The letters GLH have a special meaning to fans of 1980s Dodge performance cars. In 1984, the brand decided to wade into the already contentious hot hatch market.
The standard Omni was a relatively inexpensive three- or five-door hatchback. The automaker went to Carroll Shelby for assistance, and they came up with the GLH name. It stood for Goes Like Hell. The model had a turned turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder, making 145 horsepower.
For comparison, a
from the same time made just 80 horsepower from its naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine. In 1986, the short-run GLH-S pushed the output to 175 hp, thanks in part to a revised intercooler.
Now, the company is preparing to revive the GLH with a hotter version of the Dodge Hornet.
The Hornet GLH
Dodge is preparing to revive the GLH name as a high-performance trim for the new Hornet. Brand boss Matt McAlear said the moniker is coming back before the end of the year, according to The Drive. This production vehicle would potentially adapt the earlier concept into a road-going product.
“[The Hornet GLH] was a concept, but you should see it this calendar year. Let’s leave it at that,” McAlear said. “My sons have a Hornet, and all the time they’re like, ‘When’s the GLH coming, dad? When’s the GLH coming?’”
What About The Concept
Shortly after the Hornet’s debut, Dodge unveiled a GLH concept of it. Since then, it seems the company has been evolving on this idea. The latest one could offer 265 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
The concept’s body had shiny black paint and a dark red stripe over the nose, roof, and side sills. The company never provided a look inside, but this sporty segment would suggest elements like contrasting stitching or other premium appointments.
TopSpeed’s Take
For a specific group of enthusiasts, the GLH branding means a lot. Let’s see if whatever the company does to the Hornet stands up to that legacy. It needs to be quick and nimble.
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