The new Dodge Dart is Really an MG?

[Daves69Coupe]

I just read an article about the New Dodge Dart and thought it was hilarious that its just a rebadged MG. O dodge cant you design something from scratch anymore.

http://www.mg.co.uk/the-models/mg6-gt.aspx#/?page=MG6_GALLERY_EXTERIOR53855

[Kenova]

If it doesn't have any electrical problems then it would be better than any MG out there.

Ken

[senor_camaro]

or atleast drop a damn V8 in it

[trapin]

Dart is a great name for a compact car and it gives a legendary nameplate a chance to live again. Chrysler has been dying for a compact car that can compete and now they have one that might. The Caliber was a complete fail. If the quality is there this car could be huge for them.

What they need next is a sub-compact and a mid-size car that can compete. 72,000 sales from Avenger is not going to cut it when your competition is moving 150K to 180K a year. They need to scrap that car and it's name and come up with something new. Always hated the name Avenger. Works for a Superhero but not much for a car.

[wellis77]

Interesting, I thought it was based off a Fiat hatch but lengthened and I think widened. Didn't realize MG was part of the Fiat family as well.

[oestek]

Imagine explaining that one to someone who woke up today from a 35 year coma...

[John Wright]

I do like the Dodge red vs the MG red....so they did get something right.....LOL

[carguy502]

imagine explaining that one to someone who woke up today from a 35 year coma...

lolololololol!

[Mr. Anderson]

Where did you get MG? It's based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

I think the Challenger, Charger, 300, Ram trucks, Durango, etc. are all pretty nice original designs. And considering Dodge/Chrysler is owned by Fiat, why spend all the time and money to develop an all new vehicle when Alpha Romeo already had a very good platform. It's a lot more than a re-badging....it's longer, and wider. And looks pretty damned good on top of it...

[Twentyover]

Interesting, I thought it was based off a Fiat hatch but lengthened and I think widened. Didn't realize MG was part of the Fiat family as well.

It's not. MG is owned by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, who own the MG and Rover brands

Based on is a pretty loose term. The Dart is both longer and wider than the Giulietta.

[wellis77]

“The Dodge Dart was a dream to design,” said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design — Chrysler Group LLC. “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.”

The Fiat Group-based Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide) architecture’s low, wide and long dimensions ensured a stable “body-in, wheels-out” stance and coupe-like silhouette. The CUS-wide platform allowed for accentuating the fender formations and pushing the wheels as far out to the corners as possible, creating a very stable look, which gave Dodge designers incredible opportunities for some very dramatic sculpturing. Designers visually stretched the skin of the car over the vehicle framework as if stretching nylon over a surface.

Alfa Romeo DNA
The Dodge brand’s re-entry into the U.S. compact sedan segment is based off of the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics. The Giulietta platform was lengthened and widened, creating a spacious compact sedan that meets the wants and needs of North American consumers.

I don't know where this MG stuff comes from, but according to Chrysler it is Alfa Romeo-based. Yes it is longer and wider than the Alfa, but it's still "based" on the Alfa. Just like the Challenger is based on the Charger/300 platform. Check out the Chrysler press release.

http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=11853&mid=2