Dodge Dart to Return in 2013

A few days ago Dodge announced the return of the Dodge Dart, to be unveiled at this years North American International Auto Show. It's interesting that the original "Dart" was a Chrysler show vehicle build by Ghia in 1956. The Dart would later go into production in 1960 and during it's life go from a full-size, to mid-size, to compact. By today's standards, that "compact" would be more on level with today's mid size car. This round, the Dart will be revived as a front wheel drive, 4 cylinder, sub-compact car. A shame really, as I was hoping for something on par with the Dodge Dart I remember. Not that the few sneak peeks of the car I've seen are all that bad. It is actually looking like a good looking car, sharing the Dodge Chargers rear lights. Though why resurrect a car's name that is obviously not from the same gene pool.

All too often car makers seem to bring back names, hoping to build upon a known tradition, when a car shares little with it's heritage. Just to name a few, Ford's 500, Chevy's Monte Carlo, Chevy's Impala (not the 1991-1996, which lived up to the reputation in my opinion), and a few others that slip my mind. While the Dodge Charger has a couple extra doors, I think it has represented the Charger lineage well, especially in a market that overwhelmingly prefers 4 doors, to my dismay. I think automakers just need to put a little more thought into naming a vehicle before slapping them on undeserving cars. Remember the Charger of the 1980's? Enough said.

Motor Authority: 2013 Dodge Dar to Return 40 mpg, offer 9 speed auto

2012 North American International Auto Show: January 9-22, 2012

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit is just around the corner. Below is a list of dates for the show. As always, I'll attend a day or two and take plenty of pictures. I was excited to hear the return of the Dodge Dart will be on display, until reading that it is a front wheel/4 cylinder powered compact. How disappointing!

Press Preview - January 9-10, 2012

Industry Preview - January 11-12, 2012

Charity Preview - January 13, 2012

Public Show - January 14-22, 2012

2012 North American International Auto Show (Official Web Site)