dodge dart tft display brands

Dodge is reviving the Dart brand with a new 2013 car, and it"s adding a customizable digital instrument cluster that the company says is a first for a compact vehicle. We spent some time with a mock-up, and there"s a lot to like about the new layout. The 7-inch TFT display is bright with vivid colors, and while it"s nestled between the car"s physical RPM and fuel gauges the visual effect is that you"re viewing one continuous display. The system allows you to change the look of your speedometer with four different preset styles, and you can customize the information laid out in the corners of the screen: time, date, and available driving range are amongst the options. Turn-by-turn directions are also delivered to the display, and integration with the car"s Uconnect Media Center is of course included.

We were informed that some minor animations do occur when directions appear on the display, but a Dodge representative reassured us that the company has tested the system to ensure that drivers won"t be distracted (changing display presets is disabled altogether while the car is in motion). The 2013 Dart will be released later this year at a starting price of $15,995; there"s no word yet on when the new dashboard will be making its way to other Dodge vehicles.

Ever wonder how the 2013 Dodge Dart"s huge TFT instrument panel screen was developed?Well, according to Dodge"s latest ad, developing the high-tech feature required the use of a time machine.

In the 30-second ad dubbed "How to Make the Most Hi-Tech Car," Dodge shows how the Dart instrument panel"s TFT screen was made. First, Dodge claims, you start with nothing and then build a car from scratch. Next comes a time machine that pulls "Future Guy" from the year 3000, who travels back to 2012 to create the TFT screens. Finally, you send him back and destroy the time machine.

We"re pretty much in agreement with all the steps expect the first step, since the Dart wasn"t built from scratch but based on a modified Alfa Romeo Giulietta chassis.

The commercial spot will first air on September 5, just in time for the NFL season. It"s based on a longer ad that aired a couple months ago titled, "How To Change Cars Forever." That spot explains how the birth of the Dodge Dart and includes an appearance by NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who also makes a cameo in the second ad.

Neon, and Team Pentastar appears to be going all out. We were especially interested in getting a first-hand look at the automaker"s new infotainment system, and its interesting take on a next-generation instrument panel. The gauge cluster is powered by a seven-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display that enables the driver to customize the interface to his or her desire, and appears to be simple and intuitive to operate.

Dodge Communications representative Kathy Graham was nice enough to give us a quick walkthrough of the cutting-age tech, and we have the video to prove it.

The Dodge Dart is a front-engine, front-wheel drive, four-door compact sedan that was manufactured and marketed by then FCA US LLC, a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The automobile made its debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. In some non-US markets, the Dodge Dart is sold as the Fiat Viaggio.

Resurrecting a nameplate used by Dodge for model years 1960-1976 for a succession of full-size, mid-size and finally compact models, the Dart (PF) was the brand"s first compact sedan since 2005, when the Neon was discontinued.

A mini MPV concept car was designed and developed by Chrysler and revealed in 2006 as the Dodge Hornet.2009 financial crisis and the restructuring of the Chrysler Group.Fiat in late 2010, the small Dodge Hornet concept took on a new form to share a Fiat platform.

The Dart has three transmission options,TFT 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.

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.‑imp) (16.94 km/L) made it possible for Fiat to acquire an additional 5% share of Chrysler Group.

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, and stabilizer bar while in the rear it has independent multilink suspension.

The Dodge Dart came in several different trim levels during its four-year production run, each model having its own distinct level of standard and optional equipment:

The SE was the base Dodge Dart model between 2013 and 2016. It offered the following standard equipment: 160-horsepower 2.0L Tigershark I4 engine, six-speed manual transmission, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player with auxiliary and USB inputs, four-speaker audio system, heater (no air conditioning), power windows and door locks, cloth seating surfaces, dual manually-adjustable front bucket seats, split-folding rear bench seat, full instrumentation, fifteen-inch black-painted steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, and black door handles and side mirrors. Additional options available for this model included a SE Popular Equipment Group that added equipment such as air conditioning, U Connect Bluetooth with streaming audio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a six-speaker audio system, keyless entry, and exterior color-keyed side mirrors. A six-speed automatic transmission was also available for this trim level. In mid-2016, the SE trim level of the Dodge Dart was discontinued.

