2011 Dodge Avenger

Chrysler has revamped the Dodge Avenger sedan for 2011, which comes with exterior changes, an all-new interior, as well as technical changes. The 2011 Dodge Avenger will be available as standard with the new 2.4-liter World Gas Engine coupled with a six-speed transmission. For a more powerful version, the 2011 Dodge Avenger will also be sold with a Pentastar V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, that develops 283 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

It's the interior where the new Avenger really shines, however. Using materials and design lessons learned in the extensive redesign of sister brand Jeep's Grand Cherokee, the 2011 Avenger gets an all-new instrument panel, bezels, and steering wheel with ugpraded seats, improved upholstery, and several new two-tone color schemes.

Better attention to fit-and-finish, more soft-touch elements, and integrated controls on te wheel make access to the technology on board that much easier. Speaking of technology, the 2011 Avenger features optional USB, voice phone commands, Bluetooth, iPod/MP3 input, navigation, and more.

The suspension is completely redesigned, too. Dodge says 26 of 30 suspension bushings have been updated for the 2011 model. The 2011 Avenger rides lower to the ground, has a wider track and has thicker tires compared with the outgoing model. Overall, the car should feel sportier, Dodge says.

Pricing will be revealed closer to the 2011 Avenger's arrival at dealerships near the end of the year.

Source: Chrysler




Press Release

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

October 28, 2010 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

Dodge today introduced the new Dodge Avenger, totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes that put the "fun" in functional. A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension mean drivers will experience Dodge's fun-to-drive dynamics in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.

The 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.

Dodge engineers retuned or redesigned virtually every part of the suspension for 2011, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension and the geometry were completely rethought. The track is an inch wider, tire width increased from 215 to 225 millimeters and the vehicle is 12 millimeters lower in the front and 6 millimeters in the rear for a more aggressive stance. Customers will feel more confident when driving the new Avenger because of less body roll, less vehicle shake, improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel and the increased grip of new premium tires.

A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. The vehicles has a standard 2.4-liter World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now available mated to a new smooth-shifting six-speed transmission for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. 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 260 lb.-ft. of torque (an increase of 12 percent) combined with competitive fuel economy.

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 Chrysler Group LLC's Interior Design Studio also worked its magic on the new 2011 Avenger. The all-new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and new Dodge steering wheel transform the driver seat into a cockpit-like experience. Upgraded seats incorporate more cushion material and revised spring geometry. Dodge Avenger also features several new two-tone interior color schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching. Owners can select from these schemes to design a vehicle that matches their lifestyle needs.

Designers developed the 2011 Dodge Avenger with new "soft touch" armrests and instrument panels, new, premium interior finishes for touch points that are not only pleasing to the touch but also to the eye. They also redesigned the heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and better functioning. The 2011 Dodge Avenger also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout the vehicle.

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 standard mid-size sedan segment is the largest vehicle segment in the United States, with more than 1.6 million vehicles sold in 2009. The 2011 Dodge Avenger is uniquely positioned as an alternative for consumers looking for a sedan with more style, personality and performance than the segment is traditionally known for.

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.

1952 356 Cabriolet Is Porsche's Oldest Import in U.S.

The owner of the “Strawberry Red” 356 Cabriolet pictured above has earned the bragging rights for owning the oldest Porsche model sold in America. The discovery was made as part of the My Porsche Classic Search, which was launched in August to celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary. The Porsche Classic Search was conducted online with owners having to submit documentation that their Porsche was one of the earliest in its category to be retailed in the USA.

The oldest documented sale was this rare 1952 356 Cabriolet owned by Dr. Robert Wilson of Oklahoma City, Okla. According to the company, Wilson's car was imported in November of 1952 by Austrian businessman, Max Hoffman, in New York, who brought the first Porsche cars to the U.S. beginning in 1950.

The 1952 Porsche 356 Cabriolet is powered by a 1.5 liter, 60 horsepower engine and was salvaged by its current owner from a salvage yard. The oldest Porsche in USA was completely restored.

The program also led Porsche to one of the first 356 cabriolets ever built--a 1950 model owned by Richard Brumme of Annapolis, Md. Brumme's Porsche is from the first batch of cars built in Stuttgart, Germany, after the company moved from Gmund, Austria. But because the car was originally sold outside the United States, Porsche gave the winning honors to Wilson's car.




Press Release

Porsche Classic Search Crowns Rare 1952 356 Cabriolet as America's Oldest Import

National search also finds 12 of the earliest models sold in America

ATLANTA, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, Porsche Cars North America embarked on a quest to find the oldest Porsche sold in America. The Porsche Classic Search, conducted online at www.Porsche60Years.com, encouraged individuals from coast to coast to submit documentation that his or her Porsche was one of the earliest in its category to be retailed on American soil. With awards and bragging rights at stake, the call for entries yielded an impressive collection of finalists, including the oldest U.S. - retailed model found, a lovingly restored 1952 Strawberry Red 356 Cabriolet.

