Dodge Unveils 2022 Hornet PHEV

Well, here we are ladies and gentlemen. The time for Dodge eMuscle is nigh. Well, more like now, like right now. Dodge announced that it would be unveiling the Dodge Hornet, the first model to start the eMuscle lineup in August 2022, and here we are, in the middle of August 2022, and the specs for the first Dodge PHEV have just been revealed. Say hello to the 2022 Dodge Hornet PHEV. With orders starting August 17, 2022, there hasn’t been a release of all trim levels or even an MSRP yet, but we do know this is the quickest, fastest, most powerful compact utility vehicle (CUV) that is also a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and under $30,000 (plus destination fee).

“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…The Dodge Hornet is poised to jolt the mainstream compact utility vehicle segment with looks, feel and performance that are unmistakably 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. And this is just the start of the Dodge brand’s electrification journey.” – Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer – Stellantis

Power

Not all powertrain options have been shared, but being a PHEV, we know there will be a large battery and electric motor paired up with a gasoline engine. The setup for the Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV is a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum engine, part of the Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family, and 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, starting off with 1,844 lb-ft of torque at 0 RPM. Powered by a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Dodge Horney gets some tips from its high-performance brethren with a gas cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature. Recharging the battery is quick and easy with the high-power inverter and 7.4-kW charging module to receive a fuel battery in approximately 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger.

Available with a Sport Mode, the Hornet R/T PHEV can engage sharper throttle, an optimized shift schedule, and give the driver access to the hybrid system’s optimized power and torque. When equipped with the Dual Stage Valve shocks, the Dodge Hornet GT trim can accelerate from 0-60 mpg in 6.5 seconds. The Hornet GT comes with its own gasoline engine, the Hurricane4 engine Stellantis has been touting since March, 2022. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with direct fuel injection and engine stop-start (ESS) technology to deliver dynamic performance with an output of 265-plus horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Unclear if this is a replacement for the 1.3-liter GSE of the R/T, or the entire powertrain setup.

Only available for the R/T PHEV is the PowerShot feature, able to provide a small boost of 25 horsepower for 15 seconds, able to be repeated after a 15-second cool down, to give drivers the ability to amp the performance of their Dodge Hornet PHEV thanks to the extra power deployed by the battery and electric motor. Being a PHEV, the Dodge Hornet plug-in also offers various driving modes that make use of its hybrid capabilities, such as Hybrid Mode for maximum combined efficiency, an Electric Model for an all-electric, zero emissions experience, or E-Save Mode to preserve battery charge when getting low and the option to recharge with regenerative braking.

Style

All the Dodge Heritage styling cues are there, from the hood and front fascia to the rear, the Hornet PHEV screams Dodge attitude with muscular lines with an upper grille and “mail slot”-style grille that offer a serious, all-business demeanor. With two smaller inserts and headlamp signature lighting with LED reflectors for the daytime running light (DRL) signature, this finishes the look of the front fascia, the front-end appearance follows the look of the Dodge vehicle lineup. A new Abyss painted lower cladding and rear valance with integrated dual exhaust ports in the rear, and the tail lamp extends the width of the vehicle with a lighted red signature illuminated Dodge Rhombi (//) logo in the center. These two race lines haven’t ever been on a Dodge vehicle before, although we all know it for Dodge//SRT. A new Hornet badge also appears on the body to celebrate the nameplates revival, and the R/T badge features an easter egg about the electrified future for Dodge.

The Dodge Hornet R/T will be riding on 18-inch Graphite Grey alloy wheels standard, whereas the GT rides on standard 17-inch Silver alloy wheels. For added style, a blacked-out “murder Hornet” Blacktop package is available for both trims, adding 18-inch Abyss alloy wheels, Gloss Black badging and mirror caps, and Gloss Black painted day light opening (DLO) molding. Both trims can upgrade to 20-inch Abyss wheels with the Track Pack package. Some interest paint color options have also been made available, including Acapulco Gold, Blu Bayou, Blue Steele, Gray Cray, Hot Tamale, Q Ball, and 8 Ball.

Inside, the enter stack controls, display screens “tip” towards the driver to put the driver in the center of the action when getting into the cockpit of the 202 Dodge Hornet PHEV. With premium interior touches including class-exclusive Alcantara seats with an embroidered Dodge Rhombi logo, red-stitching accents flow throughout the black interior, the instrument panel and achieves a cross-car read with a wrapped and stitched mid-bolster, and a performance-oriented flat-bottom steering wheel that makes it easy for drivers to choose between Sport and Standard drive modes for the GT and hybrid driving modes for the R/T.

Technology

Featuring a a best-in-class standard 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster screen and standard 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system touchscreen, the 2022 Dodge Hornet offers one of the best setups for a Dodge vehicle in a long time. A total of 22.5 inches of in-vehicle display screen space, drivers can customize the three separate information zones of the 12.3-inch digital cockpit cluster. Using Uconnect 5, standard and Android-based, consumers can control music preferences, HVAC controls, seat positions, and more with customized settings based on individual profiles. With Wireless Android and Apple CarPlay, up to two phones can be linked at a time.

With the integration of Amazon services in Stellantis brands continuing to grow, Amazon Alexa in-vehicle interaction is available to perform limited functions with Alexa-connected devices at home and remote control of the car. It seems there are also R/T Plus and GT Plus trims, because these come with a best-in-class Harman-Kardon® premium 14-speaker sound system. Convenient technology features include heated steering wheel, heated seats, handsfree power liftgate, passive entry via the vehicle key fob, rain-sensing wipers, wireless charging, and a rear seat reminder system.

Safety

Standard Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) offer a slate of innovative safety features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Support System, and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Path alerts. Able to offer three levels of parking assistance with acoustic and visual warnings, four rear parking sensors along with a high-definition back-up camera with guidelines come standard, and the Tech Pack adds additional available parking assistance. With autonomous technology growing in the automotive industry, Dodge isn’t breaking ground with Level 2 autonomy, but optional features with the Tech Pack also add Intelligent Speed Assist w/Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Assist, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), and Lateral Control/Lane Support.

The Dodge Hornet GT will be arriving in dealer showrooms later this year (2022), with the Dodge Hornet R/T scheduled for a spring 2023 release. Keep an eye on when the 2022 Dodge Hornet PHEV is available when you follow us on Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram social media.

Photo Source/Copyright: Stellantis Media