The SXT was the "mid-level" trim level of the Dodge Dart between 2013 and 2016. It added the following equipment to the base SE trim level: sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (2014 and newer models), U Connect Bluetooth with streaming audio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a six-speaker audio system (four-speaker audio system after mid-2016), air conditioning, keyless entry, and exterior color-keyed door handles and side mirrors. Additional options for this trim level included sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (standard on 2014 and newer models), the U Connect 8.4-inch touch-screen infotainment system, a nine-speaker, 506-watt Alpine premium amplified surround-sound audio system, remote start, a six-speed automatic transmission, a 160-horsepower 1.4 L MultiAir Turbocharged I4 engine, the Rallye Package, a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster display, and a power-adjustable front driver"s bucket seat. During the final few months of Dodge Dart production, this model was known as the SXT Sport, and with the discontinuation of the previously base-model SE trim level, became the base trim level of the Dodge Dart.

The Limited was the "up-level" Dodge Dart trim level between 2013 and 2016. It added the following equipment to the "mid-level" SXT trim level: seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the U Connect 8.4-inch infotainment system, a power-adjustable front driver"s bucket seat, Nappa luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces (2014 and later models), dual heated front seats, a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster display, a six-speed automatic transmission, a 160-horsepower 1.4 L MultiAir Turbocharged I4 engine, a 184-horsepower 2.4 L Tigershark Inline Four-Cylinder engine (standard on later models), seventeen-inch polished aluminum-alloy wheels, GPS navigation, Keyless Enter-"n"-Go with push-button start, a nine-speaker, 506-watt Alpine premium amplified surround-sound audio system, and Nappa luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces (optional on 2013 models only). In mid-2016, the Limited trim level of the Dodge Dart was discontinued.

The Aero trim level of the Dodge Dart, available from 2013 until 2016 and based on the "mid-level" SXT trim level, was focused on fuel economy, and added the following features to that model: U Connect 8.4-inch touch screen infotainment system and 160-horsepower 1.4 L MultiAir I4 engine. Additional features on this trim level included aluminum-alloy wheels, a six-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission, and remote start. The Aero trim level of the Dodge Dart achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 41 MPG Highway. In mid-2016, the Aero trim level of the Dodge Dart was discontinued.

The GT was the top-of-the-line Dodge Dart trim level between 2013 and 2016. It added the following equipment to the Limited trim level: Nappa luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces, Keyless Enter-"n"-Go with push-button start, eighteen-inch Granite Crystal-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, a nine-speaker, 506-watt Alpine premium amplified surround-sound audio system and a 184-horsepower 2.4 L Tigershark I4 engine. Additional options on this trim level included eighteen-inch Hyper Black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a remote start. During the final few months of Dodge Dart production, this model was known as the GT Sport.

The Dart has three engine options: a Tigershark 16-valve 2 L engine, a "Tigershark" 16-valve 2.4 L MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine, and a 16-valve 1.4 L MultiAir Intercooled turbo engine used also in Alfa Romeo Giulietta.manual transmission is available with all engine options, a six-speed automatic is optional on the 2.0 L and 2.4 L engines while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission is available on the 1.4 L turbo version. Marchionne has stated that a 9-speed automatic will not be available until sometime later.Dundee, Michigan.

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

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.Euro NCAP tests.

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.

At the New York International Auto Show in 2012, a Dodge Dart turbo four-wheel drive rally car was shown. The blue-and-white SRT-badged car entered the 2012 Global RallyCross Championship, driven by four-time Rally America champion Travis Pastrana and his teammates.

Based on the 2013 Dodge Dart, it included a 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbo-charged engine rated at 600 hp (447 kW) and over 550 lb⋅ft (746 N⋅m) of torque, and Sadev 4-wheel drive transmission.2013 Global RallyCross Championship season, but after Pastrana placed 10th in the driver"s standings for both years, Dodge pulled out of the series and he returned to Subaru Rally Team USA in 2014.

