Dodge Announces Pricing on 2011 Models Including Challenger, Charger and Durango

Over the past few weeks, the Chrysler Group has been revealing information and pictures on a slew of all-new or refreshed models for 2011. Now, it's time to let out the pricing details beginning with Dodge and its 2011 model year Durango SUV, Charger, Journey, Grand Caravan, Avenger and the Challenger.

You can read the full details in the press release after the jump, but for those that want the skinny, here are the starting prices for the new models:

New Durango from $29,195; Charger SE with the new 292HP 3.6-liter V6 from $25,170; refreshed Journey crossover with 283HP V6 $22,245; Grand Caravan from $24,995; Avenger from $19,245 and Challenger from $24,670. Also, the new limited edition 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 with a 470HP V8 starts at $42,555.

Press Release

2011 Dodge Durango – A three-row performance SUV

Dodge is putting the 'sport' back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row design spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. From its sleek exterior design and modern, spacious interior to the 50/50 weight distribution and a unibody structure that is more than 25 percent stiffer than its predecessor; the all-new Durango delivers crossover versatility, SUV capability and unexpected performance a league above its competitive class. Durango is the perfect balance of functional versatility and luxury at an outstanding value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

Durango Express: $29,195 / $31,195
Durango Crew: $33,195 / $35,195
Durango Crew with CrewLux package: $38,195 / $40,195
Durango Citadel: $41,795 / $43,795
(All prices exclude an $850 destination charge.)

All-new 2011 Dodge Charger – World-class Performance and Precision with an Iconic Soul

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand's flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

Charger SE: $25,170
Charger SE (with Rallye Package): $27,420
Charger SE (with Rallye Plus package): $29,170
Charger R/T: $30,170 / $32,320
Charger R/T (with R/T Plus Package): $32,170 / $34,320
Charger R/T (with Road and Track Package): $33,170 / $35,320
Charger R/T (with Max Package): $35,170 / $37,320
(All prices exclude an $825 destination charge.)

2011 Dodge Journey Crosses Over: A Gorgeous New Spirit and a Driver's Soul

For 2011, Dodge takes what was good with the Dodge Journey and makes it better. The Journey receives a major overhaul with a completely redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V-6 engine and a gorgeous new interior. And that's not all. Journey also features the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group's new PowerNet electrical architecture. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey's available touch-screen command center. In addition, at 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Dodge Journey equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a 20 percent boost in power compared with the V-6 engine it replaces. It's mated to the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Journey:

Dodge Journey Express: $22,245
Dodge Journey Mainstreet: $24,245
Dodge Journey Crew: $29,240
Dodge Journey R/T: $28,245
Dodge Journey Lux: $32,740
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

The Originator is Back with an All-new Attitude--The New 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: New Heart, New Moves, New Soul

The new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan – and a little bit of attitude. Dodge believes that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn't mean that the experience has to be boring. So engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan's suspension. That major suspension overhaul, combined with a new V-6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the segment just don't deliver. Get behind the wheel, and enjoy a driving experience once never thought possible in such a functional vehicle.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan:

Dodge Grand Caravan Express: $24,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet: $25,995
Dodge Grand Caravan Crew: $28,695
Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: $30,595
(All prices exclude $835 destination charge.)

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

In addition to an all-new interior, the Dodge 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. A new and improved powertrain lineup contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. In addition to the standard re-calibrated 2.4-liter World Engine with an available 6 speed automatic transmission, 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 29 miles per gallon Highway fuel economy.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Avenger:

Dodge Avenger Express: $19,245
Dodge Avenger Mainstreet: $21,245
Dodge Avenger Heat: $23,745
Dodge Avenger Lux: $23,545
(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

New 2011 Dodge Challenger: Upgraded Performance, Handling, Style and Value

The new 2011 Dodge Challenger delivers more of what muscle-car enthusiasts want — a more powerful and efficient engine lineup, maximum grip with an all-new performance suspension design and even more athletic styling — all executed with quality and precision. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and new track-tuned suspensions to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower — 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaces — the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Challenger:

Dodge Challenger SE: $24,670
Dodge Challenger SE (with "Rallye" package): $26,670
Dodge Challenger R/T: $29,670
Dodge Challenger R/T (with "Plus" package): $31,170
Dodge Challenger R/T (with "Classic" package): $32,970
(All prices exclude $825 destination charge.)

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Delivers New Levels of Performance With Loads More Torque, Horsepower and Maximum Handling

With the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 for the street, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 pumps out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. However, impressive straight-line acceleration is just part of the performance story, as world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency, results in the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge product lineup.