Launched in August, the My Porsche Classic Search received hundreds of submissions from Porsche owners across the country. Among them was a rare 1952 356 Cabriolet owned by Dr. Robert Wilson of Oklahoma City, Okla. Wilson's car was imported in November of 1952 by Austrian businessman, Max Hoffman, in New York, who brought the first Porsche cars to the U.S. beginning in 1950. The 1.5 liter, 60 horsepower gem was discovered in a salvage yard by Wilson years after arriving on U.S. soil and meticulously restored.

The My Porsche Classic Search also yielded the discovery of another distinguished and even rarer Porsche - a blue 1950 356 Cabriolet owned by Richard Brumme of Annapolis, Md. This car is one of the very first series production 356s built in Stuttgart, after the company relocated from Gmund, Austria. Impeccably restored with original parts sourced from around the globe, the 1950 356 Cabriolet was also recently honored with the 2010 Best in Show and Best in Class Awards at the 356 Registry's annual gathering in Cleveland, Ohio. While Brumme's car is unique and special, it was not the oldest Porsche actually retailed in America. This distinction goes to Wilson's 356 Cabriolet of 1952.

Porsche also encouraged owners of cars spanning 12 model ranges to enter their cars for a shot at earning the 'oldest' designation for their respective car model. Apart from the 356 lineup, entries were submitted for the Porsche 911, 912, 914, 924, 928, 944, 968, Boxster, Cayenne, Carrera GT and Cayman. The oldest Porsche models in America and their owners are:

• 1965 911: Barry August of Clarksville, Md.
• 1965 912: Steve Torkelsen of Wilton, Conn.
• 1970 914: Ralph Stoesser of Marco Island, Fla.
• 1977 924: Jay Hoover of New Haven, Ind.
• 1977 928: Jim Doerr of Richmond, Va.
• 1983 944: John Denning of Covington, Wash.
• 1992 968: Jeffrey Coe of Trumball, Conn.
• 1997 Boxster: David Adrian of Worcester, Mass.
• 2004 Cayenne: Adam Reichard of Magnolia, Texas
• 2005 Carrera GT: Robert Ingram of Durham, N.C.
• 2006 Cayman: Eugenie Thomas of Martinez, Calif.

A photo gallery of the oldest Porsches and car details can be viewed at www.Porsche60years.com.

Porsche plans to honor the owners of these cars with an exclusive badge issued by the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, and by featuring images of the cars at the new "Sixty Years of Porsche in America" exhibit, which opened in the museum on Oct. 12. Additionally, the 1950 356 will be displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, where it will join the company's newest models.

The celebration is not yet over. Porsche aficionados still have an opportunity to participate in Porsche's 60th anniversary. Open until Nov. 1, the My Porsche Passion Contest encourages enthusiasts to submit a 500-word story that communicates their passion for a specific Porsche car or an experience with the Porsche brand at www.Porsche60Years.com. The top 20 stories, selected by a special panel of Porsche judges, will be available for public judging Oct. 25 – Oct. 31. Fans are encouraged to vote online for their favorite essays from the list of 20 finalists. The three entries with the most votes will win an all-expense-paid trip to the Porsche Sport Driving School in Birmingham, Ala.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc
A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c.F.Porsche, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. and its 197 dealers offer U.S. customers some of the most technically advanced and high-performance vehicles in the world. Porsche is also synonymous with supreme quality and first-class customer treatment. A testament to this is the fact that Porsche has been ranked No.1 in J.D. Power and Associates' prestigious Initial Quality Study (IQS) during four of the past five years. Also, Porsche is fully and publically committed to being a leader in significantly lowering emissions, and saving fuel. The company's guiding credo is "Porsche Intelligent Performance" and the goal is to prove that Porsche's high performance and efficiency are not contradictory terms. A dramatic example of this is the highly-anticipated 918 Spyder - a super sports car that is also a planned plug-in hybrid. Of course this is nothing new for Porsche, which for 62 years has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations. Obviously, one expects such achievements from the most revered race car brand in the world --- one that has accumulated more than 28,000 motorsport victories. Today, PCNA imports the cars that are the product of this great history, including the iconic 911 series, the renowned Boxster and Cayman mid-engine sports cars, the high-end Cayenne sport utility vehicles and the four-passenger Panamera Gran Turismo cars.

2011 LA Auto Show: Saab 9-4X

The 2011 Saab 9-4X has just been revealed through a set of photos that present both the exterior and interior. Public debut for the 2011 Saab 9-4X will take place at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November and the new mid-size crossover will debut on the US market in August 2011.

