FIAT ABARTH

BY BRUCE HUBBARD – DETROIT

BONNIE LYNCH- GROSSE POINTE, MICHIGAN

BRADLEY HUBBARD –PHILADELPHIA

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

AS WE HAVE STATED WE COULD NOT WAIT FOR AN ABARTH MODEL OF THE 500 CINQUENTO. IT IS HERE!  BUT BEFORE WE DISCUSS IN FURTHER LETS LOOK AT HISTORY.

A brave and bold move by Chrysler Group LLC was to bring the Fiat brand back to North America.  The cars are getting great reviews and unique models like the Gucci 500 are good for PR. Sales have been slow mostly in part for the fact the stand alone stores take time to build. We believe that when more stores are built the Fiat and Abarth models will do very well. Everywhere we travel in the 500 Fiats people rave about the design and quality of the interior. 

The Fiat 500 history is long. The first Fiat 500 named a Topolino (meaning mouse) was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1937, three models were produced until 1955 all with minor mechanical and cosmetic changes.

Fiat as the Chrysler Group are doing everything they can to continue the 500’s history with a retro with all the bells and whistles demanded in this competitive market. The car since first introduced was very attractive and cute. Cute as a bug. Journalist have been raving as to the potential of the Mini fighter. The 500 was first brought back to Europe in 2007 and now with US updates to meet federal regulations this wonderful vehicle is being sold in the USA and Canada.

Italian architecture, art and design have defined style for centuries. Italian automobiles are legends. Italian cars like Lamborghini to Fiat to Alfa Romeo, cars have been at the head of the pack in many respects for decades. With exciting style so many poster cars have been designed by Italian design firms including ItalDesign which created the designs for so many Italian vehicles as well as BMW M1 and the VW Golf. Champions of race including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Masserati and Fiat are owned by Fiat. So is the respected builder and design arm known as Abarth.

Lamborghini, another respected Italian car manufacturer, is a subsidiary of Volkswagen. Alfa Romeo automobiles are noted for their blend of classic design and sporty details. Ferrari was founded by a former driver for Alfa Romeo's racing team. Lancia is a pioneering brand with more world rally championships than any other manufacturer. Lancia was the first company to put an electrical system in a car, and was also the first company to introduce standard production V-6 engines. Maserati is the only Italian company to produce a car that won an Indy 500 race.

FIAT as we all know now owns the majority of Chrysler Group. Fiat has been around for over a 100 years.  FIAT or Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino motor company, which was, founded as a company after acquiring other major Italian automotive brands on July 11, 1899.

Another Italian automotive bit of history is the fact that it took the first engineer, the famous Leonardo da Vinci, to think in concrete terms of an idea similar to the modern transportation we call an automobile. It was more than 500 years ago, however -- sometime around the year 1478 to be more or less specific -- when Leonardo drew out his plans for the world's first self-propelled vehicle.

Unlike Henry Ford's Model T in the early 1900s, Leonardo's car wasn't designed for mass-production. It wasn't truly a passenger car, since it didn't even have a seat. The vehicle was actually designed as a special attraction for Renaissance festivals, meant to instill wonder and awe in attendees.  Leonardo's car worked, but the Renaissance man was centuries ahead with yet another influential invention.

Eugenio Barsanti (1821-1864), an Italian scientist, developed in the early 50s of the 19th century his atmospheric engine. It used a "Voltaic (from Volta) pistol" as ignition mechanism. A spark skipping between two electrodes ignited the gas mixture. The Italian’s also developed a single cylinder gas engine far before Henry Ford ever used one in the Model T.

NOW IT IS 2012 JANUARY. SOME MEDIA HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE ABARTH VEHICLE I DID DRIVE ON DETROIT AVENUES SIX MONTHS AGO. IT WAS PRE PRE PRODUCTION  BUT SO SIMILAR TO THE PRODUCTION MODEL I WAS AMAZED. THE ENGINEERS IMPROVED EVERY ASPECT OF THE SUSPENION TO MEET ALL USA STANDARDS. PLUS, THEY MADE THE VEHICLE NVH OR NOISE VIBRATION HARSHNESS LOWER-QUIETER!  EVRY ASPECT OF THE ABARTH IS FOR THOSE WHO DEMAND PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING. THE ABARTH 500 IS SUPERB!

