DCT and diesel for Dodge Avenger

The Dodge Avenger has finally scored the drivetrain it really wanted all along. Chrysler has announced that the mid-size Dodge is now on sale with the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine fitted to the top-spec Journey R/T (more here).

That engine, which we've already sampled, is the pick of the people mover model range and will provide handy levels of torque for the lighter Avenger. The Journey is based on a modified version of the Avenger's floorpan, so the adoption of the same powerplant is no big deal. However, the engine, along with the Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) coupled to it provides substantial gains in both performance and economy in the Avenger.

The engine can only be specified for the top-spec Avenger SXT and this variant, priced at $37,990, is now the flagship of the range, capping off the range above the 2.7-litre V6 version which is priced $1000 lower ($36,990).

Developing 103kW of power and 310Nm of torque, the diesel uses just 6.2L/100km of fuel over a combined-cycle test in accordance with ADR81/01. The diesel Avenger's fuel economy can also be attributed to the six-speed DCT, which works effectively like a computer-controlled manual box and can run in automatic mode.

As per the Volkswagen DSG gearboxes that inspired it, the DCT uses two clutches, one that allows odd gears to be preselected on their own layshaft while the vehicle is still in an even-numbered gear -- and vice versa. With one gear preselected, the system throws one wet, multi-plate clutch for the gear currently being used and releases the other clutch for the next gear in sequence.

The system is faster, smoother and more fuel efficient, with the added benefit that it can be used like either a full epicyclic automatic transmission or a sequential manual transmission without a clutch pedal. Chrysler and German transmission specialist Getrag have collaborated on the development and production of the new gearbox.

"Chrysler's new dual-clutch transmission is the next step in transmission technology, offering consumers improved fuel economy along with smooth shifting," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President -- Product Development, Chrysler LLC.

"This important new Chrysler technology is one of several initiatives we have in place to directly focus on improving fuel efficiency across our vehicle line-up."

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