Dodge Hornet PHEV Highlights
After all that talk about the seven “Last Call” Dodge models, Dodge has decided to postpone its seventh and final “Last Call” model. It could just be a marketing ploy to keep everyone on their toe. Well, it’s working, and with the focus for the muscle car automaker shifting towards electrified models with Dodge eMuscle and Fratzog models, there are many fans who still want a good ol’ high-octane gasoline Dodge model. On the other hand, Dodge chief Tim Kuniskis recently discussed the new lineup of powertrains, and two seem to be showing up in the first eMuscle model to be released, the 2022-2023 Dodge Hornet PHEV.
Power
When it comes to the new powertrain, there are two we’re going to be seeing on the Dodge Hornet PHEV. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the Hornet comes with a large battery pack and two engine options. Although there have been five trims reported – SXT, GT, R/T, GT Plus, and Citadel – the standard engine for the R/T is a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum engine, able to deliver a segment-leading output of 285-plus horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. A 90-kW electric motor makes up the other half of this powertrain, able to generate 1,844 lb-ft of torque at 0 RPM, and powered by a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. If going up to the GT, the gasoline engine is the new Stellantis Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with direct fuel injection and engine stop-start (ESS) technology to deliver dynamic performance able to deliver a total of 265-plus horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.
Performance doesn’t stop there. Equipped with the new PowerShot feature, drivers can gain a small boost of 25 horsepower for 15 seconds, and after a 15-second cool down, do it again. Due to the large battery pack, when driving in electric mode only, drivers can expect an all-electric range (AER) of 30 miles. Three modes are provided to divvy up both power sources with Hybrid Mode, Electric Mode, and E-Save Mode.
Capability
The Dodge Hornet PHEV isn’t just some run-of-the-mill plug-in hybrid. Dodge has still designed this vehicle for performance, equipped with an optimized front MacPherson and a rear 3-link Chapman suspension, best-in-class dynamic torque vectoring and best-in-class weight distribution (R/T Phev Model), Koni frequency selective damping shocks, four-piston front fixed calipers, and class-exclusive brake-by-wire intelligent braking. Clearly, this PHEV is intended to perform and tow, and with all the torque provide by the electric motor, it’s no surprise.
Style
Some different color options will be popping up when the Hornet PHEV is made available. Lots of weird names like “Acapulco Gold” and “8 Ball”, with Blue Bayou, Blue Steele, Gray Cray, and Hot Tamale also reported. The interior cabin is also pretty flashy, equipped with a best-in-class standard 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster screen and standard 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system touchscreen. Thanks to the growing partnership between Amazon and Stellantis, Amazon services like Amazon Alexa in-vehicle interaction is available to perform limited functions with Alexa-connected devices at home and remote control of the car. Wireless Google Android and Apple CarPlay are also featured, and a best-in-class Harman-Kardon® premium 14-speaker sound system is available. Added convenience can be found in available heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Reports of the pricing range haven’t been made official, but many are looking at the $30,000-40,000 price range from base to high-tier options. We’ll know the starting MSRP soon enough, with the 2022 Dodge Hornet PHEV planned for release by the end of the year for the GT trim, and the Dodge Hornet R/T scheduled for a spring 2023 release. You can follow up and find out when all Dodge Horney models are available when you follow us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram social media.