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Stellantis is committed to creating EVs for the US market and that includes the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV that will debut late this year or early next, which will be the first BEV for the Dodge brand. In the meantime, the Dodge brand is highlighting the electrified Dodge Hornet R/T, with its impressive 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Dodge is the high performance or muscle car brand in Stellantis’ portfolio. The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T carries on the tradition. Dodge is launching an advertising campaign to make sure that drivers understand the instant torque that comes with electrified powertrains. Dodge needs the smaller Hornet R/T to bring younger buyers to the brand.
“The Hornet RT stands apart from other compact UVs, with 383 lb.-ft. of torque that gives drivers the kind of instant acceleration and engaging driving experience that is unheard of in the category,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer - Stellantis. “As the first electrified vehicle from the brand – with our first fully battery-electric vehicle, the Dodge Charger Daytona, arriving this year – we know that when compared to horsepower, torque can sometimes be underappreciated. We’re launching this campaign to change that perception.”
Jeep, in particular, is a Stellantis brand that has had tremendous success with electrified platforms. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the top-selling PHEV in America, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe coming in second. Dodge is hoping to have a similar effect on customers, convincing them to pursue the benefits that electrification can add to the vehicle. The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T hybrid uses its electrified powertrain to boost the CUV’s horsepower. With 288 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, the Hornet R/T is the quickest and most powerful utility vehicle of its size.
Dodge’s New Advertising Campaign
In the new campaign, Dodge appeals to drivers and their “Inner Child”. It invites drivers to explore the additional torque that comes with the Dodge Hornet R/T. There will also be additional social media messaging called “Torque for Newbs”.
As I reported earlier, the Dodge Hornet launched about this time last year with class-exclusive and best-in-class performance. Standard all-wheel drive with dynamic torque vectoring, and available segment-exclusive features, including Brembo brakes and dual stage suspension, enhance the overall driving experience. The Hornet R/T features “a PowerShot”.
The on demand PowerShot feature delivers an instantaneous boost of acceleration, letting drivers tap into the maximum electrical power to reach 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. As I reported in September, Dodge is already winning awards for this innovative new hybrid powertrain. The PowerShot feature adds 30 extra horsepower for 15 seconds. The hybrid has more than 30 miles of all-electric range. When it debuted, Dodge had this to say.
“Driving fun won’t ever go out of style, and the 1.3-liter turbo PHEV that powers the Dodge Hornet R/T, as well as other very successful models around the world, opens a new chapter for performance,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis head of global propulsion systems. “Our global electrification strategy is in full execution mode and with it comes new levels of capability and performance, all geared toward powering class-leading products that deliver on our ambition for clean, safe and affordable mobility.”
How to Get a Dodge Hornet R/T
The build and price configurator is live on Dodge.com for both the Hornet R/T and Hornet G/T. The Hornet G/T is purely a gas-powered vehicle with no electrification. It features the Hurricane4 engine which is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four cylinder. The Hurricane4 is the most powerful gas engine in the compact-utility segment. It has 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Even without the added hybrid power, the Hornet GT is still the fastest and most powerful utility vehicle with a starting MSRP under $30,000. The sticker does not include the destination charges.
Dodge Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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