There has been much excitement over the brand-new 2013 Dodge Dart as it’s the first Chrysler product to be based upon a Fiat architecture – in fact so much that some couldn’t just wait and unleashed a slew of pictures as well as the first video of the compact sedan on the road.
The Dart effectively replaces the Caliber in Dodge’s lineup offering the Chrysler Group a direct rival to the Ford Focus and Chevrolet saloons.
It is based on a wider and longer version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta’s platform and will offer American buyers an initial choice of three gasoline four-cylinder engines including a pair of natural aspirated units with a displacement of 2.0-liters and 2.4-liters rated at 160 and 184-horses respectively as well as a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Abarth 500 with 160-ponies.
The front-wheel drive Dart will debut with a Fiat Group-sourced 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and a six-speed manual gearbox but in 2013, it will gain a new 9-speed transmission that is currently being developed by the ZF Group.
We’ll have all the details from the Detroit Motor Show but for now, enjoy the first official pictures and video after the break.
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