2013 Dodge Dart Mopar

For the fourth time in the same number of years, the gang over at Mopar—Chrysler’s service, parts, and customer-care brand—have pulled a car from the Chrysler Group lineup and massaged it into a limited-edition vehicle to showcase some of their latest developments in technology and performance. Having already performed its magic on a trifecta of V-8–powered rear-wheel-drive models—Dodges Challenger and Charger, and the Chrysler 300—it seems fitting that for 2013, Mopar would turn its attention to one of the Group’s newest members, the Dodge Dart.

2013 Dodge Dart Mopar

Black and Blue

The 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar ’13 will be limited to a run of 500 units, as were its big brothers the Dodge Challenger Mopar ’10 and the Chrysler 300 Mopar ’12; the Charger Mopar ’11 saw a larger production run of 1000. Exterior styling doesn’t deviate too far from the recent Mopar formula. The Dart’s deep-gloss-black body is accented by a pair of unequal-width Mopar-blue racing stripes that run from stem to stern, and the car sits atop 18-inch wheels finished in the same coat of black. Blue is then splashed onto the calipers, part of the Mopar premium brake kit that also includes slotted rotors.

The Mopar ground effects are about as subtle as they get, consisting of a chin spoiler, a decklid spoiler, and a rear diffuser. And exterior nomenclature is limited to a discrete Mopar badge in the crosshair grille and Mopar logos on the center caps of the wheels.

Those looking for a little more flash need only to check out the interior. Night or day, it’s nearly impossible to miss the electrifying Mopar-blue leather driver’s seat we previewed last week, which Mopar says is intended “to keep the emphasis on the driver.” (As opposed to what, moving the steering wheel and pedals to the right side?) The rest of the seating is done in black with contrasting blue stitching. The extroverted interior color scheme includes a blue-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with matching shift knob, and blue ambient lighting. A sport pedal kit, Mopar carpet floor mats, doorsill guards, and an 8.4-inch touch screen finish off the interior.

Power to the People

The only available powertrain is the Dart’s optional turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed manual transmission, although Mopar claims the mill’s breathing has been enhanced by a performance-tuned exhaust system. Handling was addressed, too, in as much as Mopar lowered the car’s ride height by a quarter of an inch and re-calibrated the steering, it says, for improved performance.

Each of the 500 Dart Mopar ’13 owners will receive a unique owner kit on delivery. Its contents include a personalized plate with vehicle specifications, the car’s date of manufacture, and the unique identification number of the vehicle, all contained in a custom black case.

Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart Mopar ’13 is scheduled to begin at Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois, assembly plant this spring. Mopar enthusiasts who happen to be shopping for new Darts will want to call their dealer now.

Articles Source : caranddriver