2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye Suspension Walkaround


Our new 2013 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye may look like a sportier successor to the Neon, but underneath lurks the chassis of the acclaimed Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
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Keep up the great articles, I've read them all and want to see more classics (it really is all Macpherson struts these days, isn't it?). The solutions engineers come up with for these suspension problems is always interesting and if I can generate similar high-quality photos of a project car someday I'd love to send it in!
Twitter: @Edmunds_Test
How did the Dart get so heavy?
How hard would it be to make it 150 lbs. lighter? Remember the ACR Neon? No exterior molding, electric windows, stereo, few or no automatics, optional AC etc. 8K tach, adjustable Konis, no rev limiter and a manual. Minimal weight; lets go racing. For money!
There is also a great European heritage FCA should consider; leave out a bunch of content, and charge much more for it! Alfa 4C comes to mind. Let the enthusiast choose how much discomfort can be tolerated for more performance.
The present hp and torque figures should be what the engine produces at the wheels rather than the crank.
Where is the aluminum hood and tuning bits they have been hyping for years? What is Mopar waiting for? Hopefully I will live long enough to see the 9 speed on a Dart that is no more than 3000 lbs. and no less than
220 hp WITHOUT a turbo. Look at base curb weight of the new Jeep Renegade. I know it is apples and oranges. I do not hear the journalists complaining about the 2.4 liter motor performance in that package.
If the Dart is doomed to be more than 3300 pounds, it needs to be a 4x4.
FCA seems oddly determined to not have the Dart live up to its potential.
The serious performance car manufacturers already produce cars that exceed these specs and get at least 30 mpg.
How serious is FCA?