Rumored Dodge Hornet Spotted Out in the Wild

Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis recently confirmed that the rumors are true, the famed automaker is gearing up to launch a new compact SUV. Reviving the iconic Hornet name, Dodge is poised to release an SUV based on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Blurry leaked images released in February 2022 seemed to confirm this, but these days the rumored Dodge Hornet is seen testing out in the open–even if clad in camouflage. Experts are impressed by how closely the Hornet resembles its Alfa Romeo sibling. The Dodge Hornet pictured above is a concept only as the actual prototype slated to go into production is rumored to look nothing like this. 

Rumor now has it that the Hornet’s body shape is basically identical to the Tonale. Some of the main changes on the Hornet can be seen on the front fascia courtesy of a rectangular vent between the upper and lower grilles and simplified headlight designs. To paint a clearer picture, the front fascia of the spied Hornet is reminiscent of the beefier Charger trims. As for the back of the Dodge Hornet, the tailights and rear bumper look a lot like the Tonale with the single exception that the prototype features a different set of wheels, a sharp change from the first few leaks that showed the Hornet riding on Alfa Romeo’s classic “phone dial” wheels. 

Expected to feature the Tonale’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Hornet is rumored to be powered by a 1.3-liter inline four engine supplemented with an electric motor on the rear axle. Horsepower is said to be around the 272 mark. It remains to be seen whether another powertrain from the Tonale–a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four with 256 horsepower–makes its way under the hood of the upcoming Hornet as well. According to Kuniskis, Dodge is aiming for the grand reveal in August (2022), so enthusiasts will have to hold on a little longer to get an official glimpse at Dodge’s first new model in at least a decade. 

American eMuscle

The rise of electrics doesn’t mean the death of American muscle. It’s  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 or a plug-in hybrid option like the upcoming Hornet. 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!

Photo Source/Copyright: Dodge