Dodge Dart (PF)

Dodge Dart
2014 Dodge Dart Rallye
Overview
Manufacturer	Dodge (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)
Also called	Fiat Viaggio (China)
Production	May 2012–present[1]
Model years	2013–present
Assembly	United States: Belvidere, Illinois (Belvidere Assembly Plant) China: Changsha, Hunan (GAC Fiat)
Designer	Joe Dehner (2011)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car (C-segment)
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback (Ottimo)
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Compact U.S. Wide
Related	Alfa Romeo Giulietta Jeep Cherokee (KL) Chrysler 200 (UF) Fiat Ottimo (China)
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L FIRE I4 (TURBO gasoline)[2] 2.0 L Tigershark I4 (gasoline)[2] 2.4 L Tigershark I4 (gasoline)[2]
Transmission	6-speed FPT C635 manual[2] 6-speed FPT C635 DCT automatic[2] 7-speed FPT C725 DCT automatic (China)[3] 6-speed Powertech 6F24 automatic[2]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.4 in (2,703 mm)[4]
Length	183.9 in (4,671 mm)[4]
Width	72.0 in (1,829 mm)[4]
Height	57.7 in (1,466 mm)[4]
Curb weight	3,186–3,348 lb (1,445–1,519 kg)[5]
Chronology
Predecessor	Dodge Caliber Fiat Bravo (2007)

The current version of the Dodge Dart is a compact sedan based on a slightly enlarged Fiat Compact platform that debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 2012.^[6] The Dart was Dodge's first compact sedan since 2005, when the Dodge Neon was discontinued as part of the end of the PL platform.

The Fiat Compact platform, on which the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is built, was enlarged 1.5 in (38 mm) in width and with a 3.7 in (94 mm) longer wheelbase and is now called the Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform. This modified platform, named PF and adapted to U.S. requirements, took about 18 months to design, with development costs of US$1 billion.^[7]

History

A mini MPV concept car was designed and developed by Chrysler and revealed in 2006 as the Dodge Hornet.^[8] This was Dodge's first attempt at building a car this small and the car was expected to be released in 2010. The concept was dropped because of the 2009 financial crisis and the restructuring of the Chrysler Group.^[9] After Chrysler's merger with Fiat in late 2010, the small Dodge Hornet concept took on a new form to share a Fiat platform.^[10] In December 2011, the automaker surprised industry pundits and insiders with an announcement that the new small sedan will be called the Dodge Dart rather than "pay homage not only to the well-received 2006 concept car that carried the name but also to an ancestry of vehicles stretching back 60 years to the original Hudson Hornet."^[11][12] Commentators have debated the merits of resurrecting the Dart name for the new car.^[13]

On March 4, 2014, at the Geneva Motor Show, Sergio Marchionne denied all speculation about the production of a hatch model Dart for the North American market. He stated that "our North American consumers will be gradually offered alternatives for same or close to expense", pinpointing that potential buyers might account for either Fiat 500X, or Jeep Renegade.

Production

The Dart is built at Chrysler's Belvidere Assembly Plant,^[14][15][16] where the Dart's predecessor, the Dodge Caliber, was previously built from 2006 to 2011 (2012 was the Caliber's final model year), and is also where the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot are built. This was also where the original Dodge Neon (from 1995 to 2005) and Dodge Neon SRT4 (from 2003 to 2005) were built.

Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart started on Monday, May 7, 2012, at the Belvidere plant. The first Dart off the production line was a Rallye model with Black and Red Interior and Redline Red exterior color. The Dart was scheduled to be available for sale at dealerships in the U.S. beginning at the end of June 2012.^[17] The Aero model began production in the third quarter of 2012.^[18] The GT began production in the second quarter of 2013.^[19]

Features

Rear/side view of the Dart R/T

The Dart has three transmission options,^[20] including a Powertech 6F24 automatic transmission from Hyundai,^[21] and will come with electrically boosted power steering that has a sensor and electric motor mounted to the rack itself.^[22] Interiors are customizable with 12 different color/fabric combinations and optional ambient lighting systems; leather seats are an available upgrade. The dashboard features a 7-inch (178 mm) color TFT Thin Film Transistor display, a “floating island bezel” placed between traditional round gauges, which graphically shows trip computer and navigation system information; it is integrated to make it appear to be part of the gauge cluster itself, rather than a separate screen. Storage includes a glove box, center console with auxiliary electronics jacks, and console map pockets.^[22] Trunk volume is 13.1 cu ft (370 L).^[4]

In 2014, all Darts aside from the SE got standard U Connect Bluetooth telephone for 2014. A Blacktop Package, featuring black alloy wheels and black accents, for all models except SE and Limited, as well as a California Appearance Package for the SXT and Limited, both became available for 2014.

The Dart was the first compact sedan to feature a rear obstacle detection system and blind spot monitoring.^[22] A Dart version managing an unadjusted combined driving 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_-imp) (16.94 km/L) made it possible for Fiat to acquire an additional 5% share of Chrysler Group.^[23]

Suspension

The Dart uses a similar suspension system to that of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta: in front it has independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar and in the rear it has independent multilink suspension.^[4] According to Dart chief engineer the suspension is slightly softened compared with the Alfa, "We've taken a little edge off it," "It's a blast to toss around."^[24]

Safety and driving aids

The Dart is equipped with numerous safety features such as brake assist, brake-lock differential, rainy brake support, hydraulic boost compensation, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, trailer-sway control, rear backup camera and rear park assist. The Dart has 10 airbags standard; it also has a reactive head-restraint system for the front seats, and other available systems are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.^[25] The Giulietta, on which the Dart is based, has achieved the highest rating for a compact car in the EuroNCAP tests.^[26]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2013 Dart a five-star safety rating in the frontal offset barrier, rollover, and side impact crash tests. The Dart also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012.^[27]

Engines

Dodge Dart Rallye

The Dart has three engine options: a Tigershark 16-valve 2-liter engine, a "Tigershark" 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine, and a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled turbo engine used also in Alfa Romeo Giulietta.^[28] That engine has been retuned for American use (changing the required grade of oil to one widely available in the U.S. and Canada, for example) in the Fiat 500 Abarth^[29] The 1.4T Dart also will have more torque than the Abarth. A 6-speed manual transmission is available with all engine options, a six-speed automatic is optional on the 2.0 L and 2.4 L engines and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission is available on the 1.4 L turbo unit. Marchionne has stated that a 9-speed automatic will not be available until sometime later.^[30] All Dart engines are built in Dundee, Michigan.^[15]

In 2014, the Dart SXT and Limited both got a 2.4L I4 engine with increased horsepower ratings, making the 2.0L Tigershark I4 engine only available in the base SE model. The 2.4L I4 engine was offered in late 2013 with the introduction of the Dart GT model. The Dart Aero model is the only model available with the 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged I4 engine.

Model	Engine type	Displacement	Power	Torque	Fuel consumption (City/Highway) EPA est.	Notes
SE, SXT (2013), Rallye, Limited (2013)	Chrysler 2.0 L I4 Tigershark	1,999 cc (122 cu in)	160 bhp (119 kW) @ 6,400 rpm	148 lb·ft (201 N·m) @ 4,600 rpm	25 mpg-US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg-imp)/36 mpg-US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp)	-
SXT (2013), Rallye, Limited (2014)	Fiat 1.4 L I4 FIRE MultiAir Turbo	1,368 cc (83.5 cu in)	160 bhp (119 kW) @ 5,500 rpm	184 lb·ft (249 N·m) @ 2,500 rpm	27 mpg-US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg-imp)/39 mpg-US (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg-imp)	-
Aero					27 mpg-US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg-imp)/41 mpg-US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg-imp)	-
SXT, Limited, GT	Chrysler 2.4 L I4 Tigershark MultiAir 2	2,360 cc (144 cu in)	184 bhp (137 kW) @ 6,250 rpm	171 lb·ft (232 N·m) @ 4,800 rpm	23 mpg-US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg-imp)/33 mpg-US (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg-imp)	-

