Dodge Dart: DEAD?

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I have to say that I don't really like the look of it. Dodge just missed having a great looking car. That said, it's based on one of the most beautiful cars in history (my opinion), so it seems a shame that they couldn't have just sold the Giulietta.
 
So, a step down from the Caliber, a step up or about par? Talked to the local Dodge distributor. They gambled on the Caliber, but it didn't pay off. I asked about the Dart and they said, in not so many words: "No"
 
From what I've seen and read (I've not been in one yet), it seems to be a big step up from the Caliber. Almost anything would be a step up from the Caliber.
 
It's world better than the Caliber, even the pre-production ones I've driven with bit and pieces missing are better than the Caliber.

I like the car though, especially the R/T with the 2.4L MultiAir in it (not on the production ones yet as far as I know). I sort of want one in that Citrus Peel color since it looks like a faded shade of the Nitro Yellow Green that's on my Neon. When the SRT version finally hits though I'll probably be sold assuming all the rumors I'm hearing are true and it's AWD.
 
It kind of feels like you're in a big black plastic bucket with a steering wheel and a couple of screens. If you're tall and sit high like I do, the view is just totally dominated by the black plastic going to the windshield. The center console is dwarfed by it and since it's also black it just looks like one giant wave of boringness. Like you're in an empty hot tub or something. More black plastic than a goth stripper.
 
I've heard people complain about different colors of the interior being worse than the others. I was in a grey/black/red one and I thought it looked great. Far more visually interesting than the Focus, I'd say. This segment, with all of it's choices, has such a strange variety with interiors. I'd give Dodge credit for doing something different in this one, but it has definitely been polarizing for a lot of people.
 
The Focus, for me, is at least a lot more comfortable. The thing I hate the most about the Dart is the footbed and specifically the left foot rest. It's angled inwards so that your foot is subjected to uncomfortable eversion in a normal driving position. Taking your foot off of the rest and putting it next to it either (a) obstructs the travel of the brake pedal, or (b) crushes your yam bag.
 
'13 Dart GT aka R/T
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the GT is distinguished by a Hyper Black grille, a dual exhaust system and 18-inch aluminum wheels. There's also a sport-tuned suspension and "frequency sensing damping shocks."

Interior changes are limited, but the model comes nicely equipped with perforated Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. There's also a digital instrument cluster, heated front seats and a Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display.

Power is provided by a 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine that develops 184 bhp (137 kW) and 174 lb-ft (236 Nm) of torque. It can be connected to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed PowerTech automatic.

The Dodge Dart GT will go into production in the second quarter of 2013 and pricing will start at $20,995.
WorldCarFans
 
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Eww, no. They took a bland looking car and made it ugly. It might work if there was a floured bit between the headlamp and the upper grille, but even then the economy car a-pillar/front wing shape would ruin it.
 
Eh it'll probably just be a shell, they haven't really started working on the SRT4 Dart in any real capacity yet unless its just going to be a bunch of off-the-shelf parts or something from Fiat.

If it's 300hp and AWD though I'm going to be really tempted to buy one.
 
Eh it'll probably just be a shell, they haven't really started working on the SRT4 Dart in any real capacity yet unless its just going to be a bunch of off-the-shelf parts or something from Fiat.

If it's 300hp and AWD though I'm going to be really tempted to buy one.

How do you know this?
 
How do you know this?

I have friends that work on the Dart team. They leave a lot of details out when they tell me things for obvious reasons though but I had a conversation with one of them over Xmas that flat out told me not to expect the SRT4 Dart for a little bit.
 
Alright, just making sure you had a source.

I can't tell you how accurate it is, but I'd be more apt to believe guys that work on the project then just some random blog or whatever.

And in case anyone is wondering, I live in Michigan, I think I know more people who work for the auto industry then do not. :lol:
 
Sounds useful! I'm not all that excited for the SRT4 , but if it's really good I may change my mind.
 
I have friends that work on the Dart team.

Tell them they should connect the steering wheel to the wheels before adding any sort of power in that thing... It's not even vague or disconnected, it's Lincoln-esque.
 
Well, blow me down. The Dart GT isn't a half-bad deal at $21k, seems like it has a good bit of kit for the price. Still, I can't help but feel like it'd be a better car with the Multiair. Well, assuming they could crank a few more ponies out of it.

Come to think of it, the Chevrolet Sonic RS is available at the same price. Makes you wonder what the hell they're doing with the Cruze at this point.
 
R1600Turbo
Dart SRT-4 sketch

It looks kind of ugly.


And I don't think that it's real cause on the bottom grill it has that Dodge "cross" grill insert and all SRT are going to be under the SRT name.
 
