Story by Tim Suddard
With the introduction of the Hornet, Dodge has introduced its first all-new car in 10 years. This one might have been worth the wait.
The Hornet is an all-wheel-drive small SUV–think BMW X2 or Honda HR-V–that just kills it in the looks, comfort and performance categories. Yes, we’re surprised as well.
The gas-powered version–268 horsepower along with …
I'll admit I had to ask the editorial team: What does Dodge mean when they say "Dual Stage Valve suspension."
From Alfa Romeo:
Dual Stage Valve electronic suspension
The Dual Stage Valve electronic suspension provides a choice between performance and comfort. Developed in conjunction with Marelli – a historic technology partner of Alfa Romeo, the electronic shock absorbers feature a special electroactuated valve within the shock absorber that provides independent damping curves. Two modes are available, Comfort and Sport. The former is the preset calibration in the D.N.A. Advanced Efficiency and Normal selections, to ensure the smoothest performance on uneven roads. Conversely, Sport mode predominates in the D.N.A. Dynamic and ESC Off modes, which reduces body movement and increases vertical rigidity, aimed at improved vehicle dynamics on corners. Finally, by pressing the dedicated button on the DNA selector, the calibration of Dynamic mode can be activated or deactivated.
That's pretty impressive on this little thing!
This could be an interesting development for the circle track "Hornet" classes. 
That is one derpy looking CUV. It looks like a car drawn for GTA to represent the most boring possible CUV.
93EXCivic said:That is one derpy looking CUV. It looks like a car drawn for GTA to represent the most boring possible CUV.
Agreed, no risk taking in this rebadged lump. Though the hatch opening looks very usable so at least it's a practical lump, and it isn't as edgy as the pre-rona (C7?) era of cars. Well, practical until you have to buy 20" tires for your Track Pack lump.
Glad to know it impressed the GRM crowd. It looked like a competent little CUV (if that's the market you're in) with some potential tweaking upgrades in the future via Mopar Performance.
-Rob
Dodge needs to lower it, bigger brakes and some more power. Let the SRT-4 moniker come back as the Hornet SRT-4.
I checked one out at the Cleveland Car Show last month, I think it looks great. I also had a feeling it was based on an Alfa, I see a lot of Stelvio in it.
Tom Suddard said:I'll admit I had to ask the editorial team: What does Dodge mean when they say "Dual Stage Valve suspension."
From Alfa Romeo:
Dual Stage Valve electronic suspension
The Dual Stage Valve electronic suspension provides a choice between performance and comfort. Developed in conjunction with Marelli – a historic technology partner of Alfa Romeo, the electronic shock absorbers feature a special electroactuated valve within the shock absorber that provides independent damping curves. Two modes are available, Comfort and Sport. The former is the preset calibration in the D.N.A. Advanced Efficiency and Normal selections, to ensure the smoothest performance on uneven roads. Conversely, Sport mode predominates in the D.N.A. Dynamic and ESC Off modes, which reduces body movement and increases vertical rigidity, aimed at improved vehicle dynamics on corners. Finally, by pressing the dedicated button on the DNA selector, the calibration of Dynamic mode can be activated or deactivated.
That's pretty impressive on this little thing!
Just like my '87 RX-7 had 
Modern variable damping shocks tend to work a lot better and have MUCH better control algorithms.
Want a competent little CUV? Get a Gen 3 RAV4 with the 3.5L.
In reply to A 401 CJ :
The funny thing about the 2GR-FE that I replaced this week is not that the replacement engine knocks like something wants out, it's that the engine I took out was already a replacement, unless Toyota uses heat tabs with tamper-identifying paint over them. So at 150k miles the thing has technically had three bad engines...
Fwd? Awd? I'm intrigued.
These things are basically a hot hatch with a bit more space and a lot more comfort than the hatchbacks I grew up with.
BlueInGreen - Jon said:Fwd? Awd? I'm intrigued.
These things are basically a hot hatch with a bit more space and a lot more comfort than the hatchbacks I grew up with.
AWD! It nearly competes with the Hyundai Kona N at its mid level level R/T trim. The added R/T Plus model isnt really showing much different than the regular R/T eAWD.
Horsepower: 288hp vs 286hp
Torque: 383tq vs 289tq
Weight: 4140lbs vs 3430lbs
Brakes: 13.3" front/12.1" rear vs 14.1" front/12.4" rear
MSRP: $39,995 vs $34,995
The Hornet actually has less ground clearance than the Kona N - 6.1" vs 6.4". Its also wider by 2".
If Dodge can toss some more performance into this thing and slap the GLH or SRT-4 badge on it there could be a very viable N competitor.
93EXCivic said:That is one derpy looking CUV. It looks like a car drawn for GTA to represent the most boring possible CUV.
While I agree, at least some manufacturers seem to be moving away from "actively hideous" as a design strategy.
Duke said:93EXCivic said:That is one derpy looking CUV. It looks like a car drawn for GTA to represent the most boring possible CUV.
While I agree, at least some manufacturers seem to be moving away from "actively hideous" as a design strategy.
I guess that is true. I just feel like the whole hood comes to far forward and it looks like it is looking down its nose. Then the wheel to wheel well gap looks awkward.
Also who put this as the thumbnail in the Dodge site.
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