Chrysler Introduces New Dodge Avenger Sedan with Flex Fuel Engine Option
09 January 2007
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| 2008 Avenger. |
Chrysler has introduced the new 2008 Dodge Avenger mid-size sedan with an optional 2.7-liter V6 Flex Fuel engine that can burn ethanol-gasoline blends of up to E85. The Avenger replaces the Dodge Stratus in the line-up. The Stratus, in turn, had replaced the first-generation Avenger in 2001.
In addition to the optional flex-fuel engine, the 2008 Avenger offers the 2.4-liter four-cylinder World Engine as standard, and also offers a 3.5-liter V-6 engine as an option.
Avenger’s 2.7-liter flex fuel V-6 engine produces 189 hp (141 kW) of power and 191 lb-ft (259 Nm) of torque, providing more low-end torque (at an rpm 850 lower) compared with the 2.7-liter engine it replaces. Under the 2008 EPA standards, the new 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) when using gasoline as a fuel.
The 2.4-liter World Engine with dual variable valve timing delivers fuel efficiency in the city of 21 mpg (24 mpg using 2007 EPA standards) and 30 mpg on the highway (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). Mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle, this new engine provides a 15% increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8% improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces.
The 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 235 hp (175 kW) and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) of torque, with fuel efficiency of 16/26 mpg based on 2008 EPA standards (19/28 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards).
This looks a bit like a Dodge take on the Impala; bolder and looks more muscular.
Posted by: allen_Z | 09 January 2007 at 08:39 AM
That 19 city, 27 highway on regular E0 gas becomes more like 14 city, 20 highway on E85 gasohol.
Posted by: Mark A | 09 January 2007 at 11:45 AM
Must be a heavy vehicle for the poor city mileage ratings (using the 2007 EPA fuel economy standards).
Posted by: Patrick | 09 January 2007 at 12:22 PM
It's a mid-sized, or D segment, car.
Posted by: allen_Z | 09 January 2007 at 12:46 PM
Can you get the E85 CAFE loophole with a HEMI, too?
Posted by: fyi CO2 | 09 January 2007 at 01:26 PM
Other than corrosion resistant fuel lines, does this engine do anything to take advantage of the octane boost of ethanol??
Posted by: DS | 09 January 2007 at 01:32 PM
At a minimum this needs a 5 speed automatic.
Fuel ecomony has never been the a strength of Chrysler. Innovative styling & design (they created the minivan) and large powerful engines are what they are best known for.
On the plus side they are starting to use the some of the assets of the Daimler family tree (Mercedes, Freightliner) to offer some innovative diesels like the Sprinter Van, CRD Liberty and the upcoming Diesel Cherokee.
Posted by: Ian Williams | 09 January 2007 at 01:44 PM
The R/T model will have the 6 speed auto.
Posted by: Tim Whitcher | 15 January 2007 at 08:01 PM
With the alarming environmental concerns and the aim of preserving a greener tomorrow, automakers are triggered to build more environment-friendly automobiles wherein part of the fast rising vehicles today is powered by alternatives fuel and also engines are designed to blend with ebc pads to promote the efficiency of vehicles
Posted by: Anthony | 08 February 2007 at 03:03 AM
The Avenger looks like a awesome car-I would buy one if it had a diesel engine. We have a dodge diesel truck and it is good. The fuel mileage would be good. With honda coming out in 09 with accord diesel so they are saying. With gas prices fluctuating-i know you have it in the jeep-
Posted by: doris | 02 August 2007 at 08:35 AM