*Source:^[2][31]

Engine and transmission configurations

Engine model	Years	Transmissions
Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder	2012–	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (Powertech 6F24)
Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo	2012–	6-speed manual, 6-speed dual dry clutch
2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2	2012–	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (Powertech 6F24)

Models

The Dodge Dart comes in five distinct models.

The SE is the base model, offering an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and AUX jack, a fan with heater, cloth seating surfaces, manual door locks, and sixteen-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers.

The SXT is a step up from the base SE model, adding seventeen-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, air conditioning, six speakers, and keyless entry. In 2014, the SXT got new wheel covers and optional sixteen-inch alloy wheels. The Rallye trim was a distinct model but is now available as a package that can be added to the SXT trim.

The Aero is a version of Dodge Dart designed for optimal fuel efficiency. It is equipped with 1.4-liter MultiAir intercooled turbo engine, aerodynamic enhancements (lightweight aluminum chassis components, active grille shutters, underbody aero kit, a lowered profile and low-rolling resistance tires), six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT). In 2014, the Aero got standard alloy wheels. The Aero became the only Dart to have the 1.4L MultiAir I4 for 2014, as well as the only Dart to have the optional DCT transmission.

The Limited is the top-of-the-line luxury Dart. It features eighteen-inch chrome-finished wheels, an 8.4-inch touch-screen AM/FM stereo with CD player and Bluetooth, SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, a nine-speaker, 506-watt premium sound system manufactured by Alpine for Dodge, and chrome accents.

Compared to the Limited trim, the GT features eighteen-inch lightweight alloy wheels, suspension modifications, leather color schemes, body-color accents, and a 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission (automatic optional). This model was originally unveiled at the Dart's January 2012 introduction as the "R/T" model, but was renamed the "GT" in January 2013, prior to availability.^[32]

SRT racing Dodge Dart

At the New York International Auto Show in 2012, a Dodge Dart turbo four-wheel drive rally car was shown, after the earlier release of a rendering. The blue-and-white SRT-badged car will enter Global RallyCross Championship racing competitions, driven by professional rally car drivers including four-time Rally America Champion Travis Pastrana.^[33]

It is a race car for the 2012 Global RallyCross Championship. Based on 2013 Dodge Dart, it included a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbo-charged engine rated 600 hp (447 kW) and over 550 lb·ft (746 N·m) of torque, Sadev 4-wheel drive transmission.^[34][35]

On May 6, 2014, the Dart SRT was confirmed by the FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group. Originally based on the 5-year plan it looked like the unveiling of the Dart SRT was set for December 2016, but due to Fiat Chrysler's decision to end production on the Dart, the SRT trim will not go forward as planned.^[36]

Fiat models

Fiat Viaggio photographed in Shanghai, China

The Fiat Viaggio ("journey", "voyage" in English), also called fēi xíang (菲翔), is a sedan version of the Dodge Dart for the Chinese market, designed by the Fiat Group Style Centre in Turin, Italy. It offers a choice of 1.4-litre T-Jet engine producing 120 PS (88 kW) or 150 PS (110 kW), with 5-speed manual or 6-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (C635-DDCT).

The Viaggio was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing International Auto Show, and went on sale in Q3 2012,^[37][38] with delivery by the end of 2012.^[39]

The Fiat Ottimo is a 5-door hatchback version of the Viaggio for the Chinese market. It was introduced at 2013 Guangzhou Auto Show and was designed by Roberto Giolito.^[40] The Ottimo offers a same 1.4-litre T-Jet engine of the Viaggio with 5-speed manual transmission or a new 7-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (C725-DDCT).

Engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm, Torque@rpm
1.4T 120HP	2012–	1,368 cc (83.5 cu in) I4 turbo (T-Jet turbo)	120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp)@5500, 206 N·m (152 lb·ft)@2500
1.4T 150HP	2012–	1,368 cc (83.5 cu in) I4 turbo (T-Jet turbo)	150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp)@5500, 230 N·m (170 lb·ft)@3000

Transmissions

Model	Years	Types
Wyatt Exclusive Edition 1.4T 120HP	2012–	5-speed manual, 6-speed dual dry clutch
Enjoy Edition 1.4T 120HP	2012–	5-speed manual, 6-speed dual dry clutch
Energizer Enjoy Edition 1.4T 120HP	2012–	6-speed dual dry clutch
Exclusive Edition 1.4T 150HP	2012–	6-speed dual dry clutch

Marketing

In July 2012, the first television ad for the Dodge Dart aired during the broadcast of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, featuring the bassline from Kanye West's "No Church in the Wild", a spoof on the Reliant Robin and a cameo by NFL's Tom Brady.^[41] In May 2013, the Dodge Dart was marketed as a tie-in to promote the film Fast & Furious 6, despite not appearing on the film. Only appeared in Fast & Furious 6 : The Game.^[42]

Recognition

The 2013 Dodge Dart Aero was among the five finalists for the 2013 Green Car of the Year awarded by Green Car Journal at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.^[43]

Discontinuation

On January 27, 2016, Fiat Chrysler announced that it will end production of the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 due to the company's decision to redirect its energies towards building Crossover vehicles. A plan to move production from its Belvidere Assembly Plant to Mexico was in the works but later scrapped. Another factor was in how the vehicle was reviewed by Consumer Reports and laying blame on the vehicle's designers, along with declining sales.^[44]

Sales in the United States

Calendar Year	Total sales
2012	25,304 [45]
2013	83,388 [46]
2014	83,858 [47]
2015	87,392 [48]

