Tag Archives: Dodge

News

2023 Dodge Hornet Vs. 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale

July 16, 2023 David

Dodge has been making headlines with its gas-guzzling, big-power muscle cars. Even the Durango full-size SUV has received a Hellcat variant. But the Dodge lineup has been stale for a long time and only making updates to old vehicles that have been in production since 2011. But Dodge has recently introduced an all-new model called the Dodge Hornet. This new vehicle inserts Dodge into the competitive compact crossover segment and aims to introduce a lot of new buyers to the brand.

On the other spectrum, Alfa Romeo has seen a resurgence in their brand with the introduction of the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV which are great vehicles. A third vehicle has joined the lineup which shares a lot of similarities with the Dodge Hornet. The Alfa Romeo Tonale was first previewed in 2019 so we knew it was coming, and it’s finally here. This is Alfa’s answer for a compact Italian crossover, and we expect it to be a good vehicle.

Is The Alfa Romeo Tonale Just A Better-Looking Dodge Hornet?

Front three-quarter shot of the Alfa Romeo Tonale in motion

This would be right except the Tonale came first, it was first shown as a concept car at the Geneva Auto Show in 2019. It was a good-looking SUV with the Alfa Romeo design language, and to Alfa’s credit, the production vehicle looks just like the concept. The front has the iconic V Scudetto Grille and large bottom which has been a trademark of Alfa Romeo cars since the ‘50s. Its adaptive LED Trilobo headlight design looks interesting and gives the vehicle a sporty look.

The side profile of the Tonale is normal with black body cladding and the familiar five-hole which date back to the 1960s. The back end mimics the front with the Trilobo taillights but with a full-width light bar and no visible exhaust. Alfa Romeo has always drawn design inspiration from its history and the Tonale wears the modern interpretation well.

The Dodge Hornet has been teased before in 2006 but was pitched as a mini MPV and not a crossover. The new Hornet has no resemblance to that concept and Dodge has gone for an imposing look for this vehicle. Dodge has designed the upper and lower grilles with a honeycomb pattern to mimic a hornet’s hive with the Dodge Rhombi logo in front. A noticeable difference is the hood vents on the hood which are not present on the Tonale.

Front three-quarter shot of the Dodge Hornet

The Hornet logo is also seen on the front quarter panel similar to a Hellcat logo on the other models. The side profile looks very similar to the Tonale with the black body cladding but the wheels are less interesting. At the back, the styling is similar to the Tonale but the LED light bar design looks like a smaller version of the one found on the Dodge Durango. A neat feature is the first-ever illuminated Rhombi logo.

Dimensions	Alfa Romeo Tonale	Dodge Hornet
Length	178.3 inches	178 inches
Width	72.4 inches	82 inches
Wheelbase	103.8 inches	103.8 inches
Height	63.2 inches	63 inches
Wheel size (inches)	18-20	17-18
Weight	4,133 pounds	4,140 pounds
Towing Capacity	2,000 pounds	2,000 pounds

Both car brands are owned by the Stellantis group and share the same small wide 4×4 LWB architecture. This means both cars also have similar dimensions but the Hornet is a bit wider and the non-hybrid trim is a bit lighter at 3,715 pounds. The Tonale is named after one of Italy’s highest mountain passes and takes shapes from nature. Meanwhile, the Hornet gets its name from a deadly wasp, and Dodge knows how to come up with cool names.

Identical Interior Design And Layout

There are a lot of similarities in the design and layout of the interior of both vehicles. The steering wheel design and button locations are identical. Physical climate controls are found just beneath the center screen and the center console layout is the same. They also have similar features and technology which include:

12.3-inch digital instrument display.
10.3-inch center touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Amazon Alexa.
4G LTE Wi-fi Hotspot.
14-speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Audio System (optional).
Power adjustable and memory seats.
Sunroof and many more.

There are a few differences like the start-stop button on the steering wheel of the Tonale but the Hornet has it on the center console. The side air vents have different designs, and the Tonale uses better materials compared to the Hornet. Interior room is similar in both vehicles since they have the same wheelbase. But the Hornet has more cargo space at 27 cubic-feet while the Tonale has just 22.9 cubic feet. This is because of the underfloor storage in non-hybrid Hornet GT models.