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: $42,555
(Price excludes $825 destination charge and any applicable gas guzzler taxes.

2011 Dodge Avenger Officially Revealed, gets New Interior and 283HP V6

Another day, another new or in this case, refreshed Chrysler Group product. Enter the 2011 Dodge Avenger that has been overhauled with a completely new interior, better powertrain options, a revised suspension and a barely noticeable exterior facelift.

Unlike its Chrysler 200 brethren, the 2011 Avenger receives only a few minor exterior tweaks and in particular, the new signature Dodge Brand "split crosshair" grille and a redesigned bumper up front, plus new LED tail lamps at the back.

The big styling changes are found inside where the Avenger gets a brand new interior with a far more contemporary design and higher-grade materials that Dodge claims are "more pleasing to the touch but also to the eye".

Highlights include a new multi-function three-spoke sports steering wheel with integrated controls for the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions, and the availability of new two-tone interior color schemes and voice command functions for hands-free phones.

Moving on to the mechanical and chassis upgrades, the 2011 Avenger gains a recalibrated 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a new smoother-shifting six-speed transmission and the Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 283HP and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, also linked to a six-speed auto.

Dodge says its engineers have retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The mid-size sedan also gets wider tires (from 215 to 225), a new suspension geometry and a wider track (+1-in.) while it rides 12mm lower in the front and 6mm lower at the rear. The company says these changes reduce body roll and vehicle shake, and provide improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel.

The facelifted 2011 Avenger is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. before the end of the year.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Chrysler and Dodge to Recall More than 26,000 Vehicles in the U.S.

A new recall announced by the Chrysler Group will affect 26,397 owners of Chrysler and Dodge brand vehicles in the USA. The recall includes certain 2010MY Chrysler 300 and Sebring, and Dodge Charger, Avenger, Challenger and Journey, and some 2011MY Ram pickup trucks, because a power steering pressure hose may leak fluid onto a hot engine and cause a fire.

The U.S. automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before the end of the October 2010.

Owners may contact Chrysler for more information regarding the recall at 1-800-853-1403.

According to reports, 13,000 vehicles are also being recalled outside the U.S. for the same problem.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Dodge Avengers Offered Nearly Half Price in the UK

Is the U.K. auto market in such a bad condition that dealers are being forced to make supermarket-style 'two for one' offers in order to make a sale? Apparently yes if we are to believe a report that originated from the British newspaper Daily Mail and has swept the web, U.K. market Dodge dealers are offloading hundred of Avengers at a huge loss through price comparison websites such as 'Broadspeed.com'. Since it was mentioned in the report, we visited the site and indeed both the Avenger and the Caliber were significantly discounted.

Though we never actually found any of the alleged "two-for one" offers on the website, for example a new Avenger 2.0 SE was priced at £9830 from £15005. Even if the actual price may be higher once you finish signing papers, still that's a huge markdown.

Broadspeed.com managing director Simon Empson told the British newspaper that due to the ongoing crisis in the industry some manufacturers have got five to six months of unsold stock. 'The motor trade is beyond desperate - it's in crisis. There's no doubt it's a great time to buy if you have the money," said Empson.

"The very first call I had was from a father who was going to buy the two cars, have one himself and give the other to his son," he added.

AA spokeswoman Vanessa Guyll said: "In 23 years in the industry I have never seen anything like this - it's almost unbelievable. You expect this kind of thing with washing powders in supermarkets, not cars which are such a major purchase. Many within the industry will react with shock and horror at this."

According to the SMMT, October auto sales in the U.K tumbled a hefty 23% to 128,352 units from 166,797 a year earlier - read more about this story by clicking here.

Via: Daily Mail

More Than 102,000 Dodge Avengers & Chrysler Sebrings Recalled

Chrysler is recalling 102,042 MY 2007-2008 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines. The engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector which can cause an electrical short circuit resulting in an engine compartment fire. Chrysler dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor. The recall is expected to begin in the forthcoming weeks.

