2013 Dodge Dart GT Headed to 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Dodge just announced what amounts to a new name for its top-trim Dart compact sedan previously called the R/T package. The newly named Dodge Dart GT will appear during the upcoming Detroit Auto Show.

It comes with the same 2.4-liter engine making 184 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque translated through your choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission originally expected in the R/T. In fact, almost everything is the same. It has the same leather seats, the same 18-inch wheels and same 8.4-inch infotainment screen. Why should you care?

That’s simple: it’s thousands cheaper than the R/T was supposed to be. Originally expected to arrive last September, the R/T didn’t make its expected date, but now it turns out not to be a bad thing — at least for consumers.

You might be left wondering why Dodge decided to make the switch and whether or not a name really matters that much. Arguments can be made on either side, but Dodge addressed the question in its press release, at least mildly.

The automaker said it “continues to investigate” a high-performance R/T model without offering any further details. Then again, it might not have to. Last September, the brand also confirmed that it is working on an SRT-4 which could boast as much as 300 hp. By migrating the car debuting next week in Detroit farther downmarket, Dodge keeps a reasonable gap open for an even hotter performance variant to compete with cars like the Ford Focus ST.

GALLERY: 2013 Dodge Dart GT

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