2013 Dodge Dart

Chrysler has finally revealed some of the most significant features of its latest car model which is the 2013 Dodge Dart. This event has placed an end to all of the rumours and speculations that are trying to describe the vehicle's appearance, overall performance, and other related characteristics. In addition to this, Chrysler's revelation has somehow encouraged more buyers to consider the 2013 version of this car as one of their top vehicle options since the Dart has a lot of exciting characteristics to offer.

The revelation also marks the return of the Dart to the automobile market a few after almost three decades since its production was stopped in 1976. As the vehicle makes it comeback into the mainstream market, Chrysler might have prepared for this. In fact, this might be the most significant reasons why the car maker has released a number of teasers prior to the revelation that the model will be returning to production.

According to Chrysler, the 2013 model of Dart will go on sale probably this summer and this would be offered with three engine options. This includes the turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder Multiair, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Tigershark, and the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Tigershark. These engines would be mated to either a speed manual transmission, 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed dual dry-clutch transmission (DDCT). The 1.4-liter turbocharged Multiair and the 2.0-liter Tigershark produces up to 160 horsepower while the larger 2.4-liter Tigershark pumps out an impressive 184 horsepower.

Aside from the three engine and transmission options, Chrysler expects that the 2013 Dodge Dart would gain a significant amount of popularity upon its release this year since the car has a well-designed interior and exterior. The Dart is actually based on a widened and lengthened platform that is used on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta which is produced by Fiat.

Since the platform was extended, the upcoming vehicle is longer and wider compared to the Giulietta. In fact, a lot of car experts were convinced that the Dart offers more interior space for car occupants to move freely. In fact, most of these car experts commented that the Dart is as roomy as a mid-size sedan and the upscale materials used on the vehicle's interior further improved the comfort it provides.

Finally, the 2013 Dodge Dart offers a number of standard equipments that buyers would surely like. This includes the dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, and the Uconnect touch screen. In addition to this, buyers could also avail of several technology upgrades such as the rear cross-path detection, blind spot monitoring, and the ParkView back-up camera on the rear.

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Have you ever needed to charge your smartphone in the car but you couldn't find the car charger? Well, the frustration is about to end: thanks to the guys at Dodge. Their latest masterpiece, the 2013 Dart Sedan comes with an embed wireless charging function. This wireless charging mat feature works with Android, iPhone and BlackBerry smartphone devices. Simply fit the phone into a special casing and the charging can begin. Dodge prides itself on being the first ever car brand to incorporate this innovative technology in a consumer vehicle.

The Dart Sedan charging system is fitted in a "power bin" located on the front console. It contains a unique electrical grid system that is designed to send power through the rear end of the special case. This is distinctively different from the induction method that is used in standard charging systems for hand-held devices. A Bluetooth link also comes in handy to ensure that there is no need to hardwire devices to the car.

With this wireless function, Dodge frees you from the need to depend on wired chargers that are sometimes cumbersome and easily damaged or lost. Another benefit of this system is its compatibility with a number of phones and MP3 players. This means that you no longer need multiple chargers for specific devices. The device will be a welcome charging option for smartphones which tend to have shorter battery life due to their multiple features.

The wireless charger is a creation of Mopar, a subsidiary of Chrysler which deals specifically with service, parts and customer care. Mopar is proud to have developed this solution that is expected to give the Dodge Dart a great marketing edge over its peers. But, it is not Mopar's first groundbreaking product: the Chrysler subsidiary is the brains behind other in-car innovations such as apps for vehicle information, vehicle tracking, vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots, electronic vehicle manuals and many others.

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Not that long ago, car shows were the place where concept cars ruled the "red carpet". New and unusual cars were easy to find. In today's economy, with fuel prices still rising, you've seen more emphasis placed on hybrid and electric cars especially at the Denver car shows which feature new automobiles. This sea change is brought about not only by high fuel prices, but also to accommodate more stringent fuel economy regulations.

Some of the most popular Denver car shows, in general, include the Denver International Auto Show, Tour de Classics, Eastern Star Car Show, Fat Summer Nights Car Show and Rocky Mountain Rod and Custom Show.

