Is the Dodge Hornet a remake of an old car?
The Dodge Hornet is not a direct remake of a vintage model; it’s a modern compact crossover that reuses the Hornet badge for today’s market.
Context and clarification
While the name nods to automotive history, the current Hornet is built on contemporary engineering and offers modern powertrains and technology rather than serving as a one-to-one remake of any older Dodge or AMC vehicle. The name is used as branding that evokes nimble, sporty intent rather than a literal revival of a specific past car.
What the Dodge Hornet is today
Before diving into the specifics, here are the core aspects of the modern Hornet, including its platform, powertrains, and design intent.
Platform and engineering
- Built on a shared Stellantis platform that also underpins the Alfa Romeo Tonale, enabling compact dimensions with modern technology.
- Designed to accommodate multiple powertrains, including a turbocharged gasoline option and a plug-in hybrid variant, depending on market.
- Equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel-drive system aligned with Dodge’s performance emphasis.
- Five-seat compact crossover body style with a bold design language that signals Dodge’s performance heritage.
The Hornet’s engineering focus centers on efficiency, electrified options, and practical daily use, while maintaining Dodge’s sporty character.
Historical context of the Hornet name
The Hornet badge has a longer pedigree in American automotive history, most famously tied to the AMC Hornet of the 1970s—a compact car celebrated for its versatility and rally-inspired appeal. When Dodge revived the name for the modern crossover, it was a branding decision intended to evoke nimble, sporty character rather than recreate the old car outright.
AMC Hornet and branding
- The AMC Hornet (1969–1977) was a compact American Motors model known for affordable accessibility and performance variants.
- The modern Dodge Hornet uses the historical name as branding, with no direct mechanical continuity to the AMC Hornet.
- In short, the heritage informs the vibe and marketing, not a literal remake of the historical vehicle.
Ultimately, the historical Hornet is kept alive in name and spirit, not through a one-to-one recreation of a past car.
Bottom line
It’s not a remake of an old car; it’s a modern revival of a badge for a new class of vehicle, built on current platform technology and marketed with Dodge’s performance-forward image.
Summary
The Dodge Hornet reintroduces a historic name in a contemporary form: a compact crossover launched for the 2023 model year, sharing underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Tonale and offering gas and hybrid powertrains. While the name nods to automotive history, this is not a direct remake of the AMC Hornet or any older Dodge model, but rather a branding-driven revival designed for today’s market.
