It’s no secret that Dodge possesses a long-lasting lineage of performance, power, and prestige. While Ford and Chevrolet have certainly become the most associated with the rise of the American automobile, Dodge predates them both, getting its start building automotive components back in 1900. Since then, a wide variety of vehicles have crisscrossed the highways and byways of America and have maintained a high standard of quality that still exists today. In recent years, the brand has gone to the well of nostalgia and reintroduced classics such as the Charger and Challenger to a whole new generation who might not have been alive in the era of the muscle car but can still experience the greatness attached to the names of old in their new incarnations. Recently, you might have heard the Dodge Hornet rumors that have been buzzing about the industry and online. But before you start googling “nearest Dodge dealer near me” and get your adrenaline pumping, we’re going to find out what the buzz is all about and show some of the highlights from Dodge’s fleet.
The Buzz About the Hornet
As you’ve probably found out by now, the EV revolution has revolutionized the entire automotive industry. One of the most exciting aspects of this industry that so many of us love and feel excited about is just how fast technological innovation spreads. In a short time, the concept of cars being powered by electricity and subsequently lowering the emissions that cause harm to the earth’s atmosphere have become more common than ever before. What’s even more fascinating is how many vehicles are adapting electric powertrains—pickups, SUVs, and more are taking advantage of innovation and going green.
The rumors surrounding Dodge’s upcoming plug-in hybrid, the Hornet have many buzzing with interest and anticipation at the very thought of such an endeavor. Built on a platform designed by Italian-based manufacturer Alfa Romeo, rumors of an engine with the ability to generate around 250 hp means that this model might completely decimate the competition. While speculation has loomed about what form the vehicle might take, the overriding consensus is that the Hornet will be a smaller crossover, set to compete with the ever-growing number of plug-in hybrid subcompact SUVs that continue to dominate the marketplace. Dodge’s lineage of high-octane performance that shakes the sound barrier can only mean that their adaptation of the technology to their proud lineage could break the mold entirely. With other rumors suggesting that a new fleet of EV muscle cars is on the horizon, we just might witness a renaissance of an age long past…
The Fleet Continues…
While the news regarding the Dodge Hornet is still buzzing, there are plenty of other workers from the hive that can deliver the goods and allow you to answer your desire for high octane performance worthy of the gods.
The Dodge Challenger
From the curvaceous exterior that could easily be described as “buxom” to its interior that carries on the muscle car tradition that the Challengers of old did, Dodge hasn’t lost a step in their thought process when it comes to crafting a muscle car for the modern era. While some manufacturers have made the most out of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, Dodge continues to do what they do best; provide unshakable power to those who wish to wield it the most.
To this end, Dodge supplies the Challenger with a few engine options, each one unique in its own ways and unstoppable in the face of adversity:
3.6L V6
The base powertrain for the Challenger is anything but basic. If you want pristine performance but want something slightly smaller than a Hemi, this is more than ideal for you. Its output of 303 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque will undoubtedly make you feel alive.
5.7L Hemi V-8
While some like living life on all six cylinders, sometimes you just need something a little stronger in the morning. The ideal compromise between the base and top tier Hemi, with 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, gives you a little more edge than the base, and just like Goldilocks, you’ll agree with the assessment that it’s “just right.”
6.4L Hemi V-8
While other editions of the Challenger have more powerful options ideal for the racetrack, this is more than fitting for all you speed demons out there. Generating a jaw-dropping 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, you’ll have to catch your breath once you hit the gas.
The Challenger also comes equipped with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission for maximum performance and customization.
The Dodge Charger
Despite the similarities in the name, the Charger and Challenger are night and day from one another. While the Challenger is built for speed and breaking all the rules, the Charger is refined, pristine, and breaks the mold as far as standard expectations of what a full-size sedan can offer. With a reasonably low starting MSRP of $32,500, the Charger underbids competing offers from Chrysler, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Toyota. For those who feel that a full-sized sedan is boring and only for the jet-set who are more focused on comfort than performance, they’re dead wrong.
The sophisticated interior of the Charger is accentuated by a standard 3.6L V6 that delivers in all the right places. A horsepower rating of 292 and the ability to generate 260 lb-ft of torque make the finish line easy to find, and you’ll be comfortable while doing so. The 5.7L Hemi V8 that accentuates the Charger’s need for speed is also available for those who want a little kick with their comfortable commute.
The Dodge Durango
While it’s been a few years since Ram separated from Dodge, that hasn’t stopped the brand from conquering the world of SUVs. While some SUVs have been scaled down in size and power in favor of satisfying the changing economic needs of consumers, Dodge does what it’s always done since its earliest days, grab life by the horns and go full throttle.
Three comfortable rows of seating and an interior modeled after the muscle cars of yesteryear make for an SUV that breaks all the rules and is somewhat of a throwback to the older days when SUVs were large and in charge of the road. A V6 capable of 295 horsepower comes standard, but for those who believe in breaking boundaries and not adhering to them, a V8 capable of 360 horsepower is available. And for those of you who are trailering types, choosing the latter of these options grants you a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs.
So, if you’re in the market for an SUV, and the subcompact 4-cylinder options you’ve seen just don’t do it for you, the Durango is the perfect alternative.
Over a Century of Non-Conformity
Whether you’re holding out for the Hornet, or your adrenaline compels you to get behind the wheel of a Charger, Challenger, or Durango, then maybe it’s time you satisfied your lust for non-conformity. For over a century, Dodge has built a brand based on the concept that people were born free and not meant to follow. You’ve read the reports, you’ve heard the rumors—don’t you think it’s time you grabbed your own destiny by the horns?
