Press Kit: 2013 Dodge Dart

Auburn Hills, Mich. April 27, 2012 - The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three refined, fuel-efficient and powerful, state-of-the-art, four-cylinder engines that all add to Dart’s fun-to-drive quotient.

Drivers can select from a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir® Intercooled Turbocharged engine and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine.

The new Dart also will feature three six-speed transmission choices coupled with the new engines, including a new six-speed dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT), a six-speed manual and a new six-speed automatic.

The 2.0-liter Tigershark engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) City/36 mpg Highway/29 mpg Combined. The 1.4-liter MulitAir Turbo engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission has an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg City/39 mpg Highway/29 mpg Combined. A new Dodge Dart "Aero" model will deliver at least 41 mpg on the highway (3rd quarter availability.)

“The three new engines and transmissions available in the new Dodge Dart have been designed and tested to meet consumer’s needs for fuel economy, refinement, durability and power in a compact car,” said Bob Lee, Vice President, Engine and Electrified Propulsion Engineering — Chrysler Group LLC. “Technologies, including the latest generation of MultiAir and turbocharging, provide improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and increased power. Forged-steel crankshafts, forged connecting rods and select-fit main bearings are just a few of the many design features that contribute to a highly refined sound character.”

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be the first compact sedan built in North America to feature MultiAir engine technology from Fiat. MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions by allowing direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

The three engines, combined with the three transmission choices, redefine performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.

New 2.0-liter Tigershark Engine
Standard on the new 2013 Dodge Dart SE, SXT, Rallye and Limited models and one of three powerplants available on the Dart is an all-new 2.0-liter Tigershark Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine that provides high levels of refinement, fuel efficiency and performance.

“With a host of new engine components designed for reduced friction, customers of the Dodge Dart will benefit from improved fuel efficiency, refinement and quiet operation,” said Greg Macfarlane, Chief Engineer for the Tigershark engine family. “More than 88 percent of the 2.0-liter components and 80 percent of the 2.4-liter components are brand new, excluding some carryover fasteners and sealants.”

Produced in Dundee, Mich., the 2.0-liter I4 engine is part of the new Tigershark family of four-cylinder engines from the Chrysler Group that will debut in 2012.

The new 2.0-liter engine will be available with a manual or automatic six-speed transmission.

Performance ratings for the 2.0-liter engine are 160 hp (119 kW) at 6,300 rpm with torque of 147 lb.-ft. (200 N•m) at 4,600 rpm. Maximum engine speed is 6,750 rpm.

Engine block and lower reciprocating assembly
Constructed of high-pressure die-cast aluminum, the block is fitted with cast-iron bore liners. Bore diameter is 88 mm, an increase from 86 mm of the previous design. Stroke is decreased to 82 mm from 86 mm from the previous 2.0-liter engine. Total displacement is 1,995 cc compared with 1,998 cc for the former engine.

Low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are assured with dual counter-rotating balance shafts that are driven with an optimized hydraulic chain tensioner. Included are low-friction nylon chain guides and a tensioner arm for improved fuel economy. The chain arrangement includes inverted teeth that minimize noise in the timing drive system.

A new forged-steel crankshaft with increased pin diameters from 48 mm to 53 mm, adds stiffness. Full counterweight balancing and a relocated crank thrust bearing from the third to second journal offer improved durability and less noise, vibration and harshness.

To help improve fuel efficiency and reduce oil demand, crankshaft upper-main bearings include a revised upper-main bearing oil groove. Fitted to the crankshaft are new powder forged-steel connecting rods featuring a full-floating piston pin that has been coated with a diamond-like carbon surface treatment for reduced friction and improved fuel efficiency.

Cast-aluminum pistons are designed for an optimized 10.2:1 compression ratio and the piston ring packs are treated for compatibility with E85 fuel. Each bore is fitted with individual piston oil squirters in the block that spray oil on the bottom of the pistons and bore walls to help maintain cylinder wall and piston temperatures and avoid hot spots.

Two-bolt main bearing caps coupled with a cast-iron structural bearing beam secured at the 2, 3, and 4 main caps also help reduce flexing and maintain stiffness along the bottom of the block. For additional structural rigidity, a lightweight lost-foam, aluminum ladder with an integral oil filter and oil cooler adapter is sandwiched between the block and steel oil pan.