The Dodge Hornet Offers More Powertrain Options

Yellow and Red Dodge Hornets in motion

Alfa Romeo Tonale Vs Dodge Hornet PHEV And Dodge Hornet GT

	Alfa Romeo Tonale	Dodge Hornet RT	Dodge Hornet GT
Engine	I-4 Turbo hybrid	I-4 Turbo hybrid	I-4 Turbo
Displacement	1.3 liters	1.3 liters	2.0 liters
Power	285 horsepower	288 horsepower	268 horsepower
Torque	350 pound-feet	383 pound-feet	295 pound-feet
Transmission	Six-speed automatic	Six-speed automatic	Nine-speed automatic
Drivetrain	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Fuel economy (MPG)	23/29 City/Highway	NA	21/29 City/Highway
EV Range	30 miles	30 miles	None
Battery	15.5 kWh	15.5 kWh	None
Fuel tank (gallons)	11.2	11.2	13.5
0-60 MPH	6 seconds	5.6 seconds	NA

The Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet share a similar four-wheel drive hybrid powertrain with a slight power bump in the Hornet. While the Tonale has only one powertrain, the Hornet also gets a slightly bigger non-hybrid engine option. Performance numbers are also similar at 6 seconds but the Hornet is a bit faster, and both cars have a range of over 300 miles. There are different drive modes available for each car which changes its character depending on your choice:

The Tonale has four modes which are: Dynamic, Natural Mode, Advanced E, and ESC Off.
The Hornet has three modes which are: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave mode.

Safety Features And Warranty

Dodge Hornet lane keep assist illustration.

There are a lot of safety features equipped in these vehicles to keep you safeorn. They include:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Traction Control
Blind Spot Monitoring Blind Spot
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning
Collision Mitigation-Front
360 Camera
Brembo brakes and many more.

Reliability hasn’t been the strongest aspect for either brand but they do provide acceptable warranty:

Alfa Romeo Tonale Vs Dodge Hornet Warranty

Duration	Alfa Romeo	Dodge Hornet
Basic Years	4	3
Basic Miles	50,000	36,000
Drivetrain Years	4	5
Drivetrain Miles	50,000	60,000
Corrosion Years	5	5
Corrosion Miles	Unlimited	Unlimited
Roadside Assistance Years	4	5
Roadside Assistance Miles	Unlimited	60,000

The Alfa Romeo Tonale Is More Expensive

Front shot of a blue Alfa Romeo Tonale

Alfa Romeo has a more upscale brand recognition compared to Dodge. Although they may be similar in a lot of ways the Alfa Romeo Tonale has a higher MSRP when compared to the Dodge Hornet. The Alfa Romeo Tonale is a big premium over the Dodge Hornet but the badge and design do deserve an extra charge. Prices for the Tonale Start at $44,590 while the Hornet starts at $32,330 with more expensive trim levels.

Alfa Romeo Tonale:

Sprint: $44,590
Ti: $47,250
Veloce: $51,290

Dodge Hornet:

GT: $32,330
GT Plus: 37,330
RT: 42,530
RT Plus: 47,530

Motorsport

1979 Dodge Aspen Owner Review Is A Disco-Era Automotive Time Capsule

July 15, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Dodge Aspen, in coupe form, measures 198.8 inches (5,050 millimeters) in length, making it a rather sizable car by today’s standards. However, during the 1970s, the Aspen, along with its almost identical counterpart, the Plymouth Volare, were marketed as compact cars. These models were developed during a time when American automakers were focused on downsizing their vehicles to make them lighter and more fuel efficient. The Aspen and Volare replaced the Plymouth Valiant and Dodge Dart, and quickly gained popularity among customers during a turbulent decade for Chrysler-owned brands.

The Aspen not only offered improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, but it also boasted more interior space and enhanced comfort. The new front suspension design not only improved the ride quality, but also enhanced the car’s handling. With an attractive price tag, the Aspen attracted 189,900 buyers in its first year on the market. In 1976, a total of 255,008 examples of the Volare were also sold. Although Aspen sales reached their peak in 1977 with 266,012 units, the model remained relatively popular for the next few years, consistently selling over 100,000 units annually. However, by its final year in 1980, only 67,318 Aspen cars were sold.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Dodge Aspen. Customers soon discovered that these cars were prone to rusting within just a couple of years. Engine and transmission problems were also common, particularly during the early years of production. In 1976 alone, there were at least eight serious recalls for the model. Chrysler attempted to address these issues with improvements for the 1978, 1979, and 1980 model years, but it was too late to salvage the Aspen’s reputation. Eventually, the automaker decided to discontinue both the Aspen and the Volare, as they became the most recalled automotive product of that time due to their poor quality.

