The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger is the Dodge brand's first mid-size car to offer all-wheel-drive capability combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control. 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). Exterior design features include the brand's signature crosshair grille and large, modern quad headlamps housed in black. Avenger's side profile resembles the Dodge Charger, with muscular rear shoulders, large wheels and tires and a sleek rear spoiler. Moving to the interior, 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. Now standard on the Avenger is the Chill Zone. Housed in the passenger side upper instrument panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans. The 2008 Dodge Avenger SE and SXT feature a standard four-cylinder engine. Avenger's 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 percent increase in horsepower (173 horsepower vs. 150 horsepower) and an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with the 2.4-liter engine it replaces. The Dodge Avenger SXT features an available Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 2.7-liter V-6 engine. Avenger’s 2.7-liter V-6 engine produces 189 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft. of torque and 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. Dodge Avenger R/T and R/T AWD sedans sold in the United States feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque coupled with a new six-speed automatic transaxle that comes standard with Auto Stick. The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger offers class-leading safety features including a safety cage constructed with dual-phase, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components, advanced multi-stage front air bags, side-curtain air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags and anti-lock brakes and ESP with Traction Control.