Goes Like Hell: The Dodge Dart?!?
Word on the street is that Dodge will release a GLH, or “Goes Like Hell” version of the Dart. According to Motor Authority , Dodge introduced the potential Dodge Dart GLH package at the Fiat-Chrysler dealer meeting hosted in Las Vegas.
Evidently, the GLH package will potentially equip the Dart with a turbocharged engine, enhance the car’s overall performance, and be available for all the Dodge Dart trim levels found at your Dodge dealership Miami .
If these rumors become a reality, you’ll be able to “ Go Like Hell” for less than $20,000.
Until then, let’s take a look at the current Dodge Dart lineup and check out your options.
The 2015 Dodge Dart Takes Aim…
…And hits the mark with new features and overall improvements for the 2015 model year.
For starters, the new Dart, a compact sedan able to seat five, is now Android smartphone compatible with Bluetooth and USB capabilities. Though no longer standard across all trim levels, the CD player is still available as an option.
Speaking of options…
Powertrains Aplenty in the 2015 Dodge Dart
For the 2015 Dodge Dart, you have a choice of three available engines.
At the base level for the SE and SXT models, expect a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 160 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torque, operated by a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission.
With the manual transmission, Edmunds tested the Dart’s performance, which yielded a result of zero to sixty mph in 9.9 seconds.
So equipped, the EPA estimates the Dart’s fuel efficiency at 25 city, 36 highway, or 29 mpg combined.
The mid-level Aero trim level is outfitted by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which gets 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, paired to a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission.
Edmunds testing returned average results for this segment, with the manual version of the Aero measured at 8.4 seconds from zero to sixty mph.
Fuel efficiency was determined by the EPA to reach 32 mpg combined, in both the manual or automatic transmission.
The top trims, which are the SXT, GT, and Limited, are installed with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. The SXT and GT comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and the six-speed automatic transmission is optional, but standard on the Dodge Dart Limited.
Performance testing saw the Dodge Dart GT make the zero to sixty mph dash in 8.4 seconds. The SXT, GT, and Limited all have EPA estimates of 27 mpg combined.
Targeting the Trims in the 2015 Dodge Dart
Starting with the base level SE, expect to find the following features: cloth upholstery, height-adjustable front seats, a folding rear seat, power windows, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, four-speaker sound system, complemented by a CD player, MP3 player, and auxiliary audio jack, all poised on 16-inch steel wheels.
If you want improved aerodynamics, power mirrors and locks, cruise control, air conditioning, and convenience features like steering-wheel audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity, opt for the Convenience Group.
Take most of the features from the Convenience Group and add 16-inch aluminum wheels, upgraded interior materials, six-speaker sound system, and automatic headlights, to name just a few extra enhancements, and you’re looking at the SXT.
But the SXT can be further customized, thanks to a variety of packages. From the Uconnect Touchscreen Group, drivers can enjoy an improved instrument panel, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display, rearview camera, satellite radio, and USB/iPod port.
If you take everything from the Uconnect Touchscreen Group and boost it with a sunroof and nine-speaker Alpine system, you’re looking at the Sun/Sound Group.
For those consumers living in cold climates, check out the Cold Weather Group, which will warm up the Dart with power heated mirrors, heated front seats, and a remote engine start, if you opt for the automatic transmission.
In the market for a Dart with a little extra edge?
Check out the Rallye and California Appearance Groups, which have active grille shutters, underbody improvements for enhanced aerodynamics, an edgier design inside and out, foglamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, dual exhaust tips, a sportier suspension, and 17-inch black aluminum wheels.
Speaking of black wheels, the Dart’s Blacktop package is rife with dark details including 18-inch black aluminum wheels wrapped in Yokohama tires, foglamps, and side mirrors with black trim.
Fuel efficiency is the name of the game in the Aero, which is loaded with most of the SXT’s standards, along with 16-inch low-rolling-resistance tires, aerodynamic improvements, active grille shutters and the connectivity capabilities from the Tech Group, which adds automatic high beams, automatic wipers, xenon headlights, blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors.
In the Dart GT, you get all the goods from the SXT, plus the Technology Group, Cold Weather Group, and the aerodynamic features of the Aero, along with foglamps, keyless ignition and entry, super sporty suspension, dual exhaust tips, and 18-inch wheels.
On the Dart Limited, expect all the GT’s bells and whistles, but the wheels are down by an inch. Extra equipment comes from the sunroof, navigation system, perforated leather upholstery and exterior chrome details.
The Mopar Interior package is an option for all Darts, featuring all-weather cargo mats, door sill guards, a cargo tray and a cargo net.
Between the five trim levels and multiple packages, you’re sure to find a Dart that meets your driving demands and desires.
With its eight shades, including Billet Silver Metallic Clearcoat , Bright White Clearcoat , Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat , Laser Blue Pearl Coat , Passion Red Pearl Coat , Pitch Black Clearcoat , Redline 2 Coat Pearl , and True Blue Pearlcoat , the exterior color palette offers personalization for Dodge Dart drivers.
A Safe Little Sharp Object
No matter the trim level you choose, all 2015 Dodge Darts feature plenty of cutting-edge active and passive safety features as standard fare, including front and rear side airbags, side curtain and front knee airbags, antilock brakes, as well as traction and stability control.
Additional safety options include rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera.
These safety features earned the 2015 Dodge Dart its five out of five possible stars for overall crash protection, and total frontal and total side-impact protection.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2015 Dodge Dart is worthy of its highest safety rating of “Good.”
Braking power is some of the best in its class, as the 2015 Dart is able to stop from sixty mph in 118 feet. The GT trim level offers shorter stopping power at 116 feet.
The Interior is On Point in the 2015 Dodge Dart
Padded throughout and accented by stitching and stylish details, the 2015 Dodge Dart offers a comfortable cabin and a pleasant ride.
In fact, those who have been lucky enough to drive around in one this summer report that the Dodge Dart is ideal for road trips.
Boasting ample space in the front and rear seats, the 2015 Dodge Dart has an average cargo capacity, measured at 13.1 cubic feet.
Although the steering wheel only tilts so far, the 2015 Dodge Dart handles well, is responsive, and maneuvers with precision.
Pricing for the 2015 Dodge Dart starts at $16,495; however, you can find a range of price points, depending on whether you choose new, used, or certified preowned, all available at your nearby Dodge Dart dealership.
The 2015 Dodge Dart hit the mark for the compact car segment, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the GLH version.
After all, who doesn’t want a Dart that goes like hell?
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