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6 WHEELS November 04 2010 Dodge Avenger: A mid-size sedan engineered for spirited performance Dodge has introduced the new Dodge Avenger that is totally overhauled for 2011 with an all-new interior, a redesigned exterior and performance attributes that put the "fun" in functional. A new powertrain lineup and completely redesigned and retuned suspension mean drivers will experience Dodge's fun-to-drive dynamics in a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan. The Avenger's "fun to drive" quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it's a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver. A new and improved powertrain lineup also contributes to the 2011 Avenger's driving experience. The vehicles has a standard 2.4-litre World Gas Engine, which has been recalibrated and is now available mated to a new smooth-shifting six-speed transmission for an exceptionally fun and fuel-efficient driving experience. Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds-- best-in-class 283 hp (an increase of 20 per cent compared with the engine it replaces) and 260 lb/ft of torque (an increase of 12 per cent) combined with competitive fuel economy. Designers developed the 2011 Dodge Avenger with new "soft touch" armrests and instrument panels, new, premium interior finishes for touch points that are not only pleasing to the touch but also to the eye. They also redesigned the heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and better functioning. The 2011 Dodge Avenger also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout the vehicle. --Metroland Media Carguide Magazine The 2011 Dodge Avenger offers two engines and a totally revised interior, including `soft touch' armrests. Green cars overhyped? Combined global sales of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are expected to total 5.2 million units in 2020, or just 7.3 per cent of the 70.9 million passenger vehicles forecasted to be sold worldwide by that year, according to a report issued by J.D. Power and Associates. For comparison, global HEV and BEV sales in 2010 are forecasted to total 954,500 vehicles, or 2.2 per cent of the 44.7 million vehicles projected to be sold through the end of 2010. The report, titled "Drive Green 2020: More Hope than Reality" considers various factors affecting the future potential for "green" vehicles in the world's largest automotive markets. These factors include market trends, regulatory environment, consumer sentiment and technology development in these markets. According to the report, it will be difficult to convince large numbers of consumers to switch from conventionally powered passenger vehicles to HEVs and BEVs.