The Chrysler Group has resurrected the Dart nameplate from the 1960s for its new Dodge compact sedan model that will receive its world premiere at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the second week of January.
The new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to be based upon a Fiat architecture as it makes use of a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback's platform named Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW), which has been lengthened and widened to improve interior space.
The Detroit automaker says that 68 percent of the Dart's body is composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a "very strong and rigid structure".
Powering the 2013 Dodge Dart will be three four-cylinder gasoline powerplants including a new Tigershark 2.0-liter unit, a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine that will most likely be shared with the Fiat Abarth 500 in the U.S., and a new Tigershark 2.4-liter MultiAir engine.
The MultiAir technology on the 1.4L Turbo and the 2.4L units that allows for direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion is said to result up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 10 percent reduction in C02 emissions.
We only get a glimpse of the exterior styling of the new Ford Focus- and VW Jetta-sized Dart, but it's obvious that the design with the split-crosshair grille and the full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps was inspired by the Charger.
The new Dart sedan will be manufactured at the Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.
29 Comments:
looks nice!
Looks very promising
Looks awesome, especially compared to Civic, Corolla, Elantra and Cruze mediocrity. Knowing that the Alfa Romeo Giulietta has been appointed as the best in class in Europe, it is Probably a winner.
I like the Charger. And this looks very nice. But why can't the Charger have Charger tail lights and the Dart have its own tail light design? Don't designers see a new model as a new opportunity?
Potenza:
They have similar designs, and some very close design elements to create a brand identity. They want the cars to be easily identifiable as Dodge cars. BMW's have very similar design elements in the lights. Cadillacs have similar design elements in the lights. Hyundai cars have teh same. It is a common tactic.
Finally, the neon has a succesor. And a pretty good one by the looks of it.
The front screams VW Scirocco, bad.
Giulietta "best in class" in Europe ?
Maybe Alfa thought like this or just based of the exterior great look, but definitely wont be qualified "best in class".
Maybe they should bring this to Europe as an Alfa. Move Dodge upmarket to be a premium sports brand and have a single badge swaped range with Alfa, Lancia/Chrysler premium and take FIAT to the States with a new range as the smaller/cheaper Italian sturdy but chic brand
Since the VW Golf is the benchmark of the segment and the Alfa is reported (by the media with some credibility) at least so good, I think that this Dodge can do really well. I'm a Golf GTI owner and I know the diferences the virtues and the faults of both makers. I drove the Alfa and it got me. It drives smooth and accurate and the engines are great as well.
I'd definitely dodge a dodge.
Are you guys serious? It looks like a Dodge Charger Lite... The front looks cool but the back could be beter.
Looks good. But please Dodge, ditch the cross-hair grilles already! Also, the "Dart" badge looks like it says "Dort". May want to change that.
Dodge is the only American car company that makes good looking cars
Just shows that Dodge is not laying back & producing mirror image crap like chevy & ford. Love it!!
Resurrecting the Dart name is a smart idea, and the car seems to be a looker too. I always wondered why Chrysler hadn't used more of the great names of the past - "Fury" comes to mind as well as "Barracuda". Great time to make this move and pounce on cars like the incredible dud 2012 Civic...
So happy they didn't call it Hornet
So happy they didn't call it Hornet
Then it would look like every other car out there.
Make mine with a manual trans and I'll take one.
I'd still like the looks and would prefer to buy the Alfa Romeo Giulietta though.
I'm excited to see the New Dodge Dart. For those of you complaining again about the Cross-hair grille, it is Dodge's signature. Just like Ford has their clunky industrial air-vent looking grille, and Chevy has their Smiley Grin look on theirs, all of the car makers have their signature grilles. This is the least ugliest grilles. After looking at the Alfa Romeo Guillietta...Alfa has the ugliest grilles by far!
So there IS a chance to buy the Alfa Hatchback in the US. Just without the great styling the Italian automaker is known for. Kinda like taking a fantastic Shelby Cobra and turning it into a two-seat Mustang.
THIS CAR LOOKS AWESOME
Early reports say it will be priced good too.
I called through another blog and they said under $25K for sure.
http://gauthierchryslerdodgeramjeep.blogspot.com/
You must be kidding!
If not for something else, the Alfa grille reminds us of.... girls.
Elantra's only best in class. Given Dodge's track record, I'm getting ready to laugh at this junk.
Lazy designers. Typical Dodge.
Not happening. Dodge has absolutely no credentials in Europe, Fiat doesn't in the US.
Leave Dodge, Chrysler/Lancia the mainstream brands. Alfa will be the sporty premium marque once the cash from Dodge and Chrysler go towards improving it.
HA! I thought so too.
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