The Dart also features a new look in styling and significant improvements in engine performance.
Built on a 111-inch wheelbase, the Dart is offered in nine models, including two convertibles and two station wagons. It is one of three separate Dodge lines, the others being the standard-size Dodge and the medium-price Dodge 880.
All will go on display at dealers' showrooms throughout the country on September 20.
"We believe the 1964 Dart will win even greater popularity," Nichols said. "Styling and engineering refinements will make it even more appealing to the buyer who wants a smaller car with all the comforts and convenience of a big car."
A major styling change for the Dart is a new, broad grille composed of fine, vertical lines. A rectangular bar across the face of the grille displays the Dodge name in block letters.
A simulated air scoop on the hood is outlined in chrome, and distinctive new molding along the sides appears to give the car added length.
The rear window has been increased a full three inches in width, providing more attractive styling and better rear vision for the driver.
An increase in compression ratios has improved the efficiency of the Dart's 170- and 225-cubic-inch, six-cylinder engines. Both operate economically on regular grades of gasoline.
A feature available for the first time in the 1964 Dart is Dodge's new four-speed manual transmission. The floor-mounted shift has particular appeal to sports-minded compact car buyers. The transmission gears are fully synchronized in all forward speeds.
Another new option is the Sure-Grip differential, which minimizes wheel spin and provides more positive traction under adverse road conditions.
Other new features and improvements include:
Stronger and more reliable door latches, redesigned floor anchors for seat belts, an electrical windshield washer with pushbutton control in the center of the wiper knob, remote-control outside rearview mirror, more effective sealing of windows, a tailgate window safety device for station wagons and improved sealing of convertible tops.
Putting emphasis on simplicity, Dodge engineers have upgraded the Dart's interiors, both in styling and durability.
The new instrument panel is functional and uncluttered. The upper surface of the panel has a mar-proof, suede-finish paint that reduces windshield glare. A full-length, color-keyed safety pad is standard on the Dart GT and optional on other models.
For driver convenience, heater control knobs have been relocated high on the center face of the panel, within easy reach.
Fabrics are 100 percent nylon warp for strength and durability. There are five interior colors -- red, tan, blue, gold and black -- for the GT and four for the 270 and 170 models.
Alert to the consumer's desire for personalized transportation, Dodge offers nine Dart models in three series: a two-door sedan, four-door sedan and six-passenger station wagon in the low-price 170 Series; a two-door and four-door sedan, convertible and six-passenger wagon in the 270 Series; and a two-door hardtop and convertible in the deluxe GT Series.
Thirteen exterior colors are available. A new and unique Anniversary Gold, selected especially for Dodge's 50th anniversary, is offered on GT models.
Seven two-tone combinations, with the roof contrasting with the body, are available in the 170 and 270 Series. GT models have a contrasting color only in a "sidesweep" along the side of the body. Twenty-four combinations, keyed to the interior colors, are offered.