However, this doesn’t mean that the Aspen isn’t a sought-after car today. While it may not be as expensive or rare as some of Dodge’s more popular models, finding examples in good condition can still be a challenge. In a video featured at the top of this page, a man shares his experience of purchasing an original 1979 Aspen with just 29,734 miles on the odometer in August of last year. This 45-minute video showcases his ownership experience after one year of having the car in his garage. Notably, the car has not undergone any restoration and still looks and drives as it did 44 years ago. Interested in how it feels to drive a car that is over four decades old with only about 31,000 miles? The answer can be found in the video.

Cars

These Are The Cars Most Likely To Cause Fatalities in Crashes

July 14, 2023 David

According to data from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), some of the deadliest vehicles on the road include the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Charger and Challenger, and the Ford Mustang. While this may seem like scaremongering at first, it becomes understandable when you examine the data and the characteristics of these vehicles. For instance, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, with its 700-plus horsepower, is undeniably thrilling on the racetrack. The sound of the supercharger and the powerful V8 engine can bring joy to many. However, the combination of high horsepower and inexperienced or aggressive drivers can be a dangerous mix.

The IIHS also suggests that advertising plays a role in promoting risky behavior. Simply viewing Charger, Challenger, Camaro, or Mustang ads may influence drivers to operate their vehicles in a dangerous manner. Additionally, data shows that Dodge cars, in particular, are more likely to cause fatalities for both the driver and the driver of the other vehicle in a collision involving two vehicles.

It’s important to note that the compact Mitsubishi Mirage G4, rather than a muscle car, is actually the most dangerous vehicle for the driver. Its main selling point is that it’s the cheapest new car available today. Mini cars, like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Chevy Spark, and Hyundai Accent, top the list of vehicles with the highest driver fatalities.

Motorsport

Dodge Turbo Interceptor From The Wraith Built On Porsche Boxster Chassis

July 6, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Dodge Turbo Interceptor from the movie “The Wraith” may not be as well-known as the Bullitt Mustang or Eleanor from “Gone in 60 Seconds”, but it is just as impressive and cool. Surprisingly, there are very few replicas of the Interceptor, making this one built on a Porsche Boxster chassis even more remarkable.

“The Wraith” is a forgettable 1980s movie that follows the typical storyline of a teenage protagonist coming of age, dying, coming back to life for revenge, and winning the girl’s heart. It stars a young Charlie Sheen and Sherilyn Fenn. The real attraction of the movie, however, is the Dodge Turbo Interceptor.

Originally created by Chrysler as a concept vehicle and Indy pace car prototype, the Dodge Interceptor M4S was a mid-engine sports car with a powerful engine. It featured a specially modified version of a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, equipped with dual overhead camshafts, sixteen valves, and twin Garrett turbochargers, producing an impressive 440 horsepower.

Unfortunately, the Dodge Interceptor never actually paced an Indy Car race, and Chrysler never put it into production as a limited-run vehicle. As a result, there are very few replicas and only one original running prototype known to exist. Nevertheless, someone managed to build an exact replica of the Interceptor, which is truly remarkable.

This tribute car perfectly recreates the dimensions of the original Dodge Interceptor. However, if you look beyond the bodywork, you’ll notice that it is a clever blend of various other cars. For instance, the door handles come from an Aston Martin, the seats are from an Audi, and the dashboard and underlying structure are unmistakably from a first-generation Porsche Boxster.

Despite the mashup of different car components, this replica captures the essence of the original Dodge Interceptor. The interior, complete with a Porsche Boxster dashboard, has a futuristic appearance with a customized instrument cluster. What sets this replica apart is that it is not just a movie prop but a street-legal car that is regularly driven.

News

Must-Know Facts About the Dodge Tomahawk

July 1, 2023 David

Concept vehicles don’t come much crazier than the Dodge Tomahawk, a four-wheeled ‘motorcycle’ powered by an 8.3-liter V-10 engine from a Dodge Viper. The Dodge Tomahawk’s top speed was rated at 420 mph, but no one ever was foolish enough to try it out. Had someone tried it, it could’ve been the fastest motorcycle in the world. Only one was built by Dodge, but nine others were constructed by Neiman Marcus and sold for $550,000 each!

The Dodge Tomahawk was unveiled in 2003 as a one-off concept vehicle. It was designed by Chrysler Group employees Bob Schroeder and Dave Chyz. While it gained massive publicity for the Chrysler Group, it was never intended for production. However, nine replicas were built by Neiman Marcus and sold to enthusiasts. Here are 15 must-know facts about the Dodge Tomahawk:

Is The Dodge Tomahawk A Car Or A Motorcycle?

