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Dodge Dart pushed toward the grave with simplified lineup

FCA announced a while back that the Dodge Dart and its Chrysler 200 half-sibling are on the way out due to lack of interest. The 2016 model year will be the Dart's last, and Dodge has just reconfigured the lineup mid-year to lower (relative) pricing and streamline ordering. Streamlined is a nice way of saying there will be fewer choices, with three models (down from five) and limited customization beyond choosing the paint color. The odd thing is that the Dart continues to offer three different engines. And while the prices of the individual models have decreased, the former SE base trim is now gone. That means an early-2016 Dart was available for as little as $17,990, while the late-2016 Dart starts at $18,990. For that sum you get the new base model, the SXT Sport, which replaces the SXT and comes with the 2.0-liter Tigershark four-cylinder (160 horsepower, 148 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed manual; a six-speed automatic is an available option. Standard equipment includes normal entry-level car stuff, black cloth upholstery, 16-inch wheels, and grille shutters that help improve fuel economy. The SXT Sport can be dressed up with one of three different appearance packages; Chrome adds bright accents to parts including the grille and door handles, Rallye has a black grille and a touring suspension, and the Blacktop package makes pretty much everything on the exterior black and includes a sport-tuned suspension. All three packages come with bigger wheels, too. From there it's on to the new Dart Turbo, for $20,490. It comes with the 1.4-liter turbo four (160 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque) and comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. This is supposed to be the model for enthusiasts, which is how Dodge is selling the switch to manual-only. Ditching the disliked dual-clutch automatic that was previously offered with this engine doesn't hurt. This engine was also used in the former Aero model, as it's the most fuel-efficient in the lineup. The Turbo gets the Rallye appearance stuff and a different hood. At the top is the Dart GT Sport, starting at $21,900. It has the 184-hp, 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This is the one with features, including a power driver's seat, the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment unit, digital reconfigurable gauges, dual-zone auto climate, keyless start, and a rearview camera. The latter-part-of-2016 Dart will be available in eight colors.

Dodge Demon's deliverer? FCA files for 'Angel' trademark

We've driven the Dodge Demon, and despite its satanic overtones and 840 freakin' horsepower under the hood, the car is actually quite well-behaved. At least it didn't bite our head off or drag us into any sort of inferno. Still, Dodge might be looking to balance its lineup with something with a bit more righteous, as FCA has filed for a trademark of the moniker "Angel."... According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, FCA filed the application on July 17, 2017, and it applies to "Motor vehicles, namely, passenger automobiles, their structural parts, trim and badges." Essentially, that's all the information we have to go on at this point. It could mean that Dodge is planning to further capitalize on the Demon name by creating another variant, or a completely different car. But what's the opposite of the Demon? Could it be a more road-friendly version of the drag-focused Demon? (And wouldn't that just be a Hellcat Widebody with more power?) Maybe it's a performance hybrid, as FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne recently said that the automaker would electrify half its fleet by 2022. For now, we can merely speculate as to what the Angel would be. And you can, too. Get at it in the comments section, below. And while you're at it, what name do you think FCA should trademark next, and what sort of car would that be?Related Video: Related Gallery 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: First Drive View 37 Photos News Source: US Patent and Trademark Office via FCA Authority Auto News Chrysler Dodge Future Vehicles Performance FCA trademark dodge demon

Chrysler to accelerate production of 2013 Ram and V6 engines

Chrysler is adding a third shift at its Warren Truck plant to meet demand for the new 2013 Ram pickup. And with tight supplies of its Pentastar V6, the company is also boosting output at its Mack Engine plant.
The expansions will add 1,250 jobs and are part of a $238 million investment by Chrysler in the Detroit area. Warren's third shift will begin work sometime in the spring, a Chrysler rep told Automotive News. Mack's increased Pentastar production a could include both 3.6 and 3.2-liter engines.
The company says it also plans to invest $40 million in its Trenton Engine plant to allow for production of a 3.2-liter V6 as well as the Tigershark inline-four for the upcoming Jeep Liberty replacement.