Dodge has just revealed in an official press release as well as their Facebook page a few images, some details, and the name of their new compact sedan: the Dart. Set to make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the 2013 Dart is a new sedan that "blends Alfa Romeo DNA along with Dodge's passion for performance...resulting in a groundbreaking car with the ultimate blend of power, fuel economy, handling, and style."

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be facing stiff competition, but we have great expectations because it's the first Chrysler Group vehicle to be based on a Fiat architecture, specifically the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. However, the styling is entirely from Dodge, who claims that it "hits the bulls-eye with a modern, unmistakable Dodge design that builds upon its performance heritage." The automaker claims the Dart will deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance along with 68 percent of the body composed of high-strength steel. It'll also feature four-wheel independent suspension and optional 18-inch wheels.

Power will come from either a "Tigershark" 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 1.4-liter MultiAir (which also powers the Fiat 500), or a new "Tigershark" 2.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder. There'll be three transmission options as well, one of which will hopefully include a six-speed manual. Set to be built at the automaker's Belvidere, Illinois plant, which just had a $600 million update to support future production, the 2013 Dodge Dart will be debuted next month at Detroit. We'll hopefully have further details and more official pictures beforehand. In the meantime, enjoy these first two images of what is clearly the R/T trim.