2023 Dodge Hornet
Dodge adds a new model to its power-packed lineup via the all-new 2023 Hornet, a compact crossover offered in two versions: Hornet R/T and Hornet GT. The top-of-the-line Hornet R/T is a plug-in hybrid — the first electrified performance vehicle from the Detroit-based brand — and the Hornet GT boasts a powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine as well as a starting price less than $30,000. In addition to these two production versions that debuted at Dodge Speed Week at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, Dodge also showed the Hornet GT GLH Concept to showcase performance parts from Direct Connection.
Electrified Performance
“The Dodge brand’s electrified transformation has left the starting line, with the all-new Dodge Hornet R/T representing the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer for Stellantis. “The Dodge Hornet . . . shakes up the status quo with aggressive Dodge styling, the most power in the segment from our multi-energy lineup, the best driving dynamics, a full lineup of segment-exclusive performance features, the best standard technology, as well available Direct Connection factory-backed performance upgrades,” noted Kuniskis.
2023 Dodge Hornet R/T
The first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge, the Hornet R/T has a hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine and two electric motors for a total combined system output of 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The rear electric motor contributes 121 horsepower and the front motor adds 44 horsepower, with all power delivered through a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to Dodge specs, the Hornet R/T will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Full electric range is 30 miles with a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery.
Hornet R/T Equipment
Standard equipment on Hornet R/T includes 18-inch Graphite Grey wheels, Dodge-branded Brembo fixed front calipers, dual exhaust and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Hornet R/T offers Sport mode and three electric drive modes: Hybrid, Electric and E-Save. Hybrid modes offers maximum combined efficiency and Electric mode operates electric only until the battery depletes or the driver requests additional power by pedal kickdown. E-Save mode gives priority to the gasoline engine to save battery storage for later use, with the option to maintain the charge or recharge the battery. A Hornet R/T PowerShot feature provides a boost of 25 horsepower and instant torque for up to 15 seconds and can be repeated after a 15-second cooldown period.
2023 Dodge Hornet GT
The Dodge Hornet GT is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque that gets combined with an electronic 9-speed automatic transmission, as well as an electronic limited-slip differential and standard all-wheel drive. Sport mode offers sharper throttle response, optimized upshifts and tighter steering. A Track Pack is available for both Hornet GT and R/T that includes 20-inch Abyss wheels, racing-inspired Alcantara seats with embroidered Dodge Rhombi logos, red crush seat accents and other performance upgrades.
2023 Dodge Hornet Design
The Hornet exterior incorporates characteristic Dodge design elements including a hood with integrated heat extractors, a mail slot-style grille opening, and full-width taillights with center illuminated Dodge Rhombi logos. The bodysides feature black molded-in-color lower cladding. Hornet R/T adds unique Abyss painted lower cladding and rear valance with integrated dual exhaust ports. The Hornet badge on the front fenders announces the return of Hornet — a name first used on the Hudson Hornet in the 1940s and again in 2006 on a Dodge concept vehicle.
2023 Dodge Hornet Interior
Inside, the Dodge Hornet interior is driver focused with the center stack and display screens subtly angled toward the driver. The instrument panel has a wrapped and stitched mid-bolster as well as red stitching throughout the interior including the seats and armrest. The instrument cluster features a 12.3-inch digital screen with three separate information zones that can be customized by the driver. Leather seats are available, including red for additional sporty flair.
Uconnect Interior
A 10.25-inch central display is standard for the Android-based Uconnect 5 infotainment system that includes Amazon Alexa in-vehicle interaction. Home screen layouts, music preferences, climate settings, seat positions and more can be customized and saved to individual profiles. Two phones can be connected simultaneously and the system includes Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Dodge Hornet GT GLH
Dodge also debuted the Dodge Hornet GLH during Speed Week to showcase available performance products from the Dodge Direct Connection parts options, adopting the name from the high-performance Dodge Omni GLH (Goes Like Hell) produced in the 1980s. The Hornet GT GLH is equipped with a stage kit that offers stackable performance upgrades for Hornet GT including a suspension lowering kit that drops the Hornet more than an inch, unrestricted dual exhaust with black chrome tips, exclusive Direct Connection GLH 20-inch painted and machine-faced wheels, Direct Connection GLH graphics, as well as black-painted lower trim and rear fascia with exhaust cutouts.
The post 2023 Dodge Hornet: First Look appeared first on autoNXT.net.