The Dart SRT 4 was originally planned for production starting in December 2016, based on the 2014 five-year plan of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group. However, due to the decision to end production of the Dart, the SRT 4 version was canceled.

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. A 1.4 L T-Jet engine producing 120 PS (88 kW) or 150 PS (110 kW), was available paired to a 5-speed manual or 6-speed dual clutch gearbox for 2012 and 2013. A 7-speed Dual Dry Clutch gearbox was standard from 2015 to 2017.

The Dart was manufactured at Chrysler"s Belvidere Assembly Plant,Dodge Caliber (2006-2011), Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, the first & second generation Dodge Neon (1995-2005) and Dodge Neon SRT4 (2003-2005) were all manufactured.

The Dart used a modified variant of the Fiat Compact Platform,Alfa Romeo Giulietta, widened by 1.5 in (38 mm) and lengthened by 3.7 in (94 mm) to its wheelbase — creating the Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform. The modified platform, adapted to U.S. requirements and subsequently redesignated the PF platform, was designed over approximately 18 months at a cost of US$1 billion.

In July 2012, the first television advertisement 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.

On January 27, 2016, Fiat Chrysler announced the end of Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200 production to redirect its focus towards crossover vehicles. A plan to move production from its Belvidere Assembly Plant to Mexico was in the works but later scrapped.

The Dart ended production on September 2, 2016 after failing to meet sales expectations,Dodge Neon based on the Fiat Tipo replacing it in the Mexican market.

During a press conference held at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, FCA President Sergio Marchionne said: "I can tell you right now that both the Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Dart, as great products as they were, were the least financially rewarding enterprises that we"ve carried out inside FCA in the last eight years," adding "I don"t know one investment that was as bad as these two were."

There has been a lot of rumors about the 2013 Dodge Dart being best-in-class. It is Alfa Romeo based, and it is the first global product developed after the Fiat-Chrysler partnership began. Dodge had the advantage of using an international parts bin to create an all-new entry into this segment.

Previous entries from Dodge haven’t ranked very well – Neon and Caliber come to mind. With a drastically more competitive all-around package than ever before, the Dart should escape that fate.

The awkward designs of both cars have been replaced by a much cleaner but still distinctly Dodge look, which offers up no hints of the Alfa Romeo basis underneath. The Dart is based on the Giulietta, but is bigger in a few key dimensions. Unfortunately for Dodge, we have to give the styling win to the Giulietta.

There are some awkward angles on the Dart – the direct front and rear are fine but the profile is not our cup of tea. The R/T, with its darkened headlights, looks the best, but it is the top-shelf trim level. Most of the Darts you see running around won’t be of the R/T variety. It’s just a bit underwhelming.

Inside, the Dart’s trump card is its lighting and technology. If you so choose the Dart can have customizable lighting in the cup holders, center console storage, foot wells, door handles, map pockets and glove box. The main element is the red lighting that surrounds the upper instrument panel. It is designed to look like a racetrack at night.

The gauges are customizable if you opt for a 7-inch TFT screen in place of traditional instruments. Moving to the center stack, the Dart offers the largest screen in its class – an 8.7-inch unit with a UConnect infotainment system. The glovebox is big enough to hold an iPad, and the interior can be configured in 13 different ways. Other features unique to the segment include blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection. While it starts at $15,995, the lighting, TFT screen and center stack screen are options. It’s going to be interesting to see where the Dart comes in when you tick those options boxes.

Dodge is aiming to offer the most customization opportunities with the Dart: there are 12 exterior colors, three engine options, three transmissions and three different wheel designs to choose from. Other manufacturers would do well to follow Dodge’s lead in this area.

Transmissions will include a six-speed manual, automatic or a dual dry clutch transmission. The amount of standard safety and technology features on the Dart is very impressive. Add in class-exclusive features like under-seat storage, a heated steering wheel and safety features like blind sport warning and the Dart is definitely a leader. We just wish the exterior didn’t let it down. The 2013 Dodge Dart goes on sale this June, starting at $15,995.

