AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD
For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and
innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. The new Dodge Dart achieves all that and
first models will be sale in North America in June of 2012.
In 2009 Fiat/Chrysler agreed they would develop a new vehicle
through the technology of Fiat and Alfa to deliver to North America a vehicle
that could get tremendous fuel economy. Three years to develop such a vehicle
is fast. The new vehicle used a name that Dodge had not used since 1976.It would
be called the front wheel drive Dodge
Dart. But in order to do this Marchionne and the team in Europe and the USA knew they
needed to use the success of the Alfa Giulietta platform in order to meet their
deadline.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was modified to for the US market
by adding 1.2-inch-wider tracks, a longer wheelbase, and 12 inches more overall
length than the hatchback Giulietta. The Dart is wider than all the competition. More room inside
than Corolla or Honda.
Chrysler did a lot of research as to what they could do to make
the vehicle lighter while delivering torsional rigidity superior to any other
vehicle in the class. It has
68-percent hot-stamped high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel.
The base
2.0-liter is part of a family of engines Chrysler originally designed with
Mercedes and Hyundai, but with a refined balance shaft, widened bore and
shorter stroke, and other tweaks for improved noise, vibration, and harshness. Chrysler
named the new engines the Tigershark.
With the first
engines for the introduction and first vehicles to be sold soon in North
America we get only gasoline versions. The high performance 2.4 turbo R/T versions will comes later in the
fall of 2012.
The big seller
according to Dodge will be the 1.4 turbocharged Multi-Air four which will give
40 mpg as required by their agreement with the US Government in order to get 5%
more of the company (they own now more than 58%). With first models offering
only the six-speed transmission. They did it and that is why they introduced
the Dart at the North American
International Auto Show in January 2012.
There's no automatic transmission version of the
1.4-liter car since Chrysler is developing a dual dry-clutch automatic for the
engine. It uses two electronically controlled mechanical clutches rather than a
conventional automatic's fluid torque converter.
The 2.4-liter
Tigershark gets Fiat's MultiAir II technology, which, like the 1.4 MultiAir I,
means electro-mechanical input control of the intake ports, for cylinder-by-cylinder
timing.
These new engines can be improved
on by using intercoolers and using chips to add more power. I remember the
“James Bond” Lotus Turbo Esprit I drove that had four cylinders, two
intercoolers and nearly 500 horses.
That was many years ago.
Lotus engineering has always been a leader in technology.
Abarth and Fiat with Chrysler should be able to develop the four
cylinder engines into “super engines” for those that want the power. I did not hear any talk of
all-wheel-drive versions. But, this is early in the life of the new Dodge Dart
and I would expect an AWD in the future. Just as with the platform enhanced I
can see a crossover coming.
With the Dart coming back maybe they will match the power and handling
of the great SRT Neon we all loved to drive.
Dodge states that the 2013 Dodge Dart redefines performance
with Alfa Romeo DNA, fuel-efficient powertrains and Dodge’s passion for
performance. Sure this is PR
jargon but perhaps very true. The all-new Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern
vehicle that’s 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 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.”
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.
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 (available 3rd quarter 2012). These three
engines, combined with three transmission choices — six-speed manual, six-speed
automatic or six-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission (available 3rd
quarter 2012) .
Five levels of Dart will be
available. All of them come with 10 airbags, power windows, projector headlamps
and LED taillights. At $16,790 (including $795 for destination) the SE rides on
16-inch steel wheels, makes do with a one-piece folding rear seat and lacks
things like A/C, power mirrors, power locks and paint on the mirrors and door
handles.
Step up to the $18,790 SXT
and you get that missing stuff plus a six-speaker stereo, nicer seat fabric,
17-inch alloy wheels and access to options like the 1.4T engine, navigation, an
8.4-inch touchscreen, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control,
satellite radio and a nine-speaker, 506-watt stereo upgrade.
The 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye,
starts at $19,790 and adds a slick-looking front blackout treatment, foglamps,
dual exhaust, the aforementioned leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel
(with audio controls) and other tidbits.
The Limited goes for $20,790
and it includes some exterior brightwork, the touchscreen, a 7-inch TFT
instrument panel display, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, power seats, a back-up
camera and other convenience features like cruise control. Additional options
include leather seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated seats
and steering wheel, HID headlights, cross path detection and blind spot
monitoring — the latter four items not available on any other compact.
And
then there's the R/T arriving Dodge this fall. The R/T gets the performance
motor, 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, all the standard Limited
options plus leather and a price of $23,290. The
R/T 2.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder, expected to be rated 184 hp at 6,250 rpm,
171 lbs.-ft. at 4,800, available with six-speed manual or conventional
six-speed automatic.
Chrysler states that the 2.0-liter Tigershark engine mated
to the six-speed manual transmission has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 miles
per gallon (mpg) City/36 mpg Highway/29 mpg Combined. The 1.4-liter MulitAir
Turbo engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission has an EPA fuel economy
rating of 27 mpg City/39 mpg Highway/29 mpg Combined. Dodge will also
introduce a Dodge Dart "Aero" model (available 3rd quarter 2012)
that will achieve at least 41 mpg on the highway.
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 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.
“When designing the all-new Dodge Dart, we were inspired by classic,
beautifully designed vehicles throughout time,” Dehner added. “Each car was
beautiful, based on its surface work and presence alone; they didn’t need
unnecessary cladding, jewelry or lines that confuse the eye.”
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.
Chrysler states that 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 Dart’s
lower front-end appearance, but also reduces drag while still allowing for an
8-inch curb clearance.
