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The STARTECH Starster is a Dodge Avenger-based concept prepared by BRABUS' Chrysler-tuning division for the Frankfurt Motor Show. In some respects, STARTECH's herculean effort succeeds. In others, not so much. We like the shaved door handles, as the convergence of shapes and curves at he rear door now looks muscular instead of simply cluttered. The big black wheels in the flared fenders are pretty mean-looking, too. On the flip side, the LED crosshairs in the Mustang-looking headlights are just weird, and that replacement front grille looks pretty lame, particularly the blacked-out elements in the middle. That taillamp/trim insert across the rear? More "cheesy aftermarket" than "respected tuner" if you ask us. Lastly, the whole orange-trim thing is just about played out. The tuner segment needs to fall in love with a new color.

The functional hood scoop (how novel!) feeds a 335-horsepower 2.4L turbo connected to a 5-speed manual. The 0-62 sprint takes 5.6 seconds, and this Avenger keeps going all the way up to 165 mph. The ultra-garish, full-leather interior (complete with quilted floormats) is an assault on the senses (and one's taste), yet it's still an improvement over the horribly bland, overly plastic stock interior. We can't wait to hear what Autoblog's Frankfurt posse thinks of this one when they see it in person.

Until then, you can read STARTECH's full press release after the jump.

[Source: STARTECH]

Gallery: STARTECH Starster