The steel oil pan, with a capacity of five quarts of oil, also reduces noise emanating from the reciprocating assembly with a sandwich-type design that includes acoustic material between the outer and inner steel stamped layers.

Helping to minimize vibration, a balance shaft module has been incorporated into the design of the engine.

The 2.0-liter engine also features a two-stage pressure relief system that reduces engine oil pumping load at low engine speeds for better fuel efficiency.

A refined oil life system calculates oil life based on a number of variables including engine speed, operating temperature and load. Oil changes are then recommended when needed – up to 8,000 miles.

An electronically controlled thermostat is used to keep the engine at optimal temperatures for fuel efficiency during moderate driving conditions and manage coolant temperatures during heavy loads.

2.0-liter cylinder head
The aluminum cylinder head is a dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with a four-valves-per-cylinder arrangement. Super-finish processed roller-element rocker arms and hydraulic lash adjusters are used to minimize friction and improve fuel efficiency.

The new cylinder head includes revised intake ports, larger intake valves and revised combustion chambers for a high-charge motion that provides better fuel efficiency and performance. Larger intake valves, measuring 36 mm, provide exceptional performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

The timing system for the 2.0-liter includes dual-independent variable-valve timing on both the intake and exhaust side with an extended cam phaser range enabling up to 60 crankshaft angle degrees of motion. Unlike a traditional camshaft arrangement with mechanically fixed relationships, the cam phaser system optimizes valve events at various engine speeds and loads to help reduce inherent pumping losses that occur in the engine. The result is better fuel efficiency along with performance.

Also included are an isolated aluminum head cover and an aluminum front engine cover. Often found on premium engines, the covers more effectively isolate engine noise.

To ensure consistent brake booster levels, full engine vacuum is assured at all speeds and driving conditions with the addition of a standard vacuum pump.

To help reduce emissions, particularly at engine start-up, the catalytic converter is located immediately downstream of the tubular exhaust manifold to ensure quick light-off. The new 2.0-liter engine also is capable of meeting super ultra-low emissions vehicle (SULEV) and Euro 6 emission levels. The revised location of the exhaust manifold to the front of the engine also helps to reduce exhaust noise into the passenger compartment.

Induction
Designed to deliver both excellent performance and fuel efficiency across the operating range of the engine, the induction system includes a glass-filled nylon intake manifold with tuned intake runners. The port fuel-injection system includes fuel injectors with multiple orifices to support optimal combustion for lower emissions. Throttle opening is determined through drive-by-wire controls and the throttle body diameter is 64 mm.

Both the intake manifold and fuel-injection rail have acoustically dampened covers for reduced NVH ensuring a quiet cabin environment.

Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 is recommended.

Ignition system
The high-energy ignition system includes a compact coil-on-plug assembly that improves combustion for better fuel efficiency. Dual precious-metal spark plugs, including iridium and platinum, provide up to 100,000 miles of durability. Located in the center of the cam cover, the spark plugs are easily accessible when service is required.

1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo Engine
The new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine offers increased horsepower and torque to provide a better performance driving experience.

“With the addition of the new downsized, turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that benefits from Fiat’s exclusive MultiAir valve-control system technology combined with a pair of transmission offerings, the 2013 Dodge offers the performance of a larger engine while achieving the fuel economy expected from traditional four-cylinder engines,” Mike Vincent, Engine Platform Manager said.

The new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine transmits it power through high-strength components throughout the drivetrain, including equal-length half shafts and a 4.44 final-drive ratio.

The 1.4-liter is rated at 160 hp at (119 kW) and 184 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) of torque. When mated to the six-speed manual transmission it achieves an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg City/39 mpg Highway. The new Dodge Dart "Aero" model will deliver at least 41 mpg on the highway (3rd quarter availability.)

High-performance engine design with high-performance output and fuel economy
Selected as the “Best International Engine in 2010,” by a panel of 72 journalists from 36 countries, the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine is designed to meet the rigorous demands of performance driving throughout its 6,500 rpm range.

Structurally, the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine starts with a durable cast-iron block and a structural aluminum bedplate. The bore is 72 mm and stroke 84 mm for a total displacement of 1,368 cc.

At the bottom end, a forged-steel crankshaft with select-fit main bearings is supported across five main journals. The crankshaft has been designed with lightened counterweights to reduce overall mass for high engine rpm operation.

