Dodge Brings Back The Dart--New Small Car To Debut At Auto Show

AUBURN HILLS, MI -- (WWJ) Dodge is bringing back a classic name for its all new small car, replacing the aging Dodge Caliber with the 2013 Dodge Dart.

The Dart will make its debut at next month's North American International Auto Show.  The company promises it will stay true to the spirit of the original Dodge Dart of the 1960's.

"With Alfa Romeo DNA and Dodge's passion for performance at its core, the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that's fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and brings fun back to driving in the segment," read a statement from the company.  "Similar to the Dodge Dart of the late 1960s, the 2013 Dart offers a special blend of style, performance and innovation."

The Dart will be based upon the Alfa Romeo Giuletta.  It becomes the first Chrysler group vehicle based on a Fiat architecture.  The company says it will lengthen the platform, and tune the interior to meet American tastes.

The Dart will come with three engine choices, including the Fiat MultiAir four cylinder engine, which improves fuel economy by 15 per cent.

The Dart will be built at Chrysler's Belvedere, Ind., plant, which currently manufactures the Caliber.  It should be on the market in late 2012.

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