Class-exclusive 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display that is easily customizable to the driver’s taste. Choices include: digital and analog gauges, navigation turn-by-turn display, eco-meter, fuel economy, audio, phone, compass and temperature read outs

Class-exclusive 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display that is easily customizable to the driver’s taste. Choices include: digital and analog gauges, navigation turn-by-turn display, eco-meter, fuel economy, audio, phone, compass and temperature read outs

New ‘How to Make the Most Hi-tech Car’ TV spot reveals recipe for developing world-class technology and customization features in all-new 2013 Dodge Dart

The Dodge brand debuts a new television commercial for the groundbreaking all-new 2013 Dodge Dartas the marketing launch of its new compact car shifts into high gear beginning Wednesday, Sept. 5. The 30-second “How to Make the Most Hi-tech Car” spot reveals the steps taken to create the class-leading technology and features in the Dodge Dart, including an available 7-inch thin film transistor (TFT) customizable instrument cluster and 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect media center.

“With August sales of more than 3,000 units and two consecutive months of nearly 300 percent increases, we are very pleased with how the Dodge Dart has been received in the marketplace,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “We have been steadily ramping up dealer inventories of the Dart throughout the summer, and the fall marketing campaign will make sure everyone knows about this world-class vehicle that offers segment-leading technology and benefits never before found in a compact car.”

The extensive Dodge Dart campaign includes digital, newspaper and magazine advertising, including a USA Today newspaper cover wrap (9/6) and “home-page takeovers” on USAToday.com (9/6) and Yahoo.com (9/7). Print advertising continues into the fall with four consecutive Friday print ads running in the USA Today sports section, aligning with weekend football previews, and placements in the television season premiere issues of Entertainment Weekly and People magazines. Print ads will also run in a wide variety of lifestyle, entertainment, auto enthusiast and multicultural publications.

Since the Dodge brand first revealed its recipe for the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart this summer in the “How to Change Cars Forever” TV spot, momentum for its much anticipated entry into the highly competitive compact car segment has continued to build. As vehicles arrived in dealerships nationwide, 30- and 60-second versions of the TV spot aired on major broadcast and cable networks, and in movie theaters across the country. Dodge used high viewership programs, pop culture summer events and online communities to create awareness and interest in the Dart among key consumer groups, including young professionals who may be purchasing their first car and “boomers” who may be re-entering the compact car market looking for mid-size roominess with the affordability and price position of a compact car.

Daily average visits to the Dodge brand website, www.dodge.com, have increased by 30 percent since July. The number of consumers requesting additional information about the 2013 Dodge Dart, called “handraisers,” has increased significantly as well with California leading the states with the largest number of handraisers. Seventy-five percent of those requesting information on the Dodge Dart do not currently own a Chrysler Group vehicle.

The 30-second commercial is the second installment in the new Dodge Dart marketing campaign, in which the unique process of creating a world-class car today is revealed. In this spot, the Dodge brand outlines, in a humorous way, the steps it took to develop the class-leading technology features of the Dart. These include building a time-machine, traveling forward in time to the year 3000, and bringing back a “Future Guy” who can build the compact car’s extra-large touchscreen and customizable digital dashboard display. He is then sent back to the future and the time machine is destroyed. Easy.

The print work supporting the 2013 Dodge Dart campaign showcases the design of the vehicle and features the “New Rules” tagline introduced in the first TV spot. The first two ads contain the headlines, “We Didn’t Tweak Last Year’s. We Invented this Year’s” and “Designed in Michigan. Built in Illinois. Driven in America.”

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart leverages the world-class architecture and DNA of Alfa Romeo and then infuses it with Dodge passion and design, creating an agile, fun-to-drive compact car with mid-size levels of interior roominess and unmatched style, technology, safety and customization. The Dodge Dart brings features and content never before seen in the compact car segment. With a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of just $15,995 (excluding destination), the new Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that’s beautifully designed and crafted with high-quality materials, attention to detail and precision craftsmanship.

