Why the Dart won't get 40mpg : Autoblog

[rdlviper]

I just saw this article on Autoblog, regarding the Dart MPG figures. I was really hoping that Chrysler was right about the 2013 Dart getting 40 MPG....

Chrysler dropped a bombshell today, insinuating that its forthcoming 2013 Dodge Dart will have a combined fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon. Some media outlets have regurgitated this number without question. But it just isn't true, as that 40-mpg fuel economy number is unadjusted and will most certainly be lower once it gets printed on window stickers.

To better understand the way fuel economy numbers get calculated, we'll point you to this page on the Environmental Protection Agency's website. The short version is that cars are tested by the EPA to determine fuel economy for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), then adjusted for real world conditions before they are published, both on the EPA website and on Monroneys, or window stickers. City numbers are dropped by 10 percent, while highway numbers get a 22-percent reduction. Some rough estimating says that the Dart will probably be rated at about 34-mpg combined once the final adjustments are made. Still a good score, for sure, but far from 40.

So why did Chrysler even mention 40? In its big announcement today that Fiat had increased its ownership stake, the explanation is that Chrysler has met one of the conditions of the bankruptcy agreement, that it produce a 40-mpg vehicle for CAFE. That vehicle is the Dart.

Could Chrysler have done a better job of explaining what the fuel economy number really means? Sure, but then we wouldn't have been able to write this post.

What do you guys think?

[UN4GTBL]

It will get 40MPG combined according to the EPA requirements at the time the deal was set. Autoblog is just being sensational.

The EPA procedures have changed since then.

It will still have class-leading MPG, but I doubt that we will see 40MPG on the window stickers under the NEW EPA testing. Hopefully the highway MPGs will be very good.



The last line in that useless article sums it up...

[Mopar]

I need to see this put to the test, we need to see some real world numbers. 40MPG is somewhat believeable with the engine and transmission options for the Dart but it will all depend on how heavy the Dart is.

[DDart]

Take into account the Honda Civic gets 40MPG and not many other cars do as well. maybe the 1.4L motor they have but it will be sluggish and terrible. The dart weights in at 3200 LBS this car will not get best in class i think there are better MPG ccars out there, it will be good but not best in class no where close.

[Dart-Guy]

I need to see this put to the test, we need to see some real world numbers. 40MPG is somewhat believeable with the engine and transmission options for the Dart but it will all depend on how heavy the Dart is.

Real world mpg rating would be more dependent on engine and how the transmission is geared. Weight is a factor but not that big of a factor. I'm fairly certain it wont reach 40 mpg rating in real world numbers. They only said it would do 40mpg to make Fiat happy.

[DodgePWR]

Real world mpg rating would be more dependent on engine and how the transmission is geared. Weight is a factor but not that big of a factor. I'm fairly certain it wont reach 40 mpg rating in real world numbers. They only said it would do 40mpg to make Fiat happy.

So what do you think about the 1.4L turbo engine + 9-speed automatic transmission getting 40MPG's? Is it possible?

I really think that combination will see 40MPG's very easily driving normally within the eco range if we get a meter for that on the dash.

[dartpwr]

Its simple since they can predict and test drive, and go through what the EPA would deem count as 40MPG combined rating. Its possible but however dodge designed it and followed by the regulations set by the EPA, then it can get a 40MPG rating.

its not how easy you drive the car or how dodge drives its how they have to drive it to the standards by the EPA.

keep in mind its 40MPG combined city driving and high way driving added up and then divided hence why it must AVG 40MPG. not just obtain.

[DartTheNewNeon]

Was on the dodge site clicking through the features buttons on the cut away.... It certainly won't see 40mpg in the rain (wipers activate) with the brake drying assist feature.

[DeyemeRacing]

With the 1.4 turbo (stay out of boost), underbelly pans, active shutters, and overall VERY impressive aerodynamic shape, I think 40mpg highway is VERY attainable. Combined hwy/city? Dunno about that.

[dartpwr]

40 MPG high way yes that is easy but in all honesty combined i highly doubt it..