Dodge Dart Aero Is Almost Here

[xcel]

A design leading C-segment with a 41 mpgUS highway rating from a domestic manufacturer? Yeah, good stuff.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Oct. 4, 2012

2013 Dodge Dart Aero - $19,295 to start (excluding a $795 destination charge ) and a 28/41 mpgUS city/highway rating thanks to a body designed to cheat the wind and look good while doing so

Powered by the 1.4L MultiAir turbo mated to a wide spread ratio 6-speed stick, the Dart Aero is intended to impress its owners by skipping the pump even more than before. The body and exterior incorporates several drag lowering aerodynamic, weight and friction reducing enhancements including lightweight aluminum chassis components, active grille shutters, underbody aero kit, a lowered profile and low-rolling resistance tires. All together the new hardware additions allow the Dart Aero to achieve an impressive 41/40 mpgUS highway with the six-speed MT and Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) respectively.

The Dodge Dart Aero arrives with 10 airbags, ABS discs, electronic stability control, cruise control, auto headlamps, A/C with micron filter, power windows and locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, projector headlamps and class-exclusive LED ‘racetrack’ taillamps. While the racetrack lamps do not add to the cars efficiency, they most certainly add to its exotic look. A “cool” look that can be seen for over ½ mile away at night in fact

The Dart “driver-centric” layout is not only designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver, it does place the controls in easy reach of the driver.

Customizable displays, comfortable seats and a small midsized interior are also part of this compacts bargain.

Additional although optional features include the class-exclusive 8.4 in touchscreen with Uconnect and 7 in TFT reconfigurable gauge cluster.

According to the Dodge product PR, production of the Dodge Dart Aero model started at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant in the third quarter of 2012 and we should have one in the drive soon.

The inspiring Race Track rear LEDs – 152 indirect glow LEDs are a spectacular addition.

[50 mpg by 2012]

Not the Dart ... but a UK cousin, the Delta for comparison.

Chrysler Delta 1.4 M-Air SE 5dr Hatchback: 9.2secs 0-60; 126mph; 132 gCO2/km; NEDC rated 41.3 mpg(US) combined; GPB £18,325 about USD $22,540 estimated EXPORT list


Chrysler Delta 1.6 M-Jet SE 5dr Auto Hatchback: 10.7secs 0-60; 120mph; 120 gCO2/km; NEDC rated 51.2 mpg(US) combined; GPB £19,640 about USD $24,157 estimated EXPORT list

[robh210]

I have to say, I dont consider Dodge a domestic company anymore. It was a German company and now its an Italian company. There are all types of arguments about what makes cars foreign or domestic these days. I feel if a car is built by an American company, its an American car. If it is owned by a foreign company its foreign. Where the money ends up is what I go by when I am thinking about it.

Just my opinion.

Robert