At this point, Chrysler LLC is unaware of any related accidents or injury regarding the liftgate.  Even still, the automaker isn’t taking any chances and will soon issue a voluntary recall on approximately 471 vans.  Both the U.S. market Town & Country and Grand Caravan models are at risk and both affected are 2012 model year vehicles.  Certified dealers will inspect the anti-pinch sensor and replace it if necessary.  The left-side sensor did not suffer the same symptoms as the right-side so it should not have to be replaced.

Source: Chrysler

Bathed in a classic Red suit, the first completed Dart is a Rallye packaged model with black and red interior.  Powered by the new-for-Dodge 1.4 liter inline four cylinder, the compact features three pedals, a rear view camera and sunroof.  One of the many outcomes to come about from the Dart’s 12 exterior and 14 interior colors, the first Belevedere car will quickly be followed by various other combinations.  With three engines, three transmissions and a plethora of trims, there really will be a Dart for just about anyone. 

Source: Dodge

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler LLC is looking into approximately 119,072 sedans.  The model years affected for the both the 300 and Charger are 2011 through 2012.  With the recall expected to begin during the month of May, owners should expect a notice fairly soon.  In order to remedy the issue, certified dealers will relocate the ABS/ESC fuse away from the power distribution center to that the overheating problem won’t show its face.  This fix will happen at no extra cost to drivers.

Source: NHTSA

When the Dart starts to hit dealership floors in June of this year, there will be five trim levels offered.  The base car, the SE, will come with standard features such as projector headlamps, LED tail lights, 10 air bags and power windows.  Under the hood will be the all-new, Tigershark 2.0 liter inline four cylinder engine which will be matched to a standard six speed manual or optional six speed automatic.  Spinning the front wheels will be a class-leading 160 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.  In order to get the middle-range, 1.4 liter turbocharged MultiAir engine, the Dart must first be fitted out as a middle-range Rallye, which starts at $18,995.  The most expensive Dart, the third quarter available R/T, will start at $22495 and will be powered by the 2.4 liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 inline four cylinder.  With that, 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque can be feed through the six speed manual or automatic.  Features such as 18 inch wheels, sport suspension, unique body work, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel as well as 8.4 inch Uconnect touch screen media controller will be offered on the R/T.

“The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car, offering features and benefits never before found in a compact car,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Dodge Brand.  The fully base pricing list for all five trim levels is below.

Source: Dodge

“We obsessed over the quality and refinement of the Dodge Dart as it was developed, tested and built,” said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President for Quality at Chrysler Group LLC.  In order to prepare for the Dart and to ensure it received the kind of attention wanted to produce a success story, the Belvidere plant was given a total of $20 million in new quality tools and processes.  Since the starting point for the Dart is the Italian hatchback known as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Dodge engineers had plenty of time early on to inspect the compact Italian.  We’re starting with a great architecture that helps us achieve our strict performance quality standards that will make the Dart very competitive in the North America compact sedan segment,” Betts said.

Source: Dodge

Previously, the four cylinder was only available on one trim level for the Journey: the base SE.  Perhaps in a move to follow the Honda Crosstour’s engine cut back, the Journey SXT will now be powered by 173 horsepower while achieving 26 mpg on the highway.  Standard features stay the same which include a 4.3 inch Uconnect touchscreen, satellite radio, push button start and leather wrapping for the interior.  Base price for the SXT has dropped to $22,995 with the four cylinder.  For an extra $1,500, the excellent and still efficient 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 can be had.  Front wheel drive is still the only drivetrain offered with the 2.4 while the six can power all four wheels. 

Source: Dodge

“Phoenix marks our new track-proven Dodge Charger Pursuit’s inaugural pace car weekend, while highlighting the fastback sedan’s benchmark levels of performance and the Dodge brand’s 62nd year of NASCAR racing heritage,” said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC.  The pace car’s use will mark the brand’s commitment to the legendary race series across the past 62 years.  After its debut, the 370 horsepower sedan will begin making its way into the hands of police officers around the country.  After that, criminals better thing twice before trying to outrun the Dodge Charger Pursuit.

