Chrysler Debuts Mopar Dart

Chrysler Group LLC will use this week's Chicago auto show to publicly unveil the limited-edition Mopar '13 Dodge Dart.

The company will produce only 500 of the cars, beginning this spring. The Mopar Dart is fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, quicker steering, sportier-sounding exhaust system, lower suspension (by 7 mm), 225/40R18 performance tires on gloss-black aluminum wheels, upgraded brakes with slotted rotors, a rear diffuser and unique front and rear spoilers.

The car is propelled by the Dart's standard 1.4-liter, 16-valve, MultiAir intercooled turbocharged engine, which produces 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Chrysler will offer the car only in black with "Mopar blue" racing stripes on the driver's side of the hood, roof and deck lid. Blue stitching also accents the black interior, which includes an all-blue driver's seat with leather trim.

Among other standard features of the Mopar Dart are bright-metal pedals, wireless charging for smartphones, light-black chrome trim, an 8.4-inch navigation screen and special Mopar floor mats and door-sill guards. Each buyer will receive a personalized owner kit that contains a plate showing the car's date of production and unique serialized identification number.