Durability is ensured with the use of lightweight forged-steel connecting rods that have been designed with a unique cross section to minimize the longitudinal and lateral bending of the rod.

Lightweight cast-aluminum pistons, with a compression ratio of 9.8:18:1, contribute to the overall efficiency of the reciprocating assembly and the engine’s high rpm capability. Full-floating piston pins are used for added strength. Piston cooling jets, located at the bottom of each cylinder, contribute to fuel economy by squirting oil on the bottom of the pistons to help maintain cylinder temperatures and reduce the possibility of hot spots along the cylinder walls or at the top of the piston that could lead to spark knock.

“The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo has been extensively refined for North America in the Dodge Dart,” said David Schmidt, Chief Engineer. “Thousands of development hours and miles were devoted to make sure this engine surpasses the unique challenges of the North American market, ensuring durability and excellent fuel economy to complement the performance driving excitement.”

This high-performance 1.4-liter engine also is fitted with a structural aluminum oil pan with a crankcase capacity of 4.0 quarts with a dry filter. Synthetic 5W-40 engine oil is recommended, due to higher overall temperatures with the turbocharger. Oil change intervals are set at 8,000 miles.

Innovative MultiAir cylinder head
The valve train for the high-performance 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine features Fiat’s exclusive MultiAir technology. Unlike engines that rely on direct action from fixed lobes on the camshaft to control intake valve opening and closing, MultiAir is an electro-hydraulic system that can control intake air, cylinder by cylinder and stroke by stroke depending on the precise operating conditions and the demands from driver and engine control system.

Actual opening of the valves is controlled by a small actuating piston and hydraulic fluid running through a narrow passage that is controlled by a dual-action solenoid. When the solenoid is closed, under highway speeds or full acceleration, intake valves are fully open much like a traditional engine for maximum power. At lower speeds, the solenoid opens precisely during the intake stroke allowing oil to bypass the passage, thus decoupling the valves. This allows for infinite control of the valves and controls the amount of fresh air into the cylinders reducing wasted energy that is common with fixed intake lobes on a camshaft.

Spent exhaust gases are released through exhaust valves operated by traditional lobes on the camshaft and exit through a cast stainless steel exhaust manifold.

Ignition is through a single output, coil-on-plug system. Spark plugs are dual precious metal for durability and smooth idle.

Fuel delivery is sequential, multi-port and electronically controlled with injectors located to direct the fuel spray at the intake valves in a wide spray pattern that increases fuel atomization and enhances complete combustion for a smooth driving experience.

MultiAir technology on normally aspirated 1.4-liter engines provides up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque, up to 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a 7.5 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Intercooled Turbocharger provides 160 Horsepower
The boost to 160 horsepower on the new 2013 Dodge Dart is largely due to its single turbocharger that operates off engine exhaust and uses energy that would normally be wasted through the tailpipe.

The turbocharger spins up to 230,000 rpm to convert exhaust heat and pressure into rotation that drives a compressor. The compressor draws cool air and pumps it into the intake manifold at increased pressure. The result is more air in the cylinders, hence more torque and power. Boost pressure is dynamically managed to provide a broad torque curve over a wide variety of ambient conditions, with a peak pressure of 22 psi at 4,000 rpm.

The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo’s induction system on the Dodge Dart includes a single intercooler that is designed to remove heat in the air charge that the turbocharger generates while compressing incoming air. Removing heat provides a cooler, denser air charge that helps increase the potential for more power. A cooler air charge also reduces the potential for engine knock.

High-performance engine components
Delivering more power also required a number of powertrain improvements to the engine and transmission components needed for the demands of high-performance driving.

On the intake side, the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo features a fresh-air intake system with high-flow air filter, redesigned air box for improved air flow and smooth-flowing plumbing for maximum power and low induction noise. Components are unique to the Dodge Dart to meet new underhood packaging requirements.

A low-restriction exhaust system delivers minimal exhaust gas backpressure for maximum power.

The powertrain control module (PCM) integrates all of the MultiAir Turbo engine’s control functions, including management of the MultiAir system.

An upgraded electrical system includes a high-output 140-amp alternator and 500-amp cold-cranking, maintenance-free battery for increased vehicle system charging.

High-performance transmission and driveline
The new Dodge Dart can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DDCT transmission with the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine. The transmissions feature final-drive ratios of 4.44 (DDCT) and 4.12 (manual) for quick acceleration and faster top speed, while maintaining fuel economy.

