2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop glosses over performance

Tue, 14 Jan 2014

The Dodge Dart is a decent little car. It's honest, basic transportation, and many of us at Autoblog are genuinely fond of the Alfa Romeo-based compact sedan. For 2014, not a whole lot changes in the Dart world, save the addition of this new Blacktop edition that makes its debut here at the Detroit Auto Show.

It's all very simple, this Blacktop package, and doesn't actually alter performance in any way. Instead, buyers are treated to blacked-out exterior bits like 18-inch wheels, the crosshair grille and headlamp bezels. Inside, black/tungsten or black/red cloth seats are available, with red contrast stitching throughout the cabin.

Adding the Blacktop pack to your Dart SXT with the Rallye Appearance Group will set you back a scant $295, and while it's just an appearance package, it all looks pretty nice to us.

Dodge Debuts New Dart Blacktop at 2014 North American International Auto Show

- With unique wheels, select exterior colors and Gloss Black accents throughout, Dodge brand's popular Blacktop packages offer customization from the factory, giving vehicles a sporty, sinister look

- 2014 Dodge Dart SXT Blacktop package offers unique 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, Gloss Black side mirrors and a unique sport interior for a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $295

- Along with the Dart, Dodge also offers Blacktop packages for Charger, Challenger, Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan

January 7, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Dodge brand is expanding its lineup of Blacktop packages to the 2014 Dodge Dart, building on the success of the Blacktop packages already offered on Charger, Challenger, Avenger, Journey and Grand Caravan. The new 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop package will debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Built to give customers a sporty, distinct look customized by the factory at a tremendous value, the Dodge Blacktop vehicles add unique Gloss Black wheels, select exterior paint colors, Gloss Black-painted split-crosshair grilles with Gloss Black matching grille surround, darkened headlamp bezels, as well as some unique Blacktop interior touches.

"The Blacktops have become a signature of sorts for the Dodge Brand," said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "With the addition of the Blacktop package for the Dodge Dart, we're adding to our line-up of vehicles that offer the more aggressive look that has become so popular with our customers."

The 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop package will start arriving at dealers in the first quarter of 2014.

2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop
The 2014 Dodge Dart shows its sinister side with the Dart Blacktop package. The new package complements the freshened 2014 Dart lineup, which features the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark engine that produces 184 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque now standard in the 2014 Dart SXT and Limited models, and featuring a unique calibration on GT models.

The 2014 Dodge Dart Blacktop package is based on the 2014 Dart SXT model with the Rallye Appearance Group. On the exterior, the Blacktop package adds as standard equipment Gloss Black mirrors and unique 18-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels, adding to the features already included on the SXT and Rallye Appearance Group, including Gloss Black mask and split crosshair grille, dark-tinted projector headlamps, projector fog lamps, integrated dual exhaust, LED racetrack tail lamps, leather-rapped steering wheel, Bluetooth and much more.

The Dodge Dart Blacktop will be available in Redline Red, Header Orange, Blue Streak, Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver, Pitch Black and Bright White.

The Dart Blacktop also features unique interior details, including Black/Ruby Red premium cloth interior with Ruby Red accent stitching on the instrument panel brow , center console and seat bolsters. dual Ruby Red accent stripes on the front seats. and Ruby Red accents in the door trim panels. A Black/Light Tungsten cloth interior is also available on Dart Blacktop models.

As with all Dodge Dart SXT models, the Blacktop can also be equipped with the Sun and Sound Group, which features a power express open/close sunroof, nine Alpine speakers with subwoofer, 506-watt amplifier, Uconnect 8.4 CD/MP3 radio with 8.4-inch touchscreen radio, iPod control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 12-month subscription, ParkView rear backup camera, floating island bezel illuminated instrument panel surround and glove box lamp, Navigation and the Cold Weather Group, which includes heated exterior mirrors, heated front premium cloth seats, tire-pressure monitoring display and remote start (with automatic transmission).

The 2014 Dodge Dart SXT Blacktop package is available at a U.S. MSRP of just $295 on the Dart SXT with Rallye Appearance Group.

By Steven J. Ewing