Models
Resurrection: Is the Dodge Dakota Really Making a Comeback?
Ram is the only major truck maker that doesn’t have a presence in the overcrowded midsize pickup truck market. However, it looks like that’s set to change. FCA had previously announced that it will come up with a compact truck in 2022.
People have connected the dots with the latest Dakota trademark filing and presumed that the truck will be given the moniker. However, the trademark doesn’t even specify that. While both these things are true - the arrival of a new compact pickup truck in the future and FCA filing a trademark for Dakota – they may not be connected to each other at all.
2016 Dodge Dart
Introduced in 2012, the modern-day Dart revived the iconic nameplate Dodge used between 1960 and 1976 for a range of vehicles offered in two-door, four-door, and wagon configurations. At first a full-size car, the Dart was redesigned into a compact in 1963 and remained in that segment until it was discontinued in 1976. In 2012, the Dart returned as a compact sedan built on a slightly enlarged Fiat Compact platform dubbed Compact U.S. Wide. Designed as a fuel-efficient proposition for the compact market, the Dart wasn’t exactly popular among U.S. customers, selling less than 90,000 units a year between 2013 and 2015.
Recently, FCA announced that the Dart will be discontinued soon due to the company’s decision to redirect its resources toward building crossover vehicles. In March 2016, FCA seemed to reconsider its radical resolution and began to look for a partner that would continue to manufacture the Dart. While the fate of the compact sedan has yet to be decided officially, Dodge is simplifying the Dart lineup for the reminder of the 2016 model year. Previously available in five trims, the Dart has been reduced to only three models. In short, Dodge is now offering a trim level for each drivetrain, which makes more sense given the nameplate’s sluggish sales.
But, fewer models doesn’t mean a poor offer. The Dart still benefits from several customization options, including the Chrome, Rallye, and Black packages, as well as the extra goodies that can be purchased via Mopar. Let’s have a closer look at the 2016 Dart and find out what the new lineup has to offer.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Dodge Dart.
FCA Prepares To Kill Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200
Fiat-Chrysler is embarking on a new adventure as part of an updated five-year business plan that CEO Sergio Marchionne outlined in a recent presentation with investors. As with most updates of this type, changes have been made in the direction of the company and two models, the Dodge Dart and the Chrysler 200, have become unwitting casualties.
According to Marchionne, FCA will begin focusing its energy and resources into building more trucks and utility vehicles in response to what he describes as a “permanent shift in demand” in the market. Unfortunately for both the Dart and the 200, the pedestrian sales numbers of both cars made them expendable and with no signs in the horizon of both models improving their appeal to the public. FCA is now preparing its shovels for the two vehicles arguably untimely deaths.
With the Dart and the 200 out of the picture, FCA can realign its facilities to accommodate the production of more Jeep and Ram models. The company’s plants in Illinois where the Dart and the 200 were being built will now be used to increase the production of the Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500.
It’s an ignominious exit for both models, especially for the Dart, which only returned to the automotive scene in 2012 after not being around since 1976. Dodge even had huge plans for the model at the time of its supposed comeback, even going so far as building numerous race and concept variants. But with the model turning out to be a sales dud, parent company FCA has deemed it – and the 200 – as baggage that it doesn’t want to carry moving forward.
Continue reading for the full story.
Rumors about an SRT-prepped Dodge Dart have been floating around ever since the compact sedan was unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. But hopes of a successor for the Neon SRT-4 – phased out in 2005 – were somewhat crushed when SRT CEO Ralph Gilles said at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show that the brand has yet to find the right powertrain for the car.
Months have passed since we’ve heard anything about the Dart SRT, but it appears Dodge finally came to its senses and started working on a high performance compact. The good news came straight from the Fiat Chrysler alliance, who has just unveiled its massive five-year production plan.
