2009 Dodge Avenger R/T

Mid-sized sport sedan appeals to active lifestyles

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Avenger R/T

Two years ago, the Avenger replaced the Stratus as Dodge’s mid-sized entry. Mid-sized sedans are the auto industry’s bread and butter: they account for a third of all new car sales. 

Having said that, it’s no surprise that the segment includes some best sellers:  the Toyota Camry and  Nissan  Altima among them.  While annual sales of 1.9 million units sounds like a big number, gaining market share within the mid-sized segment is a formidable challenge.

Dodge’s strategy is to play up its strengths: stand-out styling and exceptional interior packaging. From its crosshair grille to the fat rear spoiler, the Avenger is not a face to get lost in the crowd. Unique comfort and convenience features such heated and cooled cupholders, stain-resistant fabric, Mygig infotainment system and rear seat DVD set the Avenger apart from the crowd.

While sedans lag behind crossovers and sport-utility vehicles in terms of cargo capability, a rear pass-through and available fold-flat front passenger seat give the Avenger the type of versatility buyers with active lifestyles look for. Read the rest of this entry »

Volvo S80 Gets Facelift for 2010

Flagship sedan sports new styling, ride and handling enhancements

2010 Volvo S80

Volvo refreshes the S80 luxury sedan for the 2010 model year, with revised styling and a new sport chassis for crisper handling. The automaker unveiled the 2010 model at the New York International Auto Show, which opened to the public yesterday.

Up front, the S80 gets a new grille and bright trim around the lower air intakes. Similar treatments on the side skirts and beneath the taillamps give the exterior more sex appeal.

Inside, designers updated the car’s floating center stack with a silk metal finish. A new steering wheel has decorative trim matching the gearshift and starter button, with matte metal spokes.  New leather upholstery and door panel inserts complete the redesign.

The new sport chassis has shorter, firmer springs, enhanced shock damping, firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings. The standard chassis has a softer ride than before, with softer springs and less damping.

The sedan’s powertrain remains unchanged, with a choice of an inline six-cylinder engine rated at 235 horsepower, or 311 horsepower V8. Both versions share the same six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection.

Volvo will announce pricing closer to rollout during the second half of the year.