And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

The most fuel efficient Chrysler product ever built is almost here.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - April 28, 2012

The Dodge Dart "Aero" trim that is scheduled to be released in the third quarter should provide a 28/41/30 mpgUS city/highway/combined rating with when equipped with the 1.4L Turbo mated to a tall ratio 6-speed MT.

While Dart news has been lacking the past few weeks, apparently the embargo from the short lead in Austin, TX ended this morning as Chrysler released the final EPA certified fuel economy ratings for its much anticipated designed and built US compact vehicle.

As reported previously, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with innovative technology unmatched in the industry.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be with available with three different engines, three different transmissions and five trim levels including the SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. The SE lacking A/C and other niceties arrives with a base MSRP of just $15,995. The Dart will be built in the US at Chrysler Group’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, IL with consumer product production scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2012.

Exterior

The Dart definitely does not move the needle far from the Dodge brands sports car roots.


Up front Dodge incorporated their signature cross hair grille, snake eye lenses with projector beams beneath, piano black front fascia and fog lamp cutouts and a hood cutout that follows the contour of the top view of the car. A lower close-out panel is positioned below the front fascia that reduces drag while still allowing for an 8” curb clearance.

From the side integrated fender flares with an almost 0 radius edge to the flat section parallel a number of uniquely styled alloy wheels. A razor straight belt line crease begins out of nowhere near the top of the front fender flare and gets progressively more pronounced as it streams back into the rear tail light lens.

To the rear Dodge integrated the rear spoiler, and an LED light bar consisting of 152 individual LEDs running across the back of the rear fascia like that on the Charger.

Given the longer hood and shorter rear trunk profile, it is almost as if Dodge designers were guided to produce a 50/50 weight distribution although I am not yet privy to that specification.

Overall, the Dart provides an all new exterior profile designed to cheat the wind with a Cd of 0.285 instead of the ghetto sled appearance and it is the first Chrysler built sedan in decades that I have personally wanted to “grab the keys and go for a drive.”

Interior

Dodge designers focused on creating interior colors that excite with a quality of materials typically found in far more expensive segments.

A “driver-centric” layout with customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in interior sized at 97.2 cu. ft. This is larger than the current generation midsize 2012 Chevrolet Malibu! To give you an idea as to the passenger volume advantage within the compact segment, its competitors include the highly regarded 12 Elantra at 96 cu. ft., 12 Civic with 95 cu. ft., 12 Cruze with 94 cu. ft, 12 Corolla with 92 cu. ft. and 12 Focus with 90 cu. ft.

The 2013 Dodge Dart features the interior spaciousness of a mid-size sedan, and it boasts best-in-class hip and shoulder room.

The coup de grace of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is its class-exclusive but unfortunately optional 7” Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LED customizable gauge cluster display with a light pipe surround that also houses the available 8.4” touchscreen Media Center, by far the largest touchscreen in the segment.

The center console features auxiliary jacks to plug in a wide variety of electronic devices while center console side pockets, are perfect for storing mobile phones, receipts, or pens and paper.

An optional “racetrack” lighting surrounds the floating island bezel. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders is both useful and provides a warm atmosphere inside the vehicle.


Customization

The Dart is available with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, six wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions to fit just about anybody’s individual style wants.

Drivetrain(s)

Drivers can select from the 160 HP 2.0L Tigershark, a 160 HP 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine and a 184 HP 2.4L MultiAir Tigershark I4 (available 3rd quarter 2012). These three engines, combined with three transmission choices including a tall ratioed 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic or 6-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission (available 3rd quarter 2012) provide enough options for the average buyer to scream when it is time to choose. I am saying that in a good way ;)

Fuel Economy

The 2.0L with the 6-speed MT is EPA rated at 25/36/29 mpgUS city/highway/combined.

The 1.4L Turbo engine with the 6-speed MT is EPA rated at 27/39/29 city/highway/combined.

Dodge will also introduce a Dodge Dart "Aero" model that will achieve probably a 28/41 city/highway rating available 3rd quarter 2012.