Designed to handle the increased torque loads, both transmissions of the new Dodge Dart include a 40 mm tubular intermediate shaft with equal-length half shafts to mitigate torque steer. The bar shafts are 26.8 mm in diameter and larger for increased strength and to reduce torsional stress in the driveline during performance driving on the road or track. To handle the increase power and torque of the new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, larger constant velocity joints with high torsional strength of 2,600 N•m deliver added durability and refinement. Shudderless inboard joints are used for refinement.

2.4 Tigershark Engine
The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 is the largest and most powerful four-cylinder engine from the new gas engine family and is standard in the R/T (available 3rd quarter 2012).

The 2.4-liter engine is designed to take full advantage of the exclusive MultiAir valve train system developed by Fiat Powertrain and includes a host of new engine components designed for reduced friction to enhance the performance and fuel efficiency of Dodge’s latest offering in the compact car market.

The 2.4-liter is the third engine to feature MultiAir technology from the Chrysler Group and features the second generation “MultiAir 2” system that further enhances combustion control, improves fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions. Naturally aspirated, the 2.4-liter will be available with either a manual six-speed transmission or the new Powertech six-speed automatic transmission.

Performance ratings for the 2.4-liter engine are 184 hp (137 kW) at 6,250 rpm with torque of 171 lb.-ft. (232 Nm) at 4,800 rpm.

Engine block and lower reciprocating assembly
The 2.4-liter starts life with a high-pressure, die cast-aluminum block fitted with cast-iron bore liners. Bore diameter is 88 mm and stroke is 97 mm. Total displacement is 2,360 cc.

A new forged-steel crankshaft features increased pin diameters from 48 mm to 53 mm that add stiffness. The crank thrust bearing is relocated from the third to second journal, and eight counterweights offer improved durability and less NVH.

To improve fuel efficiency and reduce oil demand, crankshaft upper main bearings include a revised upper main bearing oil groove. Fitted to the crankshaft are new powder forged-steel connecting rods that feature a full-floating piston pin that has a diamond-like carbon (coated surface treatment for reduced friction and improved fuel efficiency).

Cast-aluminum pistons with a compression ratio of 10:1 are designed specifically for the engine and MultiAir system. The piston ring packs also are treated for compatibility with E85 fuel. Each bore is fitted with individual piston oil squirters in the block that spray oil on the bottom of the pistons and bore walls help maintain cylinder wall and piston temperatures, avoid hot spots that could lead to knock and improve performance and fuel economy.

Two-bolt main bearing caps coupled with a cast-iron structural bearing beam secured at the 2, 3 and 4 main caps reduce flexing and maintain stiffness along the bottom of the block.

A lightweight, lost-foam aluminum ladder frame with an integral oil filter and oil cooler adapter is sandwiched between the block and steel oil pan and helps maintain structural rigidity in the block.

Noise emanating from the reciprocating assembly is reduced with a new oil pan that includes a steel sandwich-type design that includes acoustic material between the outer and inner steel stampings of the oil pan.

Vibration from the piston forces is minimized with the use of a balance shaft module that has been incorporated into the engine. To maintain adequate oiling at all engine speeds, the 2.4-liter engine features a two-stage oil pressure relief system that reduces engine oil pumping loads at low engine speeds for better fuel efficiency.

A refined oil life system calculates oil life based on a number of variables, including engine speed, operating temperature and engine load and recommends an oil change when it’s needed – up to 8,000 rpm.

2.4-liter cylinder head includes MultiAir fuel delivery
Constructed of aluminum, the cylinder head features a four-valve arrangement. MultiAir 2 is standard on the 2.4-liter engine and this latest version of the MultiAir system has been enhanced to provide more flexibility for valve openings and closings along with levels of internal exhaust gas recirculation for improved fuel efficiency.

The intake side of the valve train for the 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 engine is an electro-hydraulic system that can control intake air, cylinder-by-cylinder and stroke-by-stroke, depending on the operating condition and demands from the driver. Electronic throttle control is standard with the 2.4-liter engine.

