2008: Smaller. Safer. Better.
Full Size Vehicle on Display at Michelin Challenge Design™
Description:
Rally-ready and eager to go, the Dodge Hornet concept vehicle is designed to bring to the B-segment market a unique blending of European sensibility regarding engine size and overall footprint with an American flair for aggressive attitude and flexible interior space.
“We wanted the Hornet to be dynamic, nimble, fun to drive, and have an adaptable space-efficient interior,” said Mark Moushegian, Principal Exterior Designer. “At the same time we set out to create a vehicle with a uniquely American character to expand the image and presence of the Dodge brand in Europe and international markets, especially in the entry-level market.”
“We went for a rallye-inspired look — robust, capable, and most definitely not ‘cutesy.’ We wanted a distinct ‘edge’ to the design. We especially wanted to push the envelope of interior volume. That’s why the Hornet is almost as wide as a C-segment vehicle,” Moushegian continued. Consequently the Hornet’s chunky, wheels-to-the-corner silhouette imparts the fun of assertive motoring to even the most mundane of errands.
With its wide stance, the Hornet is solidly planted on the road. Up front, the signature Dodge crossbar grille is set above an exposed engine intercooler flanked by front brake air ducts and fog lamps. The raised plateau on the hood features a recessed scoop on the driver’s side to funnel air to the engine air box. Underhood is a 1.6L 16-valve OHC supercharged I/C four-cylinder engine putting out 127 kW (170 hp)/224 N•m (165 lb.-ft.) of torque @ 4000 rpm.
The muscular side view is dominated by the large 19-inch diameter open-section aluminum wheels designed to show off the “mechanicals,” including the gold-colored brake calipers. The arching wheel flares and notched sill are complemented by curving body surfaces that “spear out” into the full front and rear opposed half-doors which, in section, are quite shallow so as to maximize the interior space. The framed doors open to reveal the absence of a B-pillar, while the three-window side glass terminates in a dynamic wedge-shaped quarter window.
Inspired by the look of fashion sunglasses, all the glass in the vehicle, including the oversize sunroof, is rendered in a deep “Blue View” tint which contrasts vividly with the car’s Liquid Silver exterior.
“Like the exterior, the interior is geared around young rallye enthusiasts,” said John Sodano, Principal Interior Designer. “Our intention was to maximize the interior volume by pushing all interior surfaces to the perimeter of the vehicle as much as possible. I studied images of space capsule interiors, since they are designed for high efficiency in a limited space. I wanted the Hornet inside to have a functional, ‘engineered’ look, but with pleasing surfaces and materials.”
Tough, brash and eager to be off, the Dodge Hornet concept vehicle brings to the competitive entry-level B-segment market an ideal combination of American fun and European function.
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