With the SRT brand now back under Dodge, a host of new models will be built by 2018, with a high performance version of the Dart among them. Although the company has yet to confirm whether the compact will roll out with a SRT4 badge, it did say the vehicle will arrive in late 2016, right after the current-generation Dart gets its mid-cycle refresh.
The big news is that the brawny version of the sedan will be motivated by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, just like the Caliber SRT4 and the Neon SRT4, and sold with an all-wheel-drive configuration. Specific details aren’t available at the time of this writing, but expect for the Dart SRT to get a beefed-up 2.4-liter Tigershark engine tuned to deliver at least 260 horsepower.
Naturally, the sportier version of the Dart will also arrive with a host of visual upgrades (check out our rendering here), including a pair aggressive bumpers, a larger apron intake, a rear diffuser, and probably a hood scoop. Under-the-skin improvements are likely to include a stiffer, performance-tuned suspension and additional driving modes.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Dodge Dart SRT.
We are pretty sure that Dodge is preparing an impressive line of vehicles for the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, but it is keeping it under wraps for the most part..
Dodge did, however, reveal the details on one Detroit-bound model: a 2014 Dart SXT with the Blacktop package. This is not the first Dodge to carry this package, as we’ve seen the same package added to the Durango, Charger R/T, Challenger R/T and Avenger.
The new Blacktop package will be applied to the 2014 Dart SXT models equipped with the Rallye Appearance Group. This new package adds just $295 to the Dart SXT with Rallye Appearance Group, meaning that customers will have to pay a total of $19,285 to acquire one. Sales will begin in the first quarter of 2014.
Just like with all the other models equipped with the Blacktop package, the new Dart will include unique wheels, select exterior colors, gloss-black accents throughout and unique interior details.
Under the hood is a 2.4-liter, MultiAir Tigershark engine that produces 184 horsepower and 174 pound-feet. of torque.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Dodge Dart SXT Blacktop.
The final model updated with the Scat Package for the 2013 SEMA Show — alongside the Challenger and Charger — is the 2014 Dart. The new Scat Package was built as a tribute to the original Scat Pack launched in 1968, and comes just in time for its 45th anniversary.
Just as with the other two models, the new Scat Package is all about optimized engine calibration, and a handful of upgrades on the interior and exterior.
The new Scat Package comes in three different stages, with each offering a different level of power upgrades to help push the Dart to the next level. The Scat package is based on the 2014 Dart GT, which delivers 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque from its stock 2.4-liter Tigershark engine. With that sort of power in tow from the factory, we can see these Scat Packages hit over 200 horsepower.
Click past the jump to read more about the Dodge Dart with Scat Package.
If there is one show that really brings the best out of Chrysler’s MOPAR tuning division, it is SEMA in Las Vegas.
Topping its past SEMA showcar roster, it looks like Mopar is once again pretty busy developing the models it will display in Las Vegas during the 2013 SEMA Show.
This year Mopar will bring no less than 20 heavily modified models, coming from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and SRT. Plus a few buyer customers from Chrysler’s Facebook challenge prize-winners.
The first teaser images revealed today show:
an updated Jeep Cherokee in various flavors some hot Fiat 500’s a Mopar Ram 1500 and the latest look for the Mopar Chrysler 300.Those of you whom will be in Las Vegas this year will also have the chance to take a first look at the latest Jeep Performance Parts, developed by Mopar Off-Road Division and even for sale in many Jeep dealers.
The 2013 SEMA will open its door on November 5th, but stay tuned for all the pre-show news!
Click past the jump to read more about the Dodge Dart Slingshot - the model that made quite a sensation last year at SEMA.
Dodge is pretty serious about giving its customers the full Dart treatment. That’s why it wasn’t surprising that it decided to unveil a slew of special-edition packages for its sporty sedan, built and designed to give the Dart an even more appealing look.
