Chrysler Introduces Re-invented Dodge Dart

Geoff Robins/AFP Getty Images
The Reinvented Dodge Dart in Red

By Vincent Funaro , Christian Post Reporter

January 10, 2012|9:20 am

American car manufacturer Chrysler has re-invented its Dodge Dart line of automobiles and unveiled the new model at the Detroit auto show on Monday.

Chrysler hopes the launch of the new Dodge Dart will increase the company’s sales in terms of compact cars. However, this new model is nothing like its predecessor from the 1960s and 70s,

Chrysler ditched the old boxed out design for a new sleeker modern looking muscle car that features a short hood, long roof and slightly flared fenders with the new Dart. The cars new frame is actually based on the Alfa Romeo hatchback brought over by Chrysler’s Italian owner, Fiat SpA.

The release of the Dart will be a test for the Chrysler-Fiat alliance that is aimed at saving millions of dollars by reusing Fiat frames, engines and technology for recreating some of America’s most popular automobiles. They hope to Americanize the Fiat brand by giving the new cars more space for people and gear.

Chrysler was bailed out by the U.S. government in 2009, and since that time things have looked up for the manufacturer with the company enjoying a 26 percent lasts jump just last year. Now the auto maker is looking for a breakthrough in the compact car market. Its last real success in that area was the Dodge Neon during the 1990s. The company is also trying to end its reliance on inefficient SUVs and pickups.

Dodge Darts have been a successful line for Chrysler in the past. During the 1960s-70s middle-class Americans purchased nearly 3.3 million darts. At that time, the company offered version for every lifestyle include the stripped down commuter car, convertibles, the family station wagon and street racers such as the Dart Swinger, which came with a racing stripe, hood scoops and a 340-cubic-inch V-8 engine.