Dodge Hornet Spied As Chevy Trailblazer Rival
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The upcoming Dodge Hornet has been spied testing in public wearing minimal camouflage, giving us a sneak preview of this future Chevy Trailblazer rival.
The Dodge Hornet shares the FAC Small Wide platform with the new Alfa Romeo Tonale and appears as though it will share some sheet metal with the more luxury-focused model, as well. This prototype appears very similar to the Tonale from the side, although the front and rear fascias are decidedly Dodge, pulling some inspiration from models like the Charger and Durango.
Rumors indicate the Dodge Hornet will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel-drive likely coming as standard and all-wheel-drive available as an optional extra. This engine is also offered in the Tonale, where it produces 256 horsepower and 296 pound-feet of torque, although it may be toned down a bit in the less expensive Dodge model. It’s also possible the Dodge Hornet will use different four-cylinder engines from the Stellantis portfolio than the Tonale.
The Tonale is also offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which could potentially carry over to its Dodge-badged stablemate. The plug-in Tonale is powered by a turbocharged 1.3L engine, which is paired with two electric motors and a small 15.5 kWh battery pack. This setup is good for a total system out of 272 horsepower and offers up to 30 miles of pure-electric driving range in the Alfa. Again, it seems possible the Dodge-badged model could have a different powertrain lineup, so it’s hard to say what will be under the hood.
This sporty subcompact crossover will put the Chevy Trailblazer directly in its crosshairs with a similar footprint and interior space, along with similar performance and pricing. It’s expected to enter production at Stellantis’ Pomigliano d’Arco Assembly Plant in Italy later this year, following an anticipated debut in the third financial quarter.
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Is this related to the Renegade?
It might have the same base 1.3L Turbo engine that the Renegade has, but it will be hybrid and based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale CUV. This will be slightly smaller than the Jeep Compass, but bigger than the Renegade.
I’d say anything is better than the underpowered “trailblazer”.
I laughed out loud when I saw the words “Trailblazer” and “Rival” used in the same sentence…my riding lawnmower could be a rival to the Trailblazer (same power and off-road capabilities). I didn’t think that the Trailblazer would rival anything else on the road. I’d be interested in seeing what the final product looks like…rumors are Dodge is going to put some Durango styling cues on this like the grill and possibly the racetrack taillights.
Stellantis is doing what Lutz wanted to do with Pontiac selling disconnected, reskinned Cadillac, by trickling down both Maserati and Alfa into Dodge and it’s a smart move.
I enjoyed FCA cars on rental and hope Hornet equals the driving dynamics of Stelvio. Not looking forward to PSA platforms because even FCA USCW wasn’t a bad ride. Hopefully the Detroit engineers can provide good dynamics
Wow! Just look at this. How daring and different. Yet another crossover with ugly black plastic all over the bottom. You know, for all those off-roading times where the buyers traverse the parking lots, curbs and shopping carts in hopes of finding the closest parking spot to the entrance so they don’t have to walk too far. This will be a game changer!
All sarcasm aside, I will say it’s due time for Dodge to start getting something. Anything! Oh, and boy those wheels are ugly.
kkk .. those wheels are not totally Alfa Romeo ? remember seen since the 1990ies
They are Alfa wheels – since the damn thing is just a refaced Alfa that makes sense to used Alfa wheels for testing, no?
MK and GM-10: Yes, they are Alfa wheels. So funny, because when I was walking to pick up lunch this afternoon after leaving my first comment, I saw an Alfa at the intersection with those exact same wheels. How funny.
… yep the shape of a Buick
Looks better then the trailblazer. The trailblazer has more plastic inside it then you would find at the city dump.
They still make Dodges?
seems totally a GM…
GM moves in the opposite direction. I’m waiting for the upmarket Trailblazer, Cadi XT3.
Seems like the Hornet nameplate was used before, by AMC or some other defunct company. Since it’s a Dodge it will be in good company.