ON THE similar day Dodge introduced the demise of it’s large block Hemi-V8 powered muscle automobiles, the long-lasting US model introduced a brand new technology of efficiency automobiles with a selection of two.0-litre turbo-petrol ICE energy or a plug-in hybrid possibility – with a PowerShot enhance function on the latter.
Referred to as the 2023 Dodge Hornet, the car is a small/medium dimension SUV or Compact Utility Car (CUV) in Dodge-speak.
A two mannequin AWD vary contains “Head of the Hive” Dodge Hornet R/T and the entry stage Hornet GT which Dodge claims to be the quickest, strongest utility car beneath $US30,000 ($A43,270).
The Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid electrical car (PHEV) is the primary electrified efficiency car from Dodge and is essentially the most highly effective utility car within the phase with 212kW and 520Nm and provides nearly 50km of all-electric vary by way of a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery.
The Hornet R/T PHEV’s powertrain contains a 1.3-litre, turbocharged, all-aluminium engine – a part of the Stellantis World Small Engine (GSE) household – which incorporates third technology MultiAir know-how that improves combustion effectivity by adjusting valve raise and timing.
An electrical induction motor powers the rear axle; the 90kW electrical motor can ship 250Nm of torque from zero rpm. Energy is additional optimized by a 15.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, fitted with a refrigerant fuel cooling circuit to maintain the battery at its optimum temperature.
A starter generator delivers torque to the engine belt, aiding in dynamic response and recharging of the battery. A high-power inverter and seven.4kW charging module enable for a full battery cost to be reached in roughly 2.5 hours utilizing a Stage 2 charger.
The R/T PHEV system is paired with a six-speed computerized transmission.
A Sport mode for the Hornet R/T PHEV is efficiency centered and accessible by a devoted button on the centre console, unlocking sharper throttle response, optimised shift schedule, entry to the hybrid system’s optimised energy and torque curve, and a tighter steering wheel really feel.
“Dodge Hornet disrupts the fast-growing CUV phase, constructing buzz with a particular Dodge mixture of muscular styling wrapped round best-in-class customary efficiency from a multi-energy powertrain roster and a swarm of class-exclusive efficiency options,” stated Dodge in an announcement.
Going additional, the Hornet R/T PHEV holds further “sting” in reserve, able to be unleashed by the PowerShot function that gives a lift of 18.5kW and delivers prompt torque.
Out there just for the R/T, the PowerShot function shaves a second off the conventional 0 to 100km/h occasions by boosting energy and acceleration utilizing bursts of additional energy deployed by the battery and electrical motor. It supplies 15 seconds of additional energy and will be repeated after a 15-second settle down interval.
PowerShot is activated by pulling each steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and performing a pedal kick down. The system checks battery cost and temperature ranges earlier than performing a PowerShot perform.
The extra typical Dodge Hornet GT is propelled by the Hurricane4 engine, an ICE 2.0-litre, turbocharged inline 4 cylinder that’s the phase’s strongest petrol engine at 200kW and 400Nm. It is connected to a nine-speed auto transmission.
On the new mannequin announcement occasion in Pontiac, Michigan, Dodge displayed a GT GLH (Goes Like Hell) Idea, which showcases out there Direct Connection efficiency elements upgrades for Hornet akin to reducing package, free flowing exhaust and larger wheels.
“The Dodge model’s electrified transformation has left the beginning line, with the all-new Dodge Hornet R/T representing the primary electrified efficiency car from Dodge,” stated Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis.
“The Dodge Hornet is poised to jolt the mainstream compact utility car phase with appears, really feel and efficiency which are unmistakably Dodge.
“Hornet shakes up the established order with aggressive Dodge styling, essentially the most energy within the phase from our multi-energy line-up, the perfect driving dynamics, a full line-up of segment-exclusive efficiency options, the perfect customary know-how, as effectively out there Direct Connection factory-backed efficiency upgrades.
“And that is simply the beginning of the Dodge model’s electrification journey,” he stated.
The Hornet options distinctive Dodge DNA to its appears together with bonnet and entrance fascia design components. The bonnet options built-in warmth extractors for a performance-focused look whereas the entrance additionally incorporates a “mail slot”-style grille opening sculpted into the fascia.
A brand new exterior Hornet badge on the entrance guards celebrates the revival of the Hornet title — first used on the famed Hudson Hornet within the Nineteen Fifties and once more in 2006 as a well-liked Dodge idea car.
It joins present Dodge badging akin to Scat Pack, Hellcat and Hellcat Redeye.
Hornet R/T rolls on 18-inch Graphite Gray alloy wheels (the GT options customary 17-inch Silver alloy wheels). A Blacktop package deal, out there for each R/T and GT, brings to life an automotive model of a “homicide Hornet” that includes a blacked-out look to the alloy wheels, gloss black badging and mirror caps and different cladding elements.
A Monitor Pack providing essentially the most performance-oriented configuration and is offered for each R/T and GT. It consists of 20-inch Abyss wheels with extra efficiency and inside options.
Inside follows a driver-focused design that’s described as a “calling card” of the Dodge model car line-up.
Premium inside touches embody Alcantara seats with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi brand included on the Monitor Pack possibility. Leather-based seating is customary for the GT Plus and R/T Plus variants, and Dodge made sure to supply non-obligatory pink leather-based seats for these in search of extra Dodge angle on the within.
Hornet R/T PHEV drivers can choose from three hybrid driving modes Hybrid Mode, Electrical Mode and E-Save Mode.
The car additionally incorporates a regenerative braking function that recovers kinetic power and shops it within the battery in addition to an e-Coasting perform, activated throughout throttle launch that enables for shorter stopping distances and extra power restoration.
Experience and dealing with traits on Hornet are optimised with premium elements akin to Koni frequency selective damping shock absorbers and Brembo four-piston entrance brakes.
