Dodge Hornet GLH Coming This Year

Finally, Dodge is bringing the GLH nameplate back, after promising to do so in late 2022. The upcoming Hornet GLH is set to arrive later this year. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear confirmed the news in a roundtable interview with The Drive, stating, “[The Hornet GLH] was a concept, but you should see it this calendar year. Let’s leave it at that.”

The GLH name, which stands for “Goes Like Hell,” originally appeared on the Dodge Omni GLH, a hot hatch developed by Carroll Shelby in the 1980s. The new Hornet GLH aims to carry on that legacy with modern performance upgrades from Dodge and Mopar’s in-house tuning arm, Direct Connection.

Two Hornet GLH Concepts: GT GLH and R/T GLH – 

Dodge first reintroduced the GLH badge in August 2022 with the Hornet GT GLH Concept. This concept featured Direct Connection performance enhancements, including a suspension lowering kit, an unrestricted dual exhaust system, and exclusive GLH graphics. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the GT GLH Concept delivered 268 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

More recently, Dodge showcased the Hornet R/T GLH Concept, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version offering even greater performance. This model pairs a turbocharged 1.3-liter engine with an electric motor on the rear axle, generating 288 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. Like the GT GLH, the R/T GLH features a lowered suspension, a sportier exhaust, and distinctive GLH badging.

Direct Connection Performance Upgrades – 

Both GLH models highlight what Direct Connection has in store for Hornet enthusiasts. The upgrades include:

• Suspension Lowering Kit: Drops the ride height over an inch, improving handling and reducing body roll during cornering.
• Unrestricted Dual Exhaust: Features black chrome tips and a straight-through design to enhance exhaust flow and deliver a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note.
• Exclusive Direct Connection GLH 20-inch Machine-Faced Wheels: Lightweight performance wheels designed to reduce unsprung weight and improve responsiveness.
• Special GLH Graphics and Branding: Includes racing stripes, a unique Red Hornet badge, and “Goes Like Hell” badging, paying homage to the 1980s Omni GLH.
• Black-Painted Lower Trim with Exhaust Cutout Rear Fascia: Enhances the sporty appearance and accommodates the high-performance exhaust system.
• Stage Kit Performance Upgrades: Direct Connection offers stackable upgrade packages, including an Engine Control Unit (ECU) Tuner, increased boost calibration, and enhanced transmission tuning for optimized acceleration and responsiveness.
• Enhanced Braking System: Upgraded brake pads and rotors provide increased stopping power to handle the improved performance capabilities.

Dodge has yet to announce official pricing and availability for the production Hornet GLH, but given McAlear’s comments, enthusiasts won’t have to wait long. The return of the GLH badge marks Dodge’s continued commitment to performance, even in the compact crossover segment.

Source: The Drive

Dodge Hornet GT and R/T GLH Concept Image Gallery:

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