- The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart goes on sale this summer with a choice of three engines, three transmissions and a host of cool features.
- The new Dart adapts DNA from corporate parent Fiat and sibling Alfa Romeo.
- Chrysler started with the Alfa Giulietta platform, then lengthened and widened it for the Dart.
DETROIT — Adapting DNA from corporate parent Fiat and sibling Alfa Romeo, the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart goes on sale this summer with a choice of three engines, three transmissions and a host of cool features.
Built in Illinois, the front-wheel-drive Dart is based on a lengthened and widened version of the platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, which corporate parent Fiat now refers to as its CUSW (for Compact U.S. Wide) architecture.
Four-cylinder engine choices include a 160-horsepower Tigershark 2.0-liter, a 160-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter Multiair and a 184-hp Tigershark 2.4-liter. Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and six-speed dual dry-clutch (DDCT) transmissions are available.
The 2013 Dart will be offered in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. The exterior features standard projector-style headlamps, with optional projector foglamps and LED taillamps, plus a choice of seven wheel designs.
Chrysler also has focused considerable attention on the Dart's interior, which is said to have the roominess of a midsize sedan and comes with 10 standard airbags, dual-zone climate control and keyless push-button start.
The 2013 Dart will offer buyers a rich assortment of upgrades, among them customizable displays, a Uconnect touchscreen media center, a 506-watt sound system, ambient interior lighting and more than 150 Mopar packages and options.
Technology upgrades include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, a ParkView rear back-up camera and ParkSense rear park assist.
Inside Line says: Fiat hasn't released details, but at least one powertrain team on the 2013 Dart will provide EPA highway fuel economy of 40 mpg.
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nefariousnigel says:
10:06 AM, 01/13/2012
In less than two years, the Chrysler group has developed the best design language in the business - no doubt helped by the Italians who can make a can opener beautiful.
The Dart, Cherokee, Durango, 300C....each one is a hit on the road. The 200 is the only boring design so far.
Yes, the new Fusion looks good too..but I'm looking at the entire lineup.
Well done.
mklrivowner says:
09:31 AM, 01/10/2012
I'm underwhelmed. I was hoping for something a little more dramatic, especially with the hype. But what I actually see is a Cruze with a Dodge emblem.
I'd like to see a 5-door hatch with a little more of the European flare Alfa can provide.
juan_mx says:
10:45 AM, 01/09/2012
I have not seen any picture with the trunk open.
Is it a Sedan (like the Neon) or a Hatchback (like the Shadow)?
ZoomyZoomer says:
06:59 AM, 01/09/2012
OK this isn't half bad - at least from the exterior - but a few comments. The Dart? Really? I knew the Dart back in the early 70s when I was a young kid. That car sucked and even I knew it. Granted that slant-six would go forever, but the car itself was horrible. And now, the exterior of this concept is nice, looks a bit Japanese, yet there is a huge gap between what the exterior designers did to Dodge-ify this Alfa and what is happening on the interior. It looks like Alfa is emulating a 2002 Pontiac (Sunfire, Grand Am, pick one) with the shapes and organic bulges and curves on the doors and dashboard, then Dodge bolts on a corporate steering wheel which is more edgy and faceted, much like a Dodge Caliber exterior. Guys - come on!! Consumers are not that stupid. I hope.
lolxd says:
06:59 AM, 01/09/2012
Ford with the Fusion and now Dodge with the Dart.
Seems like they're getting their sh*t together for once. Ooh Chevrolet's in big trouble.
So how about an SRT-4 Version? I'd dig one in white.
nachiman says:
05:27 AM, 01/09/2012
@-hubblehornz66- There is no SRT pictured. RT and Limited models only.
Very nice looking product. Chrysler seems to really be hitting on all cylinders. Keep up the good
work Sergio, this is becoming one helluva comeback.
tsusala says:
07:39 PM, 01/08/2012
Why do all cars of that market niche have to have a grille that makes it look that it would be owned by "The Joker" or some other cartoon character??
qdp says:
04:23 PM, 01/08/2012
Maybe preoccupied with Civic and Corolla, not very positive about this type of exterior design. Instead more interested in seeing its performance and build quality. Otherwise it would be just a cheap or shoddy car with fancy cloth.
scottnsc2 says:
01:39 PM, 01/08/2012
Best looking thing Dodge has done in years. Not sure if I could overcome the whole Chrysler/Dodge product thing, but just maybe . . .
mini23 says:
01:33 PM, 01/08/2012
First off regarding a possible hatchback. My understanding is that the Chrysler version of the vehicle will be a hatchback. Since it is Chrysler that is still being marketed in the UK then that makes sense. Further
since there is a synergy shared with Lancia you have to figure that the Lancia version will replace the Dedra on the European continent and Italy. The Dodge version will not be sold across the pond. As for looks I think it looks great. The front and rear end styling is distinctly American. However the overall shape (side view especially)looks very European and very Alfa(I think that's a good thing). Fiat will not
have to make a lot of changes to make this into an Alfa, Fiat or Lancia other then front and rear treatment differences. The car sounds very promising and looks to compete with Ford, Hyundai, and Chevy very well.