Dodge might ship among the world’s quickest muscle automobiles, however the model itself doesn’t transfer very quick in relation to altering its line-up. At least it hasn’t for fairly a while. But issues are about to get busy. The acquainted Charger and Challenger fashions are about to finish their lengthy runs, with the model working up all-electric replacements.
The Stellantis-owned model, in the meantime, is simply now rolling out its first fully new mannequin line in a decade, the Dodge Hornet. If the title appears acquainted, it was final utilized by the marque for a chunky idea car launched in 2006. But it by no means made manufacturing because of the Great Recession and the chapter of what was then the Chrysler Corp.
Now, Hornet is again, however in a really totally different, a lot sleeker kind. The new mannequin shares the identical underpinnings because the Alfa Romeo Tonale and will probably be provided in two kinds: the traditional, gas-powered Hornet GT, which is a 2023 mannequin, and the R/T which marks the primary time Dodge has provided a plug-in hybrid. The R/T is a 2024 mannequin.
Overview
Getting into the compact crossover section needs to be a no brainer for Dodge. It is, in any case, one of many U.S. market’s fastest-growing product segments. The query was get there. The muscle automobile model tried it as soon as earlier than, with a rebadged model of the Jeep Compass dubbed the Caliber. But the Dodge Caliber merely didn’t match a model that put the emphasis on efficiency.
(Check out our evaluation of the brand new 2023 Dodge Hornet GT by Clicking Here.)
The Hornet is one other matter completely. It’s smooth form stands in sharp distinction to the boxy Caliber and the efficiency numbers are much more in keeping with what you’d count on from Dodge, delivering 0-60 occasions of as little as 5.6 seconds. But Hornet additionally serves as a primary step into electrification for Dodge, the R/T model turning into the model’s first mannequin powered by a plug-in hybrid. It can ship as much as 30 miles vary in all-electric mode.
Exterior
There’s been loads of buzz concerning the Hornet since Dodge pulled off the wraps final yr — although not all constructive. Some critics contend it’s a bit too just like the brand new Alfa Romeo Tonale. But Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis dismisses such skeptics, insisting “We took an awesome platform and made it a true Dodge.”
The variations are most blatant up entrance, the place Hornet adopts what it calls a “racoon mask,” a slender higher grille framed by slit headlamps. Directly under, a slender “mail slot” and a bigger, decrease grille gives cooling air to the engine compartment. Functional extractors are mounted right into a sculpted hood.
The aspect profile is extra clearly carried over from Alfa, with its crisp character line coursing via muscular rear haunches, and a coupe-like roofline. Four wheel choices, as much as 20 inches, can be found.
Interior
Inside, each Hornet fashions characteristic twin LCD shows, together with a ten.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch LCD gauge cluster. Considering the youthful patrons 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 comparable to the game seats, crimson stitching and darkish headliner.
The steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters can each be depressed concurrently, the motive force additionally flooring the throttle, to kick the R/T into its “Power Shot” mode.
One draw back of the Hornet is cupboard space, a mere 27 cubic ft until you fold down the again seat. That’s barely sedan territory.
Powertrain
The 2024 Dodge Hornet will ship loads of sting, whichever model you purchase. But efficiency followers are more likely to deal with the brand new R/T bundle. Ironically, so will green-minded patrons who need a muscle “car” that’s extra power environment friendly.
With the Hornet R/T, Dodge launches the shift in direction of battery energy because the model’s first plug-in hybrid, Dodge planning to introduce an all-electric alternative for the getting old Charger/Challenger muscle automobiles in just two years.
The R/T pairs a 1.3-liter turbo-4 gasoline engine with a 44-horsepower belt starter-generator up entrance, and a 90-kilowatt electrical motor on the rear. Both motors draw energy from a 15.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The inside combustion engine and starter-generator are paired with a 6-speed computerized gearbox. The drivetrain places energy to all 4 wheels, the inner combustion engine pushing as much as 199 pound-feet of torque to the entrance axle, the e-motor including one other 184 to the rear.
In mixture, they ship a peak output of 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. But put an asterisk right here. To get the utmost numbers, you could interact that PowerShot mode which delivers a 30-hp increase that lasts for as much as 15 seconds. You then must let the electrical drive system briefly quiet down however you should use PowerShot again and again till the is battery drained.
Hornet R/T can launch from 0-60 in simply 5.6 seconds utilizing PowerShot mode. That’s about 0.9 seconds quicker than the GT. (And, with out participating that increase, R/T’s launch occasions are nearer to the 7 second mark.) Where the gasoline mannequin tops out at 140 mph, the plug-in hits the ceiling at 128.
With the R/T arriving in showrooms after the conventionally powered Hornet GT, its last gasoline financial system numbers have but to be launched. But Dodge says the plug-in hybrid will ship as much as 30 miles vary in all-electric mode.
Unfortunately, you received’t be capable of plug right into a public fast charger, nevertheless it ought to take just some hours to get a full pack utilizing a commonplace Level 2 240-volt charging system.
