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Dodge News: Meet the 2013 Dodge Dart (UPDATED!)

Blake Noble

By Blake Noble
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Blake Noble Newbie

Blake Noble

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Perhaps one of the more anticipated production-related debuts this auto show seaon is none other than Chrysler's new Dodge Caliber replacement, the Dart. The media embargo on the Dodge compact sedan broke this morning and a slew of different images of the car have been surfacing on the internet throughout the day today through various websites. There's even a

.

The new Dart definitely brings a lot to the table for a car of its class. Chrysler will offer a new, optional nine-speed automatic as well as three different engine options, ranging from a 2.0L 16-valve four-cylinder, a MultiAir 2.4L four-cylinder, and a 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.0L and 2.4L are both part of Chrysler's new Tigershark family of small displacement engines. Additionally, the new Dart is also good for an average of 40 mpg (unadjusted).

There's also no denying it's quite a looker as well, with many design elements such as the rear taillight panel being borrowed from it's big brother, the Charger. The design translates very well no matter which trim level you choose (the white car shown alongside the red R/T model is in Limited trim).

More photos will be uploaded here soon, so stay tuned. More details are sure to come at the Detroit Auto Show, which officially kicks off tomorrow.

UPDATE: Full gallery here:


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smk4565 Mentor

smk4565

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I don't like how the hood seems to slope downward so much or the blacked out front bumper in the grille, I think they could have made that cross bar thing more prominent like it is on the Charger. But I like the rest of the exterior.

On the inside, overall I like it, I like the creativity on the storage areas under the front seat or in the glove compartment. My one gripe is so many cars now have an integrated console, with HVAC and radio/sat-nav controls all in one, this has that cheap rubber separator that reminds me of a 90s GM car.

I prefer a Focus or Elantra to this, but the Dart in pictures looks far better than any of the Japanese compacts or the Jetta.

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regfootball Community Regular

regfootball

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Very surpsrised, this looks very nice.

Dimensionally its almost a dead ringer for the Kizashi I look at every day. The Dart is what i would call small mid size. Trunk is a bit small at 13 cf but this could end up being the largest 'compact' out there.

Every reason to be very optimistic for Dodge.

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Intrepidation

Intrepidation

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I think it looks fantastic inside and out. Great proportions, really nice interpretation of the Charger's rear end, very distinctive and aggressive front end. I will say that I prefer the blacked out R/T fascia, looks more distinctive and aggressive. Love the red paint they used. Interior looks really nice as well. Red R/T is the one for me.

Looks like lots of attention to detail, from the seat design (lateral bolster!) to the stitched dash to the dual exhaust to Dodge lettering in the turn signal part of the lens.

If it drives as well as it looks its going to be a winner.

As an aside, I really like the photographers Chrysler is using lately.

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2QuickZ's Explorer

2QuickZ's

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My one gripe is so many cars now have an integrated console, with HVAC and radio/sat-nav controls all in one, this has that cheap rubber separator that reminds me of a 90s GM car.

I'm not exactly sure what you are seeing here. The pictures seem to pretty clearly show the piece between the console and instrument panel is the same material as the console. The thing under the HVAC controls is an open storage bin an another picture shows the pockets on the sides at the front of the console are also storage bins.

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rkmdogs Rookie

rkmdogs

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Two questions ---\Where's the hatchback?, if this is a replacement for the Caliber.

and, looking at the interior, who picks up a drink cup from the holder with their elbow?

The holders are too far back to be useful!

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intrigued Newbie

intrigued

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I like the dart quite a bit. I think the drive trains in particular are cool and likely will be a strength. The styling is among the best of the segment, expressive while keeping the family design cues and most importantly refined. I also think that this could help Doge since the Avenger is a mediocre care at best and this could fill a pretty unique size slot. One of the Alero's most appeal aspects back in the day was that it rode the line right between compact and midsize. Indeed I think it was classified as a compact by volume (barley) but was most often compared against midsized cars. If this is a better executed (in terms of refinement) version of that formula, especially with the rising prices of the D-class segment this could be a break away hit steeling more sales for the midsized segment then the compact class.

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Robert Hall Veteran

Robert Hall

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Chrysler mooted the idea of a 100, didn't they? Would be interesting to see some of the 200/300 design language on a Dart sibling, as a Verano competitor..

Edited by Cubical-aka-Moltar
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ocnblu Newbie

ocnblu

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I checked Dodge's website for the Dart today, was able to view it in the full glory of its wide colour palette, and I have to say, maybe "dated" was not the right word to use to describe this design. Maybe my problem is since I know it's an Alfa underneath its skin, that maybe the skin doesn't fit the bones quite right?

I really like so much about it though, the colour and customization possibilities alone put the Focus and Cruze to shame, and it is absolutely PACKED with modern tech features. If it drives well and stays together through thick and thin, it has to be a hit. Good job, Dodge. NO BEIGE available! Yay!

Edited by ocnblu
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SAmadei Newbie

SAmadei

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Top Gear has a quick article where the Brits test a old Dart (teechnically a '70 Swinger), and while they call it 'rubbish', they'd prefer to own the old one, for its cool factor. I'd love to see video of Clarkson testing an old Dart and a new one.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/Driven-the-original-Dodge-Dart-2012-1-11

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