Dodge has just unveiled its new compact SUV, and you can't shake the feeling that you've seen it somewhere before. Well, you have—reading about the Alfa Romeo Tonale. How did this happen?
- The latest Dodge Hornet looks very similar to the Alfa Romeo Tonale for a reason.
- This will be the first Dodge ever produced in Italy.
- The most powerful version will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (about 0-97 km/h) in 6.1 seconds.
Dodge Based on Alfa Romeo
It's quite simple: Alfa Romeo and Dodge are owned by the same company, Stellantis. Their connection dates back to 2009, but only now, after 13 years, do we have the first Dodge based on an Alfa Romeo. This is a completely logical situation, and most automotive companies do the same. Dodge specializes in much larger vehicles and, as such, does not have a platform suitable for a compact SUV. Alfa Romeo, however, does have such a platform. Since both Alfa Romeo and Dodge offer sporty models, why not share this with the Americans? After all, it's simpler, cheaper, and faster.
What Dodge Has from Alfa Romeo
The greatest similarity is visible from the side. Here, the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale differ only in wheel rims. The length and wheelbase of both vehicles are identical: 452.8 cm and 263.6 cm. Not a millimeter of difference.
The Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale have different grilles, hood creases, bumpers, and air intakes. Although the shape of the headlight lenses seems identical, they appear to differ slightly, at least from the first official photos of the Hornet.
The rear lights seem identical, though each car has its own LED layout. The rear bumpers of both the Italian and American cars also appear to be the same.
First Dodge from Italy
Both cars are also produced in the same factory. The Dodge Hornet will be built where the Alfa Romeo Tonale is produced, in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy.
The Dodge Hornet is unlikely to come to the Polish market, but soon both the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Dodge Hornet will be available in the USA.
The Dodge Hornet lineup will include two engine versions:
- 2.0 turbo: 268 hp; 400 Nm; 0-60 mph (about 0-97 km/h): 6.5 s
- Hybrid: 288 hp; 519 Nm; 0-60 mph: 6.1 s
The hybrid version will feature an electric motor and a 1.3 turbocharged internal combustion engine. Power can be increased by 25 hp for 15 seconds, and it can travel about 50 km on electric power alone. The car is equipped with a 15.5 kWh traction battery, and the front 4-piston disc brakes are supplied by Brembo.
The Dodge Hornet's dashboard looks almost identical to that of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. The biggest difference is the shape of the outer air vents.
The Dodge Hornet's instrument cluster screen is 12.3 inches diagonal, and the central display is 10.25 inches. The car can wirelessly connect to devices running Android and iOS. For an additional cost, the standard audio system can be upgraded to a Harman Kardon system with a 465 W amplifier and 14 speakers.
