Jalopnik just posted specifications from a staging site for the GR Corolla, which comes complete with a hefty restyling of the compact car known in the US mainly for a dull reliability. The 1.6 liter engine boasts 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, using all wheel drive and an “intelligent” (rev-matching) six-speed manual transmission—using front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials. The powertrain has been proven in Europe’s Yaris GR.
The Hornet is based on the Jeep Compass platform, and is expected to have either a GSE 1.3 liter turbocharged powertrain (originally planned for the Alfa Romeo Tonale) or the Tonale’s GME 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. Given the Dodge nameplate, the more likely engine is the 256 horsepower GME 2.0, rather than the GSE 1.3. That engine produces a hefty 295 pound-feet of torque in the Tonale, and is paired with AWD and a nine-speed automatic. The Hornet may well have lower power ratings, given the Alfa’s “cost doesn’t matter quite so much” positioning.
If the Hornet does arrive with the same power as the Tonale, it could well outrun the GR Corolla.
A PHEV version is quite possible. The Tonale has a PHEV setup with dual electric motors, coupled to the 1.3 liter GSE four-cylinder, and using a six-speed automatic. The combined total is 275 horsepower, allowing 0-100km/h to arrive in 6.2 seconds; all-electric range is up to 37 miles, combined city/highway. Again, the Hornet, if it does arrive with PHEV—which would help FCA US to pay less to Tesla in fuel-economy credits—may have a lesser system to avoid sticker shock.
The Hornet, though, is meant to have fairly high production, while the GR Corolla is an image car expected to be made in fairly small numbers. There’s no mention of an automatic on the GR, either, though that may be in the cards.
The Dodge Hornet is likely to be unveiled late this year.
