A look at how the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero gets 41mpg

We have known for some time now that the new 2013 Dodge Dart
Aero package would offer 41 miles per gallon on the highway, making it one of
the most efficient models in the class behind just the Chevrolet Cruze
Eco.  The Chrysler Group has just
announced the details for the new super efficient package for the sporty Dart
sedan with the most important piece of information being the low starting price
of $19,295 (not including the $795 destination fee).

The 2013 Dodge Dart Aero is powered by the same turbocharged
1.4L MultiAir 4-cylinder engine that is found in the Dart SXT, Rallye and
Limited models along with the same standard 6-speed manual transmission.  The Dart Aero packs the same 160 horsepower
and 184lb-ft of torque as the other new Dart sedans so how does the Chrysler Group
get the 41mpg in the Aero package?

First, the Chrysler Group began with the already lightweight
chassis of the 2013 Dodge Dart sedan by adding aluminum lower control arms,
rear upper links and rear longitudinal arms.  
Next, active grille shutters, an underbody aero pan and low rolling
resistance tires work with the revised suspension system that has the Dart Aero
sitting 10mm lower than the other Dart models for improved aerodynamics at all
speeds.  The result is 28mpg around town,
32mpg combined and 41mpg on the highway – allowing only the Chevrolet Cruze Eco
to best it as the Cruze reaches 42mpg.

The 2013 Dodge Dart Aero package is also available with the
6-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT) and this new automatic transmission
technology allows the self-shifting Dart Aero to achieve 40 miles per gallon on
the highway while hitting the same 28mpg around town and 32 combined – which allows
the DDCT Dart Aero to easily beat the Chevy Cruze Eco models with the automatic
transmission.

Also, while the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero is slightly less
efficient than the Chevy Cruze Eco with the manual transmission, the new Dart
carries a starting price $385 less than the Chevy.  Oh, the 160hp and 184lb-ft of torque also
makes the Dart Aero substantially more powerful than the Cruze that offers just
138 horsepower and 148lb-ft of torque from its 1.4L turbo motor.  This means that while the Cruze may offer
1mpg better, it costs more and is far less powerful so the Dart Aero offers
this great fuel economy while also being one of the most powerful cars in the
class.

Sure, when you are most concerned about getting great fuel
economy, it doesn’t really matter who has the most power but for those drivers
who want a compact sedan that is fun to drive and super efficient – the 2013
Dodge Dart Aero is the easy choice.

Click here to discuss the 2013 Dodge Dart on DodgeForum.com!

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

Facebook   Twitter