2011 Dodge Avenger

An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance

October 28, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

Dodge today introduced the new Dodge Avenger, totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes that put the "fun" in functional. A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension mean drivers will experience Dodge's fun-to-drive dynamics in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.

The Avenger's "fun to drive" quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver.

Dodge engineers retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension and the geometry were completely rethought. The track is an inch wider, tire width increased from 215 to 225 millimeters and the vehicle is 12 millimeters lower in the front and 6 millimeters in the rear for a more aggressive stance. Customers will feel more confident when driving the new Avenger because of less body roll, less vehicle shake, improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel and the increased grip of new premium tires.

A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. The vehicles has a standard 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now available mated to a new smooth-shifting six-speed transmission for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (an increase of 12 percent) combined with competitive fuel economy.

New exterior styling features clean, smooth aggressive lines. The new fascia sports the new signature Dodge Brand "split crosshair" grille, while an aggressive lower fascia completes the Dodge look from top to bottom.

The Chrysler Group LLC's Interior Design Studio also worked its magic on the new 2011 Avenger. The all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and new Dodge steering wheel transform the driver seat into a cockpit-like experience. Upgraded seats incorporate more cushion material and revised spring geometry. Dodge Avenger also features several new two-tone interior color schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching. Owners can select from these schemes to design a vehicle that matches their lifestyle needs.

Designers developed the 2011 Dodge Avenger with new "soft touch" armrests and instrument panels, new, premium interior finishes for touch points that are not only pleasing to the touch but also to the eye. They also redesigned the heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and better functioning. The 2011 Dodge Avenger also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout the vehicle.

Clever features include new ambient interior lighting and a new multi-function three-spoke Dodge steering wheel with integrated controls that allows drivers to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel. Available cool technology includes voice command functions for hands-free phones, integrated USB port for streaming music, navigation and memo record, an iPod/MP3 jack, Bluetooth streaming music; Gracenote music identification; a hard drive that stores approximately 6,700 songs and remote start.

The standard mid-size sedan segment is the largest vehicle segment in the United States, with more than 1.6 million vehicles sold in 2009. The 2011 Dodge Avenger is uniquely positioned as an alternative for consumers looking for a sedan with more style, personality and performance than the segment is traditionally known for.

The 2011 Dodge Avenger will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Mich., and will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter this year.

Nissan Esflow Concept

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show Nissan will unveil the Esflow Concept, a study of a two seater electric sportscar that features two rear motors and a sporty, muscular look.

The Esflow is a compact two-seater with a powertrain that adopts two rear-positioned electric motors – each driving a rear wheel – and laminated lithium-ion batteries.

Designed to demonstrate that electric cars can be exciting and fun to drive, the Esflow is based on the technology introduced with the Nissan LEAF, tuned for sports performance.

The claimed performance figures are a 0-100 km/h acceleration time under 5 seconds and a range of up to 240 km on one charge.

The composite body is mounted on an aluminum chassis that integrates a roll cage structure.

The exterior design is characterized by a low stance, with a high waistline, long hood, powerful wheel arches and very short overhangs – the wheels are positioned at the very corners.

The DLO (day light opening) features a wraparound windscreen and a descending roofline. This has become a trademark styling element of the brand, as it is adopted on a number of production models (from the GT-R to the Juke) and concepts such as the Qazana.

The presence of minimal A-pillars was made possible by the roll bars behind the seats, which take the entire load of the car in the event of a roll over.

The ultra-low profile tires are mounted on six spoke wheels.

The Esflow was designed from the ground up as a new vehicle, so it takes advantage from the flexibility offered by the electric powertrain, in terms of weight distribution: the motors are placed above the axis of the rear wheels, and the battery packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels, thus centralizing the mass of the car ad its rotation point.

The colour scheme is inspired by glaciers – highly reflective solidified liquid with blue tints in its shadows. The headlights and the emblem are tinted in cool blue.

The six spoke wheels also contain blue carbon inserts and the same material adorns the side sill, roof mounted lip spoiler and lower rear bumper.

Blue LEDs accentuate the futuristic lights slashed into the bodywork both front and rear.

The mirrors have been replaced with small rear view cameras at the base of its A-pillars. The Esflow’s front lights do protect a secret of their own however: flip out charging points built in to the air ducts beneath.

The interior of the Esflow is focused on weight savings: the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, without the need of a heavy frame. Their are in a fixed position, while the fly-by-wire steering and pedals can be adjusted electrically to find the optimal driving position.

The seats are upholstered in gold leather and perforated gold suede while the doors are trimmed in dark blue leather and suede.

The blue and gold motif, the color of sparks, is continued across the dashboard, which also features silver carbon trims as well as four multifunction illuminated LCD displays.