- Dodge has unveiled the Hornet R/T FC1-X, which will compete in the Nitrocross Series.
- The car’s four electric motors deliver 1,070 hp, rocketing it from 0-60 mph in 1.4 seconds.
- While Nitrocross is no NASCAR, it has a young fan base that is appealing to Dodge.
The Hornet was the most important Dodge in over a decade, but it’s been met with a shrug as the company is on track to sell a mere 23,436 units in the United States this year. For comparison, Ford moved 37,943 Escapes in the second quarter alone.
That’s brutal, but Dodge has finally unveiled a cool Hornet. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy one as it’s bound for the 2024-2025 Nitrocross Series.
More: 2024 Dodge Hornet Introduces R/T PHEV With PowerShot Mode, Starts At $42,530
Set to compete in the Group E class, the Hornet R/T FC1-X is a high-performance EV with four axial flux motors producing a combined output of 1,070 hp (798 kW / 1,085 PS). They enable the all-wheel drive beast to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 1.4 seconds.
Besides the high-performance powertrain, the rally car has a Dodge-ified livery that does a decent job of mimicking the road-going model. Of course, there’s no confusing the two as the FC1-X is a two-door coupe with a giant rear wing and a diffuser worthy of NASA.
Those aren’t the only things that set the car apart as the model has a tubular chassis, an adjustable double wishbone suspension, and 12 inches of wheel travel. They’re joined by an Alcon braking system and adjustable anti-roll bars.
Dodge will be fielding four vehicles thanks to a partnership with the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing team. They’ll be driven by Lia Block, Robin Larsson, Fraser McConnell, and Andres Bakkerud.
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear said Nitrocross is a “perfect venue” for the brand as roughly 75% of fans are between the ages of 18 and 34. This gives the company a way to promote the Hornet to a “youthful, enthusiastic new audience.”
