Dodge revealed the 2013 Dodge Dart at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. The new model will initially come in two versions: one powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated all-aluminum four cylinder engine that provides 160 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and another one with a 1.4-liter turbocharged and intercooled four cylinder engine that also makes 160 horsepower. The 1.4 develops more torque (184 lb-ft), though. A few months after the original launch there will also be a 2.4-liter 184 horsepower 171 lb-ft “Tigershark” model. The standard engine option is the 2.0-liter, and the 1.4-liter optional will be available for Dart SE, SXT, Rallye and the Limited models. The 2.4 version will only be available to the R/T.
Transmission also comes in multiple variants. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, and a six-speed dual clutch automatic (first one ever built by the Chrysler Group) will be exclusively available to the 1.4 version. There is also a normal six-speed automatic option available for all engines.
2013 Dart features electrically boosted power steering and advanced aerodynamic engineering. Dodge announced that more than 600 hours have been spent in the wind-tunnel to achieve a perfect aerodynamic performance.
The new Dart comes in 12 colors for the outside, and 14 for the inside. It features an 8.4-inch UConnect Touch Media Center with voice recognition, a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster and an Alpine audio system. The driver can unlock and start the car without using a key, and they get a heated steering wheel. The base cost price is of $16,000. Information about performance and fuel consumption is yet to be released. The 2013 Dodge Dart is likely to go on sale in the second quarter of this year.
