Officially Official: This is your 2011 Dodge Avenger

2011 Dodge Avenger – Click above for high-res image gallery

It certainly seems that not a week goes by without Chrysler unveiling a substantially refreshed 2011 model, but if any automaker needs to do a full-line makeover, it’s the Pentastar. Take this 2011 Dodge Avenger, for example – its new interior, better powertrain choices and more aggressive suspension are greatly needed, especially since it is perhaps the most frequently overlooked vehicle in the entry-level mid-size sedan segment.

Very minor adjustments have been made to the Avenger’s exterior, notably a revised lower front fascia and the addition of LED taillamps out back. It’s a much more conservative refresh than the exterior changes on its Chrysler ~~Sebring~~ 200 twin, but we’re willing to bet that many of you think it needed less work than the Pentastar-badged model to begin with.

Like the rest of Chrysler’s refreshed products, the Avenger gets a nearly all-new interior, and if you simply reference the old cabin versus the new one, you’ll see what an improvement it is. The automaker also promises a much quieter cabin, with extensive effort paid to sound deadening.

Under the hood, Chrysler has fitted a recalibrated version of its 2.4-liter inline-four, mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the automaker’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is available, pumping out 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in this application, which strikes us as a very healthy amount for this front-driver.

Additional big changes will be felt from behind the wheel, as Chrysler has heavily reworked the Avenger’s suspension geometry. 26 of the car’s 30 suspension bushings have been completely redesigned, the front and rear tracks have been bumped out by an inch, wider tires have been fitted and the car rides a bit lower to the ground. What’s more, the steering has been reworked to offer a more precise feeling and better level of engagement. It certainly sounds like Chrysler has laid their hands on all the right areas, but we’ll have to wait for a drive to feel how the new Avenger fares out on the road.

Pricing will be revealed closer to the 2011 Avenger’s arrival at dealerships near the end of the year. Make the jump to read Chrysler’s own words, and click through our gallery below to see the new Avenger for yourself.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Avenger