DETROIT, MI – The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger features fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA fuel economy standards) and all-wheel-drive capability combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control. With a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $18,895 (including a $675 destination charge), the all-new Avenger is priced $1,605 below the comparable outgoing Stratus with $985 more content, including standard side-curtain and front-seat-mounted side airbags, Chill Zone, theft alarm, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger will be available in U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets, in both left-hand and right-hand drive, by mid-2007. Four models will be offered in the United States: Dodge Avenger SE, Dodge Avenger SXT and Dodge Avenger R/T, and a first for Dodge in the mid-size segment, Dodge Avenger R/T AWD (late availability).

The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger rides on a 108.9-inch wheelbase and 61.8- inch track. Overall, Avenger is 1.2 inches wider and four inches taller than the vehicle it replaces.

Taking a cue from the Dodge Ram name, the Avenger’s center stack features a V-like ram’s horn shape that surrounds the gated shifter bezel and serves as a design focal point. Avenger’s center stack features dual heating and air conditioning vents. A large opening below the vents provides room for either the standard AM/FM/CD radio or the available cutting-edge MyGIG Multimedia Navigation/Audio/Entertainment/Communication system. On vehicles equipped with the UConnect Hands-free Communication System, phone buttons are packaged in the radio control head for easy access and a clean, streamlined appearance.

Unique to Dodge Avenger in the mid-size segment is Chill Zone, a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all Avenger models. Housed in the passenger side, upper instrument panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans.

Drivers sit 2.5 inches higher than they did in Dodge’s previous mid-size sedan. The interior cabin also is spacious with 100.9 cu. ft. of room, which is an additional seven cubic feet of interior passenger volume compared with the vehicle it replaces. There are 2.5 inches more headroom, 1.2 inches more shoulder room, and an inch more hip room in the front seat. Luggage volume in the trunk is a competitive 13.35 cubic feet.

Three engine options power 2008 Dodge Avengers sold in the United States: the new standard 2.4L four-cylinder World Engine; an available flex-fuel 2.7L V-6 engine; and an available 3.5L V-6 engine coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle with Auto Stick.

The Dodge Avenger SXT features an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7L V-6 engine. Avenger’s 2.7L V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7L engine it replaces. This 2.7L V-6 engine achieves 19 mpg in the city (22 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards) and 27 mpg on the highway (30 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). It also can operate effectively on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E-85.

Avenger’s strong safety cage is complemented with a combination of standard safety items demanded by buyers in the mid-size segment, including advanced multi-stage front airbags, side-curtain airbags; and front-seat-mounted side airbags. Anti-lock brakes and ESP with Traction Control also are available on the 2008 Dodge Avenger.