The Dodge Tomahawk has a car engine and four wheels, but it has the design and styling of a motorcycle. It is considered a motorcycle because it has one seat, two-foot pedals, handlebars, and handbrakes, which are all defining characteristics of a motorcycle.

Dodge Tomahawk Had A Truly Unique Suspension System

The Dodge Tomahawk featured a unique suspension system to accommodate its four wheels. It used independent suspension on both the front and rear, allowing a 45-degree lean in either direction without lifting any tires off the ground. This ensured that all four tires remained in contact with the surface during cornering.

Dodge Tomahawk Wasn’t Road Legal

Due to its status as a concept vehicle, the Dodge Tomahawk was not road legal and did not undergo street-use testing or conform to regulations. Even the replicas sold by Neiman Marcus were not street legal. The bikes were marketed as “rolling sculptures,” but buyers would have to make modifications to make them road legal.

Dodge Claimed the Top Speed Of The Tomahawk Was 420 MPH

The Dodge Tomahawk was claimed to have a top speed of 420 mph, based on the horsepower of the Dodge Viper engine. However, the motorcycle was never officially tested on the track to verify this top speed.

Tomahawk Had A Racing Transmission To Handle The Excessive Torque

To handle the torque and power of the V-10 engine, the Dodge Tomahawk featured a foot-shifted, two-speed aluminum-cased sequential racing-style transmission. The clutch was activated by a hand lever, and the rear tires were driven by a chain.

Tomahawk Had Upgraded Brakes To Stop The Excessive Power

The Dodge Tomahawk was equipped with 20-inch stainless steel disc brake rotors, one per wheel. The front and rear brakes had two four-piston calipers each, for a total of 16 pistons. The braking system was designed to effectively stop the powerful motorcycle.

The Dodge Tomahawk Was Only Produced For Four Years

While Dodge only built one concept vehicle, Neiman Marcus produced nine replicas of the Dodge Tomahawk between 2003 and 2006. These replicas were sold for $550,000 each and were built due to demand and positive response after the concept vehicle’s unveiling in 2003.

No One Ever Published A Road Test

As the Dodge Tomahawk was not road legal, no publication or media outlet was able to conduct a road test. Therefore, the top speed and practicality of the vehicle remain unknown, as it was never officially tested on the track.

Dodge Built The Tomahawk To Make A Point

The Dodge Tomahawk was built as a concept vehicle to showcase the engineering and technical capabilities of the Chrysler Group. It was designed to create interest and demonstrate the company’s ambition and innovation in the automotive industry. The Tomahawk represented Dodge’s willingness to take risks and think outside the box.

The Dodge V-10 Engine Was Unveiled In 1992

The Dodge V-10 engine, powering the Tomahawk, was first unveiled in 1992. It initially featured a displacement of 7,990cc and produced 400 horsepower. The engine was later upgraded to produce over 500 horsepower in its third generation.

The Engineering For The Dodge Tomahawk Was Pretty Wild

The engineering behind the Dodge Tomahawk was impressive and unique. To keep the bike low, the engine was changed to dry sump lubrication, and the cooling radiators were placed in the “V” of the engine. The bike featured innovative swing arms, hub-center steering, and rim-mounted disc brake rotors. The rear suspension could be locked, allowing the Tomahawk to stand independently without a side stand.

The Tomahawk Chassis Components Were Milled From Billet Aluminum

The main chassis components of the Tomahawk were milled from billet aluminum. Starting from massive 750-pound billets, they were machined down to just 25 pounds each, resulting in lightweight yet strong components to support the V-10 engine.

The Dodge Tomahawk Is Enormous

The Dodge Tomahawk weighs approximately 1,500 pounds, making it significantly heavier than traditional motorcycles. The weight is necessary to provide stability and keep the powerful V-10 engine grounded.

The Press Reaction Was Critical

The initial press reaction to the Dodge Tomahawk was critical, with some considering it a wild and outrageous concept. The Tomahawk received mixed reviews, with critics questioning its design and purpose. However, the public’s reaction was more positive, expressing awe and interest in the unique motorcycle concept.

The “Wow” And The “Why” Of The Tomahawk

The Dodge Tomahawk garnered both “Wow” and “Why” reactions from the public. While many were amazed by its design and performance capabilities, others questioned the practicality and necessity of such a vehicle. Ultimately, Dodge created the Tomahawk as an expression of their engineering prowess and a showcase of their innovative spirit.

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