From Allpar Regarding the Dart Model Lineup changes

Let me just update you all... The Rally package is gone. It has been replaced by a new package on the SXT called ASE SE pkg. Its a new car, they are definitely working on the packaging of it, and I am sure it will be confusing for awhile. This is a step in the right direction imo. DART SXT Special Edition Group (ASE) Details: • Overhead Console w/Sunglass Holder (CUD) • Passenger in Seat Cushion Storage (CVG) • Dual Bright Exhaust Tips (NEL) • Dual Rear Exhaust w/Bright Tips (NER) • Underbody Aerodynamic Treatment (XXN) • Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors (GNC) • RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone (GN5) • Front Seatback Pockets, Driver/Pass (CSM) • Illuminated Front Cupholders (CWP) • 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet (JJJ) • Vehicle Information Center (LAZ) • Trip Computer (LEJ) • LED "Racetrack" Taillamps (LBQ) • Fog Lamps (LNJ) • Tire Pressure Monitoring Display (XGM) • Black Crosshair with B/C Surround (MFX) • Black Headlamp Bezels (MFA) • Active Grille Shutters (MDX) • Speed Control (NHM) • Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Ctrls (RDZ) • Uconnect Voice Command w/Bluetooth (RSP) • Remote USB Port (RSX) • Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel (SCC) • 17X7.5 Aluminum Painted Wheels (WD3) • Remote Start System (XBM) • Automatic Headlamps (LMG) Brings the price of an SXT with basically the Rally package, to $20,485. A MUCH better price, and a pretty awesome deal to be honest.

at 01:51 pm There are 2 other new packages: ACA California Appearance Package on the SXT and the: ADZ Special Edition Group on the Limited which gives: Special Edition Group (ADZ) Details: • Premium Group (ANF) • Limited Leather Seats (*G7) • Power Express Open/Close Sunroof (GWG) • Air Cond ATC w/Dual Zone Control (HAF) • Heated Steering Wheel (NHS) • Universal Garage Door Opener (XGD) • Garmin GPS Navigation (JLN) • Heated Front Seats (JPM) • LED "Racetrack" Taillamps (LBQ) • Uconnect 8.4N CD/MP3/NAV (RB5) • SIRIUS Satellite Radio (RSC) • SiriusXM Travel Link (RSM) • SiriusXM Traffic (RSS) • 1-Year SIRIUS Radio Service (X9B) • 1-Year Sirius Travel Link Service (X9F) • Additional Subscription Fees Apply (X96) • For More Info, Call 888-539-7474 (X9A) • Leather Wrapped Shift Knob (CVB) • Remote Start System (XBM) for $1810. All of that is why the new GT is priced where it is. I don't know what is in the california package as I can't order it in my business center.
 
Mopar '13 Dart revealed
go on sale this spring in a limited run of 500 units.

Power for the special edition Dart comes from Fiat's 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged engine that's shared with the Abarth 500 and connected to a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels.

To enhance its handling characteristics, it comes with a performance steering-gear calibration, a 7 millimeter lowered suspension and low-profile performance tires size 225/40R18, plus an upgraded brake kit with slotted rotors. Mopar also added a performance-tuned exhaust and improved its aerodynamics with a ground-effects kit comprising a front-chin spoiler, one-piece deck-lid spoiler and rear diffuser.

The car is murdered out in a gloss black finish that is also applied on the 18-inch rims contrasted by a pair of car-length Mopar Blue stripes.

You'll find the same colors inside, as the driver's seat is trimmed in Mopar Blue leather with black accent stitching, while the rest of the seats are black with blue accent stitching. Other special touches include a blue-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with an identically trimmed shifter knob, a bright sport-pedal kit, Mopar mats, door-sill guards, an 8.4-inch navigation screen and wireless charging mat for smartphones.

The Detroit carmaker said each customer will receive a personalized owner kit in a custom-made black case that includes a personalized plate with vehicle specifications, a brochure and other memorabilia like a sketch of the car signed by Chrysler Group Chief Designer for Mopar, Mark Trostle.

CarScoop

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Dodge-Mopar-13-Dart-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg
 
It's interesting they chose to use the 1.4L MultiAir and not the big 2.4L Tiger Shark. I'd have figured they'd use the bigger engine for a bit more 'womp,' but, I guess not. I'm wondering what the pricing will be like on the package, or for that matter, if any of the parts will find their way into other versions of the car later on...
 
RocZX
Mopar '13 Dart revealed

CarScoop

Hummmm looks like that charger paint job.

They have a unmarked one where I live that you would never know it was a Cop car.

Civilian plate, limo tint (on every window except 20-25 percent on the windshield), custom wheels absolutely no markings and that black with a blue stripe, and no lights on the outside. Only reason I had seen it was because I had seen the light of the computer screen as it passed me.

Probably got it in a bust
 
It's interesting they chose to use the 1.4L MultiAir and not the big 2.4L Tiger Shark. I'd have figured they'd use the bigger engine for a bit more 'womp,' but, I guess not. I'm wondering what the pricing will be like on the package, or for that matter, if any of the parts will find their way into other versions of the car later on...

2.4's are not even in production yet.
 
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