All of these orders were received in the first 24 hours after the model was unveiled.
The plug-in hybrid R/T version will launch early next year
The GT is the base model, which should start under $30,000 in the US
Dodge is currently holding its Speed Week event where the company is making new product announcements every day relating to vehicles and aftermarket parts.
The announcement that took place Tuesday was the launch of the Dodge Hornet, a new compact crossover that is the first vehicle of this category for the brand and also its first new model in over ten years.
According to the automaker, this model generated so much interest that in the first 24 hours of the order books being opened, 14,000 people applied for a reservation.
This is quite impressive considering that only the entry-level GT trim is currently available, with the plug-in hybrid R/T set to be available only in the spring of 2023.
The Hornet GT is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will deliver 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque via a 9-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system with electronic torque vectoring.
Combined with a suspension that uses Koni shock absorbers, this should make the Hornet GT one of the most dynamic compact SUVs on the market.
In fact, Dodge claims the power and torque figures for this model are the highest of any vehicles in its class under $30,000, which is where the base price for the Hornet GT will be.
It will be interesting to see if the Hornet R/T becomes more popular once it becomes available. This version will replace the 2.0L engine with a 1,3L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor to deliver 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.
Since Dodge wants to preserve its performance image, this model will also come standard with Brembo brakes and a number of appearance elements such as Alcantara seats with red accents.
With its 15,5 kWh battery and three hybrid drive modes, the Hornet R/T will be able to drive for more than 30 miles (48 kilometres) on a charge and it should be one of the most fuel-efficient Dodge models ever made.
The first units of the Dodge Hornet GT should reach their buyers in December of this year as 2023 model-year vehicles.
