The Dodge Dart C-segment sedan will become an E85-capable vehicle in the U.S. by mid-2013 after Chrysler optimizes its current 2.0L Tigershark engine. E85 fuel is a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
The Tigershark will receive new piston rings and upgraded engine-control protocols, WardsAuto learns during a review of the Dart’s current powertrain.
The Dart will be the 11th vehicle in Chrysler’s lineup to be E85-certified. Including the compressed-natural-gas-powered Ram 2500, it is Chrysler’s 12th flex-fuel vehicle.
Few vehicles in the Dart’s segment are flex-fuel capable in the U.S. Ford achieved eligibility with this year’s Focus FFV, while the Buick Verano has been flex-fuel certified since its introduction this model year.
Other vehicles in Chrysler’s lineup that are flex-fuel capable for ’13 include the Ram 1500; Dodge Journey, Avenger, Charger, Grand Caravan and Durango; Chrysler 200 and 300 and Town & Country; and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Chrysler has sold 9,254 Darts since the all-new car arrived at dealerships in May, according to WardsAuto data.