With an available fun-to-drive 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine offering up to 41 mpg highway, great ride and handling characteristics compliments of the Alfa Romeo-based chassis, innovative interior style featuring high-quality materials, splashes of color – like Ruby Red and Citrus Peel – and cool technology not found in the segment, like the available class-exclusive 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch Screen and 7-inch thin film transistor (TFT) customizable gauge cluster, as well as class-leading safety features, such as 10 standard air bags, and innovative style including available class-exclusive LED “racetrack” taillamps and integrated dual exhaust, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment.

BENNINGTON -- The original 1960-1976 Dart was a shorter wheelbase sedan introduced after a 1960 restructuring that separated the Plymouth marquee from Dodge (the former had previously been sold on the latter’s dealer lots). Situated as the smallest of the full-sized Dodges, the Dart enjoyed popularity and was restyled several times over the course of its production run, which included a variety of trims and powerplants, from a dependable "slant-6" up to a drag race-worthy 413 cubic inch V8.

Introduced earlier this year, the 2013 Dart resulted out of similar restructuring and the need to compete in a smaller class; although there are notable distinctions between it and the original namesake. Taking advantage of Italian manufacturer Fiat’s majority stake in the Chrysler Group, a result of Chapter 11 reorganization in 2009, the new Dart targets leading competitors in the compact segment.

The four-door, front wheel drive sedan succeeds the outgoing Caliber as the smallest Dodge, but it truthfully replaces the Neon, a sedan that ceased production in 2005. Based on Fiat’s Compact platform, the Dart shares its underpinnings with Europe’s Alfa Romeo Giulietta -- a promising lineage the American automaker touts as "Alfa Romeo DNA with Dodge passion and design."

The Dart and Giulietta share certain powerplants -- in this case, the as-tested 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged engine mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission (as also seen in the new Fiat 500 Abarth) -- but the similarities end there with the Dodge receiving dramatically different exterior styling cues more fitting to Detroit than Milan.

The Dart reflects common design elements from Dodge’s retro-inspired Charger, including the "racetrack" tail light treatment and brand signature crosshair grille -- all adding up to a rakish appearance distinguishing an otherwise ordinary silhouette (maybe it’s the Tungsten metallic gray paint).

Need variety? There are 14 interior color combinations, 12 exterior colors, seven wheel options, three engine choices and three transmissions. With Chrysler’s Mopar performance arm offering a veritable grab bag of optional parts, wheels and accessories, thousands of unique combinations are possible. From the showroom floor, the Dart falls into five basic trims.

Toward the upper end, the as-tested Dart Limited includes Dodge’s Unconnect voice command and a large touch-screen display above the center console. The test vehicle came optioned with the turbo 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder with greater torque and economy over the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated "Tigershark" powerplant.

It’s easy to snick through the gears with the very light clutch and transmission, but both gearing and clutch pedal travel seem almost excessively long. In sixth gear at 60 mph, the Dart hums along only a fraction above 2,000 rpm. That’s fine for cruising and great for economy, but inclines will require a downshift. No biggie. (Just to note, on the automatic side of things, Dodge offers both a six-speed traditional automatic and a Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT), which is properly an automated manual -- meaning no clutch pedal).

For more performance, there’s a yet-to-be-released R/T trim with a 2.4-liter engine and sport-tuned suspension. In its more pedestrian garb, the Dart is still ostensibly sporty, displaying good handling characteristics and staying mostly flat through corners. The Dart’s steering offers good feel and weight, while remaining equally poised over slight road irregularities or seismic railroad tracks.

The interior cabin delivers legroom and comfortable seating, and indicative of today’s smarter packaging, just to compare -- the original 1960 Dart was a full 26-inches longer but had less interior room. (It also had tail fins.) Various cubbies in the 2013 are located around the middle console, dash and doors, and there’s also a secret compartment built into the passenger’s seat perfect for stashing, well, whatever.

The standout interior feature in the Limited proves to be the all-digital instrument panel facing the driver front and center behind the steering wheel, eschewing a traditional speedometer. Using Thin Film Transistor technology and LED backlighting, the colorful 7-inch display is bright and crisp and legible in all light, and can depict any amount of useful information from coolant temperature to tire pressures, fuel economy and trip information, turn-by-turn directions, and your choice of digital or analog speedo.