One of the special editions is called the Dart SXT Special Edition. It’s a slick name that’s backed up by a variety of new components that give more to the Dart without compromising its essential trait as a sporty model with tremendous character. It got off to a good start with unique black crosshair grille that was installed in favor of the standard make. From there, Dodge installed cool light setup on the Dart, fitting it with dark-tinted projector headlamps, projector fog lamps and LED racetrack taillights. Now that’s what we’re talking about.
There’s also an integrated dual-exhaust system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone, a tire pressure monitoring display, active grille shutters and an underbody aerodynamic treatment.
For all of these additions, Dodge is only charging $18,590 and that already includes all the standard features of the sporty entry-level sedan, not the least of which is its 2.0-liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine that churns out 160 horsepower.
Click past the jump to read more about the Dodge Dart
When automakers start brainstorming a new model, expectations are usually met with risks. Is the car going to be sell? Will it be popular? Will it vanish into thin air as fast as you can say "rebate?”
Fortunately, Dodge doesn’t have to worry about any of that with the 2013 Dart. Popular as it is affordable, the Dart has been a masterstroke for the folks over at Chrysler. And to give customers an opportunity to enjoy more of the sporty sedan, Dodge has decided to unveil a series of special-edition models of it, including the Dart Limited Special Edition.
It shouldn’t be confused with the Dart STX Special Edition, so let’s get that out of the way. The Dart Limited Special Edition is impressive in its own right. It comes with the smorgasbord of standard features that are included in the standard Dart while also adding some luxury touches to improve its styling credentials.
Anytime you hear “premium Nappa leather seats,” you immediately think of high-end models. The Dart Limited Special Edition has just that. But that’s not all; those front seats wrapped in Nappa leather are heated too. The heat treatment goes for the steering wheel too.
It also has a power sunroof, racetrack LED taillights, a Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen with Garmin navigation, SiriusXM Satellite radio and Travel link, dual-zone automatic temperature control, a remote start, and a universal garage door opener.
We don’t know about you, but as far as we’re concerned, all those additions are more than enough to justify the car’s $21,805 price tag.
Click past the jump to read about the Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart ended up being a very successful model, so is no surprise that Dodge will expand the lineup by as much as possible. Along with the SE, SXT, Rallye, Aero and Limited models, the current Dart lineup will be expanded to include a new GT version. The new model will make its official debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and will be put on sale at a price of $20,995.
The new GT version will be built on the well-equipped Dart Limited trim level and will add a series of performance enhancements that will make it even more impressive. These updates will include an even more powerful engine, a unique front fascia, a set of 18-inch wheels and a dual exhaust system.
The interior will also be updated with a pretty impressive list of standard equipment, including unique premium Nappa perforated leather seats in Black with Ruby Red stitching and of course numerous GT badges.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Dodge Dart GT.
Just like almost every other automaker, Chrysler has headed into Las Vegas with guns a blazin’. Between Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, and Ram, there are more custom Chrysler products than you can shake a camshaft at. Another one to just come to light is the Dodge Dart Slingshot — not to be confused with the Dodge Slingshot Concept.
The details on it are still a little scarce, but they are starting to make their way out, along with some images. The Slingshot is no question a hat tip to the SCCA-style racers in Dodge’s fan base. It’s exterior is very near stock, boasting only a Mopar carbon-fiber hood and a set of 17-inch black alloy wheels to help reduce its weight a little. The exterior is, of course, covered in full Mopar livery along with a white base coat and a black grille.
Inside the Dart Slingshot is where its SSCA soul comes out. As required by the racing circuit, the Slingshot features a competition-spec roll cage, racing seats, and six-point harnesses to keep the riders strapped in place.
Under the hood, it appears as if Mopar left the engine as-is. Then again, the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine that Dodge borrowed from Fiat is rather impressive itself, as it pumps out 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The only modification to the driveline is an aftermarket exhaust system that is more show and sound than it is performance.
Mopar did install a performance suspension system, but we are still awaiting confirmation on what makes up this performance setup.
Stay tuned for more information.
