Dodge Hornet Rumors Have the Internet Abuzz
Stellantis recently hosted its annual EV Day and confirmed many of its plans to electrify more than 14 brands that sit under its umbrella. The presentation featured discussions about Alfa Romeo’s electric future, the upcoming 2023 Jeep EV, and another plug-in hybrid Dodge model slated to debut next year (2022). While many industry experts alleged Dodge’s plug-in hybrid offering would likely be based on the existing Durango model, recent reports from Mopar Insiders indicate something else is actually afoot. Mopar Insiders claims that the upcoming plug-in from Dodge will feature none other than the Hornet nameplate. The Hornet is expected to slot in the crossover segment.
Dodge initially used the Hornet nameplate back in 2006 for a concept vehicle. Back then, the Hornet was destined to be a compact hatchback concept — but it seems like the ever-changing automotive landscape has pushed that design towards the SUV segment instead. The new Hornet is rumored to be completely different, with a nameplate based exclusively on the upcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale — another small crossover that’s slated to debut in the coming months. Both of these plug-in hybrid models will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine along with some sort of battery-powered motors as well, according to Mopar Insiders. Additionally, non-hybrid versions are also expected, and knowing Dodge all-wheel-drive will probably be available as well.
Allegedly, the Hornet will be built in Italy alongside the all-new Tonale, with production slated for mid-2022 as the Hornet approaches dealerships. Expect to see the model on the roads in the fall of 2022 as a 2023 model. As is customary with all automakers, Dodge has been tight-lipped and hasn’t confirmed any of the information from the Mopar Insiders report. Still, if it holds, enthusiasts can expect to get a glimpse of the Hornet (and even the Tonale) sometime soon. The Hornet nameplate is a storied one that was first used by American Motors Corporation (AMC) between 1970 and 1977. Chrysler absorbed AMC in 1987 and was granted access to the nameplate.
American eMuscle
The rise of electrics doesn’t mean the death of American muscle. It’s presently an invitation for Dodge to revolutionize the field. Dodge was obvious that as a performance-oriented automaker, it’s unwilling to sacrifice muscle. Dodge is insistent that it’s simply going to harness the power of EVs before debuting a model on the worldwide stage. The only hints Dodge had for its public on Stellantis’ EV Day were that the electrified muscle car would be “very transformational,” and the teasers indicated it’s a classic coupe-like vehicle complete with a ‘60s style grille.
Stay tuned on University Dodge social media to be the first to know when the world’s most devilish automaker is ready to break new ground with an all-electric option. In the meantime, as the brand transitions, explore the best Dodge has to offer with the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Durango models. Stop by University Dodge today and join the Brotherhood of Muscle!
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