A front-wheel-drive midsize sedan like the Dodge Avenger isn’t exactly a traditional rally car choice, but that isn’t stopping Dodge from sliding through the muck to celebrate its relationship with Magneti Marelli.
Thanks to Fiat’s investment, Chrysler’s Mopar parts division recently began working with Italy’s Magneti Marelli to develop performance products for a wide range of vehicles. Magneti Marelli is well known to European car enthusiasts for its performance bits, which include rally gear.
The specially-equipped Avenger was put together in Mopar’s Center Line, Michigan, laboratory. After being stripped of non-essential parts, the Avenger gained a purpose-built center stack, a 1GB data logger, an integrated GPS, an eight-point Mopar roll cage and OMP-supplied steering wheel and diamond plate interior bits. Overall, the V6-powered Avenger weighs about 200 lbs. less than the production model despite the additional electronics and safety gear.
New paddle shifts help Dodge make the most of the car, while an upgraded ECU, a performance exhaust system and a cold air intake crank power up to an even 300 from the stock 283 ponies. High performance Magneti Marelli brakes including a rally-bred dual control rear brake setup bring things to a stop.
The Avenger sits about 1.5 inches lower than stock and it rides on unique Mopar/Magneti Marelli 18-inch alloy wheels. A rear spoiler, hood and mud flaps round out the package.
Dodge hasn’t announced any competition plans for the Avenger rally car. Look for it to make its public debut next week at the New York International Auto Show.
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