Actual opening of the valves is controlled by a small actuating piston and hydraulic fluid running through a narrow passage that is controlled by a dual action solenoid. When the solenoid is closed, under full acceleration, intake valves are fully open much like a traditional engine for maximum power. At lower speeds and loads, the solenoid opens precisely during the intake stroke allowing oil to bypass the passage, thus decoupling the valves. This allows for infinite control of the valves, and controls the amount of fresh air into the cylinders that reduces wasted energy that is common with fixed intake lobes on a camshaft

Large, 36 mm diameter intake valves provide exceptional performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Revised combustion chambers provide a high-charge motion for better fuel efficiency and performance. Exhaust valves are controlled via traditional lobes on the camshaft and exhaust gases exit through a fabricated, tubular stainless steel exhaust manifold.

Ignition is through a single output, coil-on-plug system. Spark plugs are dual precious metal, platinum and iridium, for durability and idle smoothness.

Fuel delivery is sequential, multi-port, electronic, with injectors located to direct the fuel spray at the intake valves in a spray pattern that increases fuel atomization and enhances complete combustion for a smooth driving experience.

Also included are an aluminum head cover and an aluminum front engine cover. Often found on premium engines, these covers effectively dampen engine noise.

Maximum engine speed is 6,350 rpm.

Full vacuum for consistent brake booster performance is assured at all speeds and driving conditions with the addition of a standard vacuum pump.

Contributing to lower emissions, particularly at engine start-up, the catalytic converter is located immediately downstream of the tubular exhaust manifold to ensure quick light-off. The revised location of the exhaust manifold to the front of the engine also helps to reduce exhaust noise into the passenger compartment.

The new 2.4-liter engine also is capable of meeting super ultra-low emissions vehicle (SULEV) and Euro 6 emission levels.

Induction
Designed to deliver both excellent performance and fuel efficiency across the operating range of the engine, the induction system includes a glass-filled nylon intake manifold with tuned intake runners. The port fuel-injection system includes multi-orifice fuel injectors to support optimal combustion for lower emissions. Throttle opening is controlled through drive-by-wire, and the throttle body diameter is 64 mm.

Both the intake manifold and the fuel-injection rail have acoustically dampened covers that helps to reduce NVH.

Ignition system
The high-energy ignition system includes a compact coil-on-plug assembly that improves the combustion flame for better fuel efficiency. Dual precious-metal spark plugs, including iridium and platinum, provide up to 100,000 miles durability. Located in the center of the cam cover, the spark plugs are easily accessible when service is required.

The 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 engine marks the first time MultiAir technology is offered beyond the 1.4-liter variants.

Six-speed Manual, DDCT and automatic transmissions offered
Exceptional fuel efficiency and spirited performance are just two attributes from the new Dodge Dart’s full range of transmission offerings. Additionally, each transmission has undergone extensive testing and evaluation to ensure that customer expectations in the area of refined shifting characteristics and low noise levels are met.

“Depending on individual driving tastes, we’ve engineered each of the three six-speed transmissions for the 2013 Dodge Dart for efficiency and performance while delivering more of the fun factor to driving,” said Mircea Gradu, Vice President, Transmission, Powertrain and Driveline Engineering — Chrysler Group LLC. “Working closely with our engine group, we’ve carefully matched each transmission for individual engine applications to achieve the best efficiency and refinement for the driver.”

Three transmissions, including a standard C635 six-speed manual, a new C635 dual dry clutch six-speed and a world-class 6F24 six-speed automatic will be available depending on engine selection.

Six-Speed C635 manual transmission
Standard with all three engine choices is the C635 manual transmission. Developed by Fiat as part of a new family of global transmissions, the six-speed manual is compact and lightweight with gearing that is optimized to operate at both low engine rpm and at highway speeds to provide optimal fuel efficiency.

The transmission also is designed for reduced highway engine rpm to ensure a quiet cabin environment. Included is a dual-mass flywheel that permits lower engine rpm at any gear to help increase fuel economy. Maximum input speed for 1-2 and 2-3 shifts is up to 7,000 rpm and 6,500 for all other shifts. Drivers also will notice reduced gear rattle and reduced shift times.

Robust and reliable, the transverse-mounted gearbox is designed to withstand maximum torque values up to 350 N•m. For optimal viscosity, in all temperature and driving extremes, synthetic oil is used. The transmission is a filled for life design with no transmission oil changes ever required under normal driving conditions. Additionally, the clutch is self-adjusting requiring no periodic adjustments.

Ratio spread is 6.68 for the 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo and 6.27 for the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Tigershark engines.

