2028 Dodge GLH Hot Hatch Announced: The Iconic Name Returns

Dodge is preparing to bring back one of its most unusual performance badges with the all-new Dodge GLH. The upcoming model will give the American brand a smaller, more affordable performance car positioned below its larger muscle cars and SUVs.

GLH stands for “Goes Like Hell”, a name that first appeared on the Dodge Omni GLH during the 1980s. The modern version will take a very different form, combining hot-hatch characteristics with the taller proportions and practicality of a compact crossover.

Dodge refers to the upcoming model as a “muscle hatch”, with the GLH expected to become the new entry point into the brand’s performance range.

What Is The New Dodge GLH?

The new GLH is being developed as the spiritual successor to the Dodge Hornet. However, Dodge appears to be taking a much more performance-focused approach this time.

A full-size preview model shown during Stellantis Investor Day revealed a relatively low, wide and boxy shape. While Dodge calls it a hatchback, its proportions appear to sit somewhere between a traditional hot hatch and a compact SUV.

The production design has not yet been fully revealed, so several exterior details remain under wraps. The GLH will also be joined by an SRT performance version, placing it alongside Dodge’s wider plans to expand the SRT name across its future range.

New STLA One Platform

The Dodge GLH is expected to use Stellantis’ new STLA One architecture, which will also underpin several upcoming models from other Stellantis brands.

The platform has been designed for small and midsize vehicles and can support several different types of powertrains, including:

• Internal combustion engines
• Hybrid systems
• Fully electric powertrains

This flexibility means Dodge could potentially introduce different versions of the GLH during its lifecycle.

More importantly, the platform should allow Dodge to develop the GLH around its own performance targets instead of adapting an existing model from another Stellantis brand.

How Much Power Will The Dodge GLH Produce?

Dodge has indicated that the GLH will produce around 300hp, although final specifications have not yet been announced. One strong possibility is Stellantis’ new Hurricane 4 turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. The 2.0-litre engine currently produces up to 324hp and 450Nm in the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee.

However, Dodge has not officially confirmed that this engine will power the GLH. The GLH’s smaller dimensions and lower expected weight could make its performance impressive even with around 300hp.

Front-wheel-drive versions may form the lower end of the range, while more powerful versions could use all-wheel drive. An automatic transmission is also expected.

Dodge GLH SRT Confirmed

Performance enthusiasts can also expect a more serious Dodge GLH SRT. Exact specifications have not been revealed, but the SRT could receive more power, upgraded suspension, stronger brakes, performance tyres and more aggressive exterior styling.

Dodge is planning to significantly expand SRT across its product range, making the GLH SRT an important part of the company’s renewed focus on performance cars.

It could potentially compete with models such as the Volkswagen Golf R, Honda Civic Type R and performance-focused compact crossovers, although its unusual hatchback-SUV positioning could place it in a category of its own.

What Does GLH Mean?

The GLH badge dates back to the Dodge Omni GLH of the 1980s. Carroll Shelby helped transform the ordinary front-wheel-drive Omni hatchback into a much quicker performance model. GLH became short for “Goes Like Hell”, turning what started as a basic compact car into a cult performance model. Bringing the badge back therefore gives the new car some serious history to live up to.

The modern GLH will be larger, more powerful and considerably more advanced, but Dodge appears to be following the same basic idea: offer strong performance in a relatively practical and accessible package.

Dodge GLH Launch Date

Dodge has not announced an exact production or sales date. Current reports suggest that the new GLH could arrive as a 2028 model, potentially entering production or reaching dealerships during late 2027.

Official pricing has also not been revealed. Dodge is positioning the GLH as an entry-level performance model, so keeping its price below the Charger and larger SRT products will be important.

Will The Dodge GLH Launch In The UAE?

There is currently no confirmation of a UAE or Middle East launch for the Dodge GLH. The model has so far been announced primarily as part of Dodge’s North American product strategy. More details about international availability should emerge closer to its production debut.

For UAE performance-car buyers, however, a compact Dodge offering around 300hp, with a potential SRT version, would add something different to the hot-hatch and compact performance market.

More specifications, production design details, pricing, and international availability are expected as the GLH moves closer to launch.

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