(Chrysler photo)
Dodge has been touting the "world class" aerodynamics of its upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulietta-based 2013 Dart compact for a few months at least. But until yesterday, none of the PR contained any numbers.
They're going to offer a 41 mpg (hwy) "Aero" version of the car to compete with Chevy's "Eco" Cruze version, and Ford's Fiesta "SFE".
Dart Aero specs:
Quote:
- 160-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Lighter-weight forged aluminum suspension components (replacing steel parts)
- Electric grille shutters that close to smooth frontal air flow when engine cooling isn't needed
- wheel spats
- Low-rolling-resistance tires
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Source:
2013 Dodge Dart Aero: High-Mileage Version Of New Compact Coming Soon
Additional Chrysler info about the focus of aero development:
Quote:
- more than 600 hours in the wind tunnel during the Dart's development
- Underbody panels run stem to stern
- Mirror design
- notch angle at the top of the header of the backlight to the trailing edge of the decklid
- even the tail lamp applique shape and rear corners were all designed and engineered for optimal aero performance
- integrated decklid spoiler incorporates a trailing edge shape for cleaner airflow separation in the rear portion of the vehicle, which optimizes the air wake
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Source: Chrysler press release -
http://www.chryslercanada.ca/product...verview_EN.rtf
The first hard numbers I've seen for the drag coefficient:
Quote:
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The exterior design is clean (aerodynamic to the tune of a 0.285 coefficient of drag, which is good)
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source:
2013 Dodge Dart on target to succeed - The Globe and Mail
Though it's not actually clear from that article if 0.285 is for the "base" dart or the Aero version.