The 9-4X's shape and styling will familiar to most as the crossover model was previewed by the 9-4X BioPower concept at the 2008 Detroit Show. On the outside, changes over the 2008 study concern some minor details such as the smaller front fog light openings, mirror caps, tail lamp color combos and smaller (and less impressive) alloy wheels.

The interior is full of Saab cues, including a driver-oriented dash, green instrument illumination, “joystick” vent adjusters, and, of course, a center-console-mounted ignition. Optional equipment includes adjustable pedals, a Bose 5.1 surround-sound stereo, an eight-inch touch-screen nav system with a 10-gig hard drive, and the choice of faux carbon-fiber or wood trim.

The base 265HP V6 is available with front-wheel drive or Saab's XWD all-wheel drive system. With front-wheel drive, it propels the 9-4X from zero to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds or 8.4 seconds with XWD and is expected to enable estimated city/highway combined fuel consumption of 20 mpg or 19 mpg with XWD.

Under the hood, two engines will be available. The naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter V6 produces 265 PS (195 kW / 262 hp), which allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. On the other hand, the Aero has a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 with 300 PS (221 kW / 296 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the range-topper to scoot from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds.
The torque separation in the all wheel drive car will be carried out by electronic differentiation. General Motors is also in process to launch a turbo diesel unit especially for European markets producing 250 hp, 406 lb-ft torque.




Press Release

New Saab 9-4X: World Premiere. Scandinavian Choice for the Crossover Segment

• Saab enters growing crossover segment
• Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X concept
• Car-like driving dynamics challenge best-in-class performance
• Advanced Saab XWD mated with Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis
• Spacious cabin, driver-focused cockpit and ample storage
• Compact, light, efficient engines: 265 hp 3.0V6i and 300 hp 2.8V6 turbo
• Flexible cargo management system

The new 9-4X brings unique Saab design and engineering values to the growing mid-size crossover segment. With distinctive Scandinavian and aircraft-inspired looks, it also offers car-like handling and ride characteristics that challenge class benchmarks.

Making its world premiere at next month's Los Angles Auto Show, the 9-4X expands Saab's product portfolio to three car lines and will provide a fresh, alternative choice for independently-minded crossover buyers. It is an important next-step in the Swedish brand's renaissance as an independent premium car manufacturer.

Muscular and sporty to drive, the 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X all-rounder and new 9-5 sedan. Outside and inside, it communicates its Saab identity with clean, uncluttered design and signature motifs, such as its wraparound-effect windshield, ice block lighting theme, driver-focused cockpit and flexible cargo handling.

In true Saab tradition, the 9-4X delivers on its sporty persona. It is configured around a unique, purpose-designed crossover body structure, which has been key to delivering its exceptional handling and ride properties. Car-like driving dynamics are supported by Saab's advanced all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis control.

Under the hood, nestles a choice of compact and efficient V6 engines, naturally-aspirated or turbocharged. The 265 hp, 3.0-liter motor for the entry-level model features direct fuel injection and variable valve timing; while the 300 hp, 2.8-liter exchanges direct injection for twin-scroll turbocharging and is exclusive to top-of-line Aero variants. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.

"The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "It gives us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that reflects our brand values in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving performance. The 9-4X is an exciting package and we're confident it will appeal to many existing Saab owners, as well as win new customers for the brand."

The 9-4X goes on sale in North America in May next year, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August. Prices will be announced shortly before sales commence.

Body sculpted by Saab

The 9-4X cuts a broad and powerful stance, with clean, uncluttered lines that echo Saab's Scandinavian design ethos. Its distinctive face, in common with the new 9-5 sedan, draws inspiration from the award-winning Aero X concept car, with a deep, three-port grille and ‘ice-block'-effect lighting themes.

Disguised windshield and door pillars create Saab's signature wraparound-effect, the single glasshouse graphic emphasizing the brand's traditional ‘cockpit' look. Other exterior Saab identifiers include the shaping of the headlamps, a ‘hockey stick' waistline and strong C-pillars complemented by a wraparound-effect rear screen.

The roofline is visually lowered and extended by a rear spoiler integrated in to the tailgate. At the rear, the lighting carries forward a signature introduced by the new 9-5 sedan. An ‘ice-block' bar lit by LEDs extends across the lower tailgate and wraps around the light units. Twin rhomboid-shaped exhaust tailpipes are also neatly integrated into the lower bumper molding.

Overall, the 9-4X's bodywork is noticeably free from unnecessary decoration or trim. A dark protective appliqué is applied to the lower body, but there are no wheel-arch claddings or protective body panels.

Entry-level variants are fitted with 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels and Aero models are distinguished by 20-inch, nine-spoke 'turbine' alloy wheels, as well as a black mesh front grille.

Cockpit-inspired cabin

The spacious cabin provides comfortable accommodation for up to five adults and is defined by a signature Saab, driver-focused cockpit layout. The center console, center stack and main instrument display are presented within a single form that sweeps up around the driver. For the 9-4X, this is finished with wood or, for Aero interiors, a carbon fiber-effect trim.

