Tag Archives: Car

Avenger’s Designer Talks About the Car (Video)

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Below the Avenger’s designer explains its design.  
 

 

To recap what he said:
 
Its quiet.
  1. It has accoustically laminated windows which keep the noise outside of the car.
  2. Treatments were also placed throughout the inside of the car to make the car quieter, which is rare for this type of car (D Class).
 
Its comfortable.
  1. Throughout the car, plastic was replaced with soft materials. Soft material was used for the armrest, parts of the door panels, leather trim steering wheel, center console, and the upper part of instrument panel.
  2. The seat bolster, which is the outside surface of the seat, was opened up. Topper pads were added on top of the foam, as well, which helps with seat comfort and support.
  
Its confident.
  1. Out of 28 suspension bushings in the car, 24 were changed. A bushing is a piece of rubber that’s in the suspension system . They support the car as it turns and also transfer energy from bumps so the passengers do not feel it. See video for more re: rubber parts, spring rates, shock clamping, and more!
  2. Distance between the rear tires track width was increased which gives it a smoother ride.
  3. Tire patch, the amount of tire that is actually on the ground, was increased.
  4. Tires were changed from a 215 to 225 to make it wider so as to provide more stability.
  5. Car was lowered in rear and front to give it a more planted feel.
  6. Engine was awarded best of class by Automotive Magazine.

A Woman’s View of The Dodge Avenger

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I brought my 1st car in 2003.  A few months later, I crashed in a very weird chicken accident that caused a four car pile up. Thankfully, we survived.

It’s never let me down. It may not be the sexiest car, but I don’t think I could have handled sexy at that point.

Times have changed.

Now I can handle the big “S”. 

Which brings me to Chrysler’s Avenger.  I had the opportunity to test drive the Avenger, on a 25+ mile stretch from Tarry Town to Midtown, Manhattan.  I have to admit, I was sold before the drive.  I liked the designs’ angles and curves.  I also liked that it was a roomy, compact car.  The size made it perfect for parking in the streets of New York, where parking is always a challenge. Yet it was roomy enough to fit both my sons, as well as two of their friends, comfortably. Or, if you are a family with multiple small children, you can easily fit two car seats and one additional person in the back. 

I drove the car during a bad thunderstorm in New York City, which limited how fast I could go. However, based on my discussions with the designer, I am sure it would handle speed well. What the storm did let me test out were the car’s capabilities during bad weather. I felt safe inside, the tires didn’t hydroplane, and the ride was smooth. I would also like to note that the vehicle has front and side airbags, a tire pressure monitor (LOVE!) and 4 Wheel ABS.

During the 1 hour drive, I was told that the Avenger was awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick Awards. This was important to me as a Mom. It told me that Dodge takes the manufacture of  its cars, as seriously as I take the safety of my children, so I have to commend them on that.
 
Of course, like anything, the Dodge Avenger was not perfect. I did not like the design of the windows.  I noticed that the windows were smaller and higher than expected when I sat inside.  This would make it hard for smaller children to look outside the window. As any mother will tell you, a bored child is a whiny child, which does not make for easy traveling. However, as a Mom of a tween and teen, this did not hamper my overall opinion of the car.
 
In the end, I enjoyed my driving experience in the Avenger.  I liked the look of the car. It was stylish, sleek, and sexy. The Avenger did not look like a family car, yet could be used as one. For that, I give it two thumbs up!
 
What do you think is important in a family car?
  
 
 

 
 

How Sexy Is Your Car?

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cars

Have you ever wondered how sexy is your car? The question may seem odd if you haven’t thought about it beforehand; however, as a single Latina in NYC, I do.  A car is a fashion statement, just like your hair, your clothes and your make-up. Albeit, a more expensive one, but a fashion statement nonetheless.

Humans judge others on appearance. Your car is an extension of your appearance. What you drive and how you drive speaks volumes. 

Which brings us back to the question:

How Sexy Is Your Car?

  

Sexiness is subjective. What’s sexy to me, may or may not be sexy to you. Knowing this, I’ve devised a list.  

Power

A man/woman who can drive a powerful car exudes sex appeal. Its even been said that how a person drives a car will give you some indication as to how they will treat their mate. Do they take risks? Do they rev the engine? Can they handle curves without freaking out?

  

Style

I like a hands on type of man. He must not be scared to get down and dirty. Yet, he has to be able to put on a suit and tie when needed.  A car must be the same. It must mesh practicality with style. If it can’t do its job, it doesn’t matter how stylish it looks, does it?   A two seater will not do me any good because of who I am. However, it may suit someone else.  I know my style. I know me. I won’t budge on certain issues and neither must my car. That being said, I think a car must be “cut” in just the right places. It doesn’t have  to have a six pack, but it must be able to bounce a few curbs off it.

  

Color

A car’s color can scream sex appeal. You must be able to take it on a date and home to Mama.  Color speaks volumes! In fact, it can even give you some insight into the driver’s personality. [Pat Bertram gives you the color breakdown on Squidoo.] Ultimately, you must ask yourself, “Does the color scream “Look its me!” or “Keep looking”?”

 

Trustworthiness

This one rates high on my sexy checklist. I need to make sure a car is trustworthy. Can I rely on the car in good times and bad? Can it handle what life throws at it: potholes, snowstorms, and sandy patches? If I can’t answer with an affirmative, than it fails the trustworthiness test.

 

Cleanliness

A clean car is a sexy car. A car can have all the above, but will fail the sexiness test if it doesn’t pass the Cleanliness test. I’m not just talking about having a clean exterior either. You want to know your rear is sitting where few have sat. You want to know what’s inside! Are their cans, candy wrappers or unmentionables tossed about? Do the seats have stains? Do I need to wear a nose filter to sit inside? If so, it fails the Cleanliness test and can’t be deemed sexy. A car can have personality but it must not have trash, extreme dust and/or unmentionables strewn about. PERIOD.

 

What do you think? Did I miss anything?  Let us know in a comment!