Dodge brand announced (Jan. 8) that they will debut a special 2013 Dodge Dart GT model at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit Jan. 14-27.
Dart GT is designed to meet the needs of avid driving enthusiasts who are looking for a well-priced yet exceptionally equipped performance sports sedan.
The new Dodge Dart GT takes its name from the original 1963 model that was known for its performance, style and handling.
The 2013 Dodge Dart GT builds off of the exceptionally well equipped and solidly performing Dart Limited that has an MSRP of $19,995.
The GT, with an MSRP of just $20,995, adds the184 horsepower 2.4-iter Tigershark engine with MultiAir 2 mated to a six-speed manual or available six-speed PowerTech automatic AutoStick transmission.
Riding on 18-inch aluminum wheels, the sports-tuned suspension will cater to the driving enthusiast using frequency sensing damping shocks to deliver solid handling performance.
Unique styling cues create a high performance look starting with a front fascia with black accents and Hyper Black grille; black projector headlamp bezels; body-color door handles; class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust with bright exhaust tips and class-exclusive racetrack LED tail lamps.
On the inside are premium Nappa perforated leather seats in Black with Ruby Red stitching (or two-tone Black/Ruby Red); class-exclusive heated steering wheel; class-exclusive 8.4-inch touch screen and 7-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) reconfigurable instrument cluster display; heated front seats; dual-zone automatic temperature control; remote start (with automatic transmission); universal garage door opener and a GT badge.
“The new Dart GT embodies the best attributes that compact car buyers are looking for, including outstanding style, performance, technology and value,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO Dodge Brand. “With 184 horsepower, 18-inch aluminum wheels, sport suspension, premium leather interior and several class-exclusive features, the Dart GT represents the sweet spot in the compact car market, offering mid-size roominess combined with premium amenities for only $20,995 MSRP.”
Additional standard equipment on the 2013 Dart GT model includes: projector fog lamps; power heated mirrors with supplemental signals and courtesy lamps; Uconnect system; class-exclusive floating island bezel; ParkView rear backup camera; premium door trim panel with soft-touch upper surfaces and a leather steering wheel with audio controls and speed control.
Accent stitching on the instrument panel adds a touch of sports luxury to the cockpit that has a power 10-way driver seat, including power lumbar support; driver and front passenger seatback pockets; overhead console with sunglass holder; front passenger in-seat storage; illuminated front cup holders; illuminated vanity mirrors; temperature and compass gauge; 12-volt auxiliary power outlet in console; speed-sensitive power locks; power windows with express one-touch up/down front windows and ambient LED interior lighting.
Also included are automatic headlamps; active grille shutters; underbody aerodynamic treatment; tire pressure monitoring display; air conditioning with micron filter; power mirrors; remote keyless entry; front center console with fore and aft sliding armrest; 60/40 split folding rear seat with armrest with storage/cup holders and trunk pass-through; six-speakers; security alarm; front and rear floor mats and 600-amp maintenance-free battery.
A variety of options are available to allow the GT customer the ability to personalize their Dart to their exact specifications and include:
Optional equipment includes:
• Six-speed Powertech automatic transmission with AutoStick
• Technology Group (push-button start, keyless Enter ‘N Go, rain sensing wipers, smart beam headlamps, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection)
• 18-inch Hyper Black Aluminum Wheels
• Power Sunroof
• HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Garmin Navigation with Sirius XM Travel Link
• Alpine Premium Sound System with 10 speakers, including subwoofer and 506 watt amplifier
• Engine block heater
The 12 exterior colors – all available at no extra charge – include Redline Red, Header Orange, Blue Streak, Citrus Peel, Laguna Blue, Pitch Black, Tungsten, Bright Silver, Bright White, True Blue, Maximum Steel and Winter Chill.
The Dart GT model is the latest addition to the 2013 Dodge Dart lineup, which currently includes the Dart SE, SXT, Rallye, Aero and Limited models.
Dodge still has the Dart RT on their lineup plan (MSRP $22,495) which is slated to be the top-of-the-line Dart when it arrives. Sources tell me that it is still on the schedule for introduction later in 2013.
In the meantime, the 2013 Limited (MSRP $19,995) or this just announced, and a bit hotter, 2013 GT should do very nicely.
The Limited is available now and the GT production will begin second quarter 2013.
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