The midsize sedan market has been taken by surprise with the 2008 Dodge Avenger. This practical automobile comes in three trims: the base SE trim, the midlevel SXT trim and the lively R/T trim.

The 2008 Avenger is distinguishable because of the iconic crosshairs on its valiant grille. The sporty appearance is powered by a standard 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 189-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 engine or a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine; it all depends on the trim level you choose. The first two engines team with a four-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission is used in the 3.5-liter engine. Whatever engine you choose partners with a dual-chrome exhaust system that improves the engine performance, reduces back pressure and of course adds some stylish flare.

Inside the Avenger is seating for five. The rear seats are 60/40-split and fold down to improve the storage space of the trunk. The front passenger seat also folds down to enhance that storage capacity even further. The seats are prepared with leather or the stain, odor and static resistant Yes Essential® Fabric. To protect however many passengers are in the vehicle, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for both rows and frontal airbags are all customary. Other safety features Dodge added are optional anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability system.

The interior is filled with conveniences as well. Dodge’s Chill Zone is a new feature that adds a covered storage box above the glove compartment that keeps up to four 12-ounce cans chilled. There is also heated/cooled cup holders to keep your desired drink temperature. The driver also gets things such as hands-free communication technology, automatic temperature control, an extra informative Electronic Vehicle Information Center and more so they can keep their eyes on the road. The MYGIG® Multimedia Infotainment System sits on the center console and has a 20GB hard drive. This holds your MP3 songs, CDs, DVDs for the optional DVD Entertainment System, radio controls and the optional Navigation System.

This 2008 Avenger is a sedan that exceeds the expectations held for the class. Dodge should be your next destination if you’re in the market for a new automobile!

A short time ago…at an auto show far, far away (Las Vegas)

Designer Scott Anderson brought his geekicious Dodge Avenger concept to the 2007 SEMA Auto show in Las Vegas, much to the amazement of Star Wars fanatics and car enthusiasts who want to show up their World of Warcraft buddies. It’s a cross between the Stormtrooper helmet and an Imperial battleship, with a V-6 under the hood and 20-inch rims holding it up.

Inside, you can sit back in the comfort only Darth Vader experienced in that big dome chair he hops in to remove that head piece. Bucket seats from a Charger SRT8 adorn the front and back rows, along with a set of Azentek mobile PCs installed with 1.8GHz Intel Core Duo processors and two gigs of ram. With one unit in the front dash and one in the rear seat center console, your own interior universe is controlled at one click of a mouse. The “pilot” of this Stormtrooper Avenger can easily communicate others in the fleet thanks to built-in Bluetooth links, connecting to a regular cell, iPhone and Zune personal mp3 players.

Only thing missing is a good navigator…

Make sure you don’t lose this space-age vehicle the way Lando Calrissian did.