Friday, January 10, 2014
Dodge Dart
- Dodge Dart, 2013
The 2013 Dodge Dart redefines performance with Alfa Romeo DNA, fuel-efficient powertrains and Dodges passion for performance. The all-new Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle thats fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and fun-to-drive.
Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics.
The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. It will be built in the United States at Chrysler Groups Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart will begin in the second quarter of 2012.
Exterior
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart boasts a timeless, stylish and distinctive exterior design. The car sports an athletic, sculpted, fluid and aesthetically agile appearance. The exterior design of the Dart conveys a level of visual drama and timeless surfaces that add excitement to the competitive compact sedan segment in the United States.
The Fiat Group-based Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide) architectures low, wide and long dimensions ensured a stable "body-in, wheels-out" stance and coupe-like silhouette. The CUS-wide platform allowed for accentuating the fender formations and pushing the wheels as far out to the corners as possible, creating a very stable look, which gave Dodge designers incredible opportunities for some very dramatic sculpturing. Designers visually stretched the skin of the car over the vehicle framework as if stretching nylon over a surface.
Once the basic design was in place, with dynamic lines and curves from every angle, designers inserted a little Dodge attitude into the mix. The face of the Dart was styled with the unmistakable Dodge split crosshair grille, but with a modern, sleek look that "floats" in the front fascia, giving the Dart a full-width mask that marks it as a Dodge.
The front of the 2013 Dodge Dart has been designed for smooth airflow around, above and below the car without compromising styling or engine cooling requirements. In addition, a lower radiator close-out panel is positioned below the front fascia. This not only contributes to the Darts lower front-end appearance, but also reduces drag while still allowing for an 8-inch curb clearance.
Dodge designers made attention to detail and precision craftsmanship a priority, and it is noticeable from every angle. Standard laser-braised roof welds, high-quality metal Daylight Opening (DLO) moldings painted piano black and standard projector headlamps are just a few examples of well-crafted features typically found on much more expensive classes of vehicles.
Tasteful, detailed accents add to the design of the Dodge Dart. Style lines on the hood lead the eye to the floating crosshair grille, while chrome accent spears below the projector headlamps and inboard of available projector fog lamps highlight the attention to detail.
The result is a compact sedan that blends exceptional proportions, "aero-dramatic" surfacing, world-class craftsmanship, modern technology, an exceptionally quiet cabin and an upscale feel in a package that is undeniably a Dodge.
Interior
Dodge designers focused on creating a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, exciting bursts of color and hand-sculpted shapes when designing the Darts interior, which is crafted with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. Starting with modern Dodge DNA and through the use of innovative ambient interior lighting, high-quality soft-touch materials and high-tech features, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with cool amenities and unexpected delights for both drivers and passengers.
The Darts "driver-centric" layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior. Packaged in the footprint of a compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart features the interior spaciousness of a mid-size sedan, and it boasts best-in-class hip and shoulder room.
Customization was key in the all-new Dodge Darts development, and with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, seven wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, each Dodge Dart can be personalized by every buyer to fit their individual style. And the combinations are multiplied exponentially, as Mopar® also will offer more than 150 customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart.
The high-tech centerpiece of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the class-exclusive floating island bezel, which houses the segment-exclusive available 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround that also houses the available class-exclusive Uconnect® Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen Media Center - the largest touchscreen in its class.
Thoughtful storage options throughout fit todays technology. The glove box easily conceals a stowed iPad; the center console features auxiliary jacks to plug in a wide variety of electronic devices, and thoughtful, inventive storage solutions, such as center console side pockets, are perfect for storing mobile phones, receipts, or pens and paper.
Lighting in all the right places provides drivers and passengers a warm, comfortable cockpit. Available "racetrack" lighting surrounds the floating island bezel. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders is both useful and provides a warm atmosphere inside the vehicle.
Three sophisticated, fuel-efficient and powerful engines
The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines that add to Darts fun-to-drive quotient.
Drivers can select from a new 160 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 160 horsepower 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine and a new 184 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices — six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or six-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission — redefine performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.
MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions by allowing direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque and a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
Engineered with passion
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart was developed and engineered to exceed expectations for satisfaction, quality and reliability. From the world-class aerodynamic performance, to the agile, responsive driving experience, to items seemingly mundane like segment-leading heating and cooling performance that gives drivers and passengers the right temperatures in the right locations and a whisper-quiet interior, Dodge engineers kept the customer top of mind while developing every detail of the Dart.
Alfa Romeo DNA
The Dodge brands re-entry into the U.S. compact sedan segment is based off of the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics. The Giulietta platform was lengthened and widened, creating a spacious compact sedan that meets the wants and needs of North American consumers.
