It’s official: The Dodge Hornet is returning for the 2023 model year, offered as an electrified compact utility vehicle (CUV).
The 2023 Dodge Hornet was unveiled on Tuesday, August 16 at the M1 Hall in Pontiac, Michigan as part of the brand’s Week of Speed celebration. It’s their first electrified performance vehicle, and according to the automaker, the Hornet will be “the fastest, fastest, most powerful compact vehicle under $30,000.”
That’s a tall order, but even a cursory glance at the Hornet’s powertrain and you know Dodge isn’t fooling around. Two powertrain options will be offered, including the brand’s premier hybrid. That’s the case with the aptly named Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV, which is powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine and a 90kW electric motor tied to a 15.5kWh battery pack. It all adds up to 285-plus horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and an all-electric range of more than 30 miles, distributed to the standard all-wheel-drive system through a six-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a “powerShot” feature that delivers a temporary 25-pony boost and instant torque boost that’s said to shave a full second off the 0-60 mph time, to 6.1 seconds.
Other available powerplants for the Hornet GT; it’s the entry-level model with an MSRP under $30K, and it’s powered by a 2.0-liter Hurricane4 turbocharged inline-four engine. It produces “265-plus” horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which are sent through a nine-speed automatic transmission to, again, a standard all-wheel drive system. The Hornet GT is capable of 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
No matter which model is chosen, the Hornet has a slim profile, cut like a normal vehicle. This is the first Dodge to receive an illuminated “Dodge Rhombi” logo. The interior carries performance motifs with a driver-centric layout, tilting the controls towards the operator. GT Plus and R/T Plus models come standard with leather seats, while Hornets with the Track Pack option get Alcantara.
At the M1 Concourse, the special Hornet GT GLH concept spent time in the spotlight to demonstrate MOPAR’s “Direct Connect” support for the new model. Direct connection recently returned as the brand’s factory performance upgrade, offering a variety of enhancements for Dodge owners. In the case of the Hornet, performance-minded customers will be able to trick out their ride with suspension lowering kits, unlimited dual exhaust, special graphics and paintwork, and stackable performance upgrades.
2023 Dodge Hornet GT GLH Concept
We recently looked at some 2023 Hornet spy photos during testing, discussing a rumored collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Well, the new Hornet is based on the Tonale platform and hybrid offerings, but we’re excited to see the Hornet being introduced to Dodge as a bespoke product.
If the unveiling of the 2023 Dodge Hornet has you lashing out at your local dealer for distribution, you might be in luck; Orders for the Hornet GT open today, August 17, and will arrive in dealerships this winter. The Hornet R/T will arrive in spring 2023.
https://www.motorweek.org/auto_news/this_just_in/dodge-hornet-returns-for-2023-launches-brands-electrified-future
