Dodge Hornet R/T's Hybrid Powertrain Clinches Spot on Wards' Prestigious List for 2023
September 25 2023,
The 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T's powertrain is turning heads, landing a coveted position on the 2023 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list. This marks the first time Dodge has had an electrified performance vehicle honoured by the industry watchdog, and it continues Stellantis’ impressive seven-year streak on this exclusive list.
The awarded powertrain is far from average, pairing a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with dual electric motors. Together, these elements generate an impressive 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. What sets the system apart is its 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for over 52 km solely on electric power.
Another noteworthy feature is the Hornet R/T's PowerShot, a built-in mechanism that momentarily increases horsepower by 30 and delivers instantaneous torque. This results in a 1.5-second improvement in the standard 0-60 mph time, making the Hornet R/T a formidable contender in the utility vehicle segment for speed and power.
Bob Gritzinger, WardsAuto editor-in-chief, highlighted that the powertrain performs exceptionally well under varying conditions, from rapid accelerations to everyday errands. Stellantis’ head of global propulsion systems, Micky Bly, expressed that the 1.3-liter turbo PHEV engine is a new chapter in performance, indicating the full throttle application of Stellantis' global electrification strategy.
This latest accolade underscores the crucial role that hybrid and electric propulsion systems play in Stellantis' Dare Forward 2030 plan, aiming for a substantial reduction in global carbon emissions. It's clear that the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T doesn't just signify a win for Dodge or Stellantis; it's an indicator of broader shifts in automotive engineering and sustainable mobility.