The recently released Dodge Dart has been a simmering topic of conversation for a lot of people. In order to build off of the buzz the car is generating, Mopar has gone out of its way to pay homage to the Dart GTS of the 60’s, building a program that it has affectionately called the Dart GTS 201 Tribute.
The car is part of a four-vehicle assault from Chrysler’s resident aftermarket company, which released the vehicles as part of their 75th anniversary. For the Dart GTS 210 Tribute, Mopar prepared two tuning packages, beginning with the Stage 1 Appearance Package. As the name suggests, this program centers on a plethora of aerodynamic upgrades on the Dart, featuring a new chin spoiler, new side sills, a rear spoiler, and a rear-diffuser-style panel, all of which have been finished in fine matte black texture. In addition, the Stage 1 program also comes with a carbon fiber hood, an applied carbon fiber roof appliqué, and a new set of 18" 10-spoke titanium wheels.
Interior modifications are also part of the Stage 1 program, consisting of seats, door panels, map pockets, and a center armrest that have been finished in a Ruby Red color with black serving as a perfect contrast on the stitching and the suede instrument cowl. Meanwhile, a red-and-black, leather-wrapped steering wheel and new floor mats finish off the rather audacious looking interior space of the Dart.
Moving into the engine - that’s the Stage 2 Performance Kit - Mopar added a slew of performance enhancing equipment, including a new cold-air intake, a cat-back exhaust, and a remapped ECU. These changes bring the Dart’s output emanating from its 2.4-liter four-cylinder MultiAir2 engine from 184 horsepower to something Mopar calls “over 210,” which explains why ’210’ is part of the car’s designation.
According to Chrysler, pricing for the two packages will be made available later this year, so stay tuned.
The last model for the current generation Dodge Viper has already rolled off the assembly line, but instead of crying about it, we can take comfort in knowing that the next generation has already been confirmed for production. News of this came when the future sports car was shown at a private Chrysler dealer conference and then confirmed by Dodge CEO Ralph Gilles.
Insiders at the event said that the next Viper will come with a more aggressive design, featuring all-new bodywork painted 25 times in candy-apple red. They also said the car’s look had moved away from its race-car roots and evolved into a more traditional sports car.
More information was provided for the new Viper at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show when Ralph Gilles, head of Chrysler’s design, took the mic. When discussing the new Viper, he said that Dodge wants to "make it a renaissance of that vehicle," in order to attract buyers younger than 45. He also denied that the new sports car will use engines from Fiat’s Ferrari brand. That’s nice, but he failed to mention where the Viper’s power will come from.
Guess we’ll just have to be patient. We should be seeing the next Dodge Viper in 2012, pegged as a 2013 model, just in time for the next "Super Car Olympics." We can’t wait!
UPDATE 11/18/2011: During an interview at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Dodge boss Reid Bigland said that the next generation Viper will attract a wider range of buyers. "It was a little crude in the past, and to a certain extent that was its appeal because you really needed to have your wits about you when you got behind the wheel to keep that thing on the road. And that thrill of driving a Viper was kind of unlike any other," Bigland says. "I think it still will be a thrilling ride with respect to the new one but offer a few more creature comforts that people come to expect in a high-performance vehicle today." The car is expected to be revealed in 2012, but not at the Detroit Auto Show. (Automotive News)
UPDATE 12/01/2011: SRT President and CEO, Ralph Gilles, has announced that the 2013 Dodge Viper will be revealed at the New York Auto Show in April 2012, skipping right over the Detroit Auto Show. (Viper Club of America).
UPDATE 01/12/2012: According to MSNBC, the new generation Viper will be offered exclusively to customers who have previously owned a Viper and the first units will only be offered to members of the Viper Club of America. However, being a member of this club doesn’t automatically make you a potential owner of the new Viper. Dodge will be selecting the lucky few through random criteria.
Hit the jump for more information on the 2013 Dodge Viper.
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The new Dodge Dart just debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and Mopar is already polishing off its tuning accessories for the revived model. Chrysler’s performance arm is offering over 150 accessories for the compact sedan, from exterior and interior add-ons to performance updates, each ready to take full advantage of the Dart’s base look.
The technological add-ons alone are enough to jump on the Mopar bandwagon, with features such as vehicle-information apps, an Electronic Vehicle Tracking System (EVTS), and WiTECH leading the pack. There are also a ton of upgrades to buff up the the exterior, including a carbon fiber scooped hood, a chrome aluminum grille, and 18-inch wheels in a unique Mopar design, polished spokes, and black-painted pockets. The rear of the Dart can benefit from a matte black rear deck lid spoiler, a chrome fuel door, and matte black side sills that attach to the side rocker panels for a sportier appearance. The interior can join in on the fun with a new pedal kit and industry-first wireless charging.
Performance is also tackled, but not in a way that will make the Dart street racing worthy. Mopar has provided a performance braking system that consists of upgraded calipers, rotors, and performance pads for increased braking power. This means that the Dodge Dart is still powered by a choice of three engines: a 160 HP 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, a 160 HP 2.0-liter Tigershark 16-valve engine, and a 184 HP 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine.
Hit the jump for a select list of Mopar accessories for the Dodge Dart.
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Some of you might be too young to remember this, but back in the 60’s, Dodge had a vehicle called the "Dart." It’s been a while since we saw this nameplate out on the streets, but now, Dodge has officially brought it back with the unveiling of a new compact sedan at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.
The new Dart is currently under development and will be based on a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback’s platform named Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW). According to Dodge, the new Dart will feature a body that’s made out of high-strength steel and a bevy of powertrain options.
The base engine for the new Dart will be a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine. Just ahead of that is a 2.0-liter Tigershark engine, while the most powerful engine will be a 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine.
Find out more about the 2013 Dodge Dart after the jump.
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Great ideas that come at the wrong place or the wrong time should always be shelved for future use. Case in point, Dodge brought out the Challenger Blacktop Concept at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show and have now decided to bring it back as an optional package for their Charger at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Chrysler has yet to announce pricing for this package, but they have announced that it will be available with an optional Beats Audio system.
The new Dodge Charger Blacktop is all about the black. It gets tinted windows, black wheels borrowed from the Challenger SRT8, as well as the sleek black exterior paint job. The muscle car’s LED rear tail light has also been smoked and the dual exhaust system is made of aluminum silver.
The interior of the Charger continues with the black theme and adds a new Beats audio system that consists of three 3.5-inch speakers located in the instrument panel, two 3.5-inch speakers located in the rear doors, two 6 x 9-inch front-door woofers that provide bass, two 6 x 9-inch speakers, and a center-mounted 8-inch speaker located in the rear-shelf area that provide full-range audio.
