One of the debuts everyone has been anxiously awaiting for has been leaked, with the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart hitting the interwebs ahead of its official 2012 Detroit Auto Show debut.

The first Chrysler product to be based on a Fiat architecture, the 2013 Dodge Dart looks sporty and contemporary. The Dart effectively replaces the Caliber in Dodge’s lineup offering the Chrysler Group a direct rival to the Ford Focus and Chevrolet saloons.

The vehicle itself is based on the Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta platform and it will be available with three different four-cylinder engines. The engine include a 1.4L MultiAir Turbo, a 2.0L Tigershark and a 2.4L MultiAir Tigershark. They can be connected to three different transmissions which are expected to include a six-speed TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) and a nine-speed automatic.

We’ll know more when the wrap comes off this new stunner from Dodge at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show. For now, enjoy the first official pictures and video below!

We’re just a few weeks away from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show where, among other things, we’ll see the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart for the first time.
Dodge has already released a few teasers of the compact sedan’s exterior, and now, we’re getting our first look inside the new C-segment offering.

Dodge designers focused on creating a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, exciting bursts of colour and hand-sculpted shapes when designing the Dart’s interior, which is made with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments.

Starting with modern Dodge DNA, and through the use of innovative ambient interior lighting, 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.

The Dart’s “driver-centric” layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior. Packaged in the footprint of a compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart features the interior spaciousness of a mid-sized sedan, and it boasts best-in-class hip and shoulder room.

Customization was key in the all-new Dodge Dart’s development, and with 12 exterior colours, 14 interior colour and trim combinations, six wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, each Dodge Dart can be personalized by every buyer to fit their individual style. And the combinations are multiplied exponentially, as Mopar will also offer hundreds of customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart.

The high-tech centrepiece of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the class-exclusive floating island bezel, which houses the segment-exclusive available 7” Thin Film Transistor (TFT) customizable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround that also houses the available class-exclusive UConnect® Touch 8.4” touchscreen multimedia centre.

Thoughtful storage options throughout fit today’s technology. The glove box easily conceals a stowed iPad; the centre console features auxiliary jacks to plug in a wide variety of electronic devices, and thoughtful, inventive storage solutions, such as console map pockets, which are perfect for storing mobile phones, receipts, or pen and paper.

Lighting in all the right places provides drivers and passengers a warm, comfortable cockpit. Available “racetrack” lighting surrounds the floating island bezel. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders is both useful and provides a warm atmosphere inside the vehicle.

Dodge has released a slew of shadowy teasers for its new compact sedan, the 2013 Dodge Dart which will make its world debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show on 9th January, 2012.

The 2013 Dodge Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle based upon a Fiat architecture – adapted from the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics. The Dart leverages all of these attributes within a lengthened and widened platform delivering segment-leading levels of interior roominess.

With the Dart name revived from the 1960′s compact model, Dodge is highlighting performance and style. Without giving too much away prior to its debut at Detroit in January, Dodge is quick to point out the Dart is based on the Giulietta’s platform which Dodge calls Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) architecture. It is agile with responsive steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and available with 18” wheels.

The all-new 2013 Dart marks the Dodge brand’s re-entry into the compact sedan segment, hitting the bulls-eye with a modern, unmistakable Dodge design that builds upon its performance heritage while evoking emotion, efficiency and fluidity of movement.

Eye-catching exterior proportions are set off from every angle by dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology, to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance. The personality-packed front view is instantly recognizable as an all-new Dodge with its tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders.

Signature Dodge full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps and class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust accentuate the athletic and muscular stance of this dynamic and passionate new design.

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines that add to Dart’s fun-to-drive quotient.

Drivers can select from a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0L engine, a 16-valve 1.4L MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4L MultiAir four cylinder engine. These three engines, combined with three transmission choices, combine to redefine performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.

Heard of the new version of Dodge Viper? No? Well monsieur et dame, let us introduce to you the ACR-X.

The newly born ACR-X is being made at the same facility in Detroit like the other Viper Competition Coupe race cars, but the difference is that this car is being assembled at Corner Avenue assembly plant and then fitted with race gear in Detroit.