The experts are predicting a continuing rise in fuel prices, as developing countries increase their demand for fuel. So it is with an acceptance of reality that the automakers will be as focused on fuel economy as are their buyers. And those buyers found many options of fuel-efficient cars in the Colorado Convention Center this past March. There are always the truly unique concept cars, too, but a lot of attention was focused on the cars that can help your wallet the soonest.

Officials at the popular Denver Car Show (or Denver International Auto Show as it is formally known) have estimated that 20-percent of the cars displayed this year featured an electric, hybrid or other alternative-fuel system. Two prime examples are the Acura NSX hybrid concept car and the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In hybrid.

Concern for the environment and the seeking of cars with better fuel economy are also the reasons why GM's Buick Encore was at the show. The Encore is a compact SUV. In addition, people saw a radical look on an old model name with the 2013 Dodge Dart, which is an aerodynamic compact car.

Most of the cars seen at the car show had smaller engines, if they were not hybrids or electric vehicles. For example, you can purchase a Ford Fusion now with a V-6, but after this year, they will only offer several 4-cylinder engines. The Dodge Dart also only comes equipped with a 4-cylinder engine.

Range Rover's Evoque only gets 22 mpg combined, but that is a good figure when you take into account its 4-cylinder, turbo-charged engine. This vehicle promises a quality level of driving performance. Hyundai's Elantra, which is a compact car, can get 40 miles per gallon and it's still fun to drive, according to reviewers.

Mercedes has introduced an electric vehicle for 2013, the SLS AMG E-Cell. It sports more power than standard electric vehicles, and in soft mode, it only uses 40% of the capacity of the four motors. With charging time of only an hour, this speedy electric car has a 90 mile range.

Volkswagen introduced its VW CC this year as well, with a direct injection engine that is even turbocharged. It gets 31 mpg highway. Reviewers have commented that the price is still too high for this car to be truly competitive, at $35,000. It would compete more with other cars in its class if VW had priced it in the 20's instead of the 30's.

We saw plug-in cars at the Denver car shows, too. Since standard vehicles that run on gasoline are getting higher fuel economy ratings, though, it may not be the day of the plug-in car just yet. But it's getting closer, if current fuel prices are any motivator.

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The 2012 model year is the last one for the Dodge Caliber, a compact wagon-like vehicle that has failed to attract a strong and loyal following. The Caliber was one of the last models conceived as part of the DaimlerChrysler marriage, a vehicle that reflected much of what was wrong with that partnership then what was right.

The Dodge Caliber followed the popular Neon compact, a sedan that was sold for 11 models years beginning in 1995. A coupe was part of the original line, but only the sedan was built for the second generation model that was introduced for the 2001 model year. The Neon preceded the DaimlerChrysler marriage, but plans to replace it began shortly after Daimler assumed control in 1998, but those changes had to wait until the second generation model, already in the planning stages, came to an end.

That delay hurt the company and resulted in a vehicle that was one year late and less than spectacular. Indeed, no 2006 model was built, although the Caliber did arrive in January 2006 and was promptly christened a 2007 model.

Initially, the Caliber was sold in front- and all-wheel-drive variations, but soon the AWD was discontinued due to lack of sales and a tendency to consume more gas than any other small car on the market. Three engine choices -- 1.8- 2.0- and 2.4-liter four cylinder motors were initially offered, but eventually only the 2.0-liter remained. That motor produces 158 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 141 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. When paired with a 5-speed manual transmission fuel economy is a respectable 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway. However, when paired with a continuously variable transmission, those numbers slip to 23 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, well below what any car in its class served up.

What Caliber offers best is interior room, serving up 96.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. Its standard 18.4 cubic feet of cargo volume rivals many full-size sedans and with the rear seat folded down there is 47.4 cubic feet of cargo volume available. That's more than enough room back there to tote home those yard sale finds.

Where the Caliber failed to excite, the 2013 Dodge Dart promises to reinvigorate Dodge's small car offering. The Neon was certainly cute and affordable, offering a sport R/T model too. But, the Dodge Dart brings back a historic name and with it three engine choices including MultiAir and Tigershark engines supplied by Fiat. Indeed, the Dart is based on a Fiat corporate platform, modified to give riders what they want in a small Dodge model. It will also make available a transmission not found in a single luxury car today -- a 9-speed automatic that is supplied by ZF and scheduled to arrive for the 2014 model year. In the meantime, 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions will have to do, capable gearboxes just the same.

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