Chrysler->ke21 has unveiled the first details on a new limited-edition vehicle set to be unveiled at next month's Chicago Auto Show. The new Mopar '13 Dodge Dart will join the current lineup of limited-edition vehicles offered by Mopar: Mopar '10 Dodge Challenger, Mopar '11 Dodge Charger and Mopar '12 Chrysler 300.

This special Dart->ke4128 will be distinguished by a gloss-black finish with a pair of car-length Mopar Blue stripes, plus a very cool aerodynamic kit and an updated interior.

The new Dodge Dart Mopar '13 will be limited to only 500 units, and will be put into production this spring at the company’s assembly plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Each customer will also get a limited-edition sketch of the vehicle signed by Mark Trostle, Chrysler Group Chief Designer for the Mopar Brand.

Updated 01/31/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.

UPDATE 06/13/13: Dodge has released pricing details for the Dart Mopar '13. Click past the jump to read at least how much it's going to cost you to own one.

Hit the jump to read more about the Mopar '13 Dodge Dart.

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar '13

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar '13
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Dart Mopar '13 will feature an aerodynamic kit that includes a new front chin spoiler, a one-piece deck-lid spoiler, plus a very aggressive rear diffuser. The car sits on a set of gloss-black 18-inch wheels with a Mopar logo and will be further distinguished by a Mopar badge in the grille.

The car will be painted in a combination of gloss-black and blue racing stripes.

Interior

The same black-and-blue combination continues on the interior where Mopar added blue leather seats with black accents, blue paint and lighting for the centerpiece, plus numerous other blue accentsto go along with light-black chrome and gloss-black elements.

The list of standard equipment includes:

-Industry-first wireless charging for smartphones

-Blue-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob

-Bright sport-pedal kit

-Premium Mopar carpet floor mats

-Door-sill guards

-8.4-inch navigation screen.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the car features a 1.4-liter MultiAir intercooled turbo engine mated to a manual transmission. Final specifications haven't been revealed just yet, but for sure it will be a little bit more than the standard 160 horsepower offered in the Dart.

Mopar also included a performance-tuned exhaust that will make the engine sound even more aggressive.

Suspensions and Brakes

The Dart Mopar ‘13 will also feature some suspension upgrades to help improve its handling. Each customer will get a performance steering-gear calibration, a 7 mm (0.27-inch) lower ride, plus a premium brake system inspired by Mopar racecars. Also, the 18-inch wheels will be wrapped in high-performance tires sized 225/40R18.

Prices

The new Dodge Dart Mopar '13 will be limited to only 500 units, and will be put into production this spring. Dodge has announced that the Dart Mopar '13 will come with a base price of $25,485, not including the $995 destination fee.

Competition

With the updates offered by Mopar, this special version Dodge Dart will get a little bit closer to high-performance versions of competitors like Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima.

2013 Kia Optima SXL

Last year at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show Kia unveiled the Optima SX Limited, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo GDI V-6 engine that delivers a total of 274 horsepower. We expect the Dart Mopar ’13 to come close to this output. The problem with this Optima is its roughly $35k price tag, but you should expect something similar for the Dart Mopar '13.

2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

Hyundai, on the other hand, offers the Sonata 2.0T, which is priced at less than $25k and is powered by a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine rated at 274 horsepower. This is definitely a viable option, if you are looking for similar performance only, but the Dart’s updated appearance puts it over the top.

Conclusion

Any updates offered for such a cool car like Dodge Dart make us very happy, but in this case, we are wondering if it really worth the likely sky-high price. Of course, you will say that we have no price or specifications just yet, but a price of at least $30k is a near certainty. Would you pay that much for a sedan powered by a four-cylinder engine?