2012 Dodge Dart

Some of you might be too young to remember this, but back in the 60’s, Dodge had a vehicle called the "Dart." It’s been a while since we saw this nameplate out on the streets, but now, Dodge has officially brought it back with the unveiling of a new compact sedan at the 2012North American International Auto Show.

The new Dart is currently under development and will be based on a modified version of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback’s platform named Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW). According to Dodge, the new Dart will feature a body that’s made out of high-strength steel and a bevy of powertrain options.

The base engine for the new Dart will be a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine. Just ahead of that is a 2.0-liter Tigershark engine, while the most powerful engine will be a 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine.

UPDATE 04/30/2012: Dodge has unveiled a new promo video for the 2013 Dart Limited. The video presents running footage and beauty shots of the car. Hit the jump to watch the video!

Find out more about the 2013 Dodge Dart after the jump.

Exterior

“The Dodge Dart was a dream to design.” Those are the words of Joe Dehner, the head of Dodge Design. It’s easy to count that statement as mere hyperbole, but when you look at the Dart for yourself, there are really certain elements about it that stand out.

According to Dodge, the Dart comes with a timeless, stylish, and distinctive exterior design that features an athletic, sculpted, fluid, and aesthetically agile appearance.

In the front, the car’s design comes with the unmistakable Dodge split crosshair grille. A lower radiator close-out panel has been positioned just below the front fascia, contributing to the car’s lower front-end appearance, reducing drag while still allowing for an 8-inch curb clearance. Add that to Charger-inspired ‘racetrack’ taillamps, a new, sleek crosshair grille and piano black accents, and it adds up to a vehicle that smokes and breams of attitude rare for a car in this segment. Other unique features in the front include standard laser-braised roof welds, high-quality metal Daylight Opening (DLO) moldings painted piano black, and standard projector headlamps.

As for the rear, the Dart comes with the same "racetrack" full-width taillamp that comes straight out of the Charger. Packed with 152 indirect glow LEDs, the taillamp strikes a great contrast to the aggressive front profile of the car.

Interior

The interior of the Dodge Dart was designed with a focus on creating a modern blend of design and technology that’s more common for expensive vehicle segments. From the ambient interior lighting, to the high-quality soft-touch materials and high-tech features, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with cool amenities and unexpected delights for both drivers and passengers.

In designing the interior, Dodge designers wanted to build a “driver-centric” layout, allowing the driver to be within easy reach of all the controls. Even the seats and the customizable displays are packaged to create a spacious interior layout.

One of the unique features of the Dart’s interior is the centerpiece, which comes with a class-exclusive floating island bezel containing a 7" Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround. This centerpiece also houses the available class-exclusive Uconnect Touch 8.4" touchscreen Media Center. Lighting was also a critical design element of the Dart. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin, and illuminated cup holders, exude a warm atmosphere inside the vehicle while “racetrack” lighting surrounds the floating island bezel.

UPDATE 02/24/2012: Dodge has finally dropped the online configurator for their new Dart sedan. All you have to do is start playing and design the Dart you want! Enjoy!

Performance

Dodge is offering three different powertrains for customers to choose from for their Dart. The first option is a 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine that produces 160 horsepower. Then there’s a 2.0-liter Tigershark 16-valve engine that also develops 160 horsepower. Finally, there’s a 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine that churns out 184 horsepower. All three engines are mated to three different transmission options - a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, or six-speed dual dry clutch - each of which provides redefined performance for its class segment.

Safety

The Dodge Dart was developed to carry over 60 safety and security features, ensuring that safety of the driver and all the passengers. Among the safety features added to the Dart include 10 standard airbags, a reactive head-restraint system, three-point safety belts in all five seating positions, front driver and passenger dual seat belt pretensioners at the anchor and retractor positions, active load limiters, and available Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection systems.

Additional standard safety features on the 2013 Dodge Dart include:

• Four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and traction control system on all models
• Brake Assist
• Brake-lock differential
• Ready Alert Braking
• Rainy Brake Support
• Hydraulic boost compensation
• Electronic stability control (four-channel active handling system ESC)
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Hill-start Assist
• Trailer-sway Control
• ParkView® rear backup camera
• ParkSense® rear park assist

Pricing

The base price for the 2013 Dodge Dart is $15,995.

• Dodge Dart SE $15,995
• Dodge Dart SXT $17,995
• Dodge Dart Rallye $18,995
• Dodge Dart Limited $19,995
• Dodge Dart R/T $22,495 (available Q3 2012)

Competition

It’s a well-known secret that the Dodge Dart was based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, so it’s only right that we compare the two cars to see which one will give you more bang for your buck.

