Some Detroit Auto Show Tidbits

The show is still rocking on and we thought we would drop you some of the news that is happening here in Detroit. Our intrepid reporter, Jody DeVere, sends along these snippets:

Dodge Avenges the Stratus
Dodge is rolling out the new midsize Avenger, which will replace the Stratus. Eric Ridenour, Chrysler chief operating officer, says, “The all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger is for buyers who need the practicality, functionality and efficiency of a midsize car, who hunger for the muscle of the strong-performing 235-horsepower V-6 engine.”

The Avenger is basically a scaled-down Charger. With this new offering, you can get the powerful looks, without the larger feel of the Charger. A neat trick in the Avenger: heated and cooled cup holders!

General Motors Sweeps Car and Truck of the Year
GM is really making a scene at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. We brought you the nitty gritty on the reveals of some of their stellar new offerings—the Cadillac CTS and Chevy Malibu—but General Motors was stealing the show from the very beginning.

The Saturn Aura took the honors of car of the year and the Chevy Silverado nabbed truck of the year. The contest was judged by 49 automotive journalists. "This is a great day for General Motors," said Jill Lajdziak, general manager of Saturn.

The Aura knocked out two other finalists: the Toyota Camry and Honda Fit. "Just watch us grow and continue as we continue to revitalize this brand," Lajdziak said.

The Chevrolet Silverado beat out the Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7 and Ed Peper, general manger of Chevrolet, said, "We are very proud of this great new truck. Everybody has worked extremely hard to get this day and time."