The Dodge Avenger departed from this world following the 2014 model year. It was, at best, a decent rental car. No one was sad to see it go. Its Dodge Dart successor didn't fare much better despite noble efforts by the then newly-formed FCA. America's taste was already turning sour for sedans by this point, though the redesigned second-generation Chrysler 200, which shared the Dart's Fiat-supplied platform, scored mostly decent reviews.

As for the Avenger, which initially debuted in 1995 as a coupe (the Stratus was the sedan version), Dodge would probably prefer for it to remain in the past. Or does it? CarBuzz has uncovered a pair of trademark applications for the "Avenger" name in Serbia and Iceland. When new models are planned, automakers quickly begin securing the naming rights in multiple countries.

It could only be a matter of time until Stellantis, the product of the FCA and PSA Groupe merger last year, secures the Avenger name for the US. Whether it plans to revive the nameplate for a future model or simply safeguard it remains to be seen.

What we can confirm is that Stellantis is moving fast towards launching fully electric vehicles, including for the Dodge brand. Come 2024, an all-electric muscle car is due to arrive though. Calling it Avenger might seem odd given its previous application, but most buyers won't associate the name with anything other than with Marvel, and that could give it a unique advantage in the market. Here's another possibility: Dodge cannot rely solely on EV muscle cars to make a profit. It'll require more affordable, mainstream BEVs. A reborn Avenger could be one of them.

As for body style, there's little chance Dodge will opt for another sedan, especially a small one. Instead, we could see Dodge launch its own version of the recently-revealed Chrysler Airflow concept. A production-spec version is due by 2028 and, quite obviously, it's not a sedan but rather a small crossover with a low ride height.

With a driving range up to 400 miles, a pair of electric motors rated at 201 horsepower each, a 118-kWh battery, all-wheel drive, and an AI-powered cockpit, the Airflow could be just the thing to help save Chrysler. Will a new Avenger be recalled to active duty to help revitalize Dodge? The answer could be coming fairly soon.