Unlike others that have been built from scratch in Detroit, to our surprise, the production cost of the ACR-X is lesser by half than its predecessors!

Equipped with a roll-cage, brake cooling ducts, competition fuel cell, extra dive planes, fire suppression system, bigger brakes and the same racing seat used in the Competition Coupe, Chrysler brings you the Viper ACR-X.

Check out the video below to see in detail as to how the ACR is being transformed to the ACR-X. Enjoy!

Paralyzing shock overcame me for awhile as i read the headline a few more times. As the title claims as we venture into detail on this matter. We know very well that the 564bhp Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, built with gullwing doors and a soundtrack that might just weaken your knees and the emobdiment of this stylish machinery is all thanks to the German’s… wait… was it the Germans???

Rumors are now circulating that the  SLS AMG actually came into existence as the next-generation of Dodge Viper. The low down was that the Dodge engineers had been working very hard on the next-gen Viper, complete with aluminium chasis and a new suspension. Mercedes got caught up in the hype and also decided that their upcoming SLS will have similar chassis.

The two were reportedly working together during the Daimler-Chrysler days, until Chrysler was faced with financial problems, which caused Dodge to let go of their next-Gen Viper project. Mercedes then took the opportunity to utilize the work done to let loose their super-Benz. Chrysler strengthened more of their claims saying that the early SLS test cars were caught on spy photos showing it being fitted with ill-assembled Viper sheetmetal.

As for now, it is hard to say if it was wrong for Mercedes to profit from the project and at the same time decreasing the cost of production of the SLS, but we do know that the upcoming 2012 Viper might just be the solution for the previous losses experienced.

The Viper’s days are numbered as it joins the list of those “threatened by extinction”. Dodge has eagerly created three special editions for dealers who have sold the most Vipers in the US.  

The Viper SRT10 ACR Roadster, commissioned by Woodhouse Dodge of Blair, Nebraska, in yellow with black is the first in the line-up, followed by the “Reverse SRT10 ACR” in green over black for Texas’ Tomball Dodge and to end the line-up, last but not least, the Roanoke Dodge of Roanoke, Illinois’ Black SRT10 Coupe with a split purple stripe up the centre.

All of which, have the looks, befitting a send-off, as the Viper rumbles towards it unavoidable demise. Although 50 units will be made available for sale, only a handful will see the open roads as the others stay under the covers of a collector’s stash.

In order to keep sales and consumer interest high for the next 12 months, Dodge is adding new colours for their new Viper 2010 and by enhancing its perfomance and releasing several limited edition models.

Powered by a 8.4-litre V10 with 600bhp and 760Nm, performance tweaks include a new shorter fifth gear ratio (changing from .74 to .80). This has improved its high speed acceleration with the 0-200 mph run now dropping to a mere 14 seconds. The hardcore ACR (American Club Racer) model gets a new short throw shifter and aero tweaks for, yes, higher top speed as well!

Several limited-edition models are planned for 2010,but the first two special editions of the Viper include the ACR 1:33 Edition, which pays tribute to the new production car lap record set at Laguna Seca. It gets a two-tone black/red colour scheme, piano black console bezels with red gauge highlights and red stitching for the seats.

Meanwhile, the Vooodoo-edition Viper ACR features a Black Clear Coat exterior with Graphite Driver’s Stripe outlined in red. Only 10 cars will be available with this unique striping on both its exterior and steering wheel. Pricing and more special models will be announced later.

Since the past 18 months, Ralph Gilles the numero uno of the Dodge unit, has been giving mixed reviews on what he intended to do with the epic Viper brand. In a recent interview thou, he said that he has decided to end the production of the current Viper in July 2010. The company stated it intended to preserve the value of existing Vipers by not simply continuing the current generation indefinitely. It seems that 500 final cars will be built which they claim will be the most special Vipers ever. But, what is so special about it, is still undisclosed.

Gilles also revealed that an all new sports car is being developed with a launch targeted sometime in 2012. It is expected to be devoloped with some help from Chrysler’s new Italian brothers Fiat. There is a also very likely possibility that Ferrari could be also helping with the development of this mysterious model. Muscle car fans across the globe will certainly be keeping their fingers crossed for Chrysler to retain the Viper’s raw nature in the new generation.