41-mpg Dodge Dart Aero: Same Great Taste, Less Filling

This is a regular Dodge Dart. On a bridge. In an effort to reach or surpass the vaunted 40-mpg mark that manufacturers have been paying lip service to for months now, Dodge will release the Dodge Dart Aero in the third quarter of this year. Although still undergoing final engineering, a Chrysler spokesperson told us today that the Dart Aero will receive an EPA highway rating of 41 mpg, up from the standard model's 39. According to Chrysler, the Aero will be based on the Dart's 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo four (which we thoroughly enjoyed in our first drive of the Dart), employ low-rolling-resistance tires with specially designed aerodynamic wheel covers, and use aluminum in place of heavier materials. The package will be available only with a manual transmission. The Aero's features and infotainment content will be on par with that of the Dart SXT. That 41-mpg number puts the Dart square in the middle of the fight for the ultra-eco-combustion-only tiara. Chevy's Cruze Eco leads the efficiency race at 42 mpg on the highway, while the Ford Focus SFE, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Mazda 3 Skyactiv all tie at 40 mpg. Comparison Test: Chevrolet Cruze Eco vs. Chevrolet Volt Comparison Test: Chevy Cruze vs. 2012 Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, VW Jetta Instrumented Test: 2012 Mazda 3 i Touring Skyactiv Because the Dart Aero is still undergoing final tweaks and testing, further details and pricing will be released closer to the model's debut later this year. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

puts the internet to work for you. via task 647533