The Dodge display from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

Many of these new 2011 models were formally unveiled late last year at the 2010 LA Auto Show but with the impact that these great-looking new models will have on the Detroit area, their arrival should be celebrated.

The Dodge Charger is vastly redesigned for 2011 and the legendary nameplate receives some vintage styling cues that should squash some of the “Chargers should have 2 doors” complaints. From front to back, the new Charger is a sight to see and the new entry level V6 offers 42 more horsepower than the old V6. The 2011 Dodge Durango enters with a great new look and a luxury feel, hoping to erase some of the demons of the Durango of the past. The unibody construction allows for proper off-roading capacity (for those who need it) but the lightweight layout affords the new Durango improved fuel economy with the Pentastar V6 and the mighty Hemi V8.

The Dodge Avenger and Dodge Grand Caravan both see aesthetic upgrades, including a slightly more aggressive front fascia with the new family-wide grille treatment (with the exception of the Challenger). Speaking of the Challenger, the Dodge muscle car is one of the few models that has not received any vast exterior changes but it did receive the addition of the new, more powerful 392 cubic inch Hemi in the SRT trimline. Churning out 470hp and 470lb-ft of torque, the 6.4L Hemi also features Chrysler’s Fuel Saver technology so along with the extra power compared to the 2010 Challenger SRT8, the 2011 SRT8 392 also gets better mileage.

Sadly, this was the first time in well over a decade that the Detroit Auto Show did not offer any mention of the mighty Viper. After speaking with Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles at the 2010 LA Auto Show and learning that the 2013 Viper will launch in the spring of 2012, I had my fingers crossed to see the next generation of the fabled American supercar at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show but alas – we will keep waiting eagerly.

In the meantime, check out the images below for a look at the cars featured in the Dodge display from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show and stay tuned to TorqueNews.com for more brand coverage from Cobo Hall.

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In case you cannot make it: the 2011 Detroit Auto Show brand reviews
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