Is Dodge Looking to Produce a Mini Muscle Car?

If the reports are accurate, Dodge is quietly crafting the Hornet, which will be a “mini muscle car” that shares a platform with the upcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale. The subcompact SUV news was subtly released by the Italian auto website, Passione Auto Italiane, and it wasn’t something we expected to hear.

The second paragraph in the article discusses the plans, which are said to be confirmed by Stellantis. The automaker purchased the name from American Motors in the 1970s, but it has not been used in over a decade. The last time the “Hornet” was featured on a Dodge Hatchback was in 2006, but apparently, the manufacturer renewed the trademark for the name last year.

The report goes on to describe the newest Tonale and Hornet as being equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It comes from a line of engines that can produce up to 300 horsepower, which is more than enough to complement this tiny frame and get up to speed without issue. With a forced-induction four-cylinder, it’ll also achieve great fuel economy, although that’s not a redeeming quality of a “muscle car” that will convince someone to buy it.

For now, details are murky about what the Hornet will offer, but we know the Tonale will come with a plug-in hybrid option. To stir the pot a bit, could you imagine Dodge throwing a Hellcat in this? Hey, it wouldn’t be the craziest thing they’ve done, or would it? It would be hard to ignore if this subcompact came with a 707 horsepower option.

The vehicles will be manufactured at a factory in Naples, and production will start in 2022. When asked directly, neither Stellantis nor Dodge were willing to comment, leaving our imaginations to run freely. If Dodge were to revive the Hornet, it would be an awesome little addition to their lineup that’s been lacking. We’re still open to the Hellcat idea, though.