DART FEVER!

The 2013 Dodge Dart has brought Chrysler back into the compact sedan game, and it does so with a winning combination of both attitude and world-class design. The Dart is a different kind of Dodge; it’s a front-wheel-drive sedan, which is based on an Italian hatchback. It starts with its basic structure, suspension and steering, which was borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta that is sold in Europe. And yet there’s plenty of classic Dodge flavor scattered throughout to make sure it fits in with its relatives but still stands out in a very competitive field. It’s bigger than the Alfa Romeo in almost every dimension, especially its extra foot of length. More importantly, it’s the biggest compact sedan on the market, with dimensions that exceed those of the Volkswagen Jetta. It is also especially wide, which provides more passenger space and creates the feeling that you’re driving something rather substantial. It really doesn’t feel like a compact car. 

2013 Dodge Dart Limited - Front

Until now, Chrysler had yet to craft a competitive compact, even throughout all its years in existence. Chrysler has finally delivered a vehicle that is stylish, fun, fuel efficient, and above all else, priced to please. On the road, the new Dodge Dart is instantly exquisite; an affordable luxury that comes in a refreshing selection of bright colors and different trim materials. As we all look for relief from high gas prices, the Dart couldn’t have come at a better time.

The 2013 Dart is a rugged, elegantly handcrafted sedan that offers a wide range of customizing options. In the compact car market, it has earned Dodge some much-needed respect. Dodge will offer three engines, three gearboxes, several trim levels, and countless personalization options that all but guarantee no two Darts will be identical.

When you step inside the Dart, you’re sure to notice how distinct and modern the interior is designed. It features one of the nicest interiors in its class, and the interior only gets nicer as you move up the trim levels. The difference is in the details. Higher-spec Darts include additional soft touch plastics and a cleanly-stitched panel above the instrument cluster.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT - Front

The exterior styling of the Dart represents a new direction for Chrysler. There are some familiar signs, like a version of the Dodge crosshair grille and available “racetrack” LED taillights like the Charger, but the Dart has traded its rugged, sturdy lines, like the Charger and Avenger for a look that’s more sleek and intricate.

Think of the possibilities…

The 2013 Dodge Dart is available in six trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, AERO, Limited and GT. The GT, which Dodge originally said would be called R/T, will be a 2013 midyear addition.

2013 Dodge Dart SE - All Black Dashboard

The base SEmodels are at the beginning of the lineup, starting at an economical $15,995, but that sticker price doesn’t include air conditioning or power locks. The SE comes equipped with 16-inch wheels, power windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a folding rear seat and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Value Group Package adds power mirrors, power locks, keyless entry and air-conditioning.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT Dashboard

Next you’ll find the refined, well-crafted and powerful SXTmodels, which include all of the SE features above and starts at just $17,995. Also included on the SXT are 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, a sliding front armrest, an upgraded instrument panel and a six-speaker sound system.

Following the SXT are the well-tailored Rallyemodels, which start at $18,995. The Rallye models put the fun back in functional and include a few extra bold styling touches, which include fog lamps, unique exterior and interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Both the SXT and the Rallye are eligible for several different option packages. The Uconnect Voice Command Packageadds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a USB port. The Popular Equipment Group Package includes cruise control, active grille shutters, underbody aerodynamic enhancements, remote ignition (automatic transmission only) and an enhanced trip computer with an upgraded display and tire-pressure monitoring information. This package also includes automatic headlamps when you also opt for one of the below packages that includes the large touchscreen electronics interface. The Premium Audio Group Package adds the touchscreen, a rearview camera, a USB audio jack, an SD card slot and upgraded interior trim. The Uconnect Touch Multimedia Center Package includes those items plus an iPod interface and a single-CD player located under the center armrest between the front seats.

Next is the more efficient AERO, which starts at $19,295. The AERO will achieve at least 40-41 mpg on the highway due to its aerodynamic enhancements, low-rolling-resistance tires and a lighter weight resulting from low feature content. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 28 mpg in the city with the manual and 27 mpg in the city with the DDCT.

2013 Dodge Dart Limited - Upgraded Interior w/Sport Red Accents,
Nappa Leather Seats and Contrasting Red French Stitching

The Limitedmodels are next, starting at $19,995, and include all of the above, plus a six-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment, Bluetooth (available separately on the SXT and Rallye) and chrome exterior trim.

Last, but certainly not least, is the GT. The GT is the most technologically advanced compact in its class and starts at $20,995. It is equipped similarly to the Limited, but also gets a more powerful engine, 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery and different exterior and interior trim.

