Maybe they're being tested as mules and you wouldn't recognize them as being test models. I would guess that most of the car will be the same, minor sheet metal changes, moderate interior changes, nine speed automatic and 2.0 turbo being the big differences. I don't know if the 1.4 will last, I don't think anybody really buys it any more and it doesn't have good reliability ratings compared with the 2.4 cars, but it sure does raise the top fuel economy bragging rights, maybe the 2.0 turbo will be high enough in economy to cut the 1.4 loose. I'd sure like to see the 1.4 leave the Dart, it doesn't match the image they're trying to project; Chrysler 100 I can see smaller and lighter and using the 1.4 turbo, but Dart, with the Dodge aura, should be turbo and 2.4 only...

 

Haven't seen anything about the SRT in a while now - I sure want it to become reality (saving for one already). If SRT doesn't make it, we need at least a version of Dart that does 0-60 in < 6 seconds. Something that competes with Golf GTI and Focus ST.

 

With the Golf R, Civic Si and Focus RS becoming reality, the SRT Dart would have to be something special IF they want it to sell. If not, then a reasonable mix of current features and a modest bump in power would have to do. When they launched Dart, they portrayed it as a small sporty car with loads of class leading features...unfortunately, they never got the "sporty" part to translate to the real world.

 

Sporty in handling, not so much in acceleration. It's a problem when you don't have the bits and pieces on the shelf already.

 

The Hurricane will solve that problem. I'll know more in August.....

 

Any chance they may give hints at Woodward? Or is that likely ACR public reveal?

 

I don't know if the 1.4 will last, I don't think anybody really buys it any more and it doesn't have good reliability ratings compared with the 2.4 cars...

When I looked at True Delta I saw just one engine problem that wasn't with a peripheral component.

 

What year? The last time I looked was for the launch year of Dart.

 

With the Golf R, Civic Si and Focus RS becoming reality, the SRT Dart would have to be something special IF they want it to sell. If not, then a reasonable mix of current features and a modest bump in power would have to do. When they launched Dart, they portrayed it as a small sporty car with loads of class leading features...unfortunately, they never got the "sporty" part to translate to the real world.

Not really sporty, you say? Go drive a Toyota Corolla and then drive a Dart. And as Dave suggests, I think you'll find the sportiness in the handling more so than mere acceleration. I have driven one with a manual transmission and I really liked it. Seriously, if you really want sporty, you'll want to get one with a 6-speed manual, IMHO. A Dart with all the right equipment is truly an excellent little car! And, not that it's all that little, but it is in comparison to a Charger or 300.

 

I currently drive a 2009 Caliber SRT4 and previously enjoyed a 2004 Neon SRT4 along with 2 Shadow ES V-6 5 speed cars so my "sporty" is probably different than yours, no disrespect. I have sat in a Dart and IMHO its bigger inside than the new 200 is. I was just hoping for about 300hp AND AWD to round out what I feel to be a pretty nice vehicle.

 

OK, thanks for sharing more specifics, re: cars past and present. So, you're still holding out for a higher performance (turbo) variant of the Dart as are quite a few others on this site. I do understand where you are coming from now. Back in late 1987, I bought a 1986 Shelby Charger which was low miles and was still like new. Really loved it. Was a lot of fun. In the mid '90s, I purchased one of the rare, limited-edition Dodge Spirit R/T sedans (224-hp, 2.2 turbo and 5-speed). Also own a 1986 Chrysler Laser XT turbo with a 5-speed manual, T-tops and the Mark Cross leather. Like you, I might be interested in a high-performance, turbocharged Dart if and when they become available.

 

See, I knew you get it after I explained it. It's never going to be a Hellcat Charger but it has to be much more than it is right now to be competitive.

 

2017 model year.

Mike

 

The 1.4 in the first year Dart had a terrible history in TrueDelta compared with the other engines.

 

Sorry for a dumb question, but why would FCA use a engine with sketchy reliability in a car that they were so depending on? Because it was already out there?

 

So, the Dart refresh is delayed until the 2017 model year?

Financially it's looking like 2019 or so for me to get a new car. My wife said yesterday that my 93 Daytona won't last 5 years. I'm out to prove her wrong.

 

Just can't wait for these Fiat flavored cars to get straightened out. Seems like pure Fiats are advancing more rapidly. Would like a turbo Lancer myself.

 

Initial 3 requirements for Fiat's stake in Chrysler:

A fuel-efficient engine family to be produced in the U.S. for use in Chrysler vehicles - that's the 1.4L Turbo FIRE engine.

Supply a 40-mpg vehicle based on a Fiat platform - that's the Dart.

Providing Chrysler access to its global distribution network outside of North America.

 

It's weird how the 1.4 MultiAir turbo in the Dart gets panned, but so far it seems to be working quite well in the Renegade, at least according to reviewers and owners, myself included. The two vehicles weigh roughly the same (FWD Renegade is in the 3100 lb. range, 4WD 3400 range). The engine in the Renegade is Italian-sourced but it's hard to see how that could make a big difference.

 

See this is the problem in the US. We want straight out power to go in a straight line and then when it comes to the turns we really dont pay that much attention. The rental dart that I am currently driving is amazing in the turns and inspires confidence that you would not believe. Yes the car is not a 5 second car.. but it does very well with the 2.4. If I didnt purchase my corolla this year and had driven this car before hand.. I would have purchased a dart limited. It will out handle that corolla in a heartbeat and is just as quiet in the interior. The one area where it does not do well is gas millage. This rental barely gets 27 mpg where as my corolla gets 33mpg all day with out trying. If they improved that and put the car on a diet.. dodge would have a winner. They also really need to start advertising this thing.

 

Your Corolla is what, a 1.8L VS a 2.4L Dart?

My 300M would get 34mpg (Imp.) on the highway and my Neon got 36mpg. My cousin's 2.7L Intrepid would beat that!

 

Yeah, MPGs are the car's weak spot. I am averaging right around 28. My wife's bigger 07 Ford Fusion is averaging around 26. I can't figure out how Ford did that.

 

My Stratus averaged 19-20. My Olds Intrigue - bigger car, bigger engine - averaged 23.

My PT averages 19. My T&C - much bigger vehicle and bigger engine - averages 19. :/

 

Chris and JA, what engine and transmission are these in your Darts?

 

2.4 Multiair with 6sp auto.

 

Heck, our Gand Cherokee 3.6 gets 25-27 on highway trips,watching my foot on the gas pedal. Around town stop and go about 19-20 mpg. Not bad in my eyes for a large SUV.

 

Bob the engine/transmission in the rented dart that I have is the 2.4 multiair and the 6 speed automatic transmission. Dont get me wrong it has globs of power .. but the 26mpg is the killer. I get 28 to 30mpg in my camry... which is just what kills me

 

Just wondering what people get with the 2.4L and 6-speed manual. It has a city rating of 22, highway rating of 35, and these days most people can meet or exceed the EPA ratings in real life.

 

My daughter averages over 30 mpg in her 2013 Dart Limited, but that's with the 2.0L automatic.

 

Not sure about 2013, but the 2015 rates that combination at 34 highway. It would be less if not all highway miles.

 

My 2014 limited 2.4 auto gets 28 around town and 33 highway.

 

I can tell you from first hand experience that this dart in the mixed driving that I do could squeeze out about 26 mpg. My 2002 Neon use to get 26 also. I mean if they lightened up the car a bit that could also help

 

I get right near 40 hwy with my 2.0 auto.