Notes

1. Trudell, Craig (April 29, 2012). "Chrysler’s Dart Dodges Parts Snags as Plant Nears Start". Bloomberg Business Week. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
2. "New Tigershark Engines and Turbo 1.4-liter MultiAir Engine Power 2013 Dodge Dart". media.chrysler.com (Press release). Retrieved January 10, 2012.
3. Fiat C725 DCT
4. "2013 Dodge Dart – 2012 Detroit Auto Show". insideline.com. Retrieved 2012-01-08.
5. "2013 Dodge Dart CANADIAN SPECIFICATIONS" (PDF). chryslercanada.ca. Retrieved 2014-11-04.
6. "2013 Dodge Dart – 2012 Detroit Auto Show". roadandtrack.com. Retrieved 2012-01-09.
7. "Fiat/Chrysler: Dodge Dart rappresenta futuro gruppo (Wsj)". borsaitaliana.it (in Italian). Retrieved 2012-01-11.
8. Keegan, Matt (June 13, 2008). "Hornet Now A Possibility For Chrysler". Auto Trends. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
9. "2012 Dodge Hornet and the 2006 Dodge Hornet concept cars". Allpar.com. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
10. Johnson, Drew (June 19, 2009). "Future Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo Models Revealed". LeftLaneNews. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
11. Holmes, Jake (December 6, 2011). "No Hornet: 2013 Dodge Dart is Dodge’s New Compact Car". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
12. Vellequette, Larry P. (November 12, 2011). "Marchionne isn't one to name names". Automotive News. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
13. Vellequette, Larry P. (December 12, 2011). "Dart name: Valuable heritage -- or baggage?". Automotive News (Crain Communications). Retrieved 2012-05-07.
14. "1st production Dodge Dart rolls off assembly line". freep.com. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
15. Neil, Dan (September 8, 2012). "Dart Shows Reanimated Chrysler Is No Stiff". The Wall Street Journal. p. D11.
16. "Chrysler Group LLC Manufacturing Operations". Chrysler. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
17. Sabatini, Jeff (May 9, 2012). "2013 Dodge Dart production kicks off in Belvidere". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-05-09.
18. Ross, Jeffrey N. (October 5, 2012). "2013 Dodge Dart Aero fuel miser priced from $19,295*". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
19. Miersma, Seyth (January 14, 2013). "2013 Dodge Dart GT offers subtle menace in compact form". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2013-01-24.
20. "the All-New 2013 Dodge Dart Compact Car". Dodge. Retrieved 2011-12-08.
21. "Hyundai to supply 6-speed automatic for 2013 Dodge Dart (Jan 19, 2012)". Egmcartech.com. January 19, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
22. "Dodge Dart". dart-mouth.com. Retrieved 2011-12-09.
23. "Fiat increases its interest in Chrysler Group LLC to 58.5%" (PDF) (Press release). Fiat Spa. 2012. Retrieved 2012-01-25.
24. "2013 Dodge Dart". motortrend.com. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
25. "Class-leading Safety Features" (Press release). Chrysler. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
26. "Alfa Romeo Giulietta claims five star safety rating in EURO NCAP crash testing". Italiaspeed. June 2, 2010. Retrieved 2014-10-14.
27. "Dodge Dart and three others latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-10-04.
28. Stenquist, Paul (December 6, 2011). "Dodge Dart: A Familiar Name Returns From an Unlikely Place". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
29. "Powering the hot 2013 Dodge Dart: Chrysler and Fiat engines". dart-mouth.com. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
30. "2013 Dodge Dart is the Neon of the future". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-01-09.
31. "2013 Dodge Dart [w/video]". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-04-30.
32. Evan McCausland (January 8, 2013). "Detroit 2013: The Dodge Dart R/T Is Now The 2013 Dodge Dart GT". Automobile Magazine. Retrieved 2013-01-08.
33. "600 Horsepower Dodge Dart Rally Car". Allpar. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
34. "Taking Passion for Performance to New Heights — Dodge Enters Global RallyCross With All-new Dodge Dart and Travis Pastrana". Chrysler. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
35. "600 Horsepower Dodge Dart Rally Car". Allpar. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
37. "Dodge Dart to be pronounced "Fiat Viaggio" in Italian". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-04-14.
38. "Fiat Viaggio: world preview at the Beijing International Auto Show". Fiatpress.com. April 13, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
39. "GAC Fiat at the 12th Beijing International Auto Show". Fiatpress.com. April 23, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
40. Ross, Jeffrey. "2014 Fiat Ottimo is an Italian Dodge Dart hatchback in China". Autoblog.com. AOL. Retrieved 2014-03-26.
41. "NFL's Tom Brady appears in tonight's Dodge Dart TV ad - USA Today". USA Today (Gannett Company). July 10, 2012. Retrieved 2014-05-01.
42. Shaya, Isabella (May 13, 2013). "Dodge banks on Fast & Furious 6 tie-in to rev up Dart sales". Automotive News. Retrieved 2013-09-04.
43. Blanco, Sebastian (November 29, 2012). "Ford Fusion wins 2013 Green Car Of The Year". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
44. "Say Goodbye To The Dodge Dart And Chrysler 200" from Autoblog (January 27, 2016)
45. "Dodge Dart Sales Figures".
46. "USA Full Year 2013".
47. "FCA US LLC Reports December 2014 U.S. Sales Increased 20 Percent - Best December Sales in a Decade; Full-Year Sales Up 16 Percent - Strongest Annual Sales Since 2006". PR Newswire. January 5, 2015. Retrieved 2015-03-17.
48. "FCA US LLC Reports December 2015 U.S. Sales Increased 13 Percent - Best December in 90 Years; Full-Year Sales Up 7 Percent - Strongest Annual Sales Since 2005". PR Newswire.

External links

• Official website