2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop Edition Coming to NAIAS

The 2014 Dodge Dart will introduce a new Blacktop edition at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, with the production model arriving in dealerships later this quarter. At that stage, every member of the Dodge roster will offer its own Blacktop edition except for the 2014 Dodge Durango—which surely won't be left out of the fun much longer. After all, as noted by Tim Kuniskis, president and CEO of the Dodge Brand: “The Blacktops have become a signature of sorts for the Dodge Brand. With the addition of the Blacktop package for the Dodge Dart, we’re adding to our lineup of vehicles that offer the more aggressive look that has become so popular with our customers.”

In the case of the 2014 Dodge Dart, the package specifically adds features like exclusive Gloss Black 18-inch aluminum wheels, matching exterior mirror caps, and a Blacktop-only cabin that provides:

• Premium sport-cloth seating in Black/Ruby Red, with dual-striped front seats
• Ruby Red stitching to accent the car's instrument-panel brow, center console and seat bolster
• Door-trim accent panels in Ruby Red

Alternatively, drivers can choose to have the cockpit done in Black/Light Tungsten. Either way, however, that interior also includes all the comfort and convenience features of the 2014 Dodge Dart SXT, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls, a six-speaker audio system, and both the Chrysler Group's Voice Command system and Bluetooth technology. It's also worth noting that the 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop further enjoys the exterior upgrades that come with the Rallye Appearance Group; as a result, its exclusive wheels and mirror caps are nicely complemented by a Gloss Black grille, along with a significant lighting upgrade that boasts dark-tinted projector headlamps with matching bezels, projector fog lamps, and another Dodge signature: "racetrack-style" LED tail lamps.

A full suite of premium amenities can be added to the 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop as well, ranging from the latest Uconnect technology with an 8.4-inch color touchscreen, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and a premium audio system with nine Alpine speakers.

Powered by a MutliAir TigerShark four-cylinder engine that makes 184 hp and 174 lb.-ft. of torque—and featuring a six-speed manual transmission—the 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop will be priced from $19,285 (representing a $295 premium over the MSRP of the 2014 Dodge Dart SXT with Rallye Appearance Group).