In one screen, a sunflower looses or gains petals based on your average fuel economy (I’m not sure the lads driving Rams will be impressed with that one). Chrysler Group’s head of interior design, Klaus Busse, called the Dart a "showpiece" for Dodge’s next generation philosophy of interior design. The interior accents are appreciated, like red LED lighting bezeled around the instrument panel that mirrors the rear tail lights and adds atmosphere at night. As a result, the editors of WardsAuto World picked the Dart’s cabin as one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors for 2012.

The TFT display is a great complement to the 8.4-inch touch-screen located atop the center stack, which comes off ho-hum in comparison despite its huge size. The center display can be used for controlling most functions including the stereo, heating and air conditioning, and navigation. But at certain times of the day with the sunroof open, the big display can be hard to read under direct sunlight -- while at night viewing maps, it’s blindingly bright even on the default automatic brightness setting.

Given added voice commands, you might never have to fuss with the big display anyway. There’s no Siri-like personality here, fortunately, but the Dart does pick up and understand commands, as I was able to check the five-day weather forecast on my first attempt after breezing through the intuitive audio tutorial.

Dodge employed a few neat tricks to the outside of the upper trim Darts as well. On the Limited, active grille shutters open and close allowing the car to reach operating temperature more quickly and produce better aerodynamics at highway speeds. The Limited also gets the underbody aerodynamic treatment.

Safety-wise, the Dart earns five star ratings and a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety courtesy 10 standard airbags and active and passive safety features including optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and a rear-view backup camera.

Neat technology, handsome looks, solid performance -- but choose your level of trim carefully. Perusing the other Darts on the lot, I preferred the looks of the Rallye’s bucket seats, as well as its black grille surround and black headlight bezels. Personally, the TFT display is too catching to pass up, and the 1.4-liter is preferable if you’re not eyeing the performance option R/T.

The reintroduced Fiat was a big driver of that success, but the Dart sold well too: From its first full month of sales in August,September saw 5,235 units sold, a 72 percent uptick. The compact segment is certainly crowded with options, but Dodge now has a bull’s eye competitor thanks in part to the Italians.

•184 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 I-4 engine, mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, is now standard on 2014 Dodge Dart SXT, Limited and GT models

•2014 Dodge Dart redefines performance with an agile, fun-to-drive experience and delivers highway fuel economy ratings of up to 41 miles per gallon (mpg)

•Segment-leading safety features and innovative, easy-to-use technology, include racetrack LED tail lamps, projector headlights, integrated dual exhaust, 8.4-inch touchscreen and 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) reconfigurable display

September 1, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2014 Dodge Dart – the leading compact car in total quality, according to Strategic Vision"s Total Quality Index – arrives in dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2013 with a fresh model lineup driven by customer feedback from its first year in the marketplace.

Also new for 2014, Dodge is expanding the use of the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine in the Dart. The 2014 Dart SXT, Limited and GT models are all powered by the standard 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 I-4 engine, which produces 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission (SXT and GT models) or available six-speed automatic transmission (standard on the Limited model). The 2014 Dart Aero model, which gets up to 41 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, is powered by the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or available dual-dry clutch transmission (DDCT). The 2014 Dart SE model is powered by the 2.0-liter Tigershark engine mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or available six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Some things don"t change. The Dodge Dart continues to redefine the compact car segment with its stylish, athletic exterior design, an exquisite interior design that"s well-crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail not typically found in the compact car segment. The Dart is loaded with more than 60 safety and security features that give drivers and passengers peace of mind. Constructed of 68 percent high strength steel, among the highest in the industry, the Dodge Dart"s key available safety and security features include a class-leading 10 standard air bags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes standard on every model, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, all-speed traction control, ParkView rear backup camera, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, ParkSense rear park assist, LATCH anchors, which allow a child seat to be placed in any of the three rear seat positions, and much more.

