2013 Dodge Dart: Rumors, News and Features
December 29th, 2011 by Armaan Almeida
Dodge’s intriguing new compact car, set to replace the aging and none-too-efficient 2012 Caliber when it goes on sale next year as a 2013 model, will wear the brand’s historic Dart nameplate. If you’ve forgotten, the Dart was a compact sedan, coupe and convertible line of Dodge automobiles of the 1960s and 1970s, famous for its bulletproof slant-six-cylinder engine and offbeat styling.
The new car will be closely based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and will debut as a compact 4-door sedan propelled by naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Two new related motors, codenamed “Tigershark,” will displace 2.0 and 2.4 liters. The up-level powerplant is confirmed to be Fiat’s new 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four, which was just introduced on the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth.

In even more exciting news, the 2013 Dart will see a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission, which will help it reach upwards of 40 mpg on the highway. The 9-speed is a little ways off; at launch the Dart will use a dual-clutch automated manual, with no word yet on conventional 3-pedal manual.
As for styling, some teaser shots show a new front end design that is a big departure from anything we’ve seen from the Dodge camp to date, while the rear receives a familiar treatment similar to the new Charger with taillights running the full length of the rear deck.
All in all the Dart is looking quite compelling, or at the very least far moreso than the ugly-duckling Caliber. We can’t wait to see the full design when the Dart is officially unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in January.

