Dodge announces new compact sedan, the Dart

(December 8, 2011) AUBURN HILLS Mich. — Dodge announced this week it is developing a new compact car to go head-to-head with the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus, and has revived a storied name for the new sedan, the Dart.

The original Dart was built from 1960 through 1976 as an economical family car that could easily be transformed into a performance car during the muscle car era.

The Dart will enter the marketplace as a 2013 model.

Dodge says the Dart, "redefines performance in the compact car segment with an all-new, state-of-the-art four-door sedan delivering class-leading aerodynamics.

"With Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge’s passion for performance at its core, the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that’s fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and brings fun back to driving in the segment."

Dodge officials say that similar to the Dodge Dart of the late 1960s, the 2013 Dart offers a special blend of style, performance and innovation. The Dodge brand leveraged its nearly 100-year history of passion for building high-quality, innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and style, as well as from its partner Fiat’s global compact car expertise, to develop the all-new Dodge Dart.

The all-new Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture — adapted from the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The all-new Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) architecture underpinning the Dart is a state-of-the-art architecture with an industry-leading 68 percent of the body composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a very strong and rigid structure. Combined with responsive steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and available 18-inch wheels, the Dart brings fun back to driving in the compact car segment.

According to a Dodge press release, eye-catching exterior proportions are set off from every angle by dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology, to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance. The personality-packed front view is instantly recognizable as an all-new Dodge with its tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders. Signature Dodge full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps and class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust – both inspired by Dodge Charger — accentuate the athletic and muscular stance of this dynamic and passionate new design.

Only teaser photos were provided. The car likely will be shown for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

There will be three engine offerings — a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine. These three engines will be combined with three transmission choices.

The Dart, which will replace the slow-selling Caliber in the Dodge lineup, will be made at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. The company is in the process of investing $600 million dollars to support the production of future products, including the 2013 Dodge Dart.