Dart accounted for 30 percent of Dodge sales during 1969. The star of the Dart line was the low-priced Swinger hardtop, which represented 30 percent of Dart sales.
"Many people prefer a compact car, but they still want room to breathe," said Robert B. McCurry, Dodge general manager. He explained:
"Dart's secret is that it is just a little bigger than most compacts. It's easier to get in and out of, and there's more room when you're in it. And there's lots of trunk space, too.
"Dart is a people-sized compact, but it still is easy to park and fun to drive. We've provided a wide range of options so that the customer can custom-tailor the car to his own needs."
The rear of the Dart has also been restyled. A massive, broader-contact rear bumper includes parking, tail, stop and back-up lights. The '70 Dart looks a lot longer, but the actual increase is only 8/10th's of an inch. The overall length is 196.2. Overall width remains 69.6 inches, and the height is increased 1/10th of an inch to 54.5 inches.
The wheelbase is 111 inches and curb-to-curb turning circle is 37.8 feet.
There are four different engines available: 198 and 225 cubic-inch six cylinders, and 318 and 340 cubic-inch V-8's.
The low-line Dart sedans offer all-vinyl trims in blue, black and green. The Dart Swingers have all-vinyl in blue and black. The Swinger hardtops also have an optional, pleated vinyl trim in blue, tan, green and black.
The Dart Custom sedans have three cloth trims: blue, green and black, and optional vinyl trims in blue, tan and black. The hardtops offer five all-vinyl trims: blue, green, black, tan and white. Optional high-rise buckets are available in green, tan and black in the Custom hardtop.
Many states now require a car to signal whenever it changes lanes. To make this easier, all Darts will have a lane-change signal. Just touch the turn-signal lever lightly, and it will advise other motorists of your intention to switch lanes. Push the lever handle, and it will hold in the turn signal position.
A new rim blow steering wheel is now available. Squeeze the inside rim of the wheel anywhere and the horn blows.
A headlamp delay switch is now available. This keeps the headlights burning for 90 seconds while you walk to the house.
New, styled road wheels and semi-deep dish wheel cover options are offered.
Glove-box doors feature rotary, positive-action latches, which prevent accidental opening.
There's an interlock mechanism which prevents two speeds from being selected at the same time. As a shift is made, a cam action assists in completing the engagement. To the driver, the shift lever seems to snap into the gear he wants.
Dart engines will have reduced emissions. The decrease will be about 33 percent. A heated air inlet will permit leaner fuel air mixtures. Carburetors are set for leaner mixtures and improved distribution. On the 318 V-8, the compression ratio has been lowered to reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
The 340 engine will have a higher idle (800 to 1,000 rpm) to obtain lower emissions during idle and deceleration.
Distributors have more accurate spark timing to help reduce emissions. Spark advance tolerances are reduced by as much as one-half.
| Engine Size (cu. in.) | Front Brakes (in.) | Rear Brakes (in.) |
|---|---|---|
198 or 225 |
9 x 2-1/2 |
9 x 2 |
318 or 340 |
10 x 2-1/4 |
10 x 1-3/4 |
Disc brakes are an option on all Dodge models.
"Over the years, Dart has won many accolades as 'best buy,' 'best compact,' and 'best automotive value.' We believe it will continue to earn such praise, and more awards in 1970," McCurry said.