The proven modular architecture allows multiple models to be built using the same basic underpinnings, resulting in improvements in quality and reliability, as well as reducing cost, development timing and tooling. The body structure of the Dart is comprised of 68 percent high-strength steel - hot stamped, high-strength and ultra-high-strength - resulting in an architecture that is lightweight, modern and solid.
The 2013 Dodge Dart features the proven, lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension, specifically tuned to minimize camber loss, resulting in more responsive steering and handling characteristics, improved ride quality and a reduction in road noise - all qualities drivers will appreciate.
A bi-link independent rear suspension enables European handling capability for those drivers who love to lean into corners and the smooth ride North American drivers covet.
World-class aerodynamics
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan was designed and engineered for world-class aerodynamic performance. With more than 600 hours in the wind tunnel during the Darts development and using technology typically found on more expensive vehicles, Dodge engineers and designers looked at every aspect from the ground up to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the Dart.
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first Dodge vehicle to use an active grille shutter system. The system automatically stops airflow through the lower intake at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required and aerodynamic drag is most significant. When closed, the shutter system enhances aerodynamic performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The active grille shutter system will open or close automatically based upon engine coolant temperature and vehicle speed.
Underbody panels run stem to stern on the Dodge Dart, covering the majority of the lower vehicle from the front fascia to the rear fascia. Constructed of mold-in-color (MIC) black composite, the panels both enhance the aerodynamic performance and also block road noise.
Tire spats located forward of the front and rear tires were engineered to function as mini air dams and were optimized for shape and ground clearance, adding to the underbody efficiency in conjunction with the underbody panels.
In the design and engineering of the 2013 Dodge Dart, no aerodynamic detail was too small. Mirror design, the notch angle at the top of the header of the backlight to the trailing edge of the decklid and even the tail lamp applique shape and rear corners were all designed and engineered for optimal aero performance. An integrated decklid spoiler incorporates a trailing edge shape for cleaner airflow separation in the rear portion of the vehicle, which optimizes the air wake.
Class-leading Safety Features
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart was engineered with 60 safety and security features to ensure drivers and passengers peace of mind when traveling. The Dodge Dart starts with a strong foundation, a body that has a high-strength steel content of 68 percent, one of the highest in the industry, and then adds both active and passive safety features. Driver and passenger safety features include 10 standard airbags, which is unsurpassed in the segment and include: dual-stage adaptive venting front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted driver and passenger pelvic and thorax air bags, two rear-seat-mounted pelvic air bags, front driver and passenger knee air bags and all-row side-curtain air bags. The Dart also features a reactive head-restraint system; available Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, three-point safety belts in all five seating positions; front driver and passenger dual seat belt pretensioners at the anchor and retractor positions and active load limiters. These features and more all work to protect passengers in the event of a crash. All three rear seat positions feature Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH).
Additional standard safety features on the 2013 Dodge Dart:
- Four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and traction control system on all models
- Brake Assist
- Brake-lock differential
- Ready Alert Braking
- Rainy Brake Support
- Hydraulic boost compensation
- Electronic stability control (four-channel active handling system ESC)
- Electronic Roll Mitigation
- Hill-start Assist
- Trailer-sway Control
- ParkView rear backup camera
- ParkSense rear park assist
State-of-the-art, Segment-exclusive Technology
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart sports segment-leading technology and not-seen-in-the-segment features, enchanting and delighting drivers and passengers alike. Examples include the segment-exclusive floating island bezel, 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch Media Center, 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable instrument cluster display and upscale ambient lighting.
The 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with technology that improves driver and passenger comfort, as well as the performance of the car.
Customizable for the drivers own style
The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. Each trim level has a style and value that will appeal to the diverse customer base interested in a compact sedan.
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will feature 12 exterior colors: Redline Red Pearl Coat, Header Orange Pearl Coat, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Winter Chill Pearl Coat, Laguna Blue Clear Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Citrus Peel Pearl Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat and Bright White Clear Coat.
The Dart offers customers the choice of 14 interior color and trim combinations with seven interior color environments in cloth or leather fabric: Black denim, Black/Light Diesel Grey, Black/Light Frost Beige, Black/Ruby Red, Diesel Grey/Citrus Peel, Diesel Grey/Light Diesel Grey and Ceramic White/Light Diesel Grey.
