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Dodge to offer 41 MPG (hwy) "Aero" version of 2013 Dart - 0.285 drag coefficient

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1336052894
(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

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

Source: Chrysler press release - http://www.chryslercanada.ca/product...verview_EN.rtf

The first hard numbers I've seen for the drag coefficient:

Quote:

The exterior design is clean (aerodynamic to the tune of a 0.285 coefficient of drag, which is good)

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG (Post 304861)

Though it's not actually clear from that article if 0.285 is for the "base" dart or the Aero version.

Update: John Voelcker at Green Car Reports clarified this morning in the comments of his article that 0.285 is for the standard car, not the "Aero" version.

It'll be interesting to see how much they're able to pare off that number with the extra aeromods.

Well, geez, how can we ecomod that? Besides flat wheel covers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRMichler (Post 304894)

Well, geez, how can we ecomod that? Besides flat wheel covers.

There's plenty of fat to carve off that cd. Also, there would still be many mechanical mods that would help as well. Nice platform to start from though.

Oops. iPhone glitch double post.

Quote:

more than 600 hours in the wind tunnel during the Dart's development

And it only took marketing 3 hours to ruin everything. ;)

Wasn't that long ago when every 4 minutes Chrysler (and the rest) came on the tube telling us we needed 400 hp in a pickup or SUV. And Daimler/Chrysler (idiots) decided the smart move was to make the entire lineup look like an SUV. This is a good start! :thumbup:

If they keep at it,they'll catch up to 1935!

I am a mopar guy and have two (06 and 07) chargers in my driveway. Looking at getting the Dart maybe. I have been watching this one for awhile and I am waiting more on the final numbers.

need to put this up on the aero templet

Will a hatchback be offered ? That rear glass slope angle is just killing the drag back there.