Dodge Dart 9-Speed Automatic Delayed Until 2016
Since the launch of the Dodge Dart, the 9-speed automatic has been touted as a crucial component of that vehicle’s competitive advantage, offering unparalleled refinement, fuel economy advantages and a performance boost to the 2.4L 4-cylinder, and the less inspiring 2.0L mill. There’s just one problem: it’s vaporware.
The Dart was supposed to be first in line to get the 9-speed automatic, but a string of constant delays has meant that the automotive press has largely forgotten about it. When asked about its timing., Chrysler PR reps offer only vague but honest answers, professing not to know about its arrival.
Automotive News is reporting that the 9-speed will arrive in 2016, in time for a refresh of Dodge’s slow-selling compact sedan. While this makes sense from a marketing perspective, the 9-speed has unquestionably been delayed far longer than it should have been, given the frequent bragging about the 9-speeds advantages.
More by Derek Kreindler
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I'm pretty sure the last good Dodge automatic was a TorqueFlite 727.
Isn't this the same 9 speed transmission that has been getting horrible reviews in the Chrysler 200? Hunt and peck for gears, 2-3 seconds to figure the proper gear and get going? Some even call the car dangerous as a result and that the transmission neuters the excellent V6? Could all this be the reason for the delay?
Too many speeds. They probably can't figure out how to stop the tranny from shifting all the time. At some point they gotta say screw the EPA, put a 6-speed or CVT in there, and change the gear ratio.
the same 9 speed as in the Jeep Cherokee? wow! they really want this to be dead in some months. I had a Cherokee for 7 months and I don't want to hear anything that sounds like 9 speed.....after three failed software updates, a clunk, and some other things, I decided to get rid of the Cherokee. I guess some companies don't learn from their mistakes!