In addition to the exterior color and interior trim options, the 2013 Dodge Dart offers seven wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, as well as a slew of available exceptional or segment-leading features:
- World-class aerodynamics
- Class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust
- Class-exclusive "racetrack" LED taillamps
- Class-exclusive choice of either Hyper Black or polished wheels
- Class-exclusive 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect Touch Media Center with built-in radio, navigation, iPod control, climate controls, voice-activated blue tooth, SiriusXM Travel Link, weather updates and points of interest
- Class-exclusive 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display that is easily customizable to the drivers taste. Choices include: digital and analog gauges, navigation turn-by-turn display, eco-meter, fuel economy, audio, phone, compass and temperature read outs
- Class-exclusive floating island bezel
- Class-exclusive heated steering wheel
- Class-exclusive in-seat storage
- Available 506-watt sound system
- Keyless Enter n Go with push-button start
- High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
- Dual-zone automatic temperature control with humidity sensor
- Unsurpassed 10 standard airbags
- ParkView rear backup camera
- Blind-spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Path Detection
- Best-in-class hip room and shoulder room
- The most diverse lineup of gasoline powertrains in the segment - three new engines and three transmissions:
- New Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates an estimated 160 horsepower with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
- The technologically advanced Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo producing an estimated 160 horsepower and an impressive 184 lb.-ft. of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DDCT transmission
- New powerful 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 184 horsepower with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will compete in the compact sedan segment, one of the largest segments in the automotive industry. The Dart is well-crafted and built with the features, technology and style todays compact car customers desire, positioning the Dart as a groundbreaking new car.
Dodge expects the Dart to appeal to a wide ranging group of new car buyers, from millenials to empty nesters. The millennial customer is a young professional most likely purchasing their first new car. They desire a car that is truly an expression of themselves, a car they can personalize and call their own. The millennial customer is connected with their friends, enjoys having a great time and is never without their phone. They grew up with technology and they indulge in the latest high-tech features.
The empty-nester customer is in the process of redefining their lifestyle, and they have more time for themselves than in their recent past. This customer typically knows what they like and purchases things and participates in activities that make them happy. The empty-nester appreciates what they have, leads an active lifestyle and is always up for a challenge. This customer knows a little bit about a lot of things and is interested in not only the way things work, but why. The empty-nester appreciates a good value, but doesnt want to sacrifice the level of quality and amenities they have worked hard to attain.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Dodge Dart First Drive
"Aerodramatic" is what exterior design Jeff Gale called the look of the 2013 Dodge Dart. With a low-slung front end, glaring hooded projector lamp headlights, and taillights that scream Charger the Dart is a unique machine in the Compact car segment.
Chrysler was kind enough to fly me out to beautiful Austin, TX with other Social Media influencers to get a first hand look into a car that I personally am very excited about. This car is exciting because it is the first merger of Italian and American technology in a single package. It also excited me because it is a car that promises fun without sacrificing fuel economy.
Austin was the perfect venue for this event because Dodge stressed that this was a car for Millennials. As someone who is a part of that generation I have already fallen in love with Austin. The town offers amazing food and culture that reminds me of my current home of Bloomington, Ind. on steroids.
I pounced on the first Dart I could find that held the 1.4L turbocharged Multiair engine. This is the engine of choice for this vehicle and offers the best horsepower to fuel economy ratio. Fuel economy is extremely important, but I also want a vehicle that handles well and is a joy to drive. This is what I hoped for as I set out for a 160 mile journey across the Texas landscape.
The 1.4 liter engine is very unique. Normally the compact class can be seen for some as a "penalty box" or "appliances", but this engine is from another world. On initial startup the car greets you with a throaty burble. Of course this is mostly from the careful design of the exhaust system but it gives a sense of unexpected character to a car designed for big sales numbers.
Another surprise for this segment is the standard six-speed manual. The automatic in other models seems like an after thought.
Dodge is dedicated to selling cars with manual gearboxes and their upcoming dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT). The transmission leans towards the side of being friendly for daily driving and first time manual buyers. The throw is light and a bit long, but very easy to find the right gear. The clutch is on the heavy side which is a bit of a plus because it feels like you are moving something not the feather light clutches of late.
Dodge interiors in the last few years have been sub-par compared to the rest of the competition. As much as Dodge wouldnt want to admit it the last few years have been rough on fans of the Pentastar.
The Dart brings Dodge back into the competitive realm. There is a good ratio of soft-touch materials on the upper dash to the lesser quality plastic on the bottom half. The only downside is that the climate control buttons feel a bit flimsy and low quality. The upside is they are auxiliary to the touch control built into the massive and lightning fast 8.4 inch touch screen that comes with an optional uConnect system. Another great feature of the interior is a storage compartment beneath the passenger seat that would be very useful for someone like me.
