Sweeping innovations from bumper to tail lights on the Dart transform the image of "America's largest compact" from conservative to sporty for the new model year.
But the economy-car-turned sport features the same generous 111-inch wheelbase, roomy interior, large cargo space and smooth handling characteristics that have made it a best-seller for the past three years.
"Dart has been a trend-setter since we started manufacturing it as a separate model in 1964," Byron J. Nichols, Dodge Division general manager, said today.
"Now we hope to attract car buyers who want something extra in styling as well as performance, by balancing the two in an all-new automobile."
High-style changes include new side sheet metal with a crisp, sculptured treatement; a distinctive recessed grille; delta-shaped tail lights; a new roof line; curved side glass; and a unique concave backlight.
Dart will be offered in 12 models and four body styles -- 2-door sedans, 2-door hardtops, 4-door sedans and convertibles -- in a variety of 19 exterior colors for 1967.
The all-new compact's triple threat challenge now ranges from a low-line, bare-essentials 6-cylinder sedan to a top-of-the-series hardtop with bucket seats, floor-console shift and high-performance V-8 powerplant.
Six of the Dart, Dart 270 and Dart GT models will come with V-8s as standard equipment, and six with the economical 170 cu. in. "Slant Six" engine. The '170' engine's horsepower has been raised from 101 to 115 for the new models. A 225-cu. in. six rated at 145 horsepower is also available as an option.
Darts equipped with the 273-cu. in. powerplant are available with either 2-bbl. or 4-bbl. carburetion. The 2-bbl. '273' is rated at 180 horsepower, the 4-bbl. at 235.
Standard transmission is a 3-speed manual, with 4-speed manual or TorqueFlite automatic as options.
Although Dart's wheelbase remains the same as in 1966, the new model's front track has been widened an inch and the engine moved for better handling characteristics.
Its time-tested unit body construction shell has been reinforced with steel roof bows, and hardtop models measure an inch wider and an inch lower in profile.
On Darts equipped with the "Slant Six" engine and TorqueFlite automatic transmission, smoother, quieter shifting is possible because of a part-throttle kickdown arrangement.
Chief among 26 safety items that are now standard on all Dodges are a dual braking system and a collapsible steering column and wheel.
Brakes operate on two independent circuits connected to a "tandem" master cylinder.
The steering wheel collapses in accordion fashion on impact, and is braced so that it cannot be driven backward to injure the driver in a collision.
Dart brake drums have been redesigned with "tabbed" shoes, and safety wheel rims are standard equipment. Front-wheel disc-type brakes are available as an option on '67s ordered with 14-inch wheels.
Dart's safety-oriented instrument panel has a flat face recessed into its overall panel contour, with an instrument cluster recessed even further and tilted toward the driver's line of sight.
A special light on the panel warns the driver when fluid is low in either one of the independent brake circuits, or when his parking brake is on.
Stronger, quieter door latches are another Dart safety "extra." The new handle resembles the lap-belt type introduced on other Dodges last year as standard equipment. The latch will not lock until the door is completely closed.
Interiors of the '67 Darts range from a utility cloth-vinyl trim to a plush, new all-vinyl material that compares in texture with expensive leather.
On the outside, Dart combines a rectangular-shaped grille and front end with a broad-skirted bumper to give the car its "sculptured" look from the front. At the rear, Dart takes on a family resemblance to the rest of the Dodge line with its new delta-shaped tail lights. The concave rear window is another unique Dart feature.
The top-of-the-series "GT" features front fender-mounted turn signal indicators and new wheelcoveres as standard equipment. Rattle-free hardtop and convertible door glass seals, along with improved weatherstripping, enhance passenger comfort in all body styles.
Dart for '67 is a refreshing picture of beauty, economy and performance that will be hard to beat with its traditionally low price tag.