Dodge Hornet Charges into Nitrocross Rallycross Series

Dodge, the iconic American muscle car brand, is expanding its reach beyond the dragstrip and into the world of electric rallycross racing. The company's latest offering, the Hornet compact crossover, is set to compete in the Nitrocross Group E class, a new electric division within the North American rallycross series.

Powering the Future of Rallycross

Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X: The Electrified Rallycross Contender

The Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X is the company's rallycross-ready variant of the Hornet crossover. While it may share some visual similarities with the production model, the R/T FC1-X is built on the FC1-X chassis, a common platform used by all teams competing in the Nitrocross Group E class.This electric racer is powered by a cutting-edge powertrain that features four axial flux electric motors, one driving each wheel. The combined output of these motors is an impressive 1,072 horsepower, enabling the Hornet R/T FC1-X to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 1.4 seconds and generate up to 2 g of acceleration force.

Nitrocross Group E: The Electric Rallycross Revolution

The Nitrocross Group E class is the electric division of the North American Nitrocross rallycross series, created by renowned rally driver and Gymkhana star Travis Pastrana. This new class has been running since 2022, and starting with the 2024-2025 season, Dodge will be joining the fray in partnership with the established Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DDR) team.The DDR team will field a total of four Dodge Hornet R/T FC1-X cars, to be piloted by a talented lineup of drivers: Andres Bakkerud, Lia Block, Robin Larsson, and Fraser McConnell. This formidable team will compete in a 10-event schedule across five different locations, with the first race taking place at Virginia's Richmond Raceway on September 7.

The Road-Going Hornet: A Different Breed

While the Hornet R/T FC1-X is a purpose-built electric rallycross machine, the road-going Hornet crossover is a completely different beast. Buyers will have the choice between a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower or a plug-in hybrid setup that combines a 1.3-liter turbo-four with batteries and motors to deliver a total output of 288 horsepower.These more conventional powertrain options are designed to provide a balance of performance and efficiency, catering to the needs of everyday drivers rather than the high-octane demands of the rallycross circuit.

Dodge's Electrified Expansion: A New Era for the Brand

Dodge's foray into the world of electric rallycross racing marks a significant shift for the brand, which has long been associated with the raw power and performance of its iconic muscle cars. By entering the Nitrocross Group E class with the Hornet R/T FC1-X, Dodge is demonstrating its commitment to embracing the future of motorsports while staying true to its performance-driven heritage.This move not only showcases Dodge's engineering prowess but also highlights the brand's willingness to adapt and evolve in the face of changing market demands and environmental regulations. As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, Dodge's presence in the Nitrocross series will undoubtedly help to shape the future of high-performance electric vehicles and rally-inspired driving experiences.