Dodge Dart buyers are provided a choice of six engines, ranging in horsepower from 145 to 330, and both the standard 6-cylinder and V-8 operate on regular grades of gas.
The mileage champion of the Dart line is the improved Economy Slant Six, an advanced-design, six-cylinder engine which made its debut last year. This 225-cubic-inch, overhead-valve power plant, which is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees, is offered on all Dart models except the top-line Phoenix convertible.
The 145-horsepower Slant Six delivered 24.74 miles per gallon in the 1960 2,061-mile Mobilgas Economy Run. Patterson said refinements in the engine "should offer the motorist even better economy in 1961."
Low-speed performance and economy of the engine have been improved by a revised calibration of the choke and carburetor. An eight-degree advance in the camshaft timing also helps give the Slant Six new quietness.
The standard eight-cylinder Dart engine is a 318-cubic-inch V-8 with a two-barrel carburetor. This 230-horsepower engine also provides outstanding performance and economy on regular grades of gasoline. In the 1960 Economy Run, it recorded 22.29 miles per gallon with an automatic transmission. Optional on all models is a four-barrel carburetor version of this engine which delivers 260 horsepower.
The D-500 has a displacement of 361 cubic inches, a 9 to 1 compression ratio and a four-barrel carburetor. The intake valves of the D-500 have been enlarged to give better breathing -- and better performance.
The Police Special, designed specifically for use by law enforcement agencies, has a displacement of 383 cubic inches, a compression ratio of 10 to 1 and a four-barrel carburetor.
The special ram induction V-8 has the same displacement and compression ratio. But it is equipped with two four-barrel carburetors, dual exhausts, a special camshaft and valve spring dampers.
Ram induction -- using long, "tuned" manifold branches -- forces air and fuel into the engine when the car is accelerated. The increased output of power makes possible quicker, safer passing -- putting added punch in the mid-speed range, at which most motorists normally drive on highways.