FIAT RELEASED THE FOLLOWING IN THE LAST FEW DAYS AND WE CANNOT VERIFY ANY OF IT. BUT, WELL AWARE OF THE FIAT BRAND AND CHRYSLER IT SHOULD BE 90% TRUE.

The FIAT brand today announced U.S. pricing for its new 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth. The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $22,000 (not including destination).

Faithful to the “small but wicked” saying coined for Karl Abarth’s cars in the 1960s, the Fiat 500 Abarth arrives to America with the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks: world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited production volume.

“The Fiat 500 Abarth feels like a double shot of espresso straight to your veins,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of FIAT Brand for North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “With its wicked attitude, it will reward adrenaline fans who no longer need to pay six figures to feel the rush of true Italian performance.”

The race-inspired Fiat 500 Abarth comes standard with many performance features, including the all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine delivering 160 horsepower (119 kW) and 170 lb.-ft. (230 N•m) of torque, Abarth-tuned suspension, brake systems and dual exhaust, turbo-boost gauge with integrated LED shift light and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Driver and passenger performance seats feature a one-piece design with large side bolsters, racing-harness pass-through and accent stitching. The Fiat 500 Abarth also comes standard with BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication, Bose premium audio system and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

Abarth Driving Experience for New Owners of the powerful new Fiat.

Included in the price of each 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth is the opportunity for new owners to attend a segment-exclusive driving experience at no additional charge. The Abarth Driving Experience is an entire day of full-throttle training, guided by professional instructors from the Richard Petty Driving Experience to ensure fun and top-level instruction FIAT HAS STATED. WE HAVE NOT YET EXPERIENCED THE RICHARD PETTY SCHOOL AND ABARTH ON THE TRACK.

No doubt BMW and MINI still are the vehicle to challenge. MINI has done a remarkable job in North America with all their versions of the original MINI. Recently they even are showing a Coupe!

FIAT is building 500 wagon four door versions to help dealers to get more buyers. But, as we have stated before get more dealerships for without them no sales will occur.

Look at more articles we have done on FIAT Cinquento 500 since first brought to our North American shores.


Bruce Hubbard- Detroit-Bradenton-Miami
Bonnie Lynch-Grosse Pointe
Bradlay Hubbard-Philadelphia 
Auto Advisor Group
bh.autoadvisorgroup@gmail.com
bb.lynch@comcast.net
bradhubbard8@gmail.com
brucehubbard@earthlink.net
 

HONDA ACCORD CONCEPT VEHICLE

By Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Brad Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

 Honda Unveils 2013 Accord Coupe Concept

All-new Accord will feature next-generation powertrain technologies,

class-leading fuel economy plus innovative safety and technology features

Honda unveiled the dynamic Accord Coupe Concept today at the North American International Auto Show, providing the first official glimpse of the athletic styling direction, as well as revealing a host of new technologies for the all-new, ninth-generation 2013 model, set to go on-sale this fall.

The 2013 Accord will feature three all-new powertrains, including the first U.S. application of both a 2.4-liter direct-injected engine and two-motor plug-in hybrid system from Honda’s suite of next-generation Earth Dreams^™ powertrain technologies. In addition, the V-6 Accord will be the first Honda sedan to feature a new 6-speed automatic transmission. Both the Accord Sedan and the Accord Coupe models are expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy ratings and will be available with a number of innovative new safety and technological features.  

“Marking the 30th anniversary of U.S. production, this new ninth-generation Accord will raise the bar again through a tour de force of new Honda powertrain and safety technologies, geared to ensure that Honda and the Accord continue to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. 