The 2014 Dodge Dart is loaded with innovative technology that is easy-to-use and delivers the information and entertainment drivers want while allowing them to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. The Dart offers the class-exclusive Úconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen radio, the largest in the segment; the Úconnect Voice Command system, which allows drivers to operate a Bluetooth compatible phone with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, enables drivers to switch radio modes, tune to AM/FM and SiriusXM Radio stations and request real-time information (such as fuel prices) from SiriusXM Travel Link using natural voice commands; and features a 7-inch full-color customizable LED instrument cluster to let the customer decide what format they want the information displayed.

The Dart"s chassis is engineered to deliver sporty European handling dynamics and steering precision with ride and comfort characteristics tuned for North American roads. The FIAT Group architecture – compliments of the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta – is the basis of the Dart"s underpinnings. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of exceptional driving dynamics and agility, and that DNA carries over to the new Dodge Dart.

The exceptional balance of fun-to-drive dynamics, emergency handling, ride comfort and a quiet cabin is accomplished through the suspension bushing tuning and the Dart"s exceptional body structure, including the front aluminum cradle, rear upper and underbody structure reinforcement and superior suspension attachment stiffness.

With a 15:1 steering ratio, the 2013 Dodge Dart is one of the fastest-steering vehicles in the compact car segment. Dart features standard electric power steering (EPS) on all models, which delivers sporty handling by managing significant loads at all steering wheel operating speeds. All of the power assist is provided via an electric motor system rather than a traditional hydraulic system. Because the system is fully electronic, the driver experiences optimal steering effort at all vehicle speeds, and there is less noise and better fuel efficiency since there is no parasitic loss from a power steering pump.

With a starting Ú.S. MSRP of $15,995 (excluding $995 destination), the Dart SE is loaded with standard content that is uncommon in the segment for an entry-level model, such as power windows, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and 10 standard air bags. It is powered by the 2.0-liter Tigershark I-4 engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, which produces 160 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/36 highway/29 combined.

Standard equipment on the 2014 Dodge Dart SE model includes: black cloth seats, 10 standard air bags, electronic brake assist, electronic stability control, Hill-start Assist (HSA) all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation, four-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes, lock-on-sync tire pressure sensors, six-way manual adjust driver and front passenger seat, driver seat height adjuster, front-seat active headrests, three rear-seat head restraints, rearview day/night mirror, sun visors with vanity mirrors, floor console with covered storage, Úconnect AM/FM CD player, satin silver shift knob, two front cup holders, solar control glass, Sentry Key theft-deterrent system, power windows with driver one-touch, standard instrument cluster with tachometer, soft-touch dash; manual door locks, dual-note electric horns, outside temperature display in odometer, front courtesy map lamps, headlamp off-time delay, bi-function halogen projector head lamp, body-color crosshair grille with body-color surround, chrome headlamp bezels, black door handles, 14.2-gallon fuel tank, four speakers, audio input jack for mobile devices, electric power steering, tilt/telescopic steering column, grocery bag hooks, 16-inch steel wheels with cover, tire service kit and more.

In addition to the standard equipment of the SE, the 2014 Dodge Dart SXT adds the 2.4-liter Tigershark with MultiAir technology, delivering 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, at a starting Ú.S. MSRP of just $18,495.

The Cold Weather Group features body-color heated mirrors, heated front premium cloth seats, ParkView rear backup camera, tire-pressure monitoring display and remote start (with automatic transmission).

The 2014 Dodge Dart Aero model includes as standard equipment the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine generating 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque mated to the six-speed manual transmission or available six-speed DDCT.

Starting at a Ú.S. MSRP of $19,995, new standard features on the Aero model for 2014 include: 16-inch aluminum wheels, 8.4-inch Úconnect touchscreen media center with floating island bezel, 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) reconfigurable display, rear backup camera, Úconnect Bluetooth with Voice Command, auto-dimming rearview mirror, SiriusXM Radio and remote start (automatic transmission).