For the best acceleration characteristics, a tall, 4.15 first gear is used on the 1.4-liter while the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter feature a 3.90. Sixth gear, which helps reduce engine rpm at highway speeds, is 0.62. Using an ideal set of gears, the transition from 1-6 provides the ideal balance of performance and comfort.

Six-Speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT)
Available in models of the Dart with the optional 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine, the dual dry clutch transmission (DDCT) is designed specifically for lighter vehicle applications and represents the first application of this front-wheel-drive powertrain technology for Dodge passenger cars. The DDCT will be available as an option in the 3rd quarter 2012. Like the manual transmission it is based from, the new six-speed DDCT transmission is capable of handling up to 350 N•m of torque.

Unlike common six-speed planetary transmissions and wet clutch DCT’s, the DDCT eliminates the traditional torque converter or constant pressure pumps and the associated parasitic losses.

Lower emissions as a result of improved transmission efficiency also are a key benefit with the new DDCT. The DDCT technology offers the potential to reduce both Carbon C02 and nitrous oxides (NOx) compared with a conventional automatic transmission.

The use of a six-speed DDCT allows the driver a broad range of shifting behaviors from enthusiasts looking for sporty performance to commuters looking for optimal fuel efficiency. Driver input to the accelerator pedal defines the power required from the engine. The transmission control unit (TCU) defines the optimal engine torque/speed mix.

Advanced features of the DDCT also include a Hill-start Assist feature. If a driver is stopped on an inclined ramp, the transmission, working through the brake control unit, will help prevent vehicle rollback by maintaining vehicle brake pressure momentarily until adequate torque is reached to pull forward.

A smart-drive unit signals an electro-hydraulically activated transmission oil pump on demand. Unlike mechanical units that are driven continuously, with the on-demand feature, engagement of the pump is reduced significantly. In city driving cycles, the pump rarely exceeds 25 percent of its full capacity. The result is improved fuel efficiency due to reduced operation of the pump and minimizing the energy losses associated with pump engagement.

By design, the DDCT operates much like a manual transmission with two clutch discs driven independently by a common flywheel assembly. Odd numbered gears (1, 3 and 5) are located on one shaft assembly while even gears (2, 4 and 6) on the other. With two gearboxes running in parallel of each other, each with its own clutch, this allows for the selection and engagement of subsequent gears while the previous gear is still engaged. Gear changes are gradual, rather than sudden and abrupt, ensuring a continuous delivery of engine torque and traction. Essentially, each gear change is anticipated and preselected. As one clutch is opened, the other is closed to allow shifting without torque interruption and resulting in faster acceleration and near-seamless shifting.

Additionally, with the lay-shaft arrangement of gears, there is flexibility to change gear ratios for optimal performance and fuel economy.

Smoother shifts, due to ideal gear spacing, are immediately noticeable to the driver. Ratios have been ideally spaced to help provide a smooth transition in between the steps of gear changes.

6F24 six-speed automatic
Available exclusively in the Dodge Dart and across the entire line-up of powertrains and models is the world-class 6F24 six-speed automatic transmission. Independently developed by Powertech and refined for application to the 2013 Dart, the six-speed automatic is fully electronic and designed for increased fuel efficiency.

Compact and lightweight, the 6F24 eliminated many potential extra engineering efforts from a packaging standpoint with the chassis layout. Overall length of the transmission is 378.5 mm.

The six-speed automatic features a closely aligned 5.46 gear spread that provides nearly imperceptible shifting from launch through highway speeds. With a 4.21 first gear and standard AutoStick for manual-like shifting, acceleration characteristics deliver fun-to-drive excitement.

With a 0.77 sixth gear, engine rpm is significantly reduced at highway speeds for excellent fuel economy. The stepped shift schedule across all six gears is designed for increased fuel economy in city driving as well. Customers will notice extremely quiet operation throughout the gear ranges with the use of noise-resistant gears that effectively reduce NVH.

The six-speed transmission also helps reduce maintenance cost with its fill for life design. There is no transmission dipstick and transmission filter or fluid changes are not required under normal driving conditions. Low-viscosity fluid is used to improve fuel economy by enabling quicker operating temperatures on the transmission to reduce drag on internal components.

Maximum input speed (redline) is 6,500 rpm.

Designed for low rpm operation, the final-drive ratio for the 6F24 automatic transmission is 3.19.