![]() ![]() “The first thing we said was that we aren’t going to sell electrification for the sake of electrification,” said Kuniskis. The powertrain is good for 285 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, with that torque figure being particularly strong for the segment. That’s especially true of the Hornet R/T PHEV models, which feature a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor at the rear axle. Kuniskis even went as far as to say that the crossover will behave much more like a hot hatchback than a typical commuter from behind the wheel. The platform was worked over by a suite of former SRT engineers, including the former lead engineer and the entire suspension team. This starts with a heavily modified version of the former FCA SCCS platform, which also underpins vehicles like the Jeep Compass and Alfa Romeo Tonale. In order to make that plan work, Kuniskis and his team had to make the Dodge Hornet feel like one of the brand’s products at its core. Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept Gets a Gearbox.The Dodge Hornet GT Makes 265 HP and Has an LSD.The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Is Back For 2023.Regardless, Kuniskis isn’t concerned about the Hornet capturing some interest from a different kind of buyer. Things like power, fun behind the wheel, acceleration and vehicle image fall much lower on the list, making them statistical throwaways according to the CEO. As Kuniskis explained in an interview with R&T, the why-buys of the crossover segment are centered around factors like price, value, fuel economy, and brand reputation. That said, the Dodge recipe isn’t necessarily what CUV customers are after. Dodge is no stranger to young buyers, as the automaker currently maintains the youngest customer base of any automaker. More than a million of these machines are sold in the United States every year, supported largely by one of the youngest customer bases of any segment. The compact crossover segment is massively important in today’s automotive landscape. R&T sat down with Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis to discuss how this compact crossover can be made to fit the Brotherhood of Muscle ethos. The automaker just unveiled the new 2023 Dodge Hornet crossover, which marks its first new product since the much-derided Dart. Now that Dodge is part of Stellantis however, things are starting to change. ![]() While we’ve watched the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro become genuine sports cars in the post-recession era, Dodge has leaned heavily into its muscle car roots. Dodge doesn’t approach building cars in the same way as most of its industry rivals. ![]()
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