Wards Recognizes Dodge Hornet R/T's Electrified Performance with 2023 Award

The powertrain underpinning the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, Dodge's inaugural electrified performance vehicle, has secured a spot on Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list for 2023. This achievement marks the seventh consecutive year that a Stellantis offering has received this coveted recognition.

At the core of this award-winning powertrain is a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, working in concert with a pair of electric motors. The total output of this setup is a significant 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. A 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery facilitates an all-electric range exceeding 52 km.

What sets the Hornet R/T apart in its segment is its PowerShot feature. This performance-enhancing element temporarily boosts horsepower by 30 and enables immediate torque delivery. As a result, the PowerShot function reduces 0-60 mph times by 1.5 seconds using short 15-second bursts of added power from the battery and electric motor. This makes the Hornet R/T the quickest and most potent utility vehicle in its class.

Bob Gritzinger, WardsAuto editor-in-chief, praised the powertrain for its adaptability, saying it excels in various driving conditions. Meanwhile, Stellantis' head of global propulsion systems, Micky Bly, emphasized the milestone role of this powertrain in the company's broader electrification strategy, aimed at reducing its global carbon footprint.

By bagging this year's Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award, the 1.3-liter turbocharged I-4 plug-in hybrid powertrain follows Stellantis' previous successes, which included double wins in 2022 for other hybrid models. This adds yet another feather to Stellantis' cap, underscoring its strong presence in the hybrid and electric vehicle market.