The first 2013 Dodge Dart build site is live with early pricing

The 2013 Dodge Dart is proudly displayed across the top of the Dodge.com website, with a button inviting visitors to explore the Dart. When you click that bright red button, you are taken to a Dart specific page and rather than “Build your own”, there is a button to let you “Design my Dart”. Once you click that, you are asked for your zip code and then it is off to design your ideal 2013 Dodge Dart sedan.

The first page in the 2013 Dodge Dart design site offers visitors a look at the five trimlines available at launch and the basic features for each of those packages. Keep in mind that these features and prices are not set in stone so when the actual build page goes live closer to the Q2 launch of the Dart – things could look a little different. However, this information should at least give prospective buyers a rough idea of what options and features might be available and what the certain configurations will cost when the car hits the streets.

The 2013 Dodge Dart entry level model is the SE, which is tentatively priced at $17,100 and that includes the 160 horsepower 2.0L Tigershark 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, although for $1,200 the buyer can pick an automatic transmission (this $1,200 is currently uniform across the Dart lineup for every model, regardless of the engine or trimline). This entry level Dart also includes the sexy LED racetrack taillight and projection headlights.

The next model is the Dart SXT, which starts at $19,200 and offers everything from the SE plus remote keyless entry, power mirrors, power door locks and 17” aluminum wheels. This price includes the 2.0L engine and 6-speed manual transmission but for $1,400, buyers can opt for the 1.4L turbocharged engine from the Fiat 500.

Next up is the Dart Rallye, which adds and sportier front fascia than the SXT, projection fog lights and a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio system controls – with a starting price of $20,300 for the manual trans/2.0L engine or $21,900 for the turbocharged 1.4L.

The Dart Limited comes next with a starting price of $21,300 and this trimline adds lots of goodies to the inside to what is found on the Dart SXT – including a huge 8.4” multimedia touch screen, a 7” customizable cluster display and a 10 way power driver’s seat. This model also includes the option of the 1.4L Fiat engine for $1,400 and the $1,200 optional automatic transmission.

The top of the line Dart is the new Dodge Dart R/T, which begins with a unique exterior look, a 184 horsepower 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir II engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, dual exhaust, and 18” aluminum wheels – with a price of $23,800. There is no optional engine for the Dart R/T but buyers can pick the automatic transmission option…although there is no good reason for anyone to pick the automatic gearbox with this sporty model.

Once you pick your 2013 Dodge Dart model and the engine/transmission options in the new Dart configurator, you are taken to the next page where you can pick the exterior and interior colors. Right now, there are 12 exterior options – Redline Red, Blue Streak, True Blue, Winter Chill, Maximum Steel Metallic, Tungsten Metallic, Bright Silver Metallic, Pitch Black, Bright White, Header Orange (this one is my favorite, shown on the right), Laguna Blue and Citrus Peel. These colors are great, with some very bright, very unique exterior choices that pay homage to the high impact colors of the 1960s and 1970s. There are also a variety of interior finishes available for the Dart with exact availability based on the trimline and exterior color chosen.

Finally, after you have chosen the trimline along with the colors inside and out, the 2013 Dodge Dart configurator takes you to the option page which has both packages and individual options. Packages include the Technology Group which adds gadgets like rain sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, blind spot detection and a park assist system for $1,400. The Premium Group package adds dual zone climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a universal garage door opener for $700 and for $600, the Dart offers the Navigation Group that adds Garmin navigation services and Sirius Travel Link. Individual options include things like HID headlights for $550, upgraded audio systems, a power sunroof for $1,100, and 18” Hyper Black aluminum wheels for $500.

Again, these are preliminary prices and information so things could change before this design tool becomes a ‘build your own’ page and as the site says in the fine print: The information on this site may change frequently, so don't be surprised if things look different next time you visit. However, for those who are set and determined to buy a 2013 Dodge Dart when they become available in the next few months, this page on the Dodge.com website is a great tool to see what you can expect when these new C-segment sedans hit dealerships around the country.

Without further delay, click here to head on over to the 2013 Dart page on Dodge.com to build your dream Dodge Dart!