McCurry pointed out that Dart's fresh, new styling for 1968, the addition of a new GT Sports model and increased engine availability are intended to meet the needs and desires of both the compact and the specialty car enthusiasts.
"We've balanced style, economy and performance in a variety of packages that should give Dart for '68 even broader market appeal than its pace-setting predecessors," said McCurry.
Co-leaders of the Dart parade for 1968 are an exciting new specialty car -- the GT Sport -- and a powerplant built especially for it -- an all-new 340-cubic-inch, 275-horsepower V-8.
The exterior of this car features a divided grille with power bulges (simulated exhaust ports) on the hood. At the rear of the car is a unique trim plate with two large, exposed exhaust tips. To complete the sport package, the GTS features a choice of stripes along the sides of the car or bold bumble bee stripes, which run across the rear deck and down the quarter panels.
Red line, wide-tread tires and Dodge's extra-tight Rallye suspension with heavy-duty shock absorbers, brakes and sway bar help make the GT Sport a smooth-handling, corner-hugging road-gripper.
The Dart GT Sport is available in hardtop and convertible models.
Exterior design also includes a tapered, full-length moulding on the lower character line.
An attractive decor package -- consisting of full-length body side mouldings and drip rail mouldings -- is available for the economy Dart 2-door and 4-door sedans.
The Dart 270 hardtop and sedan offer a paint-filled, full-length body side moulding with the model designation "DART 270" integrated in the rear quarter portion.
All Dart models retain the 111-inch wheelbase.
Standard in the six-cylinder category is the popular and economical 170-cubic-inch engine. The 225 Slant Six is optional.
Standard V-8 for the Dart is the 273-cubic-inch engine, with single, two-barrel carburetion. Hydraulic tappets have been added to the 273 for quieter operation.
Dodge's 318-cubic-inch powerplant, previously available only on larger Dodge models, will be available as an option in 1968 Darts.
The new 340-cubic-inch engine is available in the Dart GT Sport only. The 340 is a light, compact engine that can combine high-performance capabilities with good fuel economy. New cylinder heads have larger intake ports and exhaust valves for increased performance.
A single four-barrel, 383-cubic-inch engine is the only engine option available for the Dart GT Sport.
Impact absorption materials are used extensively on the instrument panel. This includes the complete padding of the lower part of the panel.
Door locks have also been changed. The inside door-locking button now must be pulled up before the inside door lever will operate the latch.
Folding front seat backs in 2-door models have a special seat back latch for the safety of front and rear seat passengers. The latch is in a readily accessible location, at the lower rear corner of the seat, so it can be easily reached by rear seat passengers for entry and exit.
All window crank knobs are made of soft plastic, formed in a tulip shape, that will yield in the event of impact.
A breakaway ash tray in the instrument panel, and an impact-absorbing front seat back top are also standard safety items for 1968.
This system leads to more complete burning of the fuel-air mixture, resulting in a reduction of unburned hydrocarbons.