First Look: 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T

New Suspension Bits Should Help Dodge Midsizer's Dynamics Given its muddied history, we'll forgive you for brushing off Dodge's latest batch of R/T models. Although the R/T badge once signified a vehicle designed to tease, excite, and appease the enthusiast, in recent years, the nameplate was haphazardly applied to almost every Dodge, many of which drove no better than their conventional cousins. The R/T range has been renewed and expanded for 2011, but its original purpose is on the way to being restored. Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles has promised all future R/T models will offer a "higher level of dynamic capability" -- and that appears to hold true for the 2012 Avenger R/T, which debuts this week at the 2011 New York auto show.

As is the case with other current models in the R/T portfolio (now including the Charger, Grand Caravan, Durango, and Journey), the new sport-tuned Avenger doesn't receive any wild bump underhood. In fact, it continues to make use of the same 3.6-liter, 283-horsepower Pentastar V-6 found in lesser Avengers, matched up to a six-speed automatic transmission. In other words, it's not exactly a configuration that's going to raise eyebrows, quicken pulses, and set Internet discussion boards afire. But wait: In the immortal words of Ron Popeil, there's more. The secret, or so we're told, lies entirely with chassis tuning. Lo, engineers have had their way with the Avenger's suspension bits in an attempt to liven up a front-drive platform long regarded as more milquetoast than magnificent. The Dodge crew says stiffness is increased by 18 percent, while front and rear spring rates are upped by 17 and 12 percent, respectively.

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First Look: 2012 Dodge Avenger R/T

New Suspension Bits Should Help Dodge Midsizer's Dynamics Given its muddied history, we'll forgive you for brushing off Dodge's latest batch of R/T models. Although the R/T badge once signified a vehicle designed to tease, excite, and appease the enthusiast, in recent years, the nameplate was haphazardly applied to almost every Dodge, many of which drove no better than their conventional cousins. The R/T range has been renewed and expanded for 2011, but its original purpose is on the way to being restored. Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles has promised all future R/T models will offer a "higher level of dynamic capability" -- and that appears to hold true for the 2012 Avenger R/T, which debuts this week at the 2011 New York auto show.

As is the case with other current models in the R/T portfolio (now including the Charger, Grand Caravan, Durango, and Journey), the new sport-tuned Avenger doesn't receive any wild bump underhood. In fact, it continues to make use of the same 3.6-liter, 283-horsepower Pentastar V-6 found in lesser Avengers, matched up to a six-speed automatic transmission. In other words, it's not exactly a configuration that's going to raise eyebrows, quicken pulses, and set Internet discussion boards afire. But wait: In the immortal words of Ron Popeil, there's more. The secret, or so we're told, lies entirely with chassis tuning. Lo, engineers have had their way with the Avenger's suspension bits in an attempt to liven up a front-drive platform long regarded as more milquetoast than magnificent. The Dodge crew says stiffness is increased by 18 percent, while front and rear spring rates are upped by 17 and 12 percent, respectively.

View the original article here

Dodge goes rallying (!) with ’11 Avenger [Video]

Wednesday, Apr 13th, 2011 @ 12:17 p.m.

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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