Other standard features include LED racetrack tail lamps, underbody aerodynamic kit, active grille shutters, ultra-low-rolling resistance tires, speed-sensing power locks, keyless entry with panic alarm, body-color power mirrors, body-color door handles, air conditioning with Micron filter, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, speed control, automatic headlamps, "Aero" badge, black cloth interior, tire inflator kit, single note horn and a 13.2-gallon fuel tank. The Dart Aero has an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 city/41 highway/32 combined when mated to the available DDCT transmission and 27 city/39 highway/32 combined when mated to the standard six-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The 2014 Dart Limited is the premier model for the customer who wants to treat themselves with amenities that make the drive just a little more indulgent. The Limited model includes a tremendous level of premium features for a starting Ú.S. MSRP of $22,995.

Other standard Limited content over the SXT includes 17-inch Satin Silver aluminum wheels, touring suspension, rear stabilizer bar, 10-way power driver seat, including four-way power lumbar adjust, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power front windows with one-touch up/down, premium, full-color 7-inch TFT reconfigurable instrument gauge cluster with tachometer and compass, ParkView rear backup camera, ambient interior LED lighting, illuminated floating island bezel/instrument panel surround, universal garage door opener, body-color heated power mirrors with courtesy lamps and supplemental signals, projector fog lamps, bright crosshair grille with body-color surround, chrome headlamp bezels, bright door handles and more.

The Dart Limited model also offers the ability to customize with polished aluminum wheels, premium Alpine audio system, or the sophisticated equipment of the Technology Group, which includes Blind-spot monitoring, and class-exclusive Rear Cross Path detection, ParkSense rear park assist system, HID Xenon SmartBeam headlamps, rain-sensitive wipers and ultrasonic intrusion alarm.

The sporty 2014 Dart GT models offer consumers enhanced performance and style for a starting Ú.S. MSRP of $20,995. The Dart GT builds off the SXT and includes as standard equipment: unique sport suspension and steering, Keyless Enter "n Go with push-button start, 18-inch aluminum wheels, integrated dual exhaust, black fascia with Hyper Black grille, dark-tinted automatic headlamps, projector fog lamps, heated exterior mirrors with side turn signal and puddle lamps, unique perforated Nappa leather seats, heated front seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium soft-touch door trim, Úconnect 8.4 CD/MP3 radio with 8.4-inch touchscreen display, single-disc remote CD player, 7-inch TFT reconfigurable display, ParkView rear backup camera, dual-zone automatic temperature control, remote start (automatic transmission) and SiriusXM Radio.

The 2014 Dodge Dart is available in the following colors: Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, Redline 2 Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat and Header Orange Clear Coat.

The 2014 Dodge Dart will arrive in Ú.S. dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter 2013 and is built in the Únited States at Chrysler Group"s Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant.

•This adds to Dart"s previously earned IIHS Top Safety Pick status and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 5-star crash rating – the agency"s highest score

•Dart"s performance enhanced by more than 60 available safety and security features, including 10 standard-equipment air bags – unsurpassed in its segment

August 8, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2013 Dodge Dart adds to its list of awards with a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"We are very pleased that the Dart has earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation," said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO Dodge Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. "In addition to its solid structure – the Dart"s 68-percent high-strength-steel content ratio is one of the highest in the industry – the Dart boasts more than 60 safety and security features. They include 10 standard air bags, which is unsurpassed in the compact car segment."

The Dodge Dart redefines performance with an agile, fun-to-drive experience, compliments of its Alfa Romeo roots. It is crafted with high-quality materials and loaded with state-of-the-art technology and class-leading safety features. The new Dart GT model builds on that foundation and offers attributes compact car buyers appreciate such as a 2.4L engine with 184 horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension, available hyper black 18-inch wheels, along with class-exclusive features like an 8.4-inch Úconnect Touchscreen media center, Úconnect hands-free with Bluetooth and LED racetrack taillamps. The Dart provides drivers with the ultimate combination of power, efficiency, technology, style and safety and security, all for a starting Ú.S. Manufacturer"s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $15,995.

For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance and in style. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SÚVs built for top performance – from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive design. With the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, the all-new Dodge Charger paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon on the highway, the new Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan – inventor of the minivan – Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the freshest dealer showrooms in the Únited States.