When Dodgeintroduced their new Dart, they also announced that a total of 150 Mopar parts would be available to further customize it. At the 2012 SEMA Auto Show, the company wants to offer their customers an idea of just how much customization can go into this compact hatchback with a demonstration of these accessories in their Carbon Fiber Concept.
As its name suggests, this Dart Concept has received a very cool carbon fiber hood and a carbon fiber, three-piece rear decklid spoiler. It is painted in a very cool charcoal grey combined with a Mopar satin black front chin spoiler and a Mopar satin black body kit. The concept sits on a new set of 19" wheels combined with silver brake calipers.
Dart’s standard grille has been replaced with a new Mopar grille, while the light smoke headlamps and tail lamps accentuate the sleek feel. The interior features the same dark matte finish of the exterior, with the coolest addition being the new Katzkin leather seats.
Dodge really has a lot invested in the Dart compact car. So much so, in fact, that they’re releasing a new trim for the model, one they’re proud to announce as the most fuel efficient model in the Dart sedan’s range.
The trim is called the Dart Aero and it’s powered by a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb/ft of torque. With these numbers in tow, Dodge proclaims the Dart Aero to return 41 mpg on the highway when it’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission and 40 mpg when it carries a six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission.
As far as trim features are concerned, the Dart Aero comes with auto headlamps, projector headlamps and LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and electronic stability control.
Inside, the Dart Aero carries a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning with micron filter, power windows and locks, and an 8.4" touchscreen media center and 7" TFT reconfigurable gauge cluster as added options.
Reid Bigland, CEO of the Dodge brand, explained the merits of the Dart Aero. "The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking vehicle, offering features and benefits never before offered in a compact car," he said
"The new Dart Aero builds on these attributes by combining a remarkable 41mpg with interior room of a mid-size car and class-leading technology, style and safety, for only $19,295."
International recording artist and Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull, recently put his design hat on to customize a 2013 Dodge Dart which was part of a sweepstakes at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas.
The car, called the Dodge Dart iHeart, received Pitbull’s full design touches, which as you might expect, centered on his own style. You know the classic Pitbull ensemble, right? Tailored suit, classic sunglasses, and the contrasting pin stripes; the Dart iHeart was designed to be an extension of Pitbull’s top level swag.
The Dart iHeart is highlighted by a high contrast matte white exterior and black roof, a custom set of 18" liquid graphite aluminum wheels, a black and pear white leather and suede interior, the addition of a new hood scoop and rear spoiler, and the artful use of metals that not only evoke Pitbull’s classic style, but also add a dose of mystery to the compact sedan.
So who took home the Dodge Dart iHeart? A man named Jack Walters from New York, who personally took the keys to his brand new, one-off ride from the hands of Pitbull himself.
Jack Walters is a lucky man.
According to a flier obtained by Dodge Dart Forum, there is another new Dart on its way and will be getting here just about the same time as the R/T model, which is running a little later according to our watch. This model is the Dodge Dart GTS Tribute. The details are still scarce on this model, but the flier gives us a little bit of information.
It’s going to start with a basic 2013 Dodge Dart R/T and its 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder engine with the 18-inch R/T forged chrome wheels. From there, Dodge will slap on a load of Mopar accessories. On the outside these accessories include a black aluminum hood with an appearance intake (AKA a fake hood scoop), matte black chin spoiler, matte black side sills, matte black rear air diffuser, matte black rear spoiler and a carbon-fiber roof graphic (AKA a sticker that looks like carbon fiber).
The interior gets a wide array of upgrades, including: ceramic white floating island bezel – the bezel around the instrument cluster and radio – with a gloss black cluster trim and ruby-red LED. Also donning a coating of pearl white is the 360 handle finisher, climate-control knobs, chin bezel, shifter bezel and cup holder bezel. The steering wheel will boast white and black, and will have a gloss black bezel. The door armrests will be black with pearl white accent stitching and it will also feature brightwork covers on the pedals.
