In 2011, Chrysler LLC put the compact Dodge Caliber to bed with no intention of waking it up. The hatchback/wagon/crossover love child was, admittedly, not the best car on the market and the company’s new boss, Sergio Marchionne, felt it was time for a change. Due to Chrysler’s Fiat ownership, a chance for a new compact beginning became available and when the 2013 model year comes around, that’s just what will happen. Riding on an Alfa Romeo chassis, carrying American swagger and reviving a truly iconic Dodge name, the all-new Dart will take over where the Caliber and Neon left off but with an exceptionally fresh attitude.
When the new compact hits dealer floors, it will ride on the same architecture as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta: a front wheel drive, five door hatchback built on the new-for-2010 Fiat Compact Platform. This means that the Dart will not ride on an old, ‘hand-me-down’ platform like past “all-new” Chrysler products. Unlike the Italian hot hatch, the Dodge will be built in the U.S. at Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois Assembly Plant and will be longer and wider than its Alfa cousin. A MacPherson front strut suspension and bi-link independent rear will underpin the Dart which is a positive contrast to other torsion beamed offerings. Initial motivation will come in the form of three all-new engine offerings paired to three transmission choices. Base power will be a 2.0 liter, naturally aspirated Tigershark inline four cylinder with 160 horsepower. The front wheels will spin via either a six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission. For an upgrade, a 1.4 liter Multiair turbocharged inline four cylinder similar to the Fiat 500 Abarth’s will produce 160 horsepower and a more impressive 184 lb-ft of torque. It will be paired to either the six speed manual or new six speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT). For the ultimate Dart power, a 2.4 liter Tigershark inline four cylinder will use Fiat’s Multiair 2 induction system to produce 184 horsepower. The system uses an electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation for the air intake to optimize combustion at all engine speeds. The 2.4 liter will be matched with either the six speed automatic or six speed manual transmission and will more than likely be found in the R/T trim.
Unlike the Caliber it replaces, the Dart looks like a car. The raked body and fluid lines are dissimilar to the big-bodied Chrysler LX cars but the bold grille makes sure that no one will mistake the Dodge for something it’s not: a Dodge. Around back, the Charger-like full width tail lamp houses 152 LEDs and looks absolutely fantastic. Overall, the body is fairly reminiscent of the Neon but with an added bit of athleticism and poise. More than 600 hours were spent in the wind tunnel to create its shape in order to optimize efficiency. Little details such as the mirror’s shape, sculpted decklid and rear corners were designed inside the tunnel. Not only was aerodynamic efficiency wanted, but Dodge engineers wanted a level of visual drama not found in other compacts. “The Dodge Dart was a dream to design,” said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design. “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.”
Inside the Dart will be a high level of technology and comfort. A “driver-centric” layout should ensure a focus on ergonomics and a relatively long wheelbase will offer the space of a mid size sedan. The Dodge will have best-in-class hip and shoulder room as well as offering another class exclusive: the full-blown 8.4 inch Uconnect touchscreen. This customizable media system will come available with navigation, bluetooth, iPod integration and the most intuitive controls on the market today. Another compact rarity will be Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Path Detection. With five trim levels, 12 exterior and 14 interior colors, three engines and three transmissions, Dodge is making absolute sure that there will be a Dart for everyone. If that wasn’t enough, Mopar will make more than 150 options and packages for the new compact. Production will begin in the second quarter of 2012 and soon after, the compact segment will once again have the Dart namesake to compete with.
Source: Dodge
