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

The Missed Opportunities for the Dart Enthusiasts...

Robert S. Miller March 21, 2023

2014 Dodge Dart GT with the Scat Pack Stage 3 Kit. (Dodge).

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.

Scat Pack Stage 1 –

The first level of the Scat Pack kits for the Dodge Dart GT included a Mopar cold-air intake, Mopar short-throw shifter, and Mopar performance brakes with slotted rotors and performance brake pads. These upgrades were designed to improve the performance and handling of the Dart GT, providing a more responsive and engaging driving experience.

Scat Pack Stage 2 –

The second level of the Scat Pack kits for the Dart GT included an “optimized” engine calibration designed to work in harmony with a Mopar cat-back exhaust. This combination of upgrades was designed to increase horsepower and torque, providing a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall performance.

Scat Pack Stage 3 –

At the top level, Scat Pack 3 provided the ultimate package for those seeking optimal track times. This package included a Mopar big brake kit with stainless steel lines to maintain optimum temperatures during extreme braking maneuvers, as well as a performance suspension with adjustable springs and struts, and upgraded performance front and rear sway bars. These upgrades were designed to provide the ultimate in handling and performance, allowing the Dart GT to take on the most challenging driving conditions with ease.

Dodge Dart Scat Pack Stage 2 Show Car –

The Dodge Dart Scat Pack Stage 2 Show Car was a highly-modified version of the Dart GT, featuring Mopar performance upgrades and custom modifications. Along with the Scat Pack kits, there were several other Mopar enhancements available for the Dart GT. These included a dual-vented functional aluminum hood, which helped capture cool air for the Mopar cold-air intake and exhausted hot air for optimal operating temperature. The limited-edition Mopar ’13 Dart aero package was also available, featuring Mopar side sills, chin splitter, and rear diffuser, along with a unique three-piece decklid spoiler to increase downforce. The Dart GT also had a new exhaust dump with side exhaust, and it rode on concept 19-inch x 8-inch lightweight gloss black wheels with Mopar logo center caps.

The interior of the Dodge Dart GT was also significantly upgraded with premium features. The Katzkin performance leather seats were a standout feature, along with the door bolster inserts with a red border and red accent stitching on the seats, dash, armrest, wheel, and shift boot. Red seatbelt webbing on the driver’s side, red trim accents, and premium floor mats with red piping completed the luxurious look of the interior. The door pulls, HVAC bezels, and shifter cluster were finished in black chrome, adding a modern and sleek touch. Additionally, the interior had a range of Mopar accessories such as the bright-pedal kit, leather-wrapped shift knob, bright door-sill guards, molded cargo tray, and wireless charging, enhancing the premium feel of the cabin.

Although the Dodge Dart Scat Pack Stage packages were never actually released, the Mopar packages that were designed for the Dart had the potential to ignite the enthusiasm of compact car enthusiasts. Despite the fact that only a few components from the Dart show car made it to production, some of them are still available today. For example, the big brake package is currently offered in the Direct Connection catalog and can be purchased by customers.

2014 Dodge Dart GT Scat Pack Stage 3 Image Gallery:

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bill burke Mar 23, 2023 #1

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.

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redriderbob Mar 23, 2023 #2

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.

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