The Dart GTS Tribute also receives Katzkin leather seating with pearl white accents, premium carpeted floor mats, black center console with pearl white stitching, and finally a black Alcantara-wrapped cluster brow with pearl white accent stitching.
Oh, and the exterior will don a coat of, you guessed it, red paint… Kidding, of course, it’s pearl white just like all of the little accents throughout the car. From what we can tell, there are no mechanical upgrades to the Dart R/T, but we won’t know for sure until the official unveiling takes place. Stay tuned for more about the Dart GTS Tribute.
*Note: the black fingernails are not mine, nor are they part of the GTS Tribute Package
Some of you might be too young to remember this, but back in the 60’s, Dodge had a vehicle called the "Dart." It’s been a while since we saw this nameplate out on the streets, but now, Dodge has officially brought it back with the unveiling of a new compact sedan at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.
The new Dart is currently under development and will be based on a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback’s platform named Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW). According to Dodge, the new Dart will feature a body that’s made out of high-strength steel and a bevy of powertrain options.
The base engine for the new Dart will be a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine. Just ahead of that is a 2.0-liter Tigershark engine, while the most powerful engine will be a 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine.
UPDATE 04/30/2012: Dodge has unveiled a new promo video for the 2013 Dart Limited. The video presents running footage and beauty shots of the car. Hit the jump to watch the video!
Find out more about the 2013 Dodge Dart after the jump.
When Chrysler first unveiled the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, it was met by a lot of industry and enthusiast grumbling, as it paid zero homage to its original rendition. As more details come out on the 2013 Dart, we are all starting to come around to this little Italian Dodge. The latest release is that the 2013 Dart will be the first vehicle ever to feature a cell phone charging pad as a factory option.
This 8.27-inch by 9.5-inch by 3.25-inch charging compartment is below the center stack and directly in front of the center console, which puts it in a place that most people would set their cell phone anyways. Basically, you place almost any smartphone in the special case, which comes with the optional charger, and set the case and phone in the charging compartment. Voila, no wires, no plugging things in and your phone starts charging.
This is especially convenient with those Darts with a manual transmission, as nothing puts a kink in your speed shifting like a cell phone charger wire wrapped around the shifter. The question is how much someone would pay for this option. Well, Chrysler has determined that this convenience is worth $199.99, plus dealer installation. The price may seem a little bit steep upon first glance, but think about how many times you have forgotten your car charger at home and desperately needed it or about how many of those universal charges you have bought that broke just a few weeks later. You have likely spent more than the fee for this component replacing broken chargers and buying chargers in desperation.
Let’s just add another positive to the 2013 Dart and Dodge’s 2013 lineup altogether, which is becoming more and more advanced seemingly every day.
Hit the jump to see the official press release.
The Dodge Dart hasn’t been around long enough for some people to know it’s back, but that doesn’t mean that a certain cluster of folks haven’t taken notice to Dodge’s new super hatch.
That’s why it’s not surprising that the Dart is already gearing up for its rally debut in RallyCross, particularly that of the Global RallyCross Championship. Going on its second year, the series has already attracted some of the sport’s heavyweights, including Rhys Millen, Tanner Foust, and Ken Block.
This year, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be making its inaugural racing action under SRT Motorsports with no less than four-time Rally America Champion and 17-time X-Games gold medalist Travis Pastrana manning the wheels of the rally car.
As for the car itself, the GRC Dart will share a lot qualities with the production version, with one notable exception: the powertrain. Whereas the standard model comes with a 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine that produces 184 horsepower, the rally version will pack a 2.0-liter engine that has been tuned to produce a walloping 600 horsepower and 550 lb/ft of torque, numbers that allow the car to hit 0-60 mph in just 1.9 seconds.