Other subtle references to Saab's aviation heritage include a selectable, aircraft attitude-style speed read-out, green illumination for the needles of the three main dials and traditional Saab ‘joystick' adjusters for the mesh-style air vents. The ignition - a start/stop button - is, of course, located between the front seats, in true Saab tradition, adjacent to the shift lever.

Large, supportive seats include a standard, 8-way electrical adjustment for the driver and an optional electrical adjustment of the foot pedals. Rear passengers enjoy particularly roomy accommodation as rear space is not compromised by the presence of a third row of seats. They also benefit from an independent, three-way manual adjustment of the rake of each 60/40 fold seatback.

Ample onboard storage includes double-decked pockets in all doors, a two-tier front glovebox and a deep bin in the center console with 12-volt, USB and AUX connections. Rear passengers have additional storage in the rear face of the center console and the center armrest.

Infotainment includes two audio options, a seven-speaker or top-of-the-line, 10-speaker Bose system with 5.1 surround sound. The optional 8-inch touchscreen, hard disk-based navigation system includes a bird's eye map view and 10 GB storage for ‘jukebox' music files. Communication on the move is supported by an integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone system, which functions via voice command and steering wheel controls, as well as the infotainment panel.

In the rear, passengers can enjoy independent climate control, in addition to the standard dual-zone system, and select their own onboard audio/visual entertainment through a dedicated unit in the back of the center console. This has a video AUX input and two 8-inch screens in the rear face of the front seatbacks.

Adaptable cargo carrying

The trunk of the 9-4X is optimized for space and ease of use. The 60/40 split seatbacks fold down in a single movement, without having to move the seat cushions or remove the retractable head restraints, providing a completely flat cargo deck.

The front section of the trunk floor is hinged and can be opened via an aircraft-shaped handle to reveal an additional under floor storage. Floor space can be tailored as required by an optional, U-shaped track with a telescopic cargo dividing rail, which can be moved to any position to keep items in place.

For additional convenience, the tailgate is available with a remotely controlled, hydraulically powered operation. It can open fully, or to a lower, programmable position if there is restricted clearance overhead, such as in the garage.

On the move

The Saab 9-4X brings car-like handling and ride qualities to the crossover segment. Extensive development testing alongside competitor vehicles shows the 9-4X has a level of dynamic performance - in ride refinement as well as handling - that challenges the very best in its class..

Key to such excellent driving qualities is a unique body structure, purpose-designed for a crossover application and free from compromises through adapting an existing sedan or wagon format.

Advanced driving technologies include Saab XWD, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, which infinitely varies drive torque between the front and rear axles. This pre-emptive, light and fast-acting system offers optimized grip in all conditions, dry or wet, smooth or loose, on road or off-road. It is combined with an electronically-controlled, rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) which can transfer up to 50% of rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has more grip

Driver and vehicle in the Aero are brought even closer together by Saab DriveSense, an adaptive chassis function which uses real time damping control to help the 9-4X react to how it is being driven and to changing road conditions. In addition to the default ‘Intelligent' setting, the driver can select ‘Comfort' and ‘Sport' modes. An ‘Eco' mode, activated via a separate button, also re-maps the throttle pedal and gearshifting patterns for optimal fuel economy.

Other driving aids include variable effort steering, a function of Saab DriveSense, and standard bi-xenon adaptive lighting, which provides better illumination of upcoming bends by linking the direction of the headlamp beam to the steering angle.

Efficient power packs

The powertrain line-up comprises two efficient all-aluminum V6 engines, both with a six-speed automatic transmission and Saab XWD. These light and compact, 24-valve motors feature variable valve timing, on both inlet and exhaust sides, and boast power ratings typical of larger displacement engines.
A 265 hp (195 kW), 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated motor for the entry-level specification includes direct fuel injection. It propels the 9-4X from zero to 100 km/h in just 9.0 seconds.

Available exclusively in Aero specification, the 2.8-liter turbo engine packs 300 hp (221 kW) and generates an impressive 400 Nm spread of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. It delivers zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.3 seconds. Fuel consumption figures for both engines are still being finalised.

Leading safety performance

Excellent safety complements strong performance, and the 9-4X benefits from more than 50 years of Saab experience in working with occupant protection. Saab crash testing and computer simulations are based on what happens in real collisions, on real roads. Many in-house tests developed by Saab are over and above those legally required or carried out by consumer test organizations.
The success of Saab's work is reflected in surveys of real-life collisions by the US Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Swedish Folksam insurance company, where Saab cars have consistently scored well, several times being ranked best in their segment. The Saab 9-3 and the new 9-5 sedan are also maximum 5-star performers in EuroNCAP crash safety tests.