet outline. With deep side sills, chromed exhausts, low-riding suspension, 19-inch silver wheels and a colour-coded Inferno Red exterior, it looks mean, too.
By rights, this car should have a fiery HEMI V8 under the bonnet (that'll come) but to remind us that the Avenger can be a sensible, cost-effective choice, this concept's fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel. Yes please, Dodge - and can you bring us a right-hand drive Magnum, as well? And the Charger and Challenger?
What we will get, however, is an SRT-ed version of the smaller Caliber. Like other SRT (Street and Racing Technology) Dodges, it has a powerful engine: in this case, a 303bhp/260 lb ft turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit with unique pistons, cooling and water-flow systems, high-flow fuel pump and variable-valve timing. Acceleration 0-60mph can take just six seconds, making this quite some hot hatchback. There's six-speed manual transmission, sending power to the front wheels.
Channelling over 300bhp of turbocharged power through the front wheels is a potentially hazardous exercise, so to keep all this under control, the front suspension has been revised, different anti-roll bars fitted to reduce body roll and the steering modified for easier low-speed manoeuvering. The SRT4 rides 13mm lower than the standard Caliber, despite 19-in alloy wheels, and has uniquely-tuned stability control and high-performance brakes.
When sales start in Europe in late 2007, equipment will include ISOFIX child seat mounting points, remote keyless entry, side curtain airbags and tyre pressure monitoring. You'll also get the full SRT effect with a more aggressive front grille, extra air ducts, front fog lamps, a bonnet air-scoop, low front air dam, lowered side sills, a larger rear spoiler and a choice of black, Sunburst Orange, silver or Inferno Red paint, as well as a unique SRT-branded interior with multi-CD audio system. And best of all, Dodge promises that the SRT4 will be very competitively-priced.
Dodge sold just over 10,770 cars outside of North America last year, but since the launch of the Caliber in August, it is expanding into Europe. Growth will continue with the advent of the Avenger next year, and the Nitro SUV, also on show in Paris, and Chrysler hopes that Dodge's success will list its total market share in Europe to 1.4percent by 2009, from today's level of just 0.6percent.
"The expansion of the Dodge brand into our key volume markets outside North America allows us to increase volume while leveraging our established dealer network and distribution structure," said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director - International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Dodge also appeals to a different type of customer than Chrysler and Jeep, and its global expansion will contribute to our sustainable, profitable growth."
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