07.12.2011 FIRST OFFICIAL LOOK AT DODGE'S C-EVO BASED DART COMPACT

2013 DODGE DART

At the front, the Dodge Dart will feature the brand's usual split-crosshair style grille as well as distinctive raked-back projector headlamps and fog lamps.

2013 DODGE DART

At the rear of the Dart, the larger Charger sedan's trademark full width lighting unit is mimicked. The pictures also show the brand's familiar exhaust tailpipes on either side.

Chrysler Group has released two close-up images of Dodge’s forthcoming compact model, based on a development of Fiat’s C-Evo platform as it counts down to its debut at the Detroit Motor Show next month; the new car will revive the popular Dart nametag from the 1960s.

The new Dart, which will replace the unloved Caliber in Dodge’s product line-up, becomes the first Chrysler Group vehicle to be based upon a Fiat architecture. The Compact platform is currently utilised underneath the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, but has been lengthened and widened to help it deliver improved levels of interior roominess. The Dart will also wear a Fiat badge in certain global markets in the future, including China and Russia.

The new Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) architecture underpinning the Dart comes with an industry-leading 68 percent of the body composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a very strong and rigid structure. This is combined with more responsive steering (Fiat’s engineers have been working to eliminate criticism of poor steering feel of its products), four-wheel independent suspension, and wheels of up to 18 inches in diameter.

The styling betrayed by the two preview images shows a crisp design language that clearly draws its inspiration from the larger Charger sedan to create a ‘family’ feel. At the front, the Dart features the usual Dodge split-crosshair grille, raked-back projector headlamps and fog lamps, while at the rear the Charger’s trademark full -width lighting unit is mimicked. The pictures also show the R/T version’s exhaust tailpipes on either side.

The press release accompanying the two images confirms that the Dart will be powered by three engines at launch, the 16-valve 1.4-litre MultiAir intercooled turbo engine from the Fiat 500 Abarth, as well as two variants of the World Gasoline Engine (WGE), now renamed ‘Tigershark’ after extensive development work to improve its characteristics and driveability. The WGE’s two larger capacities, 2.0- and 2.4-litre, will be available at launch, with Fiat’s MultiAir induction system available on the latter version. 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, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. These three engine options will be combined with three transmission choices.

The Dart goes up against a battalion of competitive C-segment vehicles, including the market leader, Chevrolet’s Cruze, which shifts more than 20,000 units a month. Other contenders include Ford’s Focus, Hyundai’s Elantra, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

The Dart will be built at the Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois. The company is in the process of investing $600 million to support the production of future products, including the Dart. The investment includes the construction of a 638,000-square-foot body shop, as well as the installation of new machinery, tooling and material handling equipment. Work on the expansion began in the summer of 2010 and will be completed this year.

 

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