Although Dodge is greatest identified for muscle vehicles just like the Challenger and Charger, immediately’s new car patrons 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 completely 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 occasions — but nonetheless delivers as much as 30 miles in all-electric mode. However patrons on a funds can nonetheless put up some spectacular launch numbers with the bottom 2023 Dodge Hornet GT beginning at beneath $30,000.
The plan is “to go in and disrupt the (compact crossover) phase,” mentioned Dodge model boss Tim Kuniskis throughout a media backgrounder.
Italian Roots
The 2023 Hornet relies 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. Slightly than “spending a number of million,” Dodge determined to not redesign the high-waisted doorways of the compact mannequin. Nevertheless it does get quite a few distinctive particulars each up entrance and on the again finish, and the Hornet measures a wee bit longer general than its Italian sibling.
Built-in warmth extractors within the hood are supposed to improve its muscular seems to be, whereas a “mail slot” opening is sculpted into the entrance fascia. A menacing grille provides 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 car, with a Dodge Rhombi brand within the heart — brightly lit on the electrified R/T mannequin.
A brand new badge helps have fun the return of the Hornet nameplate. It first appeared on the basic Hudson Hornet again within the Nineteen Forties, and Dodge used the identify on a preferred 2006 idea car.
A Muscular Present-Off
The purpose was to create “a dynamic muscle crossover,” mentioned exterior design chief Scott Krugger, “not a boring utility car.”
That holds true with the Hornet’s decidedly driver-focused cabin, which picks up some key styling cues from the larger Dodge Durango. Purple 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 most recent Uconnect 5 infotainment system, and wi-fi variations of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car 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 car,” and the main focus is, certainly, on energy.
The drivetrain pairs a 1.3L turbo-four fuel 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 occasions down by a full second, to six.1 seconds.
In line with Kuniskis, the PowerShot operate will probably be provided on all future electrified Dodge fashions, together with the all-electric muscle automotive 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 Stage 2 charger, the brand new Dodge plug-in will 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 also be out there.
Dodge Hornet GT
Just like the R/T, Dodge engineers are nonetheless figuring out closing specs on the 2023 Hornet GT, however promise it should produce a minimum of 265 horsepower and 295 horsepower from a 2.0L inline-four with a twin-scroll turbocharger. It’s presently 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 handbook. No handbook transmissions will probably be out there for both Hornet mannequin.
Last gasoline financial system numbers haven’t but been launched for both model of the Hornet.
Each the Hornet R/T and GT fashions will probably be out there with a Observe Pack package deal including 20-inch Abyss wheels and different styling and efficiency options. Dodge plans to have dozens of further efficiency equipment out there by its Direct Connection service.
Hornet GLH: ‘Goes Like Hell’
With the launch of Hornet, Dodge is reviving one other previous identify, GLH. That identify has been used a number of occasions, although it’s greatest often called the high-performance package deal for the Dodge Omni GLH — and the limited-edition 1986 Shelby Omni GLH-S. Brief for “Goes Like Hell,” solely 500 had been made.
A present automotive model was unveiled in the course of the debut of the brand new SUV. In line with Dodge, it boasts twice the power-to-weight ratio of the Shelby basic. For now, it’s only a idea meant to point out what Hornet clients will be capable to do with the brand new crossover.
In idea kind, the GLH options:
- Stage equipment that provides stackable efficiency upgrades for the GT mannequin
- Suspension-lowering equipment drops the Hornet greater than an inch, making a decrease heart of gravity and enhanced cornering dynamics
- Unrestricted twin exhaust with black chrome suggestions present a throaty efficiency word
- Unique Path 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 comply with. However GT patrons will be capable to put one collectively on their very own utilizing Direct Connection elements.
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 completely loaded mannequin coming in at $44,995.
The Hornet will probably be constructed alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale at a plant in Naples, Italy. Consumers will be capable to begin putting 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 should start taking orders for the Hornet R/T however expects it to achieve dealerships by the spring of 2023.