Safety and Technology
Dodge is lining up with the remainder of the auto trade within the seemingly inevitable push to go electrical. We’ve already seen a prototype alternative for the model’s acquainted muscle automobiles, the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. But the 2024 Hornet R/T will probably be its first electrified mannequin — on this case, a PHEV that may ship as much as 30 miles in all-electric mode. While last EPA numbers aren’t obtainable, the R/T is anticipated to be each the quickest and most fuel-efficient of the 2 Hornet packages.
As is turning into the norm within the trade as of late, each Hornet fashions will supply an array of superior driver help applied sciences, comparable to forward-collision warning with computerized emergency braking. In all, the model claims “69 safety features,” although it performs unfastened with the rely.
A 12.3-inch reconfigurable TFT display handles gauge duties and you’ll set it up in quite a lot of totally different layouts. A ten.25-inch touchscreen operates the latest-generation Uconnect infotainment system and, with just some gripes, it’s one of many higher ones in the marketplace. I’d wish to see a number of capabilities, notably seat and steering wheel heaters, switched again to standard controls.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a part of the R/T bundle, as is a wi-fi Qi smartphone charger.
Driving Impressions
With its new plug-in hybrid drivetrain, Dodge is positioning the R/T because the sportier possibility for Hornet patrons, even whereas enjoying up the potential environmental advantages. And switching to all-electric mode did give the crossover a really distinctive character that many shoppers would possibly like when coping with heavy site visitors or driving on native roads.
But the query is whether or not the Hornet R/T actually is the higher possibility for efficiency followers. On paper, it lives as much as expectations, chopping launch occasions to almost a second under these of the gas-only GT mannequin. My gripe is the Power Shot system. Not the expertise itself. But it’s important to dance a unusual choreography, utilizing each paddle-shifters, in addition to the throttle, to interact it. And I discovered it merely didn’t kick in a number of occasions. I’d a lot fairly see a easy “Boost” button, as is used on some all-electric fashions just like the Kia EV6 GT.
The R/T, in the meantime, is available in at about 400 kilos over the mass of the GT, and that grew to become fairly apparent as I wandered via the rolling hillsides surrounding Asheville, North Carolina.
An electronically managed limited-slip rear differential, Koni frequency-selective dampers and entrance and rear Brembo brakes do assist give the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T extra poise. (And for individuals who wish to maximize dealing with, a dual-stage suspension is out there as a part of the elective Track Pack.)
On the entire, regardless of its flaws, the Hornet R/T proved loads of enjoyable to flog round mountain roads, with a definite Alfa nature to its experience and dealing with. It’s actually less than what we’d have anticipated had Dodge opted for a model of, say, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, however contemplating that crossovers dominate in the present day’s market, it’s a superb compromise.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Specifications
Dimension | L: 178 inches/W: 63 inches/H: 82 inches/Wheelbase: 103.8 inches |
Weight | 4,140 kilos |
Powertrain | 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine w/two electrical motors, 6-speed computerized transmission and AWD |
Fuel Economy | TBA |
Performance Specs | 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque |
Price | Base value: $41,590, together with $1,595 vacation spot cost |
On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
Hornet will probably be not solely the most recent Dodge providing nevertheless it’s least costly, the GT beginning at simply $31,590, together with supply charges.
If you’ve learn TheDetroitBureau’s evaluation chances are you’ll observed that the bottom automobile is being marketed as a 2023 mannequin. It will probably be reaching showrooms within the coming weeks. The Hornet R/T, nonetheless, received’t get there till later within the yr and will probably be designated a 2024. It additionally will carry a $10,000 beginning value, at $41,590.
Is it value it? Several elements want be thought of, together with the faster launch — when you grasp Power Shot mode — and the flexibility to journey 30 miles in all-electric mode. Once upon a time, these may need appeared incongruous traits. But, as we’ve been seeing, many new EV patrons are drawn in by the numerous efficiency of electrical drivetrains.
Beyond that, some is likely to be delay by the badge engineered parts of the Hornet, as a complete — or contemplate merely choosing the Alfa Romeo Tonale. But the 2024 Dodge Hornet, on the entire, is a stable possibility for these contemplating a sporty compact crossover.
2024 Dodge Hornet R/T — Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles per gallon does the 2024 Dodge Hornet get?
There are two variations of the 2024 Dodge Hornet. The GT mannequin, with its 2.0-liter gasoline engine, will get 21 mpg within the metropolis, 29 on the freeway and 24 mixed, in keeping with the EPA. The numbers for the plug-in hybrid haven’t been finalized, however will probably be greater. The R/T additionally will ship 30 miles vary in all-electric mode.
How quick is the Dodge Hornet R/T?
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T will launch from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, in keeping with the automaker. Top pace is 128 mph. The GT takes 6.1 seconds to hit 60, however high pace jumps to 140 mph.
Is the Dodge Hornet an Alfa Romeo?
The Dodge Hornet is predicated on the identical platform as the brand new Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Source: www.thedetroitbureau.com