Both the Limited and GT can be equipped with the Technology Group Package, which adds keyless ignition/entry, automatic wipers, automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors, a blind-spot warning system and a rear cross-path warning system. Also available on both trims is the Premium Group Package, which adds leather upholstery (Limited), heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control.

A Garmin-based navigation system with real-time traffic and satellite radio can be added to the Limited, GT and those models with the Uconnect Touch Multimedia Center Package.

The Dodge Dart redefines performance by giving you a choice of three gasoline engines and three advanced transmissions to get you where you need to go. Standard on all Darts (except the GT) is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder DOHC Tigershark engine, which is capable of producing 160 horsepower and 148 pounds-feet of torque. This engine has been fine-tuned to deliver an optimal balance of power and efficiency, with either the standard six-speed manual or the optionalsix-speed automatic.

2013 Dodge Dart SXT MultiAir Turbo Engine

Optional on all trims (except the GT) is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder MultiAir engine that retains the 2.0-liter’s 160 horsepower but increases the torque to 184 pounds-feet. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automated manual transmission (Dodge calls it the “DDCT”, or “Dual Dry Clutch Transmission”) is optional. The turbo and manual transmission combo was good for a 0-60-mph time of 8.3 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars in its class, according to Edmunds.com. The DDCT adds only 0.3 seconds to that time.

Lastly, the top-end GT models feature Chrysler’s 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, which displaces 2.4-liters and is capable of pumping out 184 horsepower and 171 pounds-feet of torque. This engine includes Fiat’s innovative MultiAir valve and cam timing technology to save fuel and improve response. It gets the same transmission choices as the 2.0-liter. Acceleration and fuel economy estimates were not yet available as of this writing.

All of the engines can run on regular gas, though the turbocharged prefers premium for maximum performance. The EPA gas mileage estimates are as follows:  

2013 Dart                                                                              Engine & Transmission	SE SXT Rallye Limited	SXT Rallye Limited	AERO	R/T
2.0L DOHC Tigershark™	25 City                36 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 148 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Manual Transmission
2.0L DOHC Tigershark™	24 City                34 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 148 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Automatic Transmission
1.4L Turbo w/ MultiAir®		27 City              39 Highway	28 City              41 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 184 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Manual Transmission
1.4L Turbo w/ MultiAir®		27 City              37 Highway	28 City              40 Highway
160 Horsepower plus 184 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) w/ AutoStick
2.4L Tigershark™ MultiAir® II				N/A
184 Horsepower plus 171 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Manual Transmission
2.4L Tigershark™ MultiAir® II				N/A
184 Horsepower plus 171 Pounds-Feet Torque
Six-speed Automatic Transmission

Each and every 2013 Dodge Dart comes equipped with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. A rearview camera is available, as are blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert.

According to a brake test, which was done by Edmunds.com, the Dart came to a stop from 60 mph in 118 feet, putting it among the best in the segment.

Dodge Ram 1500 named Motor Trend 'Truck of the Year'

2013 Truck of the Year: Dodge Ram 1500

2013 Dodge Ram 1500

Yesterday, the editors over at Motor Trend Magazine, named the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 as its 2013 'Truck of the Year'. The magazine praised the re-engineered 2013 Ram 1500 for its trim levels, towing capacity, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, which include grille shutters and active air suspension. Ram has also redefined its powertrain options with more fuel efficient engines, which (optionally) can be bolted to the new, first-in-segment, eight-speed transmission. The much-celebrated Pentastar 3.6-Liter V-6 has replaced the old 3.7-Liter V-6. This new engine gives this already amazing pickup truck 42% more horsepower and 13% more torque. Don't mind us as we loudly *grunt* like Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor.

Motor Trend Magazines 'Truck of the Year' contenders are evaluated by Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value, and Performance of Intended Function. To be eligible, a vehicle must either be new or substantially changed. The Ram 1500's main rivals for this years award were the Ford F-150 pickup and the new large Nissan van. Edward Loh, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend Magazine, wrote "The Ram 1500 not only withstood our rigorous testing, it impressed at every step along the way. Our judges were won over by the performance of Ram 1500's broad array of standard and optional equipment."

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Engine

The new eight-speed transmission will come standard on all V-6 models and will be optional on the V-8. For now, however, the V-8 is only available with the six-speed automatic, with the new transmission coming at a later date. While the 5.7-Liter Hemi V-8 isn't all-new, it has been revamped with variable valve timing and reinforced by more useful systems within the truck itself. 

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Engine

This includes a remodeled cooling system, electric power steering, and an electrical system with pulse width modulation that more adequately uses power to lessen the load on the alternator. Together these enhancements have enabled the new 2013 Ram 1500 to claim the best fuel efficiency in its class, for both the V-6 and V-8 models.

