The 2023 Dodge Hornet’s Success Is Already Pleasing Italian Union Workers!
Second Shift Will Be Added To Help Produce The New Hornet...
The Alfa Romeo executive team might not be particularly enthusiastic about the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, the Italian unions are praising the Americanized version of the all-new Alfa Romeo Tonale.
Due to the additional demand from the Hornet, the Stellantis Pomigliano Assembly Plant is expected to get an important boost in capacity. While production targets for the Italian-built duo aren’t really known, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told Autonews Europe that there is a target to sell 30,000 Tonales this year and a global sales potential to sell between 70,000 and 80,000 units as early as next year. Most of those models are expected to be headed for the European market.
With the Hornet being marketed exclusively to the North American market, the annual production numbers of the two C-SUVs should see a combined production of more than 100,000 units. With the Hornet pre-orders reaching over 14,000 units alone, the Pomigliano plant could increase production by 25%. The Italian metalworking union (FIM) plans to add a second shift in addition to the single shift currently manufacturing the Tonale.
No matter the outcome, the move is a clear win for the Italian workforce.
Despite the platform, the Hornet and Tonale share a lot of the overall sheet metal for the body structure. Each gets its own front-end styling from the A-pillar forward, rear taillight design, wheels, seat materials, and instrument panel (I/P). Both the Hornet and Tonale will share the same powertrains for the North American market as well, however, there will be a difference in power numbers.
| North American 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale vs 2023 Dodge Hornet – Horsepower | |
| Vehicle/Engine: | Horsepower: |
| Tonale Q4 w/ turbo 2.0-liter | 256 horsepower |
| Hornet GT AWD w/ turbo 2.0-liter | 265 horsepower |
| Tonale Q4 PHEV w/ turbo 1.3-liter | 271 horsepower |
| Hornet R/T AWD PHEV w/ turbo 1.3-liter | 285+ horsepower |
Hornet will also feature an all-new class-exclusive, on-demand PowerShot feature for Hornet R/T PHEV supplies a burst of 25 additional horsepower, shaving a full second off the normal 0 to 60 mph time, to 6.1 seconds.
The base MSRP on the Hornet GT AWD should also undercut the base MSRP of the Tonale Q4 by about $10,000. Clearly making the Hornet more appealing to most buyers in the North American market.
Both the Tonale and Hornet should reach North American dealers, sometime in Q1 of 2023.
