Three engines are available with the 2008 Dodge Avenger, though they’re not tied to the three trims as one might expect. SE models feature Dodge’s “world engine”, which is an aluminum 2.4-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve four-cylinder engine with variable-valve timing; output registers 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Move up to the SXT for a choice between the four-banger or a flex-fuel, 12-valve, 2.7-liter V6 pushing 189 horses at 6,400 rpm and 191 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. At the top of the engine chain is the R/T’s 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 ponying up 235 horsepower at 6,400 rpm 232 lb.-ft. 4,000 rpm; a manually-interactive six-speed automatic is standard.