Chassis

The Dart’s body is comprised of 68 percent high-strength steel resulting in an architecture that is lightweight, and solid given its true mid-size dimensions. At 3,191 to 3,348 pounds depending on trim and drivetrain choice, it is not a lightweight by any means however.

Aero? It is loaded with it…

The 2013 Dodge Dart includes an active grille shutter system, underbody panels running stem to stern, tire spats located forward of the front and rear tires and an integrated decklid spoiler incorporates a trailing edge shape for cleaner airflow separation in the rear portion of the vehicle, which optimizes the air wake.

Safety

Driver and passenger safety features include a GM matching 10 standard airbags including front, side, side curtains, both outward rear sides and both driver and passenger knee.

The Dart also features an active head-restraint system; available Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, three-point safety belts in all five seating positions; front driver and passenger dual seat belt pretensioners at the anchor and retractor positions and active load limiters. These features and more all work to protect passengers in the event of a crash. All three rear seat positions feature Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH).

Other standard safety features:

• Four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Traction control (TC)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Brake-lock differential
• Ready Alert Braking
• Rainy Brake Support
• Hydraulic boost compensation
• Electronic stability control (four-channel active handling system ESC)
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Hill-start Assist (HAS)
• Trailer-sway Control
• ParkView rear back-up camera
• ParkSense rear park assist

There is one item that Dodge has done a really good job at in recent years and that is its exterior paints. I expect no less form the production variant of that 2013 Dart that arrives with a choice of 12 exterior colors:

• Redline Red Pearl Coat
• Header Orange Pearl Coat
• Blue Streak Pearl Coat
• True Blue Pearl Coat
• Winter Chill Pearl Coat
• Laguna Blue Clear Coat
• Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat
• Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat
• Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
• Citrus Peel Pearl Coat
• Pitch Black Clear Coat
• Bright White Clear Coat

We should have a chance to drive this new addition to the hyper competitive compact segment sometime this spring or summer and as we have all been waiting for, this could be one of the most interesting drives this year.


Other 2013 Dodge Dart related stories can be found through the following links:

• 2013 Dodge Darts starts at $15,995 + $795 dest.
• A Dart Goes Racing
• 2013 Dodge Dart’s 6-speed Tranny’s from Hyundai? Not Exactly
• 2013 North American Car of the Year Predicted: Dodge Dart
• Dodge Dart Achieves 40mpg Combined
• More on the 2013 Dodge Dart
• The Dodge We Have Been Waiting For Arrives This January

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Chrysler will have a winner in the market..

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Considering the current market for high-mpg family cars, I think the Dart will hit the ground running and sell well. As long as the Darts reaching the dealers later this year aren't all loaded R/T models stickering in the mid 20s, they'll move plenty of them.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

It's about time to see Chrysler with a fuel efficient contender. Hopefully this will be a trend that continues.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Wow, 41hwy beats almost everything, not to mention Dodge's previous "high-mpg" Caliber entry at a lame 30mpg.

What's with 28/41 and then a combined figure of only 30? That's some weird math going on there. Even assuming 28 really means 27.50 and 41 really means 40.50, with the EPA's usual 55/45 formula I come up with 33.3mpg combined. Weird.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Curb weight???

Yah. It's about the first thing I look at. ....... Isn't it one of the first things YOU look at ????

/P.S. -- If you haven't tried to push an empty car, or a bicycle, or a wagon down the road recently........ I'd suggest it. (then, have everybody get in and try it again ---- you'll be amazed)

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

I'm thinking it's some sort of typo.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

This sounds like one really fun vehicle to take out on some back roads and see what it can do! The kid inside me is getting excited :D

Now, who in this area knows of some roads that would fit that criteria and wants to test it out??

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

On level ground or up a hill?

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Hi All:

The formulas used with the new 5-test cycle averages can show a distortion like this but I have never seen a vehicles Monroney skewed to the city cycle as much as it is with the Dart. And I was hoping some of you would catch it too.

The only thing I can think of is the 1.4 and 2.0L have a real though time accelerating the Darts mass at WOT as that is what's needed on the high speed test. Maybe in the cold its not to efficient either?

Overall however, it has got to be the mass. The dart weighs almost 600 pounds more than a Elantra or Civic depending on trim. In fact it weighs more than some trims of the Accord, Camry and Sonata!