SEMA 2007: Dodge Avenger Tuner - Stormtrooper 4.0 V6

Dodge will showcase the Avenger Tuner – Stormtrooper concept at this year’s SEMA show and to be frank, we like it’s aggressive but relatively mature styling a lot. According to Dodge, the exterior bodywork is inspired from the Stormtrooper costumes from the Star Wars movies. Painted in a custom pearl white color (we love white), the Stormtrooper gets a full bodykit complemented by 20-inch alloy rims in Michelin 245/35R20 Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

The all-wheel-drive concept is powered by Chrysler’s 4.0-liter V-6 engine matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox with AutoStick steering wheel paddle shifters.Inside the Dodge Avenger concept features an alcantara suede-lined interior, four black and white Dodge SRT8 bucket seats with red stitching and a high-end infotainment system. -Pics and details after the jump

Press Release: Dodge Avenger Tuner - Stormtrooper

The Dodge Avenger Tuner – Stormtrooper is a sophisticated sedan designed to appeal to an adult tuner with an appreciation for technical superiority, exhilarating performance and unbridled luxury and style. The technical, yet organic nature of the Stormtrooper costumes from Star Wars inspired its execution. The Avenger Stormtrooper represents the holistic fusion of technology, racing, comfort and performance.

Smooth power is unleashed by the digitally-tuned 4.0-liter V-6 engine – that packs the punch of a velvet hammer. It features an all-wheel-drive powertrain and six-speed automatic gearbox with AutoStick steering wheel paddle shifters and KW custom coil-over suspension that is tuned for ride-height and damping. Its custom exhaust is from Borla. The large 20 x 9 custom Alcoa Forged rims come with die-sub custom graphics and Michelin 245/35R20 Pilot Sport PS2 tires. It also features a StopTech six-piston front and four- piston rear big-brake package, Xenon HID projector head lamps, Umnitza Predator halo lighting and Challenger fuel filler cap.

Exterior custom modifications on the Avenger Stormtrooper include:

• black-out high-beam parabola package
• tinted head lamp and taillamp package
• tinted PPG blue-magic glass
• billet exhaust tips
• front and rear fascias
• sill aero kit
• integrated rear spoiler
• rear door sail panels
• cold-air intake

Painted a custom pearl white, the Avenger Stormtrooper’s story continues on the inside.

The Alcantara suede-lined interior features four black and white Dodge SRT8 bucket seats with red stitching and stripes to carry the driver and three lucky passengers for the thrill ride of their lives in style. The instrument panel, doors, headliner and pillars are swathed in this performance material. The custom Dodge "rim-shell" steering wheel and shifter paddles are constructed of black leather, white suede and red accent stitching and centering stripe. The centerstack/console features triple gauge pod and glossy pearl white finish.

Revolutionary technology abounds for the sophisticated tuner. There are two Azentek mobile PCs installed with 1.8GHz Intel Core Duo processors and two gigs of ram – one unit is in the front dash and one is in the rear seat center console. With the touch of a finger, the driver is “master of the vehicle network domain.” ETAS’ INCA software digital interface to the engine controller could allow the driver to have the capability to control its tuning and read vitals. The owner could even order parts or download engine calibrations through Mopar Performance Parts and could communicate with engineers and other Dodge owners in Web logs and chat rooms. The driver could adjust fuel maps (as opposed to static flashing) and even download Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealership as he or she drives by.

Entertainment – Internet, gaming, music and video – is also controlled. Sync Bluetooth® links to any devices: phone, iPhone and Zune. Heart-pounding sound is provided by KICKER® Audio. It also features a Mopar Performance gauge pack with red accent LED lighting.

Chrysler LLC Recalling 72,333 MY 2007-2008 Avenger and Sebring Convertibles

Chrysler LLC will mail 72,333 letters to owners of 2007-2008 Dodge Avenger Sedan and Chrysler Sebring Convertible models this month as the front door latch cable on both cars may become partially unseated possibly causing the latch to stick in the unlatched position or the lock function to become inoperative. Chrysler dealers will add a secondary retention feature to both front doors. Additionally, Chrysler LLC said it will recall 1,158 MY 2008 Dodge Avenger all wheel drive (AWD) vehicles as the fuel tank straps were improperly manufactured and could separate causing the fuel tank to loosen and spill. Dealers will replace the fuel tank retention straps.

Frankfurt: Startech Starster Concept Based On The Dodge Avenger

For those of you wondering, Startech is owned by Brabus and it concentrates on Chrysler Group's portfolio. Now that got that we've got that cleared out of the way lets check out Startech’s latest concept, the Avenger based Starster. We seriously doubt that you’ll ever see an uglier Dodge Avenger - ever. However, we do welcome the changes under the hood as the Starster is fitted with a modified 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 335 Hp at 6,400 rpm and a peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3,600 rpm. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a modified 5-speed manual gearbox and a locking differential. According to Startech, the Starster sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 sec and achieves a top speed of 265 km/h (165 mph). -High-res image gallery and the press release after the jump