Dodge has pulled the sheet off of its new Alfa Romeo–based 2013 compact car and announced that it will be called Dart. Set to debut in January at the Detroit auto show, the Dart features three engines and three transmission options and aggressive styling reminiscent of the larger Charger. We’ve only got one question: How do you say “Dart” in Italian? Actually, it’s a three-part question: Wouldn’t you rather say “Demon” in Italian? Or “Hornet”?
If the resurrected Dart name had you daydreaming of late-1960s Mopar muscle, we’ll stop you right here. The 2013 Dart rides on a front-wheel-drive platform adapted from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Compared to the Giulietta, the Dart is wider and longer, its new architecture dubbed Compact U.S. Wide. Don’t let all of the air out of the Fun Balloon quite yet; the small Alfa is a fine driver’s car (you can read our drive of a 2010 Giulietta here).
The Dart’s appearance at least fulfills Dodge’s sportiness claims. The company released just two images of an up-level R/T model, but what’s visible is very Charger-like. The front wears a crosshair grille stuffed into a large, blacked-out cutout and flanked by swept-back headlights. The rear is basically a downsized rendition of the Charger’s, complete with a full-width LED taillight treatment and dual exhaust outlets. As opposed to many others in its segment—as well as its Caliber predecessor—the Dart will exist only as a four-door. Dodge has given no indication that a hatchback is in the works. An image of the interior will be released on December 13, according to a mini-site set up for the Dart, but our spy photographers already took a peek inside.
Thanks to: Car and Driver
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