While we’ve been big fans of the Italian hatchback, the Dart, at least in our opinion, is like a bigger, better, and meaner version of the Giulietta. The design of the Dart is miles ahead of the "mild-mannered" Giulietta and the bigger platform for the Dart creates more space for comfort, something that we all want in a car.

The engine options for the Dart are also better than the Giulietta, particularly because the Alfa Romeo’s powertrain options comes with a peak output of 170 horsepower, as opposed to the 184-horsepower output of the top-spec Dart.

Make no mistake, we love the Giulietta. It’s just that the Dart offers plenty of attractive features that just might be too hard to pass up.

RX-8 Life Support Extended by 1,000 Units

If you have ever enjoyed a sweet horror flick, especially vampire, zombie, or werewolf ones, you are likely familiar with fact that the villain just never seems to die. He always comes back for a little bit more. One of my all-time favorites, Zombieland, actually teases about this by the “double-tap,” which is rule No. 2 in surviving a zombie outbreak.

Well, it appears that Mazda didn’t get that memo with the RX-8 zombie. Just like a bad case of zombification, this thing just keeps coming back for more. Mazda recently announced that it has extended the final production of the “Spirit R” version of the RX-8 – thankfully only available in Japan – for an additional 1,000 units.

In addition to its 232 horsepower that are only attainable at engine speeds not many are comfortable with and its lackluster 159 pound-feet of torque, you also get larger brakes with red painted calipers, piano-black transmission tunnel trim, Recaro Sprint R seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a revised traction control system.

It’s really curious to see just how much mud Mazda can drag the “RX” nameplate through before it finally takes it behind the barn and puts it out of its misery. We still have a lot of love for the RX lineup as a whole, but the RX-8 really tested the patience of RX lovers. Here’s to hoping this is the one and only time that Mazda decides to extend the life of this beautiful ride turned zombie and focuses more on releasing a new RX that will pay the proper respect to the name.

According to the press release, which you can read after the jump, this charade thankfully comes to an end in July of this year.

2012 Porsche VRS 997 GT3 by Delavilla - Top Speed

While we are all waiting for the new generation Porsche GT3, French tuner Delavilla has unveiled a very cool upgrade package based on the current 997 GT3 at the 2012 Top Marques Monaco. While the standard GT3 delivers a total of 435 HP, the French tuner has found a wayn to increase the total output to an impressive 530 HP. The only problem is that we’ll have to pay 126,000 euro (about $166,000 at the current exchange rates) if you want to drive one.

The package includes four vertically superposed exhaust pipes, a reworked chassis with specific dampers, an active suspension, and, of course, a new set of wheels offered in any color desired by the customer. The Porsche 911/997 GT3 on display is painted in a very cool yellow color, but customers can choose between 21 color options. The interior can be dressed in the same color as the exterior with a combination of Alcantara and carbon fiber.

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith orders a Hennessey Venom GT Spyder

It’s easy to be jealous of Steven Tyler. The dude’s a rock star, he’s a judge on American Idol, and at 65 years old, he can still light up a room by his mere presence alone. Now it appears that we have one more reason to be green with envy at Mr. Aerosmith himself.

Word has it that Tyler has made a new automotive purchase, except that this particular vehicle isn’t something that you see on the road a whole lot. Known for his passion for sports cars, Tyler did himself one better this time by purchasing no less than the 800-horsepowerHennessey Venom GT Spyder.

Even more impressive is that Hennessey will actually build him a custom Venom GT Spyder, complete with distinctive customization details reserved only for this particular model, including an interior dressed in black leather with matching red accent stitching and a custom audio system that will be developed by David Frangioni, CEO of Audio One and a one-time audio engineer for Tyler and Aerosmith.

So how much did Tyler shell out for this one-of-a-kind Hennessey Venom GT Spyder? The buzz is that the Aerosmith front man and AI judge had to split with over $1.1 million for the car. It’s a number that’s beyond our reach, but for someone of Steven Tyler’s stature, $1.1 million is peanuts.

One of the most impressive tuning packages Vorsteiner has unveiled in the past few weeks is the Ferrari 599-VX, but their next package may give the first a run for its money. The tuner has announced the first details on a new upgrade kit time based on the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. The move was made in order to appease the masses until the future Cabrera, which is currently under development, comes out. Vorsteiner began the transformation with a series of exterior changes, with a collection of lightweight pre-preg carbon fiber aerodynamics and performance accessories arriving later this fall. The current upgrade includes a new set of wheels and the ability to choose between a collection of 1-piece and 3-piece forged wheels codenamed VS-110 and VS-310 series. These wheels are specifically designed for the Gallardo applications and can be custom painted or powder coated to the client’s preferred finish and specifications.

