According to a recent report by the Automotive News, a Dodge
Hornet is once again in the works and this new subcompact model could arrive in
time for the 2014 model year.This new
subcompact would be based heavily on Fiat architecture with a Fiat derived
drivetrain – taking aim at the more popular subcompacts in the US market
including the Ford Fiesta and the Chevy Sonic.
Absolutely nothing is known about the 2014 Dodge Hornet shy
of the fact that it will be a subcompact model based on a Fiat chassis.Fiat has had massive success in the European
market with subcompact models and considering how well Chrysler and Fiat have
been able to work together to convert a European chassis into a proper American
model (like the 2013 Dodge Dart), the new Hornet could prove to be a great
addition to the Dodge lineup.
We can expect the 2014 Dodge Hornet to be slightly larger
than the Fiat 500 but smaller than the Dodge Dart, leaving room for both of
those vehicles in the market without intra-brand competition.The Hornet will likely share drivetrain
options with the Fiat 500, meaning that there could be both naturally aspirated
and turbocharged engine options for the new subcompact.Unfortunately, I would be incredibly
surprised to see the actual production version of the 2014 Dodge Hornet
resemble the 2006 Dodge Hornet Concept (shown above) in anyway.That concept was a cool little hatchback
based on a Jeep platform but should this new Hornet rumor come to volition – it
will likely share very little with the 2006 concept.
One interesting area where the 2014 Dodge Hornet could be
similar to the 2006 Dodge Hornet Concept is in the output, as the 2006 concept
was powered by a 170 horsepower supercharged 4-cylinder engine measuring 1.6
liters.This combination would have
allowed the hatchback impressive performance but, more importantly, great fuel
economy.It just so happens that the
turbocharged Fiat 500 Abarth engine offers similar power to the concept engine
and we know that the boosted 1.4L Fiat motor is capable of hitting 40mpg in the
right configuration.
Should the Dodge Hornet arrive for the 2014 model year, we
should be seeing it soon.As we head
into the auto show season, perhaps the new Dodge Hornet will be among those
vehicles making a big debut in LA or Detroit.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
