Exploring the Unreleased: The Dodge Dart Scat Pack Stage 3 That Never Was

Exploring the Unreleased: The Dodge Dart Scat Pack Stage 3 That Never Was​

The Missed Opportunities for Dart Enthusiasts...​

In 2013, Dodge introduced its Scat Pack Stage packages for its Charger and Challenger models at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. But what many may forget is that there were also Scat Pack Stage packages for the 2013/2014 Dodge Dart GT.

The intention behind the Scat Pack options for the Dodge Dart GT was to inject a boost of power and enhance its handling capabilities. These packages were divided into three separate kits, each with their own unique set of upgrades that aimed to elevate the driving experience of the Dart GT by providing better performance and handling.

Exploring the Unreleased: The Dodge Dart Scat Pack Stage 3 That Never Was

In 2013, Dodge introduced its Scat Pack Stage packages for its Charger and Challenger models at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. But what many may forget is that there were also Scat Pack Stage packages for the 2013/2014 Dodge Dart GT.

moparinsiders.com

 

[bill burke]

A few of us commented on the Dart a few days ago and essentially stated the Dart was potentially and extensively a very marketable vehicle, if only. Launched essentially as a European market focused vehicle, under government mileage mandates, the Dart “turned off” the domestic customer base as well as providing the automotive press with a negative story line for years because of these initial restraints. Too bad, the Dart that could have been, if only, never was.
What could have been is the loss of two products, the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, which could both have soldiered on as two popular and profitable vehicles if only FCA did a better job and not bungled them both, walking away prematurely in fact on both. Now they are being joined by the Chrysler 300 as examples of corporate mismanagement , group think misguided decision making and PC influenced corporate yes types to abandon three market segments that,even to this very moment, could have been essentially owned by a domestic sedan built by Stellantis for the American market. I repeat...if only.

 

[redriderbob]

A few of us commented on the Dart a few days ago and essentially stated the Dart was potentially and extensively a very marketable vehicle, if only. Launched essentially as a European market focused vehicle, under government mileage mandates, the Dart “turned off” the domestic customer base as well as providing the automotive press with a negative story line for years because of these initial restraints. Too bad, the Dart that could have been, if only, never was.
What could have been is the loss of two products, the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200, which could both have soldiered on as two popular and profitable vehicles if only FCA did a better job and not bungled them both, walking away prematurely in fact on both. Now they are being joined by the Chrysler 300 as examples of corporate mismanagement , group think misguided decision making and PC influenced corporate yes types to abandon three market segments that,even to this very moment, could have been essentially owned by a domestic sedan built by Stellantis for the American market. I repeat...if only.

The problem is Chrysler Group has always released vehicles with bad timing. The Dart or any compact vehicle should have been released in 2011 when the recession was taking place and high gas prices were an issue.

The Dart wasn't a failure, instead, it did what it was built for, securing 5% of the company for Fiat. Another issue is Chrysler Group treats their entry-level vehicles like bastard children by not updating them properly through their lifecycle. The PT Cruiser was once a highlight for the segment, then one mild MCA with no real updates they rode it for 10 years into the ground with poor quality. The Journey was the same way, especially after the 2011 update and they just let it die.

Like right now, no fuel-efficient offerings right now, when gas has been a record amount. Instead, we are pushing trucks and SUVs that sell badly when gas prices are high.

If FCA was smart, they would have never brought the European brands here and instead, badge-engineered them like the Hornet is, into the Chrysler and Dodge lineups. A Fiat 500X as a modern PT Cruiser alternative would be successful if it was a Chrysler. The Giulia and Stelvio would have sold well as Dodges, as would the Fiat 124 Spider. Chrysler would have had a stronger success pulling people in with a 500 variant to tackle vehicles like the Trax, EcoSport, and Encore.