Dodge Avenger (2006): first official pictures

The lowdown

Dodge plans to ambush the repmobile market with the production version of this Avenger concept. To be revealed at next week's Paris motor show and due in showrooms in July 2007, the Avenger will be spun off the new Chrysler Sebring's front-wheel drive platform. Power comes from four and six-cylinder engines.
Muscle car looks

The Avenger will go head-to-head with the new Mondeo and 2008's new Vectra, using its muscle car styling to stand out. The concept brims with testosterone, with a dose of extra aggression from its macho bodykit. The deep skirts, low front splitter and flared wheelarch extensions will feature on mid-range R/T versions, so expect the flagship SRT6 version to look even more in-your-face. The crosshair grille with 'red inferno' body-coloured inserts and piercing headlamps should prompt a few double takes in rear view mirrors. The wheelarches are packed with 19inch rims. The Avenger looks like a mini-Charger, Dodge's latest version of the Dukes of Hazzard's getaway car introduced Stateside in 2005. The nose and the haunch that sweeps up over the rear wheelarch are hugely faithful to its four-door big brother.