The redesigned, sort of, version of Dodge Avenger is being prepared for launch by the year end featuring an upgraded exterior styling, all-new interior and new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension which Dodge is adamant are tweaked for fun. That’s a hard trick to pull in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.

Dodge has reworked the suspension almost completely. For example 26 of the 30 suspension bushings are new. 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.

The changes have resulted in less body roll, less vehicle shake, improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel and the increased grip of new premium tires.

As for the engines, the 2011 Avenger comes with a standard 2.4-liter World Gas Engine mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission, and of course Chrysler’s Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission delivering 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

The styling tweaks for 2011 Dodge Avenger the new signature Dodge Brand “split crosshair” grille, and an aggressive lower fascia, and that’s about it! It is still a very unpleasant and boring design. The interior though, like other new American cars which are affected by the interior design renaissance, is a bit better.

It comes with premium soft touch materials and new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and new Dodge steering wheel, as well as new two-tone interior color schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching. 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.

2011 Avenger’s gets 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 available features include 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.