It’s racier than its stablemates. The Dodge Avenger R/T--the latest to the join the troop of SE, SXT, and SXT Plus--is the sport-minded model in the Avenger line-up. Avenger R/T beefs up the roll stiffness by 18 percent while increasing the front spring rate by 17 percent and the rear spring rate by more than 12 percent. In addition, the front strut damping rates are pumped up by 15 percent and the rear strut damping rates are increased by nearly 20 percent. There’s also a gain in the rear stabilizer bar’s diameter (21 mm versus 19 mm). The suspension re-tuning gives the R/T a more performance-oriented ride and drive than its Avenger siblings.

To underscore the sporty feel of Avenger R/T, the car is dressed in unique exterior design cues. R/T’s exterior signature includes a body-color grille, fender stripes on the front quarter panel, rear spoiler, and badging. The R/T interior’s unique stylings include a center-mounted tachometer, a perforated leather/red stitched steering wheel wrap, and red ambient accent lighting. The midsize Avenger R/T sedan is fitted with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 283 horsepower/260 lb-ft of torque and a 6-speed automatic transmission providing estimated fuel economy of 19 city and 29 highway. MSRP of the Avenger R/T is 25,995.