Confirmed: Chrysler still working on compact Hornet
Click above to view high-res gallery of the Dodge Hornet Concept
It's been so long since we've heard anything new regarding the Dodge Hornet concept from way back in 2006 that you could be forgiven for assuming it was dead on arrival. Not so, according to Thomas Hausch, ChryCo's veep for international purchasing, who says that the automaker is hard at work developing its Hornet model. Not that it's particularly shocking that Chrysler would be doing everything in its power to bring more small cars to market, considering that sales in that segment are so strong in the face of $4 per gallon gasoline.
It has long been assumed that the tie-up with Chinese automaker Chery would yield the first Chrysler compact, but remember that Chrysler recently made a deal with Nissan. In that arrangement, Nissan would get a version of the Dodge Ram in exchange for a Nissan-built small designed and developed by Chrysler. So perhaps the Hornet will actually come from Nissan. Whatever the case, the American automaker is in desperate need of a good compact vehicle as quickly as possible.
Gallery: Dodge Hornet Concept
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[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
mark hollingshead 2:02PM (6/11/2008)
Note to Chrysler: "STOP MAKING UGLY CARS!"
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tuna 2:37PM (6/11/2008)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some have considered the original xB to be ugly and Scion/Toyota sold plenty.
I happen to think the Hornet concept, as shown, is pretty nice for a box and will be the pivotal product for Chrysler's future. For Chrysler's sake, I hope they don't water it down too much.
Flashpoint 2:44PM (6/11/2008)
The Scion xb only sold because it was DIRT CHEAP and because of clever marketing campaigns which made it appear to be more than just a box with wheels.
Chrysler needs to build the IMPERIAL CONCEPT.
In fact, as an owner of a Chrysler 300, I recognize that Chrysler's retro styles of the early 1900's are its saving grace. The PT Cruiser is nicer than the xb...The Chrysler 300 is large and looks GANGSTER.
Build the Imperial and people will come.
Update retro styles or copy Rolls Royce by making a 300 Coupe (Drophead).
mark hollingshead 2:53PM (6/11/2008)
It's one thing to think a car is good looking, but it's something entirely different to like it enough to actually buy it. Chrysler has run across this problem before with it's Crossfire. The other problem is that Chrysler struggles in the concept to execution process. Case in point: the awful Sebring/Avenger twins.
Alex 3:29PM (6/11/2008)
@ Flashpoint
Seriously, the Imperial Concept? You must have missed the memo about large cars sales being down. Not just a few points down, but shut down factories down.
I'm not saying the Imperial isn't awesome, because it is. But Chrysler needs to focus on volume sales. They have very few vehicles in the stable that can compete in the newly hot compact and sub-compact market.
The Imperial might bring them, but like the $2.99 gas, it won't have them driving a new car off the lot.
Vintage 5:28PM (6/11/2008)
Bring back the neon please. The 1st generation one. This time give it a decent interior, and offer the SRT4 engine in it. 2400lbs, 250hp, hell yes!
Esprit bird 2:07PM (6/11/2008)
Looks too heavy. *sigh* a nice little 1993 Dodge Daytona Iroc replacement would be nice.
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martin 2:07PM (6/11/2008)
why would nissan want a version of the dodge ram right now, that would be surely forcing them to lose money
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geo.stewart 2:49PM (6/11/2008)
unless you offer a full line, a standard brand (read non-luxo) is an also ran (see Mazda, Mitsubishi). Nissan, recognizing its own truck is a distant 5th in a shrinking market, is choosing to continue to offer a truck but as a rebadge. financially smart and maintains a full line offering at the dealer.
LCRacerX 7:00PM (6/11/2008)
Also note that the Hemi's are getting hybrid tech in the very near future with the Aspen and Durango. I'd anticipate that the RAM platform is right around the corner.
Kimura 2:09PM (6/11/2008)
I believe the Hornet will be the result of the deal with Nissan. The Chinese car will be for other markets. Which is good, as I have a lot more faith in Nissan than a Chery.
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SayWhat? 2:15PM (6/11/2008)
I'll second that, Kimura!
Glenn 3:21AM (6/12/2008)
I agree .. the Nissan Versa type of frame would work well for the Hornet.
EvenSteven 2:12PM (6/11/2008)
I always liked this concept but it should already be in showrooms as be old news by now. We should be looking at pics of a potential refresh. Not too late but what the hell is taking so long? I doubt the interior would stay so good looking though. I am sure it would get the all one color hard plastic - neon treatment. This would compete well with the Mini and Smart if it gets high MPG and stays quality looking like this. At the very least it should compete with the Scion cars.
Does Nissan really still want a large pickup? Can this be built on the Versa's platform or is it smaller than a Versa?
I welcome more small cars, just not small crappy cars. I think the US is finally ready to accept small quality cars with some personality. I think the 25k Mini is proof of that - and its not even that great.
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BlazerUnit 3:07PM (6/11/2008)
I agree EvenSteven. People say the Chevy Volt could be like vaporware, I say the Dodge Hornet may be worse. Chrysler needed to have a car in the segment for sale yesterday.
Torrent 2:18PM (6/11/2008)
Good. This may be the best Chrysler small car since..........never......
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BlazerUnit 3:11PM (6/11/2008)
Chrysler had 70% of it right with the Neon. They needed to keep refining it but let die on the vine. The Caliber is not a true replacement.
Tricky dicky 3:44PM (6/11/2008)
check your facts blazer unit.
Daimler axed a replacement small car but allocated money for a replacement crossfire. gotta love internet know it alls.
Chrysler wanted a small car for obvious reasons.
Alex 2:19PM (6/11/2008)
Perception is everything. The sub-campact market shoppers are going in looking for a car that is light, agile, and fun to drive that doesn't compromise on interior space and has excellent fuel effeciency. Sadly this car car does not *look* light, agile or fuel effecient.
The days of tough, powerful, and menacing looking cars, regardless of size, is quickly fading.
Fortunately this is just the 2006 concept, a lot may have changed between then and now. At least i'll hope so for Chrysler's sake. They definitely need something good in the sub-compact market, and quick.
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sk 2:34PM (6/11/2008)
Looks like a dumpster from the front. Open the hood and throw in the garbage.
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