Source: Dodge

As of now, Dodge is looking into approximately 9,688 Chargers.  The model years at risk are 2011 and 2012 and all have been equipped with the Police Pursuit Package.  To remedy the issue, Chrysler LLC will not only replace the headlamp jumper harness but relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse within the Power Distribution Center to keep it cool.  This fix will happen at no extra cost to police departments and the recall is scheduled to begin during March 2012.

Source: NHTSA

“Even though it’s still early in 2012, Dodge has already received more than a dozen awards across the line-up, demonstrating the strength of our products,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Dodge.  Having a connection between driver and vehicle may be the most deciding factor for MotorWeek, but the level-headed editors take numerous other aspects into consideration as well.  The awards are determined with a consumer mind-set and take into account priorities such as value, reliability, industry trends and innovations.  With a IIHS Top Safety Pick, best-in-class driving range with the Ward’s 10 Best winning Pentastar V6 and a near 50:50 weight distribution, the Durango is the type of full size SUV that honestly makes sense.  Riding on the same chassis and using the same powertrains, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is rolling proof that comfort, efficiency and style can make it across any terrain the world has to offer.

Source: Chrysler

When the new compact hits dealer floors, it will ride on the same architecture as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta: a front wheel drive, five door hatchback built on the new-for-2010 Fiat Compact Platform.  This means that the Dart will not ride on an old, ’hand-me-down’ platform like past “all-new” Chrysler products.  Unlike the Italian hot hatch, the Dodge will be built in the U.S. at Chrysler’s Belvidere, Illinois Assembly Plant and will be longer and wider than its Alfa cousin.  A MacPherson front strut suspension and bi-link independent rear will underpin the Dart which is a positive contrast to other torsion beamed offerings.  Initial motivation will come in the form of three all-new engine offerings paired to three transmission choices.  Base power will be a 2.0 liter, naturally aspirated Tigershark inline four cylinder with 160 horsepower.  The front wheels will spin via either a six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission.  For an upgrade, a 1.4 liter Multiair turbocharged inline four cylinder similar to the Fiat 500 Abarth’s will produce 160 horsepower and a more impressive 184 lb-ft of torque.  It will be paired to either the six speed manual or new six speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT).  For the ultimate Dart power, a 2.4 liter Tigershark inline four cylinder will use Fiat’s Multiair 2 induction system to produce 184 horsepower.  The system uses an electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation for the air intake to optimize combustion at all engine speeds.  The 2.4 liter will be matched with either the six speed automatic or six speed manual transmission and will more than likely be found in the R/T trim. 

Unlike the Caliber it replaces, the Dart looks like a car.  The raked body and fluid lines are dissimilar to the big-bodied Chrysler LX cars but the bold grille makes sure that no one will mistake the Dodge for something it’s not: a Dodge.  Around back, the Charger-like full width tail lamp houses 152 LEDs and looks absolutely fantastic.  Overall, the body is fairly reminiscent of the Neon but with an added bit of athleticism and poise.  More than 600 hours were spent in the wind tunnel to create its shape in order to optimize efficiency.  Little details such as the mirror’s shape, sculpted decklid and rear corners were designed inside the tunnel.  Not only was aerodynamic efficiency wanted, but Dodge engineers wanted a level of visual drama not found in other compacts.  “The Dodge Dart was a dream to design,” said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design. “The Alfa Romeo-based architecture allowed us to design an exterior with great proportions that say ‘fun-to-drive’ when you look at it. Add in the Charger-inspired ‘racetrack’ taillamps, a new, sleek crosshair grille and piano black accents, and it all adds up to a performance-inspired design with just the right amount of attitude.”

Inside the Dart will be a high level of technology and comfort.  A “driver-centric” layout should ensure a focus on ergonomics and a relatively long wheelbase will offer the space of a mid size sedan.  The Dodge will have best-in-class hip and shoulder room as well as offering another class exclusive: the full-blown 8.4 inch Uconnect touchscreen.  This customizable media system will come available with navigation, bluetooth, iPod integration and the most intuitive controls on the market today.  Another compact rarity will be Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross Path Detection.  With five trim levels, 12 exterior and 14 interior colors, three engines and three transmissions, Dodge is making absolute sure that there will be a Dart for everyone.  If that wasn’t enough, Mopar will make more than 150 options and packages for the new compact.  Production will begin in the second quarter of 2012 and soon after, the compact segment will once again have the Dart namesake to compete with.

Source: Dodge