 

The Accord Coupe Concept features an athletic styling direction for Honda’s best-selling model. The front bumper’s dynamic lines are highlighted by a revised four-sided honeycomb grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. Lower fog-light spoilers are accented by crystallized chrome inlays. 

The Accord Coupe Concept’s 20-inch, machine-finished, 5-spoke wheels contribute to its solid stance. The rear taillights aggressively sweep into the body, while a trunk -lid spoiler and large exhaust finishers integrated into the bumper underscore the Accord Coupe Concept’s muscular exterior. 

While the Accord Coupe will remain similarly sized, the Accord Sedan will feature a more compact exterior footprint, adding to its sportier appearance. A shortened length and reduced weight will also give the 2013 Accord Sedan more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. Both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will retain the current model’s generous cabin space.

The Accord will offer three all-new powertrains for the 2013 model year. The Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will be the first models in the U.S. to receive the new Earth Dreams 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC^® four-cylinder engine featuring direct- injection (DI). The engine will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission or a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which utilizes an innovative cooperative control system for excellent acceleration and responsive shifting. The all-new 2.4-liter DI engine generates significant performance improvements compared to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine it replaces, producing more than 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. In addition to an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the 2012 model, the new four-cylinder-equipped 2013 Accord models are targeted to deliver class-leading fuel economy.

The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe will also be offered with a re-engineered 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission or an available 6-speed manual transmission. The new V-6 engine generates an increase in horsepower and torque over the current model. The 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission will utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management ^™ (VCM^™) technology and are targeted to achieve class-leading fuel economy¹ along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model.

The 2013 Accord lineup will also feature the first application of a new two-motor plug-in hybrid system to the Accord Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system moves continuously through three modes - all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive - to maximize driving efficiency and fuel economy.

In all-electric mode, the 2013 Accord Plug-In Hybrid will use a 6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor to achieve an all-electric range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving scenarios and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take less than four hours using a 120-volt, outlet and less than 1.5 hours using a 240-volt charger.

In the gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the Accord is powered by its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). For more efficient high-speed cruising, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels. The Accord Plug-In Hybrid will launch next winter.

All 2013 Accord models will incorporate the Honda ECO Assist^™ system, an innovative technology that can enhance efficient vehicle operation at the touch of a button, while also providing visual feedback to the driver to promote and confirm a more efficient driving style.

Honda states that the 2013 Accord will introduce numerous new features for enhanced driver safety, visibility and security. The new Accord will be available with Honda’s first application of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Crash Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.  The 2013 Accord will be the first Honda model to apply a side curtain airbag with a wider deployment profile to enhance ejection mitigation. This application is two years in advance of new safety regulations going into effect in 2015.

The 2013 Accord is targeted to earn top scores in both the federal government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety2 (IIHS) vehicle evaluations.

Additionally, the Accord will be equipped with several new technologies to help improve the driver’s visibility around the vehicle. The Accord will be the first model to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch^™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. The Accord will also receive a rearview back-up camera and an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror as standard equipment.

The Accord has always been an exceptional value and the 2013 model will offer more standard equipment compared to the current model, including new advanced technology features. High-tech features that will be found on all 2013 Accord models include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another standard feature and first for the Accord is the introduction of a Pandora Internet Radio interface, compatible with the Apple iPhone, which works with the vehicle's audio controls and i-MID.

The Honda Accord, currently in its eighth generation, is one of Honda's best-selling vehicles worldwide and remains one of the top-selling automobiles in the U.S. The Accord was launched in 1976 with subsequent major re-designs in 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2003 and 2008. More than 11 million Accords have been sold in the U.S. since 1976.

Since its introduction nearly 36 years ago, the Accord has been honored for its quality, reliability and superior drivability. Car and Driver magazine has awarded the Honda Accord its prestigious and highly competitive annual ‘10Best Cars’ award a record 26 times. No other vehicle in the award’s history has been honored as frequently as the Accord. The Accord was also recognized for the highest initial quality in the mid-size sedan segment in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey.

