Dodge reached back into its history books to revive the name Dart for a compact sedan that symbolizes the future of Chrysler and Fiat.On Tuesday, Dodge said the 2013 Dodge Dart, which will be unveiled next month at the North American International Auto Show, will not be a reinterpretation of the original Dart. Photos of the front and rear of the Dart reveal sharply angled head-lamps, as well as a grille and rear spoiler similar to the Dodge Charger.
The aerodynamic look is intended to appeal more to younger buyers than the Dodge Caliber crossover that the Dart replaces.
"From what we have seen from the teaser pictures, it looks smoking hot," said Aaron Bragman, automotive analyst for IHS Automotive.
The original Dart was sold from 1960 to 1976 with a variety of options, including the high-performance "swinger" version.
The Dart gained a reputation as a sturdy and reliable car. The 1968 version included the "slant-six," or V6 engine known for durability and endurance, according to the Chrysler-enthusiast website Allpar.com.
"The Dart is one of the more positive names in Chrysler's brand-portfolio history," Bragman said. "Also, anybody under 40 isn't going to remember Dart and that helps them because they are about to create something new."
The 2013 Dart will be Chrysler's first vehicle based on Fiat engineering, a decision meant to illustrate the technology-sharing benefits of merging the Italian and Auburn Hills automakers.
The Dart will be longer and wider than Fiat's Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Under the 2009 agreement with the U.S. Treasury, Fiat can boost its ownership stake in Chrysler by another 5% when the Dodge sedan is certified with a combined, unadjusted 40 m.p.g. rating by the Environmental Protection Agency. Fiat currently owns 53.5% of Chrysler.
Joe Veltri, Chrysler's vice president of product planning, said in June that the new Dodge would be a sporty, fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient car.
The sedan will be built in Belvidere, Ill. Buyers can choose one of three four-cylinder engines: 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 engine.
Fiat's small car and engine technology helps balance Chrysler and Jeep's large car and truck-heavy lineup, and was a key reason for Fiat taking a controlling interest in Chrysler in 2009.
The Dart should make Dodge more competitive in the compact segment that includes the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.
"There has been a lot of activity in that segment and a lot of investment," Ralph Gilles, senior vice president of product design for all Chrysler brands, said in June. "We are ready for that."
- by Brent Snavely: 313-222-6512 or bsnavely@freepress.com
See Ed Dancel at Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
No comments:
Post a Comment