Nine Speed Auto Still in the Works for Dodge Dart

[cereal killer]

In a press conference today at the Detroit Auto Show, Sergio Marchionne acknowledged that the 2013 Dodge Dart has been something of a sales disappointment for the company. Marchionne places the blame for the weak sales on the Dart’s available transmissions. He described the six-speed manual and the six-speed dual-clutch automatic that came shortly after as “not the ideal solution for this market." That was the biggest complaint across the auto blogosphere when the Dart launched and Sergio pretty much agreed with that today.

All is not lost though because the Dart will eventually see the ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic gearbox that will be seen first in the replacement for the Jeep Liberty this spring. Unlike the dual-clutch unit currently available, the nine-speed will be a conventional torque-converter that should better suit the needs of the American C-segment buyer. Judging from the forums here though, driving enthusiasts are loving the 6 Speed Manual and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Cheers undfeated!!

Via: Car and Driver

[KYRGYZ]

All is not lost though because the Dart will eventually see the ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic gearbox that will be seen first in the replacement for the Jeep Liberty this spring. Unlike the dual-clutch unit currently available, the nine-speed will be a conventional torque-converter that should better suit the needs of the American C-segment buyer. Judging from the forums here though, driving enthusiasts are loving the 6 Speed Manual and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Cheers undfeated!!

Via: Car and Driver

9 speed transmission for Dart??? OMG!!!!!! O_o does it really need it?? Are they going to put 9 speed manual too??

[undfeatable]

9 speed transmission for Dart??? OMG!!!!!! O_o does it really need it?? Are they going to put 9 speed manual too??

Well apparently the performance of it is below of what it needs to be. I hope the GT is introduced with it!

[thedart]

Well apparently the performance of it is below of what it needs to be. I hope the GT is introduced with it!

I would be happy with a 9 speed automatic and it can only help the Dart and espeicially when we are talking performacewise. However, for the every day driver I have no problems with my 2.0 and I imagine the same for the 1.4

[suzq044]

The nine-speed will function better than the Hyundai DCT, that is all you really need to know. It's not about milage, its about practicality and functionality. With the problems the DCT has had so far, are you really going to complain if it gets better MPGs too? lol

[thedart]

Yeah it definitely will. I actually like that Dodge used the Hyundai Transmission, I think it will be super reliable. I will always love the American car brands the most, but Hyundai is starting to become a nice brand so they have my respect as well.

[UN4GTBL]

When I watched his press released I didn't take it as there being an issue with the 6-speed manual, just the DDCT (that is based off the manual)

But yeah, the 9-speed will be sweet, once they get the Liberty replacement up and running.

[Moparian]

Well apparently the performance of it is below of what it needs to be. I hope the GT is introduced with it!

Not going to happen in 2013. Maybe 2014. The new Liberty replacement is getting them first and I know the new 200 is getting it. Sergio wants the 9spd in the Dart so I'd imagine it might be a late availability option for the 2014 Dart's

[roadrnnr]

Holy Gear searching!

Honestly I don't really see the huge problem everybody notes on the DDC. I have adapted my take offs in first and second and except for the occasional lag I hardley notice it.
With a flash and mabey a go pedal of somekind in the future I am more than happy with the DDC.

[UN4GTBL]

Holy Gear searching!

Honestly I don't really see the huge problem everybody notes on the DDC. I have adapted my take offs in first and second and except for the occasional lag I hardley notice it.
With a flash and mabey a go pedal of somekind in the future I am more than happy with the DDC.

It doesn't mean it will go through all 9 gears every time. It will choose the best one for the current situation

Just like the 8-speed in the Charger, 300, Ram, Grand Cherokee.