Unlike the SE and SXT trim levels Dodge offers a TFT (thin-film-transistor) heads up display that I found extremely helpful when trying to eek out the best possible fuel economy. The display offers a wealth of information such as exact engine temp, instant and average fuel economy and navigational data. Features like this are going to be very important to millenials who dont want their car stuck with 20 Th. century technology. This is a must have accessory on my list.
The EPA has said that the Dart is a midsize car, but their focus is to market and price this car as a compact car. Like all the American compacts the Dart feels well planted with minimal body roll through the turns. It is obvious that the car has been tuned to handle the 184 horsepower Multiair engine that is coming in the third quarter of this year. The 1.4 liter turbo is perfect because you can reach the limits without feeling like you are the limit of grip.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEvw0Gs2_ko]
Hidden under the performance is an extremely efficient power-train. I certainly didnt drive the Dart like Travis Pastrana does in the Rallycross Dart. Instead I focused on driving the Dart how I normally drive everyday. Even driving the Dart more aggressively than normal it returned 35 miles per gallon. Though not as engaging the volume 2.0 liter Tigershark engine was able to return 39 miles per gallon on the highway. This is three more than the estimated 36 that Dodge expects. Now it is very true that I dont drive like the average person, but simple light-footed driving will result in excellent fuel economy no matter what power-train you choose.
My only gripe about the power-train is the 2.0-liter Tigershark engine and the lackluster six-speed automatic transmission bolted onto it. Blame it on preproduction or maybe just a bad transmission but the 6-speed automatic was dreadful for a modern transmission. The transmission was unresponsive on initial takeoff with a sudden jolt as the torque converter locked up. Geared for fuel economy the transmission kept the engine revving low and slow. This resulted in a lot of low speed thrum and vibration I found unacceptable in modern compact car.
Unfortunately there were no 2.4 liter Multiair equipped R/Ts available to drive. I imagine that this will be a decent engine. It will produce 184 horsepower which is twenty-four more than the 1.4 liter engine. This engine doesnt really fit with what I think the Dart should be though. Why offer a fun to drive engine with a lot of potential power left untapped as a mid-model engine. Stepping up from a very pleasing turbo engine to a bored out naturally-aspirated four cylinder seems like a waste to me.
Versatility and a duality of spirit are what set the Dodge Dart apart. I wouldnt say that it is a great or perfect car though. There are too many things that have to be compromised to keep the price point competitive. The only issue is that it needs to focus the money on controls such as air conditions that are going to be touched a lot and need to feel and be durable.
Customers who decide to buy a SXT, Rallye, Limited, or R/T are going to get a good car. One that offers up some shortcomings, but makes up for it with a bit of excitement and drama that you dont find in the compact class. Those who opt for the 2.0 liter will find a car that is basic transportation and nothing else. The 2.0 liter engine exists to get buyers who otherwise couldnt afford a Dart to buy one plain and simple.
After spending all day with the Dart I can say that I would like to own one. It offers some intriguing technology with an excellent power-train that ticks both boxes for me; One in the fun department and the other for fuel economy. This car should sell very well, it is priced competitively and offers a good value for someone looking for a good small car. Dodge needs a small car that can compete with the likes of Focus and Elantra.
Compact car buyers really need to put this car on their list. For the enthusiast looking for power and enjoyment there are the Rallye and the R/T. The bargain hunter can find a good deal with the SE and the SXT that offer value without a lot of compromises. For those of us like me who look for maturity and a sense of class there is the Limited.
If youre in the market for a compact car its worth your time to take a drive in the new Dart. If you dont youre missing out on one of the best compact cars in America.
Photos Courtesy of: Chrysler Group, LLC.
Disclaimer: Travel, Lodging and Vehicles provided by Chrysler Group, LLC.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Dodge Dart Price 15 995
The 2013 Dodge Dart enlarged platform means the Dart is rather well-endowed when it comes to interior space with a total of 97.2 cubic feet. A 2013 Dodge Dart has managed to squeeze in 35.3 inches of rear legroom, which it says is more than the mid-size Hyundai Sonata sedan. Buyers looking to customize their rides will be pleased to see 14 available interior and trim combinations.
The 2013 Dodge Dart power will come from one of three powerplants, two of which are naturally aspirated a 2.0-liter Tigershark inline-four producing 160 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter Tigershark four with 184 hp and 171 lb-ft. Naturally, 2013 Dodge Dart is focused on the 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir four with 160 horses and 184 lb-ft, which we suspect will be the most fuel efficient engine of the three. Transmissions at launch will all have six speeds: one manual, one automatic and a dual-clutch gearbox with the turbo mill. The 2013 Dodge Dart expected cross hair front grille, though its smaller and better integrated with the overall flowing design ethos. A nine-speed automatic is in the works for 2013.