Technology: Dodge cars 2014

 Dodge Avenger

Differentiating itself completely from being too similar to the Chrysler 200, the 2014 Dodge Avenger becomes a rear wheel drive sporty sedan based on the shared-with-Alfa D-RWD setup — we think.
Option A: Now built on the lengthened CUSW+ (DUSW) platform, the new Avenger gives Caliber hatchback owners something to move into without having to give up the versatility of a hatch.  Available with AWD, it almost seems like this is a return to the original Avenger concept from 2002.
Option B: Instead of trying to sell hatchbacks to sedan-lovin’ Americans, Dodge puts Avenger onto a new setup created for Alfa Romeo — a rear wheel drive architecture crammed into a stretched CUSW platform. Built at the Belvedere plant, Dodge Avenger helps to maintain Dodge’s muscle image with a car that’s smaller than Charger, but can still pack a 6.2 liter supercharged Hemi.

SRT Viper

Viper continues, and for 2014, a new Competition Coupe is released based on tuning done at tracks around the world.

Dodge Challenger

Challenger goes onto the “new” LA body, which is based on the existing LC Challenger but has numerous updates to allow for production flexibility and the installation of eight-speed automatics. It gets the new PowerNet electronics architecture, the eight-speed with both V6 and Hemi V8, and all the geegaws consumers expect.

Dodge Caravan

Dodge’s large minivan changes completely for model-year 2014, though it is not built until the very end of 2013; the new nine-speed automatic revs up acceleration and gas mileage. This is an E-EVO platform minivan, completely new in every way, with a 3.2 liter Pentastar V6 as the sole powerplant. While horsepower is down a little from the 3.6, gas mileage is up, and the nine-speed provides superior acceleration versus the 3.6 / 6 speed.

Other Dodge cars, crossovers, and such

• Durango is gone. Maserati’s new super-SUV is added to the line.
• Dodge Charger is biding its time, essentially unchanged, except the supercharged Hemi in SRT versions and the spreading of the eight-speed automatic and stop/start systems to the R/T models.
• Dodge Dart gains all wheel drive and an SRT4, pushing out around 300 horsepower to (maybe) all four wheels.
• Dodge Journey/Fiat Freemont are replaced with versions based on the 200 and Cherokee/Liberty replacement.