GENEVA — The new front-drive Dodge Hornet concept, a small car powered by a 1.6-liter OHC supercharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 170 horsepower, is a preview of how the Detroit automaker plans to woo the European market as it expands its global reach. The car will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show later this month.
In a statement, Dodge describes the chunky-looking Hornet as a combination of "European sensibility" and "American flair."

Chrysler spokesman Sam Locricchio told Inside Line that the Hornet is built on a "totally unique platform — not based on anything we have." He said the Hornet is as wide as a C-segment car such as the Dodge Caliber, but noted that the Hornet is not based on the Caliber.

Locricchio said the Hornet's European reveal is significant because it "shows we're not bringing over a bunch of [Dodge Ram] Mega Cabs just because they are Dodge."

The Hornet concept is characterized by a signature Dodge crossbar grille set above an exposed engine intercooler flanked by front brake air ducts and foglamps. A recessed scoop on the driver side funnels air to the engine air box.

The Hornet is outfitted with 19-inch open-section aluminum wheels designed to show off its mechanicals, including gold-colored brake calipers. The B-pillar-less Hornet is said to be inspired "by the look of fashion sunglasses," Dodge said. All glass in the vehicle, including the sunroof, is rendered in a deep blue tint that contrasts with the car's Liquid Silver exterior.

The 170-hp, supercharged, four-cylinder engine makes 165 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Inside, the Hornet puts a premium on flexibility. Both the passenger front bucket seat and the three-passenger rear seats fold forward and collapse to the floor to provide a flat load bed. The rear seats flip rearward to stow in back, flush with the liftgate sill. The modular instrument panel is designed to accommodate both left- and right-hand drive.