One of the most impressive tuning packages Vorsteiner has unveiled in the past few weeks is the Ferrari 599-VX, but their next package may give the first a run for its money. The tuner has announced the first details on a new upgrade kit time based on the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. The move was made in order to appease the masses until the future Cabrera, which is currently under development, comes out.

Vorsteiner began the transformation with a series of exterior changes, with a collection of lightweight pre-preg carbon fiber aerodynamics and performance accessories arriving later this fall. The current upgrade includes a new set of wheels and the ability to choose between a collection of 1-piece and 3-piece forged wheels codenamed VS-110 and VS-310 series. These wheels are specifically designed for the Gallardo applications and can be custom painted or powder coated to the client’s preferred finish and specifications.

One of the most impressive tuning packages Vorsteiner has unveiled in the past few weeks is the Ferrari 599-VX, but their next package may give the first a run for its money. The tuner has announced the first details on a new upgrade kit time based on the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. The move was made in order to appease the masses until the future Cabrera, which is currently under development, comes out. Vorsteiner began the transformation with a series of exterior changes, with a collection of lightweight pre-preg carbon fiber aerodynamics and performance accessories arriving later this fall. The current upgrade includes a new set of wheels and the ability to choose between a collection of 1-piece and 3-piece forged wheels codenamed VS-110 and VS-310 series. These wheels are specifically designed for the Gallardo applications and can be custom painted or powder coated to the client’s preferred finish and specifications.

One of the most impressive tuning packages Vorsteiner has unveiled in the past few weeks is the Ferrari 599-VX, but their next package may give the first a run for its money. The tuner has announced the first details on a new upgrade kit time based on the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. The move was made in order to appease the masses until the future Cabrera, which is currently under development, comes out.

Vorsteiner began the transformation with a series of exterior changes, with a collection of lightweight pre-preg carbon fiber aerodynamics and performance accessories arriving later this fall. The current upgrade includes a new set of wheels and the ability to choose between a collection of 1-piece and 3-piece forged wheels codenamed VS-110 and VS-310 series. These wheels are specifically designed for the Gallardo applications and can be custom painted or powder coated to the client’s preferred finish and specifications.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class - Top Speed

Rumors about a Mercedes SLC-Class started awhile back and for s short period of time, it was believed that the new SLS AMG would be called the SLC. Obviously, this is not the case, but hopes for an SLC are still not lost as Mercedes will indeed offer the SLC in an unexpected package.

The SLC-Class will actually be the baby brother of the SLS and will be set to attack models like the Porsche 911. Compared to the SLS, the future SLC will be lighter and slimmer with the use of plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum. In a shocking twist of SLS insult, the SLC will be devoid of gullwing doors. As for the engine, the future Mercedes SLC will come with two different options. The first will be a twin turbo V6 producing 350 HP and the second will be a V8 engine with an output of 500 HP.

The less dramatic specifications of the Mercedes SLC have also given way to a cheaper price tag compared to that of its brother. Expect to pay somewhere under 100,000 Euro, or about $145,000 at the current exchange rates.

As a reminder, the SLC name was first used as a market name for the Mercedes C107 from 1971 to 1981. These vehicles were sold in three different versions - 280, 380 and 500 SLC - and were powered by either an inline-6 engine or a V8 for the top versions. The name, SLC, is expected to be revived sometime in 2014.

UPDATE 11/09/2011: British magazine, CAR, is offering new details on the upcoming Mercedes SLC set to be released in 2015 - when the SLS goes out of production. The model will be offered in both coupe and roadster versions and, unlike previous rumors have stated, will only be offered with a V8 engine downsized to 4.0 liter. The model will be built on the same aluminum-intensive engineering layout as the SLS, but it will feature a lighter curb weight, even better handling qualities, and exceptional performance.

UPDATE 01/13/2012: Motor Trend has revealed that the future baby SLS will make its world debut later this year at the 2012 Frankfurt Motor Show and that it will be the first model sold under the AMG badge. Their news, however, comes with a big problem: according to them, the new baby SLS is known as the SLV and will be ready to take on models like the Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman. Previous rumors stated that the baby SLS would be known as the SLC and that it would compete against the Porsche 911. So, are we talking about two different models or a downgrade of expectations?

UPDATE 02/07/2012: Mercedes has finally green-lighted the upcoming SLC-Class, the company’s rival for the Porsche 911/991. In an interview with AutoCar, AMG boss Ola Kallenius confirmed that the model will be offered in both coupe and roadster versions and will go on sale in 2013. Prices will start from £80,000 - about $125k at the current exchange rates. Expect it to be powered by a 500 HP twin-turbocharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, which will sprint it up to a top speed of 180 mph.

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