Dodge has made a return to the Australian market after two decades with its crossover Caliber. However, the ram’s head brand is better known for its Dukes of Hazzard muscle cars and it could be some time before we see those cars in Australia. Dodge unveiled its Challenger “pony car” coupe concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January and recently announced it would go ahead with production in 2008.
Chrysler Group Australia boss Gerry Jenkins has already declared his interest in importing the Yankee muscle car.
Dodge will also unveil an Avenger four-door mid-sized sedan concept at next week’s Paris Motor Show.
Chrysler Group Australia spokesman Simon Johnson said it would also “make an exciting addition to the brand in Australia”.
“It would certainly add some attitude to the segment, but at this stage it’s just a concept,” he said.
 
 “In concept form it’s a two-litre turbo diesel and this would be very relevant in today’s market.
“We’re looking forward to gauging public reaction, but the initial reactions to the release of photos is very positive.”
Chrysler Group design senior vice-president Trevor Creed said the Avenger concept was “another expression of where the Dodge brand is headed”.
“Avenger brings Dodge brand American muscle car heritage into the global mid-size car segment. It does for the global D-segment what Caliber has done in the global C-segment — it offers an alternative to the competition.”
It features a bold front with the familiar crosshair and ram’s head logo, a long bonnet, short rear deck and muscular rear shoulders with a sleek rear spoiler.
It has a wide stance, low ride height, deep side sills and sits on 19-inch five-spoke painted satin silver wheels with a glimpse of deep red brake calipers.
The Dodge Caliber sold 85 units in August and will be followed next year by the Nitro mid-sized SUV and possibly a high-performance Caliber SRT4.
The SRT4 will feature a 2.4 litre turbo engine with 224kW of power, 353Nm of torque and a Getrag DMT-6 six-speed box.
The all-wheel-drive Caliber is available only in the US. [The Courier-Mail]