Well, we appear to be going backwards in the spy photos-to-production car progression. It was just at the end of September that we caught a prototype of the upcoming Dodge Hornet almost completely undisguised. It had some flat black paint and a sheet over the windshield, but other than that, we could see everything except the rear.
These new spy photos provide us with that ever-important view of the back of the car, but unfortunately they've done a far better job of camouflaging the new sedan. We can see see is that the sedan does have the very short deck that was teased in the first sedan shots. It's a look that Chrysler likes and has used previously on the 200/Sebring.
Another thing we get from these (apart from the tiny, tiny wheels which we're cool with -- we miss the ride quality provided by sidewall) is the new taillights. Our spy photogs say that the lights have a bright neon quality to them during braking that's preferable to the harsh individual lights provided by LED brake lights. We'll certainly hear more about these as time goes on, especially if they provide any energy savings or have a quick response time.
litewerk says:
09:13 PM, 10/19/11
Definitely looking forward to seeing the wraps come off of this baby! Am anticipating this to be a serious contender to all the popular competitors. Am pleased to see exposed dual exhaust tips. Also, think I'm going to like the taillights. What will be more exciting to me than seeing this stripped naked of the camo is the interior appoinments. Hoping the seats, dash, gauges, center stack are all tasteful and ergonomic. Have no doubt it will have standard or as optional all the latest infotainment features people typically desire. Anticipating it will have a pleasing ride and handling characteristics. As with the Cruze, there is supposed to be more than one available engine. Pretty sure we can anticipate 40 mpg highway. And, although it may not be available initially, there are rumors of a possible SRT/4 model!
wwwgraham says:
10:00 PM, 10/19/11
I bet it will have Charger like tail lights you can see from outer space, best in class interior and down the road, a bunch of advanced engine options with a nine speed automatic.
lostboyz says:
03:48 AM, 10/20/11
"Well, we appear to be going backwards in the spy photos-to-production car progression. It was just at the end of September that we caught a prototype of the upcoming Dodge Hornet almost completely undisguised. "
That's probably because those were hacked up alfa - guiliettas, I thought that was pretty obvious. I guess you guys have never seen a mule before.
I'm really excited to see underneath that camo
carspy007 says:
05:18 AM, 10/20/11
lostboyz, you've missed the point of Mike's comment on the progression from undisguised to disguised prototypes. This Hornet sedan was shot undisguised from a single, front-biased angle (http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/09/spy-photos-dodge-hornet-sedan-prototype-nearly-undisguised.html). This prototype was far advanced from the Giulietta mules that were running earlier.
lostboyz says:
05:27 AM, 10/20/11
My bad, I should've clicked the link, but I would hardly call an idiot leaking a picture, a spy photo. You didn't catch anything.
urbansophistic says:
08:43 AM, 10/20/11
I just wish it wasn't called the Hornet. Nothing cool about saying, "Hey, I drive a Hornet." At all.
I can just hear the TV add now... "Lease the 2012 Dodge Hornet for $199/mo now, before this deal stings somebody else!"
lostboyz says:
09:36 AM, 10/20/11
it isn't called the hornet, at least not officially.
nowyouseeit says:
02:35 PM, 10/20/11
"...I just wish it wasn't called the Hornet..."
Better than calling it Caliber. Or Neon. Or Omni......
malicious1 says:
03:26 PM, 10/20/11
Its NOT going to be called Hornet.
thomashilton says:
06:15 AM, 10/21/11
There is nothing wrong with the Neon Nameplate. It was the quickest, one of the most Fuel Effecient, best handling Compact cars ever made in america, and it was the least exspensive. and with the SRT it was the more powerfull. it made the Type R Civics/Integras exist no more. it didnt have as many problems, the problems it had, other makes also had. the bad thing about the Neon is that Diamler made them cut i and turn it into the Caliber.
thomashilton says:
06:18 AM, 10/21/11
Whats funny about Neons, is that its still PLENTY on the road.... dont see any form of Escorts, or Corollas from 2 Generations ago..
bodyblue says:
07:02 AM, 10/21/11
The second gen of the Neon was so much better...they got rid of the TERRIBLE doors with no frames for one thing...and when they got the head gasket issues taken care of it was a decently reliable car...the first gen performed well but had a lot of problems. I still think they look better than a lot of cars on the road and had a huge back seat for their size.
mazdamike17 says:
11:07 AM, 10/21/11
I owned a 2001 neon as my first car, and at the time it was better than most cars in the price range. In 03 I bought the 01 neon for 5200 with 36k miles!!! THATS A STEAL and I owned it for 3 years and sold it for 4000 with 66k
It was reliable and all I spent on it was tires, brakes, and oil changes. It was a great car and good good mpg's and had good handling!
They should return the NEON nameplate for this car in my opinion, and it was a huge mistake getting rid of it for...Caliber...
georgecavalier says:
02:28 PM, 10/24/11
I have no doubt that this car will be competitive. I just hope that it has unique styling that you can tell immediately that it is a Dodge.
conagra100 says:
06:43 PM, 11/17/11
Hello all! This car has the exact same lights as the charger. It also has a turbo engine a 6 speed manuel transmission! The car that had the cover off of it in the other spy photo is the same as production car minus the HID headlamps. It also is a dodge branded vehicle. Name badge not been put on yet. I work inside the BAP plant any questions i can answer shoot me a email. I have seen this awesome car inside and out. It is almost impossible to get pics of this on the line as it is camoed up as soon it gets to the end run of production. I have shots of some interior if you would like to see .
car_lover_87 says:
07:14 AM, 01/13/12
Dodge Dart!!!!!!