Wayne

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Edmunds review:

http://www.insideline.com/dodge/dart...rst-drive.html

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Best looking rear of any compact car..... Good work on FE and overall package Dodge....

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

And in my opinion, the coolest dash cluster (in LCD form on Limited and higher trims) this side of the FFH. Add in the 8.4" U-Connect infotainment screen and it's well positioned to catch the eye of the iPhone/iPad generation. The backlit "racetrack" edge around the instruments and infotainment display is an eye-catcher, too.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Hi All:

Since this is Dart "Short lead" Week, you may be interested in what Chrysler has placed over their HQ in Auburn Hills.


According to Chrysler, the wrap will be seen by ~ 200K drivers along I-75 in Auburn Hills, MI each and every day.

Quick facts on the wrap:

• The building wrap covers 13.5 floors of the 15-floor HQ tower.
• The entire Dodge Dart building wrap is 116 feet wide and 145 feet tall.
• 2013 Dodge Dart image is 85 feet wide and 70 feet tall.
• American flag is 116 feet wide and 6 feet tall.
• Dart logo is approximately 70 feet wide and 11 feet tall. Dodge brand logo on the vehicle is 9 feet wide and 2 feet tall.
• Tagline is 10 feet wide and 6 feet tall.
• Grille is 50 feet wide and 7 feet tall.
• Headlights are 10 feet wide and 12 feet tall.
• Hood is 60 feet wide and 23 feet tall.
• Windshield is 60 feet wide and 17 feet tall

Wayne

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

A PoodleDolphin engine is right up my alley. I guess the 1.4L should be called ChihuahuaSardine in light of its diminutive size.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

I am the commercial sales manager at a large Chrysler dealer in Calgary, AB, Canada. My normal ride is a 2011 Dodge Charger V6 with the old Merc 5 speed automatic. The car is driven entirely in town and I have been averaging about 11.5l/100kms over the last 22Kkms.

Anyway, the last few days I have been driving a base Dart with the 2.0L and the 6 speed manual. I have been getting, by the car computer and not verified with actual math, 6.1L/100kms same driver, same roads etc over the last 300kms. The only techniques I have been using have been short shifting and wide throttle openings for accelerating and my normal looking down the road with anticipation.

So are these things some sort of sleeper in the fuel efficiency world?

Just wondering.

Cheers,

Mike

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Hi Mike:

I wish it were. Since the launch, a number of us have driven them and no matter the config, they have disappointed. I have an aero coming this spring and my hopes are up but it’s the weight. The 1.4L turbo is simply overwhelmed by the weight.

Again I have hope for the aero but the rest of the Dart lineup is pretty thirsty by comparison to the competition.

Wayne

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Is the weight justified by their size and comfort?

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

I would also like to find out the cabin db's. If it is because they chose to insulate the cabin from road noise I could understand the extra weight. Frankly, I would be willing to lose a mpg or two as long as I didn't have to scream to talk to my passenger on the highway.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

I don't think sound insulation adds more than a few pounds of weight. The prev-gen Versa was an exceptionally quiet car for its class, but didn't weigh more than its competitors. The reason B-class and some C-class cars are loud is because the market for these cars doesn't care very much.

Re: And the 2013 Dodge Dart’s EPA Certified Ratings Are ...
 

Hi Wayne,
I will be interested in your test of the Aero. I have driven the Turbo with both transmissions. I found the manual a bit odd. Anything below 2500 rpm on the clock and you ain't goin' nowhere, requiring a down shift. I was pleasantly surprised by the 2.0L manual. I ended up driving it about 500kms all in the city and averaged 6.4L/100kms. The car had less than 1000kms on the odo when I returned it. It is a smooth motor and will pull any gear from 1400rpms.

In Canada we can now order a SXT special edition with any powertrain combination, including the 2.0L and 6 speed manual, and the package includes the active front shutters and the under body stuff the Aero has. I may order one just to satisfy my own curiosity.

Or, Wayne maybe you could do it for me. See if Chrysler has a 2.0L manual press car. :)

Cheers,

Mike