In 2012, Honda will celebrate 30 years of Accord production in the U.S. The first Accord Sedan rolled off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line on November 1, 1982 and was the first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the U.S. Honda stated to us that more than eight million Accords have been produced  at Honda’s first U.S. auto plant in Marysville, Ohio. 

Cannot wait to test a production version.

Bruce Hubbard

Brad Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Auto Advisor Group

bh.autoadvisorgroup@gmail.com

brucehubbard@earthlink.net

2013 SUBARU BRZ SPORTS CAR

2013 SUBARU BRZ SPORTS CAR MAKES U.S. DEBUT

AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

The all-new, rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ sports car made its United States debut today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The BRZ delivers pinpoint handling precision and an unmatched driving experience for sports car enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Subaru developed the BRZ with the fundamental of sports car design in mind: low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. Utilizing Subaru’s naturally aspirated 200 horsepower horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine design is a sports car that does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality. With 2+2 seating and folding rear seats, cargo space is sufficient to transport four race tires and tools to track days. Combined with the Subaru brand’s renowned safety and quality, the BRZ is a sports car with practicality as well as performance.

The recent sports car trend has been to focus on “ultimate” power, luxury and performance. As a result, many sports cars have grown heavier and more expensive. Seeking a pure sports car for road and track driving Subaru followed a purist approach to engineering the 2013 BRZ.

Using a large proportion of high-tensile steel, with aluminum for the hood, the 2013 Subaru BRZ weighs an estimated 2,762 pounds for the U.S production models, making it the lightest closed rear-wheel drive sports car in the U.S. market todayThe BRZ weighs about 160 pounds less than the Porsche Cayman, about 300 pounds less than the Lotus Evora and is more than 500 pounds lighter than a Hyundai Genesis coupe.

To give the handling superiority the Subaru BRZ delivers one of the lowest centers of gravity of any production car in the world at just 18.1 inches. The Subaru Boxer engine design, with its inherently low height and its mass concentrated low in the package, contributes to a low center of gravity in all Subaru models. A rear-wheel drive configuration allows placement of the engine lower and farther back in the BRZ than in any other Subaru model in order to attain the best possible center of gravity and polar moment of inertia. Compared to the all-new Subaru Impreza, Subaru states, the BRZ’s Boxer engine sits 9.5 inches farther back. Moving the engine closer to the center of the chassis also helped make the BRZ itself quite compact, at just 166.7 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase.

The all-new Subaru FA-Series 2.0-liter Boxer engine was engineered specifically for the BRZ to help achieve the car’s “ultra-low center of gravity package.” The engine was made more compact than the FB 2.0-liter Impreza engine by such means as developing a shorter intake manifold and a shallower oil pan. Compared to the FB 2.0-liter engine in the Subaru Impreza, the engine in the BRZ is mounted about 2.4 inches lower, but due to the engine’s lower overall height it sits 5 inches lower overall. In addition, under-hood components were located to optimize the car’s balance, including tilting the radiator back 17 degrees and moving the battery to the back of the engine compartment.

The Subaru BRZ is powered by the FA-Series Boxer engine that is not shared with other Subaru models. Fundamental to true sports car character, the 2.0-liter engine combines light weight with high strength, high compression and high-revving responsiveness. The 4-2-1 exhaust exits with dual outlets, and the system has been tuned for a throaty sound.

The Subaru BRZ engine has a true “square” architecture, meaning that its bore and stroke dimensions are each the same, in this case 3.38 inches (86mm). That gives the BRZ engine a quick-revving nature, with a 7,400-rpm redline. Yet, the engine’s broad torque curve, which peaks at an estimated 150 lb.-ft. and offers a strong midrange, makes the BRZ feel responsive in daily driving.

The Subaru BRZ Boxer engine employs the Toyota D-4S fuel injection system, which uniquely combines direct injection and port injection technology. A direct-type fuel-injection system, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chambers rather than upstream into the ports, provides a cooling effect in the cylinders. That enables use of a very high compression ratio (12.5:1 for the Subaru BRZ engine) to extract maximum energy from the fuel. In light- and medium-load conditions, the system’s port fuel injectors help produce precise combustion, increasing performance and efficiency.

