As concept cars go, the Dodge Avenger may not be the most exciting thing on four wheels, but it at least looks promising. And although Chrysler's famously ordinary mid-size Sebring sedan fails to make us wet ourselves with glee, the Avenger concept--which was reportedly been built on the 2007 Sebring's platform--at least exudes some excitement. Dodge claims that the Avenger "hints at the next-generation global D-segment vehicle from Dodge," but we're fairly sure it does more than "hint." Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four; that engine will likely be offered outside North America shortly after the production car's launch.
Admittedly, some of the Avenger's visual appeal can be traced to cheap and easy styling cues borrowed from the Dodge Charger (and that goofy-ass rear wing just needs to go), but we like it. Whether or not the next "global D-segment vehicle from Dodge" will drive any better than the mediocre '07 Sebring it's likely to be based on is anyone's guess. We can but hope.