2024 Dodge Hornet
Expert Opinion: The 2024 Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale. This model is exclusive to the U.S., and can be equipped with two turbocharged gasoline engine options. The base GT trim features the Hurricane4 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The flagship R/T employs a downsized 1.3-liter four-cylinder powering the front wheels and an electric motor managing the rear axle to produce a combined 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet. This is the first R/T model to employ electrification.
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- Model
- Dodge Hornet
- Engine:
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder hybrid
- Torque
- 295-383 LB-FT
- Transmission
- Nine-speed automatic or six-speed automatic
- Driveline
- All-wheel drive
- MSRP
- $30,735
- Payload Capacity
- 2,000 pounds
- 0-60 MPH
- 6.5-5.6 seconds
- Attractive exterior styling
- Chic Italian interior
- Poised handling characteristics
- Punchy performance
- Generous standard specification
- Some interior quality quirks
- More safety features would be better
- Cramped rear bench
The Dodge Hornet enters its second sales year in its North American-exclusive market. Following a strong inaugural performance, it’s almost certain that the sporty little crossover will build on the brand’s success with the introduction of a much-needed hybrid option.
The Hornet’s launch spurred some apprehension from brand loyalists due to its Alfa Romeo underpinnings. This prompted some skeptics to question its quality and reliability, but the Hornet has thus far proved impressive in a segment that is arguably one of the most contested in the region. The Hornet is fresh meat in an arena
Honda Unveils Its New Naked Liter Bike: The CB1000 Hornet Bares All At EICMA 2023
Honda has officially introduced the CB1000 Hornet, a liter-class streetfighter based on the CBR1000RR platform and sporting a sharp design with familiar looks.
The new model’s design appears to draw some inspiration from Kawasaki’s Z1000 and Ducati’s Streetfighter V4, departing from the CB1000R’s Neo Sports Cafe design to adopt the sharpness and pointiness of modern-day Honda Hornets.
The headlight features a split design, similar to the current Fireblade in Honda’s lineup, with dual LED headlights fitted into a sharp front housing. The short tank of the Hornet is angular and angled forward, giving it a muscular and aggressive look when viewed head-on.
The rear of the bike also embraces an aggressive look, tapering off to a sharp point with flatter sections that give it an aerodynamic and futuristic appearance, signaling Honda’s focus on forward-thinking and modern design with its Hornets.
Honda has stated in its launch video that the new big-bore Hornet takes styling cues from the CB750 Hornet, building it on the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade platform, including the steel frame and the Pro-Link rear suspension system.
The bike is equipped with an inverted Showa Separate Function Fork-Big Piston (SFF-BP) with a tube diameter of 41 millimeters and a rear mono-shock that is manually adjustable for pre-load and rebound, ensuring a proper setup.
The electronics package includes throttle-by-wire system, three riding modes, a five-inch color TFT display, and the Honda RoadSync pairing suite compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
The 999cc inline-four cylinder engine delivers 150 horsepower and “over” 73.8 pound-feet of torque. While the exact power figures are not yet released, Honda has promised to provide them once the Hornet is released in the summer of 2024.
With the CB1000R’s sluggish sales, it will make way for the big Hornet, marking a new era for Honda in the heavyweight naked category with the Hornet leading the charge.
The Hudson Hornet And How It Shaped Stock-Car Racing
Summary
- The Hudson Hornet was a passenger car turned race car and dominated the early days of NASCAR with 80 NASCAR wins.
- The Hornet had a unique step-down chassis design and a powerful inline-six engine, making it a comfortable luxury car with excellent handling.
- Despite its success, the Hudson Motor Company eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator, bringing an end to the Hudson name and legacy.
The Hudson Motor Car Company was established in 1909 by Joseph L. Hudson. The company aimed to produce passenger vehicles for the public. Despite surviving World War II, Hudson faced struggles and eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator.
The Hudson Hornet, a passenger car turned race car, played a significant role in NASCAR and stock-car racing. It was produced from 1951-1954 and was known for its dominance on the racetrack.
The original Hudson Hornet had a spacious and luxurious interior, offering comfortable seating for six passengers. It featured a unique step-down chassis design that provided a lower sitting position and improved handling.
The Hornet was powered by a five-liter inline-six engine known as the H-145. It had an output of 145-170 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission.
The Hornet’s racing success was unrivaled, with a total of 80 NASCAR wins and over 131 total wins. It became a dominant force in stock car racing, outperforming its competitors. However, the Hudson Motor Company faced financial difficulties and eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator.
The legacy of the Hudson Hornet lives on, and it was immortalized in the movie “CARS” as “Doc Hudson.” The car’s racing achievements and impact on the sport continue to be remembered.