Chrysler's Dodge brand today introduced the new Dodge Avenger, totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes.

A new and improved powertrain lineup contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. The vehicle has a standard 2.4-liter world gas engine and six-speed transmission.

Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives 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.

The 2011 Avenger's 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 2011 Avenger has all-new instrument panel, bezels and gauge faces. The vehicle also has several new two-tone interior color schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching.

The 2011 Avenger has redesigned the heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and better functioning. The vehicle also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout it.

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 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.