Filed under: Trends, Economy, Minivans/MPVs, Wagons/Estates
The Rubik's Rubric - Dodge joins 'hip to be square' crowd with Hornet concept
Though it might catch Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya unawares, automotive designers the world over are taking up boxing with surprising verve. From the Hummer H3 and Land Rover LR3 to Nissan's Cube and even Rolls' Phantom... rockin' the box is in.
And if 'boxing' is the 'Sport of the Moment' on the globe's automotive playground, then Dodge's Hornet concept appears ready to shake down that smug little Scion punk at recess for milk money.
Powered by a 1.6-liter, supercharged 4-cylinder (generating 170 bhp and 165 lb.-ft. of torque) routed through a six-speed manual, the brash little box also boasts some surprisingly butch visual cues for such a small frame. Up front, aggressive headlamps sit inboard of huge front fenders, which themselves bookend what looks to be a spot perfect for a meaty intercooler. Rear-hinged demi-doors recall Honda's Element, albeit with a uniquely serrated lower edge, and out back a pair of vertically-stacked dual-element taillamps and well-integrated exhaust plumbing lend the diminutive Dodge an aggressive edge that's heretofore been lacking in the sugar cube race. Oh... those 19" wheels set at the corners don't hurt the stance, either.
Inside, spartan trim and flexible seating are the order of the day, and modular bins along with a unique floating armrest and a hail of door-resident accessories (first aid kit, etc.) create a fun, funky, and functional interior.
Look for more Hornet 'buzz' at the Geneva Motor Show.
[Source: DaimlerChrysler and MPH Magazine]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
207guy 7:24AM (2/15/2006)
Opinion: Love it.
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ebm14 7:29AM (2/15/2006)
I think I like it a lot but I would need to see the inside. The car does not look American and not really Japanese, bot something else. IF they keep this design for production and have a really nice interior, watch out Scion.
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Leo 7:45AM (2/15/2006)
oh please build this lil box of goodness- pretty please with lil rainbow sprinkles
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Philip Dunlop 7:51AM (2/15/2006)
If this does get built, and released on the European market, then I would definitely think about buying one. I really like those wheels, too.
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sherri` 8:04AM (2/15/2006)
as a Dodge dealer, we are hoping w/ every finger and toe crossed that this little baby moves out of the concept line and into production!!! mmmmm Now wouldn't this in a convertible just be over the top!!!
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btc 8:07AM (2/15/2006)
ok, i see what your doing chrysler....your gonna lure me in again, and then all of a sudden..BAM! '86 LeBaron all over again. i cant put my guard down, ever .
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Puff Chippy 8:12AM (2/15/2006)
Love it. Build it. What are you waiting for?
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MattB 8:15AM (2/15/2006)
I'm not really a big fan of this concept, but I must say two things: Dodge's concepts this year were dead on, and Damn can they name a car.
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Joe 8:38AM (2/15/2006)
Its a sweet ride, if I must say, I was thinking about this or a hummer 3, I really like the hummer 3 that why I started my site http://www.myhummer3.com
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DJ 9:09AM (2/15/2006)
Hmm, anyone else notice the styling cues from the Kahuana concept, eapecially the eyes? Dodge had said those elements were heading for production.
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Philip Dunlop 9:39AM (2/15/2006)
http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/515/ - interior shots-a-go-go
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JZeke 9:40AM (2/15/2006)
paraphrasing "Zoolander":
Oh Dodge, so hot right now, Dodge...
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Bob L. 10:14AM (2/15/2006)
I bet this little baby is built on the same platform as the next PT Snoozer.. Chrisler PT Cruser for the older female demographic and the Dodge Hornet for the younger male... Looks like the concept is using the Blown engine made in Brazil. You know the one from the MINI and world market PT Cruiser. Why would they use this engine when they have their new world engine line?
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Dave T. 10:15AM (2/15/2006)
thanks for the HT even without a link but if you want a link with many more pics
http://www.mph-online.com/web/prtranslated/00534
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RossL 10:18AM (2/15/2006)
Wow. WOW! I've been critical of DCX, but I want one of these. Now. (As an aside, it's refreshing to see a rendering of the Dodge grill that actually works. As another aside, interesting that DCX is pulling an old AMC model name out of the vault.)
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Nicholas 10:24AM (2/15/2006)
What a cool concept car! Dodge, please build this and please offer it in the States.
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Mal Fuller 10:35AM (2/15/2006)
The Hudson Hornet, 1951 model year, was the first and proudest incarnation of the Hornet name. In recent past years DCX has been very protective of their rights to the Hornet name. (Hudson X Nash = AMC + Jeep were bought by Chrysler Corp.) Now all that's left for them to do is to build a car that's up to the original Hornet's high standards.
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judd 10:47AM (2/15/2006)
If they don't build it, it would be a shame.
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XXL 11:08AM (2/15/2006)
Look out Mini Cooper and Scion xB! I couldn't think of a more valid car for Dodge to produce that would slot under the Caliber. Make the SRT version with 200-230 hp and give it all wheel drive.
XXL
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JS 11:27AM (2/15/2006)
You know its bad when American's Copy the most made fun of Japanese car of the past few years.
This thing is fugly, reminds me of a mix between a Mini Traveler Concept (which looks nice), xB (Fugly), and carboard box (useful, but very Fugly). Maybe the Euro market will like it bit I have a feeling that it better get out its water wings the the US cause this has a definite possibility to sink.
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