Dodge's next-generation compact performance hatchback arrives in 2028 as the GLH, reviving a nameplate dormant since the original 1980s hot hatch era. The company confirms two variants: a base GLH and a high-performance GLH SRT model.
The GLH targets buyers seeking affordable, lightweight handling dynamics in the compact segment. Dodge positions the hatchback against Ford's Focus ST and Hyundai's Veloster N, vehicles that deliver accessible performance without premium pricing. The SRT variant will amplify power and aggressiveness, likely featuring upgraded suspension, braking, and engine tuning compared to the standard model.
Dodge remains tight-lipped on powertrain specifics, though industry observers expect a turbocharged three-cylinder or four-cylinder engine. The base GLH could produce 250 horsepower or less, while the SRT likely exceeds 300 horsepower. All-wheel drive may appear as an option or standard on the SRT, improving traction for the enthusiast crowd.
The GLH name carries historical weight. The original 1984-1989 Dodge GLH packed a turbocharged 2.2-liter engine producing 140 horsepower, earning cult status among first-generation hot hatch devotees. That heritage gives Dodge marketing ammunition in a segment where buyers value brand storytelling alongside performance specs.
Timing matters here. The 2028 arrival coincides with Dodge's broader shift toward electrification while maintaining internal-combustion models for performance-focused buyers. A traditional turbocharged hatchback differentiates Dodge from competitors pivoting toward electric-only lineups. The company bets that affordability, driver engagement, and nostalgia for manual transmissions will sustain demand for compact performance cars.
Dodge has not disclosed pricing