The brand-new Dodge Hornet R/T has recently debuted and is winning over the hearts of journalists and customers alike. In its first year on sale, it has already won a top award for its fantastic 1.3-liter engine.
WardsAuto has named the 2024 Hornet R/T as a winner of their 2023 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award.
Engine & Battery
The Dodge Hornet R/T is powered by a plug-in hybrid electric engine (PHEV) with a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine producing 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 90kW electric motor attached to the rear axle. With a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Hornet R/T can drive more than 30 miles on a single electric charge. The R/T also introduces a new technology called PowerShot performance that gives the Hornet a 30 horsepower boost while also delivering instant torque. Dodge says this takes 1.5 seconds off the regular 0-60 mph time. The system boosts the power and acceleration through 15-second bursts from the battery system and electric motor.
What The Testers Say
“This powertrain is a joy to drive in most situations, from punching up PowerShot on a launch to silent EV motoring on local errands,” said Bob Gritzinger, WardsAuto editor-in-chief and a Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems judge. “It’s quick when you want it, mellow when you’re just cruising.”
Who Is WardsAuto?
WardsAuto, the illustrious automotive trade magazine published since 1924, is best known for its Ward’s 10 Best Engines that started in 1994. Their experts test only new vehicles with a base price of less than $65,000. Testing occurs for two months per car, and then each is scored based on typical, everyday driving scenarios with zero instrumented testing. Wards looks at power, torque, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), among other things. In 2020, due to the rise of electric vehicles, they changed the name to Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems.
“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.”
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