Customers can choose between a new six-speed manual and optional six-speed automatic transmission in the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Both transmissions have been engineered and tuned to maximize performance and driving feel. The six-speed manual presents the driver with a short-throw shift lever, and the pedals have been optimized for “heel-and-toe” downshifting. Triple-cone synchronizers on first through third gears help ensure durability. Clutch effort and pedal rake, as well, have been tuned to make this an ideal sports car manual shift.

The optional paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission offers no-compromise performance in the Subaru BRZ. The driver can select Sport mode from a switch on the center console for quicker, firmer automatic shifts. Or, the driver can move the console mounted shifter from “D” to “M” and then shift manually using the shifter handle or the steering wheel paddle shifters. Downshift blipping control enhances the more direct sports car experience.

The Subaru BRZ is built on an entirely new platform and shares just a few parts with other Subaru models, but shares suspension architecture with the new Impreza and WRX STI. Effective use of high-tensile steel in the car’s upper structure contributes to its low center of gravity. Chassis tuning takes maximum advantage of the BRZ’s ultra-low center of gravity and high-strength body structure.

The front suspension uses struts and coil springs to keep weight low. The front struts were mounted low and optimized for a low hood line while retaining a long stroke for ideal handling and ride quality. The new, exclusively designed double-wishbone rear suspension system provides outstanding bump absorption to enhance tire grip over varied surfaces. Electric power steering, which reduces weight and load on the engine compared to hydraulic power steering, has been tuned for excellent feedback. Subaru states that the quick 13:1 steering ratio and 14.4-inch diameter steering wheel endow the Subaru BRZ with extremely quick steering response.

The BRZ, employs the brand’s proven Ring Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure for occupant safety. Giving the BRZ a stiff body structure and ultra-low center of gravity allowed Subaru to tune the suspension for both agility and compliant ride quality. That tuning, along with the car’s low weight, allowed Subaru to specify 215/45R17 tires that reduce wheel/tire weight and therefore unsprung weight. A standard Torsen limited-slip differential helps the inside wheel maintain traction during hard cornering. For track driving, the standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) stability and traction system offers the driver five different settings.

The Subaru engineering that yields the ultra-low center of gravity in the BRZ also made it easy for designers to craft a very low-slung coupe body. A low height of just 50.6 inches, combined with a swept-back roofline, bulging front fenders, short overhangs and pronounced rear haunches give the BRZ a decidedly lean, athletic stance. The BRZ is a classic GT-type sports cars without resorting to “retro” design cues. At the same time, the car’s hawk eye headlights, hexagonal lower grille and six-star ornament instantly convey Subaru identity.

The Subaru BRZ focus is on driver involvement through easy-to-use controls. The bolstered front sport seats were designed just for this car. The driver faces an easy-to-see instrument panel featuring a large, center-mounted tachometer with an analog speedometer to its left. The tachometer integrates a digital speedometer, and the fuel and temperature gauges are positioned to the right of the tachometer.

The one-piece rear seatback lowers to expand the space offered in the 6.9 cubic-foot trunk. With the seatback down, the cargo area can hold two standard golf bags. Drivers who enjoy slalom or track events can also fold the rear seatback and have room for four wheels, a helmet and basic supplies and still have room for the front passenger.

We hope to drive the BRZ soon to report on what Subaru claims to be one of the finest sports car ever built. Certainly looks like a Supercar!

Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Brad Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

Autoadvisorgroup.blogspot.com

Bh.autoadvisor@gmail.com

brucehubbard@earthlink.net

bradhubbard8@gmail.com

PHOTOS BY BRUCE HUBBARD

2013 DODGE DART

THE 2013 DODGE DART

                              AT 2012 PRESS INTRODUCTION IN DETROIT

BY BRUCE HUBBARD

BONNIE LYUNCH

BRAD HUBBARD

AUTO ADVISOR GROUP

Dodge Dart returns to North America. Introduced at the North American International Auto show recently it was a hit for the Chrysler/Fiat Group.

