There’s a brand new member becoming a member of the Dodge hive. While it hasn’t precisely been the best-kept secret in Detroit, the Stellantis muscle automotive model has confirmed the brand new Dodge Hornet will roll into the line-up for 2023, with the primary of the compact SUVs set to achieve showrooms by late this 12 months.
The 2023 Dodge Hornet may have loads of sting, with even the bottom GT mannequin delivering “265-plus” horsepower. The Hornet R/T, in the meantime, will take that up a notch by introducing the model’s first “electrified” drivetrain — full with the brand new “PowerShot” mode. While the plug-in hybrid will put the emphasis on efficiency, it additionally will supply as much as 30 miles of vary in all-electric mode.
While Dodge could also be finest recognized for muscle automobiles just like the Charger and Challenger — each set to exit of manufacturing subsequent 12 months — the launch of the Hornet, the model’s second SUV, merely displays market realities. The problem was ensuring it retains the “brand DNA,” mentioned Tim Kuniskis, the pinnacle of Dodge. And that, he added, will assist it “disrupt” the largely staid compact crossover section.
Familiarity breeds … consumers?
![2023 Dodge Hornet side scaled REL](https://i0.wp.com/www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2023-Dodge-Hornet-side-1024x677.jpg?resize=788%2C521&ssl=1)
If you get a way of déjà vu trying out the 2023 Hornet that’s no shock. It’s based mostly on the identical platform because the Alfa Romeo Tonale that was launched earlier this 12 months. They’ll each roll down the identical meeting line in Naples, Italy.
While the general form of the 2 utility automobiles is analogous, the Hornet boasts a novel entrance and rear, with a extra basic Dodge form to the grille and headlights. It additionally will get a pair of warmth extractors on the hood, in addition to a particular lightbar stretching the width of the tailgate.
The Dodge crossover additionally will get distinctive twin exhaust finishers. Though the doorways are shared by each fashions, Hornet provides distinctive cladding — painted on the R/T mannequin.
The Hornet badge itself really has deep roots. Motorsports followers are more likely to recall the outdated Hudson Hornet that was a well-known sight on the NASCAR and AAA inventory automotive sequence again within the Nineteen Fifties. Dodge picked up the title for a preferred 2006 idea automobile. And, for animation followers, the Hudson Hornet was a significant character in Pixar’s “Cars” franchise.
![2023 Dodge Hornet nose scaled REL](https://i0.wp.com/www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2023-Dodge-Hornet-nose-1024x683.jpg?resize=788%2C526&ssl=1)
What’s coming
Two variations of the 2023 Dodge Hornet will likely be accessible.
The “base” Hornet GT makes use of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder model of the Stellantis Hurricane engine. Final specs have but to be locked down however the turbocharged package deal is anticipated to make “265-plus” horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s anticipated to launch from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds.
We’ll have to attend for quite a few different particulars, together with not solely gasoline financial system however the transmission package deal. In Europe, the comparable Tonale makes use of a 7-speed twin clutch transmission.
![2023 Dodge Hornet logo scaled REL](https://i0.wp.com/www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2023-Dodge-Hornet-logo-1024x797.jpg?resize=788%2C613&ssl=1)
With each the GT and the R/T, all-wheel drive comes normal.
Goes Like Hell
A key factor of the Dodge DNA is the flexibility to customise merchandise, enhancing each appears to be like and efficiency. And the automaker on Tuesday night time confirmed off a few of what may very well be finished utilizing components from its inside aftermarket operation, Direct Connection.
The letters, GLH, ought to have significance to longtime Dodge followers, serving because the designation for a high-performance model of the model’s ‘80s-era Omni mannequin.
The new Hornet GLH idea boasts twice the power-to-weight ratio of probably the most excessive model of that period, the 1986 Shelby Omni GLH-S.
Starting out with a inventory Hornet GT, the present automotive provides:
![2023 Dodge Hornet driving rear 3-4 scaled REL](https://i0.wp.com/www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2023-Dodge-Hornet-driving-rear-3-4-1024x574.jpg?resize=788%2C442&ssl=1)
- Stage package presents stackable efficiency upgrades for the GT mannequin
- Suspension reducing package dropping the Hornet greater than an inch, making a decrease heart of gravity and enhancing cornering dynamics
- Unrestricted twin exhaust with black chrome ideas present a throaty efficiency notice
- Exclusive Direction Connection GLH 20-inch painted and machine-faced wheels
- Exclusive Direct Connection GLH graphics, together with stripes and logos
- Black-painted decrease trim with exhaust cutout rear fascia
Plugging in with the Hornet R/T
With even excessive efficiency manufacturers like Aston Martin and Ferrari going electrical, it was solely a matter of time earlier than Dodge plugged in. It’s already confirmed plans for an all-electric muscle automotive in 2024, however the Hornet R/T launches the shift in the direction of battery energy because the model’s first plug-in hybrid.
It pairs a 1.3-liter turbo-4 gasoline engine with a 90-kilowatt electrical motor, the mix delivering an output of “285-plus” hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.
![2023 Dodge Hornet driving nose high scaled REL](https://i0.wp.com/www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2023-Dodge-Hornet-driving-nose-high-1024x682.jpg?resize=788%2C525&ssl=1)
Put an asterisk by these numbers as a result of a driver will get a 25 hp enhance — together with an as yet-unspecified torque dump — just by urgent the “PowerShot” button on the instrument panel. Similar to what’s displaying up in quite a few race sequence, the system offers that further enhance for as much as 15 seconds. You then should let the electrical drive system briefly settle down however you need to use PowerShot over and over till the is battery drained.
(Expect to see PowerShot return on all future electrified Dodge merchandise, based on Kuniskis, together with the 2024 all-electric muscle automotive.)
The lithium-ion pack has a 15.5 kilowatt-hour capability and might ship as much as 30 miles of vary in all-electric mode. Meanwhile, it should recharge in as little as 2.5 hours utilizing a Level 2 240-volt charger.
The R/T makes use of a 6-speed computerized gearbox however, as with the GT, this Hornet pushes energy to all 4 wheels.
![2023 Dodge Hornet interior scaled REL](https://i0.wp.com/www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2023-Dodge-Hornet-interior-1024x682.jpg?resize=788%2C525&ssl=1)
The sportier of the Hornet packages additionally options an electronically managed limited-slip rear differential, Koni frequency-selective dampers and entrance and rear Brembo brakes. A dual-stage suspension is out there.
It’s what’s on the within that counts
Inside, each Hornet fashions function twin LCD shows, together with a ten.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch LCD gauge cluster. Considering the youthful consumers Dodge is focusing on, there’s loads of expertise onboard, together with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and an array of superior driver help programs.
But gearheads will recognize issues just like the near-rectangular steering wheels and, on the R/T, touches akin to the game seats, crimson stitching and darkish headliner.
Dodge officers anticipate at the least a little bit pushback from critics who contend the 2023 Dodge Hornet is a bit too just like the brand new Alfa Romeo Tonale. But Kuniskis dismisses such skeptics, insisting “We took an awesome platform and made it a true Dodge.”
We’ll quickly learn the way consumers react. The automaker is now taking orders for the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT, with deliveries anticipated to start late this 12 months. It will cowl a worth vary of $29,995 to $34,995 — plus supply charges. The Hornet R/T received’t go into manufacturing till early subsequent 12 months, possible arriving within the U.S. by spring of 2023. It begin at $39,995, with a totally loaded model at $44,995.
Source: www.thedetroitbureau.com