Head of Dodge Dart Project Discusses Its Development

Cyril Benitah is the project manager for the coming Dodge DartDodge Dart (modern)United States of America, 2012 > present26 versions
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. The car will be available in the US in just a few weeks, and ChryslerChryslerUnited States of America, 1925 > present70 models
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is making a big push behind the car.

Benitah discusses the 1.4T Multiair engine used in the Dart, which Chrysler mounted with the exhaust towards the front to keep the cabin more quiet, and he discusses in brief how the Multiair technology works. He says that Chrysler plans on offering a version of the Dart with the 1.4T later in the year, probably in the fall, that gets 41mpg on the highway. 

DodgeDodgeUnited States of America, 1914 > present59 models
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is offering three transmissions on the Dart. The six-speed manual comes from FiatFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
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, and Benitah says that it is his favorite of the bunch. It is also offering a dual-clutch transmission from Fiat and a conventional six-speed automatic with a torque converter. 

The platform started with the Fiat BravoFiat Bravo (modern)Italy, 2007 > present39 versions
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and Lancia DeltaLancia Lancia Delta (Modern) Gen.1Italy, 2008 > present50 versions
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. It was then modified and used by Alfa RomeoAlfa RomeoItaly, 1910 > present108 models
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on the GiuliettaAlfa Romeo Giulietta (modern)Italy, 2010 > present75 versions
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, and now it has been lengthenedit by 3in in wheelbase and about 12in in length. 

He also discusses the car's development. Benitah says that the car is small but offers a lot of premium technology.