2013 DODGE DART

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