As we all know very well, Chrysler->ke21 enjoys releasing special edition models throughout its range of vehicles and they seem to be getting cooler just about each year. Dodge is one brand that receives more than its fair share of special edition models and it is has just unveiled three more special edition models.

The three affected models are the Dodge Avenger->ke2188, Charger->ke218 R/T and Challenger->ke249 R/T. This kit, which Dodge has dubbed the Blacktop package, won’t add much in terms of performance to their base model. However, in terms of flat out styling, they are all three rather chilling looking – as much as a from-the-factory car can be.

The Avenger has certainly received quite a beating from experts, despite the fact that it is the most powerful mid-size sedan on the market today. Will this Blacktop Edition package make things better for it?

Click past the jump to read all about the 2013 dodge Avenger Blacktop Edition to find out.

2013 Dodge Avenger Blacktop Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Dodge Avenger Blacktop Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 173
  • Torque: 166
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

To say the design of the all-new Avenger Blacktop is “sinister” is likely an understatement, as Dodge took great care to add just enough gloss black accents to set this car off. It’s incredible what minor additions can do to a car’s overall appearance.

Exterior

On the outside, Dodge has taken the Avenger SXT and added a set off 18-inch aluminum rims coated in gloss black paint with gloss black center caps. Also donning a coat of gloss black is the front grille. Dodge also tossed in a body-colored rear spoiler and dark tinted headlight bezels. The bezels are likely the coolest part, as they really add some character to the typically boring Avenger front fascia.

There are five exterior colors available with the Blacktop package and they are: Black, Redline Red 2, Bright White, Tungsten Metallic and Billet Silver Metallic. On the outside, the Blacktop Package also boasts standard fog lights and automatic headlights, for those that just can’t seem to remember to turn them on at night.

Interior

On the inside, Dodge didn’t add anything really special to the Avenger, but it does equip it rather well. It includes standard: 8-way power seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, electronic climate control, heated mirrors, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), and six airbags. For an extra $400 on top of its MSRP, you can have the Blacktop with premium black leather interior with heated seats. You can also add on a power moonroof, premium audio system with navigation and a 6.2-inch screen.

We wish that Dodge would have added in a few “Blacktop” emblems to the interior, but with its low base price, we can understand why it did not.

Engine

Under the hood is the same base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that the Avenger SXT comes with, which gives the Blacktop 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque and 31 mpg on the highway. You can add the power 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine to the Blacktop package and bump its output to 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while getting 29 mpg highway.

Engine and Drivetrain Specifications

Standard Engine

2.4-Liter 4-Cylinder

Standard Horsepower

173 Horsepower

Standard Torque

166 Pound-Feet

Standard Transmission

6-Speed Automatic


Pricing

The 2013 Dodge Avenger SXT comes in at a base price of $21,495 and the Blacktop package only runs an extra $595, bringing its total MSRP to $22,090. With leather, it jumps up to $22,490.

Trim Level

MSRP

Blacktop

$22,090

Blacktop W/ Leather

$22,490


Conclusion

The Avenger has long been one of the more boring cars in Dodge's lineup. In fact we don't know which version of the Avenger is more boring, the one from the 1990s or this one. Fortunately, the Blacktop Edition adds a little bit of flair to the Avenger, and it is really affordable. We still doubt this will save the Avenger, as we figure on seeing it axed any year now.