New Dodge Hornet Ad-Spot Highlights the Power of the First Dodge Crossover
Muscle car automaker Dodge may be getting a little crazy as of late. Releasing its first official Fratzog model of the eMuscle lineup, the 2025 next-gen Dodge Charger Daytona SRT battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the release also came with a gasoline-powered Dodge Charger. The claim said Tim Kuniskis – Dodge brand chief executive officer of Stellantis – made about the last generation being the last all-gasoline generation aged poorly, but that won’t stop the automaker from celebrating its first all-electric muscle car. However, we can’t forget the electrified model that started it all, the Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid. To remind us, Dodge did something also crazy in its new ad with a kid behind the wheel.
Okay, when it comes to movie magic, bets are that this kid isn’t on a closed track or driving along the highway. The whole point of this Dodge Hornet ad is to show how this plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is still just as much of a muscle car as past models by the automaker. Called “Inner Child Intervention”, who wasn’t a bit of a speed demon in their early days behind the wheel? Who didn’t have a need for speed, especially when driving a Dodge Charger or Dodge Challenger? The Dodge Hornet may be the automaker’s first PHEV, but it’s definitely no slouch.
“The Hornet RT stands apart from other compact SUVs, with 383 lb.-ft. of torque that gives drivers the kind of instant acceleration and engaging driving experience that is unheard of in the category…As the first electrified vehicle from the brand – with our first fully battery-electric vehicle, the Dodge Charger Daytona, arriving this year – we know that when compared to horsepower, torque can sometimes be underappreciated. We’re launching this campaign to change that perception.” – Kuniskis
When Dodge first released the Hornet, we should’ve known it wasn’t going to completely abandon its all-gasoline models – cue the next-gen Dodge Charger. Featuring multi-energy powertrain options such as the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK High-Output (H.O.) option, powered by a 3.0-liter Twin Turbo Hurricane H.O. engine. The first incarnation of the Dodge Hornet came with two trims – GT and GT Plus. These trims came powered by a 2.0L Hurricane4 Turbo engine, able to generate 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It wasn’t until later that year (2023) that the plug-in hybrid variant was released, powered by a 1.3-liter I4 Turbocharged engine and an electric motor powered by a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. Released for two more trims, the R/T and R/T plus, the real plug-in Hornet is able to generate 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, the Dodge Hornet officially became the fastest compact utility vehicle on the market.
Hence, the new 30-second ad spot. The Dodge Hornet comes with class-exclusive and best-in-class performance features that really optimize the plug-in hybrid the way only Dodge can. The ad spot also highlights the new PowerShot, an on-demand feature that can add a boost of horsepower to the vehicle for 15 seconds. With a 15-second cooldown period, consumers can’t continuously boost the plug-in, but it’s still a nice touch. The campaign also includes additional social media elements, including a limited series for TikTok and Instagram called “Torque for Newbs”, a four-video miniseries designed to educate consumers new to torque is, such as automotive jargon like “pound-foot” (lb-ft).
Ready to release your inner child? Find the new Dodge Hornet at Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.