Hive of Horsepower: All-new Dodge Hornet Multi-energy Lineup Delivers the Most Power in the Segment, Brings Brand’s First-ever Electrified Performance Vehicle

August 16, 2022 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  The Dodge brand is holding nothing back as it enters the compact utility vehicle (CUV) segment. The all-new Dodge Hornet delivers best-in-class standard performance in both of its powertrain options, as well as a unique new PowerShot horsepower boost feature on the Dodge Hornet R/T performance hybrid, the brand’s first electrified performance vehicle.

R/T Performance Hybrid
The Dodge Hornet R/T achieves a segment-leading 288 horsepower and 383 lb.ft. of total torque, and has the capability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The Hornet R/T also offers more than 30 miles of all-electric range. The Hornet R/T features a 1.3-liter turbocharged all-aluminum engine, part of the Stellantis Global Small Engine (GSE) family, which includes exclusive third-generation MultiAir technology that improves combustion efficiency by adjusting valve lift and timing.

An electric induction motor powers the rear axle; the 90-kW electric motor can deliver 184 lb.-ft. (250 Nm) of torque from 0 rpm. The 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is fitted with a refrigerant gas cooling circuit to keep 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 7.4-kW charging module allows for a full battery charge to be reached in approximately 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger. The R/T system is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that optimizes the performance and efficiency of the turbocharged engine.

A Sport Mode for the Hornet R/T is performance focused and accessible by a dedicated button on the center console, unlocking a sharper throttle, optimized shift schedule, access to the hybrid system's optimized power and torque and a tighter steering wheel feel.

PowerShot
The Hornet R/T has extra “sting” in reserve, ready to be unleashed through a class-exclusive PowerShot feature that provides a boost of 30 horsepower and delivers instant torque. Available only for the R/T, the PowerShot feature:

• Shaves 1.5-seconds off the normal 0 to 60 mph times by boosting horsepower and acceleration using bursts of extra power deployed by the battery and electric motor
• Provides 15 seconds of extra horsepower, and can be repeated after a 15-second cool down period
• Activates by pulling both steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and performing a pedal kickdown
• System checks battery charge and temperature levels before performing PowerShot function
• When activated, a PowerShot symbol in the instrument cluster provides real-time feedback to the driver

Hybrid Drive Modes
Drivers also have the capability to select from among three hybrid driving modes to customize the Hornet R/T performance hybrid to best fit their driving needs. Operated by a dedicated button conveniently located on the steering wheel, available driving modes include:

• Hybrid Mode: Provides maximum combined efficiency of the conventional engine and e-Motor, minimizing fuel consumption by setting electric priority until a minimum battery level is met
• Electric Mode: Offers an all-electric, zero emission mode, and automatically switches to hybrid when the battery is depleted or when extra power is requested by driver pedal kickdown
• E-Save Mode: Gives priority to the conventional engine to preserve battery charge, with a Passive option to maintain the charge and an Active option to help recharge the battery

The Hornet R/T also works to replenish battery power with a regenerative braking feature that recovers kinetic energy and stores it in the battery for future deployment, as well as an e-Coasting function, activated during throttle release, that allows for shorter stopping distances and additional energy recovery.

GT Hurricane4
The entry-level Dodge Hornet GT model offers 268 horsepower and is the industry’s quickest, fastest, and most powerful utility vehicle under $30,000. The GT is powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with direct fuel injection and engine stop-start technology, providing iconic dynamic performance to the tune of 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, combined with low emissions.

The engine’s turbocharger features an electric-actuated waste-gate for increased performance and responsiveness. A dedicated cooling circuit (the water-to-air intercooler) lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body and turbocharger unit, which is mounted directly to the cylinder head to improve durability and reduced emissions. The high-pressure direct-injection fuel system produces better fuel atomization and mixing. Double overhead camshafts include dual independent camshaft timing, combined with cooled exhaust-gas recirculation.

The foundation of the engine is a low-pressure, cast-aluminum block with cast-in iron cylinder liner. Each cylinder bore includes gallery-mounted piston oil cooling jets to manage piston temperatures, which helps reduce spark knock and increase piston durability. The engine is mated to a fully electronic nine-speed transmission that offers a performance driving feel.

The Hornet GT also features a Sport Mode, easily reachable by a dedicated button on the steering wheel, that unlocks a sharper throttle, optimized shift schedule, access to full power and torque and a tighter steering wheel feel, helping the GT to move from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds.

All-wheel Drive
Both powertrains feature standard all-wheel drive. The Hornet R/T all-wheel drive system adjusts power automatically between the 1.3-liter engine that powers the front axle and the electric motor that drives the rear wheels, providing instant torque and optimal traction and control to all four wheels.

The all-new Dodge Hornet will be built at the Giambattista Vico Stellantis plant in Pomigliano d’Arco, Naples, Italy. The 2023 Dodge Hornet GT is open for orders and will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in early spring, with the Dodge Hornet R/T scheduled to hit showrooms in late spring 2023.
 
Dodge//SRT
For 110 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge, America’s performance brand, shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments in which the brand competes while moving forward to a future that includes electrified muscle in the form of the next-generation, all-new Dodge Charger.

The next-generation Dodge Charger electrifies a legend, with the Charger retaining its title as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car led by the all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. The all-new Dodge Charger will also offer performance choices via multi-energy powertrain options including the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK H.O., powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo Hurricane High Output engine.

Dodge also keeps its foot on the gas as a pure performance brand with the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever, and best-in-class standard performance in the compact utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

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