Using Chrysler and Fiat/ Alpha Romeo design and engineering experience the DART looks like a real winner.

With nearly 1.2 million compact car registrations in the 2011 calendar year, the compact car segment is the largest retail segment in the United States. It represents more than 15 percent of

the U.S. new car sales and close to 25 percent of new car sales in Canada. And it’s continuing to grow. Sales in 2011 were up 16 percent from 2010 levels.

“The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car that will surprise and delight customers who want a no-compromise, fun-to-drive car that’s a great value,” said Reid Bigland, President and Chief

Executive Officer — Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “With 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim options, three powerful, fuel-efficient engines, three transmission choices, unsurpassed safety features and world-class aerodynamics, the new Dodge Dart sets a new standard for the compact car class.”

“The compact sedan segment in the United States is the second-fastest growing segment in the industry, so we’ve been playing with one arm tied behind our back,” Dodge’s Bigland stated. “When the new Dart hits the streets, we’ll finally be back in the game, playing with 100 percent of the new-vehicle sales market.”

 

The Dodge brand’s re-entry into the U.S. compact sedan segment is based off of the awardwinning 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.

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.

Dodge executives state he 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 classexclusive Uconnect® Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen Media Center – the largest touchscreen in its class Dodge claims.

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 Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart will begin in the second quarter of 2012.

“The Dodge Dart was a dream to design,” said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design — Chrysler Group LLC. “The Alfa Romeo-based architecture allowed us to design an exterior with great proportions

that say ‘fun-to-drive’ when you look at it. Add in the Charger-inspired ‘racetrack’ taillamps, a new, sleek crosshair grille and piano black accents, and it all adds up to a performance-inspired design with just the right amount of attitude.”

The Fiat Group-based Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide) architecture’s 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.

“The all-new Dodge Dart is the showpiece for Dodge’s next generation philosophy of interior design,” said Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design — Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dart interior takes the beautiful, precision-crafted interiors we rolled out last year and adds a little bit of fun with surprises of color, eye-catching ambient lighting and some really cool technology.”

Thanks to Fiat’s Alpha Romeo Giulietta architecture the Dart is lengthened 12 inches and widened almost an inch on each side for the North American market.  The Dart body has one of the highest high-strength steel contents in the industry, 68 percent, which results in a solid rigid structure.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art

four-cylinder engines that add to Dart’s 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.

The 2013 Dodge Dart features the proven, lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension, Dodge states was specifically tuned to minimize camber loss, resulting in more responsive steering and handling characteristics, improved ride quality and a reduction in road noise.

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.

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.

The Dodge Dart was engineered with 60 safety and security features to ensure driver’s and passengers’ peace of mind when traveling. The Dodge Dart starts with a strongfoundation, 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: 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).

The 2013 Dodge Dart features 3-inch fascia-mounted twin elliptical bright exhaust tips artfully integrated into the diffuser panel on Rallye and R/T models or when equipped with the 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine.

“The new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first of our next-generation interiors,” said Klaus Busse — Head of Interior Design, Chrysler Group LLC. “We are able to give customers a well-crafted, high-quality interior similar in its execution to that of the award-winning interior of the Charger but infused with exciting colors, eye-catching ambient lighting and state-of-the-art technology.”

The Dart’s signature “driver-centric” layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Easily customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally

spacious, pleasing interior.  Busse further states that the 2013 Dodge Dart features the footprint and value of a compact car, combined with the interior spaciousness of a mid-size sedan, and it boasts best-in-class hip

and shoulder room and superior rear seat leg room compared with some mid-size sedans.

Viewing the Dart is one thing. We cannot wait to drive and find out if all Chrysler and Fiat’s engineers and designers is true.

Bruce Hubbard

Bonnie Lynch

Brad Hubbard

Auto Advisor Group

Autoadvisorgroup.blogspot.com

Bh.autoadvisorgroup.@gmail.com

brucehubbard@earthlink.net