Detroit Motor Show – Dodge Dart

Dodge Dart

The Dodge Dart is making an interesting comeback in the automotive industry with its official unveiling this week at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The new generation of the model is based on the Alfa Romeo Giuiletta and it will be manufactured for the North American market.

Dodge Dart

For those who never heard of this model, it was a classic car in the American car market during the 60s when it came out as Dodge’s entry-level model. One of the reasons why the car became popular was due to its rather unusual push-button transmission. The company has stated that the new model is “a thoroughly modern vehicle” so you shouldn’t expect a retro car.

Dodge Dart

The Dodge Dart will have to face some serious competition coming from the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and the Ford Focus. This would have to be the first model in the lineup who has borrowed the DNA from Fiat, courtesy of the Alfa Romeo brand. The new Dart is based on a platform that has been adapted from the Giulietta. The architecture is known as the Compact US Wide, or CUSW, and it will be the foundation of many cars which will be launched not only in the U.S. but also in Europe.

Dodge Dart

It is obvious that Chrysler has put a lot of work in the design of the new Dart, which will feature a considerably more appealing and aerodynamic shape in comparison to the now defunct Dodge Caliber hatchback which it replaces in the company’s lineup. It will adopt Dodge’s traditional “race- track” tail lamps and the “crosshair” grille, along with the dual exhaust system grabbed from the Charger.

Dodge Dart

Under the hood of the Dodge Caliber we’ll find some Fiat-sourced engines, like a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged power unit, along with a bigger 2.4-liter “Tigershark” Chrysler engine that will benefit from Fiat’s MultiAir technology. Also available will be an all-new 16-valve, four-cylinder Tigershark 2.0-liter engine. The car will be able with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox developed by ZF.

Dodge Dart

The new generation of the Dodge Dart will feature independent suspension all around, which is a rare feature in this segment. The decision of implementing such a configuration of the suspension was based on the automaker’s attempt to offer the Dart a more European-style ride.

Dodge Dart

As far as the interior cabin is concerned, you should expect to see color-keyed accents, ambient lightning and soft-touch materials. Some of the options which will be available include a digital instrument cluster, a heated steering wheel and a generous 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch infotainment system.