Released back in 2012, the current Dart is not as good as it may seem at first glance. The car is soft, unresponsive and not that comfortable. Despite that, it still sold quite well mostly due to its great design. In time it received a few updates, it became a lot more comfortable and even better in terms of driving characteristics. However, it still feels disconnected from the road and its engines are not the best out there. The car will eventually be discontinued at the end of 2016 which comes as a shock for many. It seems that the main reason Dodge is doing this is because they want an entirely new model in its place.
This will likely still be called the Dart and it is expected to debut with the already confirmed 2017 Dodge Dart SRT4. The car has been announced back in 2015 and it should form the basis of an entirely new sedan.
Source: caranddriver.com
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For starters, the new model has been rumored to be based on a new platform. This would still be front wheel drive but it would come with a lot of improvements over the current one. It would get a longer wheelbase but the actual size of the car will remain the same as before. The new platform will improve the structural rigidity, it will give the car a much better driving feel and it should make for a lighter overall package. The end result might be the first competitive Dart in years.
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An estimated price
The 2017 Dodge Dart SRT4 on the other hand will compete on a completely different level. This model is expected to start as high as $35,000 and rival cars like the Subaru STI or the Golf R. It seems that the car will be released next year with the regular version expected in 2018.
Source: caranddriver.com
How will it look?
Unfortunately at this point Dodge hasn’t said a word about the future Dart. However, considering where their current models are going it is safe to assume that the upcoming Dart will borrow, at least some cues, from the Charger and Challenger. On top of that, it will definitely share its design scheme with the upcoming crossover. The two will get the same platform and mostly the same look with the difference being that the Dart will remain a sedan. Some even suggested that it might look like a downsized Charger which would not be all that bad.
Inside view
Even though nobody seemed to love the previous model, it has a really nice cabin for the price. The only drawback were the materials used. Well, the new 2017 Dodge Dart SRT4 is expected to improve on everything from the design, features and materials. The car will also offer more space than before and it should provide a significantly better ride quality. So far it seems that most of the attention will go on the way it drives which was average at best on the previous model.
Source: carsoid.com
2017 Dodge Dart SRT4
Even though it will use a new platform, the 2017 Dart SRT4 will be a front wheel drive car at its core. However, the model is more than likely going to receive an all wheel drive system in the base trim level. Its regular versions on the other hand will remain front wheel drive. The SRT4 badge means that the engine will be a four cylinder which is reassuring, especially after some suggested a three-cylinder unit. So far it seems that this would be a new 2 liter turbocharged inline 4 direct injected petrol engine. Most rumors suggest an output of around 350 horsepower and over 300 lb-ft of torque.
With this amount of power the Dart SRT4 would easily be able to match, or outrun, most of its direct rivals without too much trouble. The car is likely going to receive an automatic transmission and not a manual. This would allow the driver to better control the power and it will provide an additional level of comfort. With the help of the all wheel drive system, the Dart SRT4 is expected to hit 60 MPH in around 4 seconds. This would basically push it at the same level with the Audi RS3 which is one of the most impressive cars in its class!
The main competitor is Chrysler 300.
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