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At the Detroit Auto Show this year, Dodge introduced the world to its latest offering in the compact segment, the Dart. Based on an Alfa Romeo chassis, the Dart has a more sporting pedigree than do any of the other compact offerings in North America. With Dodge already planning to offer a trio of engine options, it would not be out of the question to assume a higher-horsepower SRT version might be on its way.
And by Motor Trend’s reckoning, if Dodge is going to do an SRT Dart, they might as well do it right with a 300-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder. Hopefully all-wheel drive will be an option too, because if this destined to perform alongside cars like the WRX and Evo, it best spin all four tires.
The above-renderings by Motor Trend add the usual Mopar flair to what an SRT4 version of the new Dodge Dart might look like. Bigger wheels, a more aggressive front fascia, and swoopier spoiler are all likely, though the center-mounted exhaust tips are probably a little too much to hope for.
So what about horsepower? Well as Motor Trend figures it, there are two options; the 300-horsepower 4-banger coming out for the new Alfa 4C, or a larger-displacement version of the 2.0 liter Tigershark that is one of three engines slated for the Dart lineup. Throw all-wheel drive and lots of high-tech content and you’re talking about a compact car pushing $30,000, one that can hold its own with a lot of pricier German luxury sedans, if done right.
