Posted on April 30th, 2012 • by David Zatz
While the Dodge Dart Aero has been announced with minimal information other than “at least 41 mpg on the highway,” Allpar has learned more about the upcoming compact car. Dart Aero will, as expected, use the 1.4 liter Fiat engine, which has more torque than the base 2.0 (160 hp, 184 lb-ft) but carries a recommendation for premium fuel and a synthetic 5W40 oil requirement. The Dart Aero will not lose any power, but will come with low rolling resistance tires, weight reductions, and better aerodynamics, likely to include the already-demonstrated automatic front shutters.
The Aero will have similar same equipment as SXT, which is seen as the volume leader: air conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and locks, remote entry, body-color door handles and mirrors, six-speaker stereo, alarm, ten airbags, stability control, Hill Start Assist, four-wheel disc ABS, folding rear seat, and LED tail lamps (not the “racetrack” version). [See Allpar's Dodge Dart road test / first impressions]
Posted on April 24th, 2012 • by Bill Cawthon
Automotive News is reporting the Auto China 2012 is the end of the road for the Kubang SUV concept that made its debut at the IAA in Frankfurt last year and has appeared at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the Dubai auto show.
“After Beijing, we will retire the Kubang concept. Our SUV will reappear in its production form and with its final name in due time,” Maserati CEO Harald Wester told Automotive News Europe on the sidelines of the show here.
According to Automotive News sources, “in due time” means NAIAS in January 2014.
Maserati is one of the ultra-premium manufacturers looking to field an upscale SUV; it’s a niche projected to grow dramatically in the next few years. Yesterday, Lamborghini officially introduced the Urus and Bentley is mulling the idea of building its first light truck.
Posted on April 23rd, 2012 • by David Zatz
The 3.2 liter V6 will be used with a stop-start system — not a large surprise, but the number of 3.2s being produced for testing might be. This photo comes from within Chrysler, and shows a number of the engines, with purple paint presumably to make sure the parts don’t get mixed up with the 3.6 variety. The 3.2 is reputed to have numerous internal modifications which will allow substantial gains in gas mileage.
Chrysler is set to use Fiat’s stop/start technology on the 2013 Ram, as an option; the feature shuts off the engine while at a stop, under certain conditions, instantly restarting it when the gas pedal is pressed. The system is transparent and has been used on hybrids for many years, as well as traditional petro-fueled cars in markets where fuel prices are high.
More information: rumors and projections, an in-depth look at the Pentastar V6, specifications, repairs, and production / the factory.
Posted on April 19th, 2012 • by Bill Cawthon
We’re another step closer to welcoming Alfa Romeo back to the U.S. The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office issued registration number 4123672 for “Alfa Romeo 4C” on April 10, 2012. So it looks like plans are still on track for the Maserati-built sports car to make its North American debut late next year and for the legendary (for a variety of reasons) Alfa Romeo brand to make its return to America after being gone almost two decades.
The 4c will go into production at Maserati’s plant in Modena, Italy in May of 2013 with European deliveries set for the second half of the year. American deliveries will begin at the end of 2013, according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.
Incidentally, the 4C trademark isn’t the only one currently in the hands of the USPTO: Alfa Romeo MITO is there, too.