Dodge designers stated in their PR release that they took a lot of attention to detail and precision
craftsmanship a priority, and it is noticeable from every angle. The Dart has standard
laser-braised roof welds, high-quality metal Daylight Opening (DLO) moldings
painted piano black and standard projector headlamps.
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 Dart’s 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 amenities.
Dodge states that the Dart’s “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.
Behind the leather wrapped steering wheel we find a good
tilt and telescoping wheel.
Sitting in the manually adjusted seats we are impressed with the cloth
surfaces and the comfort.
“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.”
Customization was key in the all-new Dodge Dart’s development, and with 12
exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, six 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) LED 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 today’s 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.
“The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart has been engineered with a
passion that demonstrates Dodge is back in the compact car segment in a big
way,” said Matt Liddane, Vehicle Line Executive — Chrysler Group LLC. “The Dart
is well-crafted, agile, powered by world-class, fuel-efficient powertrains,
loaded with high-tech features that are both clever and useful, and it’s fun to
drive.”
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 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.
Alfa's strut front and multilink rear-suspension systems
were changed for North America. The steel front suspension crossmember is
replaced by a high-pressure die-cast aluminum piece saving weight. Mike Merlo,
Dart chief engineer, states that the high-pressure casting procedure produces a
dense aluminum that allows Dodge to use thinner, lighter sections. This new
die-cast aluminum is also used on
two of Dart's three engine blocks. Also used on front suspension knuckles and
the rear spindles. "When we looked at how we were going to use this
platform, we realized that the Giulietta (rear) bearing's load capability was
optimized for its application," Merlo says. "We wanted to make sure
we had flexibility (in North America) for different permutations in rear load
capacity, so we went with a stronger spindle design."
The 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan was designed and engineered for world-class
aerodynamic performance. Chrysler stated they did more than 600 hours in the
wind tunnel during the Dart’s development and using technology. Dodge engineers and designers looked at
every aspect from the ground up to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the
Dart.
The 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.
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.
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart was engineered with more than 60 safety and
security features to ensure driver’s 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 include four-wheel,
four-channel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and
traction control system on all models.
Brake Assist with brake-lock differential.
Electronic stability control (four-channel active
handling system ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation,Hill-start Assist plus Trailer-sway
Control.
With the Dart you can even get ParkView® rear back-up
camera and ParkSense® rear park assist.
The Dodge Dart sports segment-leading technology keeping pace with other
like Kia and Hyundai, Honda, Acura, VW & Aud; Focus, Fusion, Subaru and
others. Technology is one of the most important features many buyer are looking
for today.
In the
driver’s seat behind the steering wheel we find that it tilts and telescopes just
as we would need. The steering wheel in the Rallye is leather covered with a pleasing feel and grip.
Available is a front passenger seat cushion that
flips forward to expose a roomy storage bin, as in the Dodge Journey SUV.
Front leg- and
headroom is good but if you are a six footer and the Dart has a sunroof it may
be a little short. The Dart is the widest in the compact class by a noticeable
margin. The front and rear shoulder room in the Dart is 2.2 inches above the
compact class average in front and 1.6 inches above average in back.
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 self, 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 is
interested in not only the way things work, but why. The empty nester
appreciates a good value, but doesn’t want to sacrifice the level of quality
and amenities they have worked hard to attain.
Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla,
Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, VW Jetta would be competitors.
The
suspension that is lighter than the Alpha's and the wider stance give the Dart a smooth ride on the roadways.
The
Dart's steering is very good. It makes traversing the mountain roads easily.
There's
no automatic transmission version of the 1.4-liter car yet. Dodge is developing
a dual dry-clutch automatic for the engine, which uses two electronically
controlled mechanical clutches rather than a conventional automatic's fluid
torque converter. This will be a state of the art automatic transmission that
then could be used in other vehicles.
The 2013 Dodge Dart
represents the first compact sedan in the Dodge lineup since the Neon said
good-bye at the end of the 2005 model year.
The 2013 Dart is approximately 3 inches
longer, wider than a Toyota Corolla and about 5% more interior space. Dart is
183.9 inches long, 72 in. wide, 57.7 in. tall on a 106.4-in. wheelbase.
Weighs 3,186 to 3,348 lbs., depending
on model, equipment. Passenger space, 97.2 cu. ft. Trunk, 13.1 cu. ft.
Chevy Cruze will get a diesel next year GM has stated. Volkswagen success with their TDI diesel
engines has been spectacular. They have had such a following in North America
for over 20 years. In fact when I tried to buy one for my son we could not even
get one for they were sold out!
Honda states they still are not coming yet to USA with one but they feel
their newest diesel model sold everywhere except North America will be able to
meet demands in US.
The CEO of Bosch
states to me that longevity, torque, and fuel economy make the reason to buy
diesel and I agree. So why not add
to the Dart’s powertrain a diesel. Simple for they already have them in the diesel
engines that Alfa uses in the
Giulietta? The company's JTD 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel makes 170 hp
and a whopping 253 lb-ft of torque. A Dart diesel with that much torque
averaging close to 45 mpg on the freeway. Towing is far superior with a diesel
versus gas power Dart.
I can certainly see the SRT brand building a Dart of their own?
Chrysler just a few years ago was in bankruptcy. Now they
have been able to pay the government and now in April of 2012 shown a first-quarter
profit was $473 million, up more than 300% from a year ago, and sales are up
40% ! Future of Fiat/ Chrysler is going to be nothing but up.
Even on 60 minutes last week Marchionne was nothing but
positive about the Dart.
Chrysler is even trying to help Detroit rebound by bringing
some 70 worker to the Dime building in downtown Detroit.
We await a week long test in the new Dart to complete our review.
BRUCE HUBBARD
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
