Chrysler Group LLC’s highly anticipated 2013 Dodge Dart is here. AUBURN HILLS, MI-highly anticipated 2013 Dodge Dart is here.

resurrected compact sedans later today as part of the Auburn Hills-based automaker’s “Drive Away” event at the Palace of Auburn Hills. About 250 dealers from Michigan and three other Midwest states are expected to pick up thelater today as part of the Auburn Hills-based automaker’s “Drive Away” event at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

“This is something our dealers are really rallying around and are really anxious to get the Dart out there,” said Richard Cox, director of Dodge Brand. “And this is our way to kick it off.”

The event is the second of 12 across the country that the automaker is hosting as part of the vehicle’s official launch. The first event took place in Texas at the Texas Motor Speedway.

editions, which start at $18,995. The vehicles coming out today are “Redline Red” 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye editions, which start at $18,995.

Depending on the dealer, Cox said the vehicles being driven away today may be available for test drives and sale this afternoon.

"While these are the very first units that are landing at the dealership, there is an influx then coming in shortly there after," he told MLive.com.

. It is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a compact sold in Europe, but is wider and longer to handle Americans' need for more space. The Dart – set to be available in five trim levels starting at $15,995 – is particularly important to Chrysler because it is the first vehicle jointly designed with the automaker's Italian owner, Fiat SpA . It is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a compact sold in Europe, but is wider and longer to handle Americans' need for more space.

According to Cox, the dealers are not only thrilled for the automaker’s return into the compact market, but interest in the vehicle continues to bring momentum to the brand.

“We’re trying to break-free from what is traditionally done in a compact care segment,” he said. “Despite the strong sales success we’ve had so far, we are not a player right now in the compact car segment.”

, with 14 interior colors, 12 exterior colors, six wheel options, three engine choices and three transmissions. Also available for the vehicle are technologies not usually found in the compact segment, such as the automaker’s 7 inch re-configurable screen that will next be available in the Chrysler has touted the vehicle as the embodiment of customization , with 14 interior colors, 12 exterior colors, six wheel options, three engine choices and three transmissions. Also available for the vehicle are technologies not usually found in the compact segment, such as the automaker’s 7 inch re-configurable screen that will next be available in the SRT Viper when it goes on sale.

“It puts it into context that we really are changing the way of approaching compact cars,” Cox said. “We’re not withholding features; we’re not delaying the introduction of features until later in the life cycle.”

The Dart replaces the Dodge Caliber, which produced meager sales in recent years. It is being produced at Chrysler's assembly plant in Belvidere, Ill.

Dealers outside of Michigan participating in the event are from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

for more information and photos from the event. Check back to MLive.com for more information and photos from the event.