The addition of air suspension in the 2013 Ram 1500 is a huge step for half-ton trucks. The materials used for these modern air springs are more resistant to tearing and puncture, and also resemble those that are used on modern luxury cars. The 1500's interior has also come a long way from work trucks of the past and now includes the next-generation Uconnect access system, which is brighter and shinier than ever. The main screen now measures 8.4 inches, is upgradable with apps, and can also provide an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. 

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Driver Cockpit

The minds of truck buyers have changed. The Ram 1500 has demonstrated its ability to cover the entire market and have come a long way from just the farm or job site. Ram has delivered a V-6 powered SLT on the efficient and luxurious side and a V-8 powered Sport, which leans more towards power and performance. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and can give you everything from a very basic work truck to a near-luxury vehicle with performance and off-road models falling somewhere in between. 

For 2013, the Dodge Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including five new shades. Black Gold, Copperhead, Maximum Steel Metallic, Prairie and Western Brown are all new and available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab 4x4 Pickup in Maximum Steel Metallic

Which model will you choose? The Tradesman, Express, SLT, HFE, R/T, Big Horn, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, or Laramie Longhorn. To compare all 2013 Ram 1500 models, click here. To view our 2013 Ram Inventory, click here.

Until the rest of the industry can catch up with Ram trucks in the half-ton segment, it would be a shame to pass this one up. 

Sources: Allpar, Motor Trend, AOL Autos, Lincah, NetCarShow, Leforse and Ram Trucks

Chevrolet Volt Tops Consumer Reports’ Owner Satisfaction Survey For The Second Year

The Chevrolet Volt topped Consumer Reports' Owner Satisfaction survey for the second year in a row, with 92 percent of respondents saying they would buy their cars again.

Apparently, if you buy a Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, you can get some satisfaction. The Volt topped Consumer Reports’ annual Owner Satisfaction survey for the second year in a row, with 92 percent of Volt owners saying they would buy another.

The survey asked owners the question: “Considering all factors (price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?” More Volt owners answered “definitely yes” than the owners of any other car in the survey.

The Owner Satisfaction survey was conducted as part of the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey. The magazine received responses regarding 350,000 vehicles from 240 distinct model lines. The survey covered the 2010 through 2013 model years.

The Volt’s win was not the result of jingoism. The top scores were almost evenly split between domestic and foreign manufacturers. The top 44 models included 16 American, 14 European, and 14 Asian nameplates.

Other green cars that scored well included the Toyota Prius, Prius C, and Camry Hybrid, as well as the Nissan Leaf.

While owners are most satisfied with their Volts, the Chevy is not the green car Consumer Reports would recommend. The magazine’s editors noted that owner satisfaction is only one of three critical areas that a car needs to perform well in; the other two are road tests and reliability. Their best pick is the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Volt may not have scored as well as the Camry in other areas, but its high owner satisfaction is still remarkable. The car known as General Motors’ moon shot has been in the media spotlight since its launch, garnering both positive and negative press.

The Volt won Motor Trend’s 2011 Car of the Year and Automobile Magazine’s 2011 Automobile of the Year awards. However, it was also criticized for its high, $39,145 base price (before a $7,500 federal tax credit) and spartan four-seat interior.

The Volt’s sales have been equally schizophrenic. Earlier this year, production was stopped due to low demand. In the first ten months into 2012 (November numbers aren’t in yet), Chevy sold 19,309 Volts, compared to 5,003 sold between January and October 2011.

Last year was the Volt’s first full year of sales, but the month-to-month numbers have also been on the rise. Chevy sold 1,108 Volts in October 2011, and 2,961 in October 2012.

Story by Stephen Edelstein at Digital Trends on December 3, 2012

Drive On: Black Is Back At Dodge

Black is back in a big way when it comes to Dodge.

Just as Jeep scored with its all-blacked-out Altitude series of vehicles, Chrysler Group's Dodge division is betting that its equally noir editions of the Avenger, Challenger R/T and Charger R/T to its Blacktop lineup.

They are the Dodge Blacktop vehicles, joining one that's already out there, the Charger SXT Blacktop.

Everything is black -- paint, wheels, crosshair-style grille, spoilers and yes, um, even the tires. The bezels over the headlights aren't black, strictly speaking, but they are darkened. The package starts at $595 in addition to the price of the vehicle.

"The Blacktop package on the Dodge Charger has proven to be a resounding success by combining a customized one-of-a-kind appearance with great value -- a trademark of the Dodge Brand," said Reid Bigland, the Dodge brand's CEO.

They are not entirely about looks. The Avenger comes with Blacktop features inside, such as a six-speed automatic transmission with an "Auto Stick" feature. For another $400, Avenger Blacktop comes with premium leather and heated seats.

Their color? Let us guess.