Dodge Charges Full-Tilt into 2008 With New Models

At this year’s NAIAS show in Detroit, Dodge unveiled a bevy of new andrefreshed vehicles. Here are two suited towards family use.

When Dodge unveiled the Magnum full-size wagon a couple of years ago, it was widely considered to be the rebirth of the family hotrod. With its low roof, chunky body and available HEMI V8 power, it made a statement that Dodge could not only make awesome looking vehicles, but practical ones to boot. To keep the momentum going, Dodge has updated the LX-chassis wagon’s look for 2008. It now features a wider version of the crosshair grille, plus new, more rectangular headlamps that have projector beam units. New tail lights and bumpers sum up the other major exterior changes. In addition, Dodge made a mild effort to improve the quality of the hauler’s interior with better materials. Mechanically, all versions stay the same, including the awesome SRT8 model. Buyers of the R/T wagon can now order the same 20-inch wheels as the SRT8.

The Avenger name returns, but now as a four-door sedan replacing the old Stratus. The name previously reserved for a restyled and rebadged third-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse, has finally putting the “cloud car” naming scheme of the mid ’90s to rest. The Avenger is the equal to Chrysler’s daring Sebring, riding on the identical FF-JS platform and utilizing the same powertrains that include the 2.4-liter I-4 “World Engine” developed with Hyundai and Mitsubishi, a 2.7-liter 189-hp V6 that’s capable of drinking E85, plus a the top-rung 235-hp 3.5-liter V6. Dodge has given the Avenger a unique feature unavailable with the Sebring, as the top of the line R/T model is available with all-wheel drive. The Avenger will be offered in three trim levels, SE, SXT and R/T.

For those not quite sure what to make of the Sebring’s Crossfire-esque styling, the Avenger is more in line with the rest of the Dodge range featuring the brand’s trademark crosshair grille and Charger-like styling, particularly from the rear. Overall, little has changed since the car’s concept launch back at last year’s Paris show. Inside, the Avenger’s interior has been restyled, trading in the “inspired” Chrysler look for one much more toned down. It does benefit from a wide selection of goodies, including available perforated two-tone leather seats, the MyGig system, ChillZone beverage coolers, plus those lovely illuminated heated and cooled cupholders that were launched with the Sebring.

We’ll be driving this car in a couple of weeks and will let you know what we think.