Regardless that Dodge is finest identified for muscle vehicles just like the Challenger and Charger, as we speak’s new automobile consumers need SUVs.
That doesn’t imply they should sacrifice muscle and efficiency — and the model’s latest entry, the compact Hornet crossover, is out to show it. With its long-running Challenger and Charger muscle vehicles set to exit of manufacturing subsequent 12 months, Dodge is pulling collectively a wholly new lineup, beginning with the compact Hornet crossover set to debut later this 12 months.
The Hornet delivers fairly a sting, particularly with the top-line R/T mannequin that’s set to turn out to be the efficiency model’s first plug-in hybrid. It introduces the brand new PowerShot mode that cuts a full second off the PHEV’s 0-60 instances — but nonetheless delivers as much as 30 miles in all-electric mode. However consumers on a price range can nonetheless publish some spectacular launch numbers with the bottom 2023 Dodge Hornet GT beginning at below $30,000.
The plan is “to go in and disrupt the (compact crossover) section,” mentioned Dodge model boss Tim Kuniskis throughout a media backgrounder.
Italian Roots
The 2023 Hornet is predicated on the identical platform because the little Alfa Romeo Tonale, and there’s no query the 2 merchandise have lots in widespread, particularly when considered in profile. Moderately than “spending just a few million,” Dodge determined to not redesign the high-waisted doorways of the compact mannequin. Nevertheless it does get numerous distinctive particulars each up entrance and on the again finish, and the Hornet measures a wee bit longer total than its Italian sibling.
Built-in warmth extractors within the hood are supposed to improve its muscular seems, whereas a “mail slot” opening is sculpted into the entrance fascia. A menacing grille offers Hornet what Dodge refers to as an “all-business demeanor.”
Round again, the R/T packages get new painted decrease cladding and distinctive built-in twin exhaust ports. The taillamps stretch the width of the automobile, with a Dodge Rhombi brand within the middle — brightly lit on the electrified R/T mannequin.
A brand new badge helps rejoice the return of the Hornet nameplate. It first appeared on the basic Hudson Hornet again within the Nineteen Forties, and Dodge used the title on a well-liked 2006 idea automobile.
A Muscular Present-Off
The aim was to create “a dynamic muscle crossover,” mentioned exterior design chief Scott Krugger, “not a boring utility automobile.”
That holds true with the Hornet’s decidedly driver-focused cabin, which picks up some key styling cues from the larger Dodge Durango. Pink stitching and a darkish headliner, together with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, add to the efficiency really feel of each fashions.
The instrument panel is dominated by twin LCD shows, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, and a ten.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Hornet provides an array of Digital Model’s applied sciences, together with the newest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and wi-fi variations of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The automobile additionally has an built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant.
Electrifying Hornet R/T
There’s additionally that plug-in hybrid drivetrain shared with Alfa’s Tonale. Dodge payments it because the model’s “first-ever electrified efficiency automobile,” and the main target is, certainly, on energy.
The drivetrain pairs a 1.3L turbo-four gasoline engine paired with a 90kW electrical motor. The mix punches out “285-plus” horsepower — closing numbers nonetheless being labored out — and 383 pound-feet of torque.
That’s till you press the PowerShot button, which kicks in an additional 25 horsepower and gobs of prompt torque. That cuts 0-60 launch instances down by a full second, to six.1 seconds.
In accordance with Kuniskis, the PowerShot perform can be provided on all future electrified Dodge fashions, together with the all-electric muscle automobile the model plans to launch in 2024.
In the meantime, the R/T’s 15.5kWH lithium-ion battery can ship sufficient energy to drive as much as 30 miles in all-electric mode. Utilizing the built-in Degree 2 charger, the brand new Dodge plug-in might be totally recharged in as little as 2.5 hours.
The highest-line mannequin’s hybrid drive system is paired with a six-speed automated gearbox sending energy to all 4 wheels.
The R/T provides niceties like an digital limited-slip rear differential, Koni frequency-selective dampers, and entrance and rear Brembo brakes. A dual-stage suspension can be accessible.
Dodge Hornet GT
Just like the R/T, Dodge engineers are nonetheless understanding closing specs on the 2023 Hornet GT, however promise it is going to produce at the least 265 horsepower and 295 horsepower from a 2.0L inline-four with a twin-scroll turbocharger. It’s at present rated at a 6.5 second 0-60 time.
The Hornet GT additionally options AWD, although Dodge isn’t but releasing transmission particulars. In Europe, the engine is paired with a seven-speed guide. No guide transmissions can be accessible for both Hornet mannequin.
Closing gasoline financial system numbers haven’t but been launched for both model of the Hornet.
Each the Hornet R/T and GT fashions can be accessible with a Observe Pack bundle including 20-inch Abyss wheels and different styling and efficiency options. Dodge plans to have dozens of extra efficiency equipment accessible by its Direct Connection service.
Hornet GLH: ‘Goes Like Hell’
With the launch of Hornet, Dodge is reviving one other previous title, GLH. That title has been used a number of instances, although it’s finest often called the high-performance bundle for the Dodge Omni GLH — and the limited-edition 1986 Shelby Omni GLH-S. Quick for “Goes Like Hell,” solely 500 have been made.
A present automobile model was unveiled in the course of the debut of the brand new SUV. In accordance with Dodge, it boasts twice the power-to-weight ratio of the Shelby basic. For now, it’s only a idea meant to indicate what Hornet clients will have the ability to do with the brand new crossover.
In idea type, the GLH options:
- Stage package that provides stackable efficiency upgrades for the GT mannequin
- Suspension-lowering package drops the Hornet greater than an inch, making a decrease middle of gravity and enhanced cornering dynamics
- Unrestricted twin exhaust with black chrome suggestions present a throaty efficiency notice
- Unique Course Connection GLH 20-inch painted and machine-faced wheels
- Unique Direct Connection GLH graphics, together with stripes and logos
- Black-painted decrease trim with exhaust cutout rear fascia
Dodge officers are hinting {that a} manufacturing Hornet GLH may observe. However GT consumers will have the ability to put one collectively on their very own utilizing Direct Connection components.
2023 Dodge Hornet: Pricing & Availability
The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT will begin at $29,995 earlier than supply charges, topping out at $34,995. The Hornet R/T will begin at $39,995, with a totally loaded mannequin coming in at $44,995.
The Hornet can be constructed alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale at a plant in Naples, Italy. Patrons will have the ability to begin inserting orders for the GT mannequin on August 17, 2022, with the primary vehicles arriving in U.S. showrooms late this 12 months. Dodge hasn’t introduced when it is going to start taking orders for the Hornet R/T however expects it to succeed in dealerships by the spring of 2023.