If you’re frothing at the mouth waiting to see how Pastrana rocks the Dart in its rally guise, you can check out the 2012 Global RallyCross Championship beginning with its season debut on May 26, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
UPDATE 04/05/2012: Dodge just increased our slowly growing love for the new Dart by releasing a video of Travis Pastrana, the hired lunatic that will swing the Dart through the dirt at break-neck speeds, testing out his new rally machine. We must say, if this video doesn’t raise the hair on your neck and make you lean into the computer screen, you might want to check your pulse.
This is one of the few times that a maker has included music on a “sneak peak” type of video, but turned off the music when the car is moving, so you can actually hear this bad machine working hard. This video is simply awesome and the Dart seems to perform well with no one else on the track with it.
Take a look at the above video and see for yourself how the Dart handles a closed rally-style course. Yeah, some of it is a little dramatized, but overall Dodge did a good job with it and the inside shots are awesome, as you can see the driver feathering the throttle to perfection. Oh, and keep a close eye on the rear of the car at the 2:05 mark, as a large piece of the rear bumper gets torn off.
Expect good things from Chrysler in 2012, beginning with the first appearance of the Fiat-sourced Dodge Caliber replacement at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. To be built on a stretched version of Fiat’s high-volume compact platform, the new Dodge Caliber (or whatever the replacement will be called) will likely be the first in a series of new compacts from Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep. The Fiat platform is so versatile that it can be used for anything from compacts through mid-size vehicles, making it the ideal choice for a cost-conscious manufacturer like Chrysler.
Since Chrysler hasn’t focused on hybrids, electrics, or compact, fuel-saving engines to date, the automaker will have some catching up to do. Rumors say the new Chrysler compact cars will offer a range of normally-aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, mated to eight and nine speed automatic transmissions for impressive fuel economy numbers. There’s even word of a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, which probably means that a replacement for the Dodge Caliber SRT4 is in the works.
We had a chance to speak with SRT head, Ralph Gilles, last spring, and he was tight-lipped about what may or may not be in the development pipeline. He was enthusiastic about their upcoming compacts, however, as well as the bound-for-the-U.S. Fiat 500 Abarth. There’s no denying that the SRT8 versions of the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300 are fun to drive, but it looks like small-car Mopar fans will have a very good year ahead of them.
According to some of the latest reports, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be the base for the new Dodge Caliber, just without the Italian flare and style. The new Caliber is set to arrive in late 2011 as the 2012 model.
This is all according to USA Today who credits Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler and Fiat, as saying that the Giulietta will serve as a Dodge. As rumors go, this one is quite good, as the company’s five year plan shows the Caliber being discontinued in 2011, and Chrysler will need to fill that hole.
A new successful small car is hugely important for Chrysler, as they will have nothing to compete against theFord Fiesta and Focus and the Chevrolet Cruze and the new Aveo. A vehicle based on the gorgeous Giuliette might be what the company needs.
Recently, Fiat has expressed interest in expanding their stake in Chrysler beyond 20 percent and the only way that happens is if they have big success in the U.S and the Giulietta might be just what the doctor ordered.
In a lunch sponsored by Dodge at the Economic Club of Chicago just outside the Chicago Auto Show, the company unveiled a sketch of what could be a new compact car the brand is planning on creating in the future.
Presented by Dodge head honcho and Chrysler Senior VP Ralph Giles, the sketch resembles a three-door compact hatchback whose sleek and swooping design has led to speculation that the car might show up at a future auto show as a new concept.
There are no further details as to what Dodge has in store for the concept so it’s anybody’s guess really as to when – or if – the potential compact car will be released in the future. Other than showing off the sketch of the car, Dodge is keeping their cards close to their vests on this one.
What we do know is that when Fiat took over Chrysler, one of the Italian auto giant’s first points of emphasis was to add a compact segment to a number of Chrysler-owned brands, most notably that of Dodge. Taking from this, we’re guessing that the sketch they showed at the Economic Club of Chicago will be the first of what promises to be many versions of the promised Dodge compact vehicle.