When I say “classic Dodge” what do you think of? The 1968 Charger? The 1970 Challenger? Muscle trucks such as the Lil’ Red Express? Many think of the 1960s and 1970s as the golden age of classic cars. But as a younger generation begins collecting, 1980s and even 1990s vehicles are earning a place as classics. And one of these rad collectors’ cars is the 1991-1996 Dodge Stealth.

By the 1980s, it was clear to Detroit that American cars were falling behind. U.S. buyers were seeking lightweight, nimble, and fuel efficient vehicles–like those made in Japan. But tariffs made it difficult for Japanese automakers to import them. Meanwhile, Detroit was trying to engineer competitors, but it was slow going. So the automakers from both countries agreed on a clever solution.

All of the Detroit Three partnered up with a Japanese automaker in a joint manufacturing venture. The U.S. automakers helped their new partners set up factories in North America. These factories built some vehicles with Japanese badges and other ones, rebadged with familiar Detroit nameplates. The foreign companies dodged tariffs while the domestic ones had new, smaller vehicles to offer at their dealerships. The joint ventures were so popular, these Japanese companies later licensed popular Detroit-engineered truck models to sell with their own badges in other companies.

These partnerships gave U.S. buyers the 1994 Ford Ranger/Mazda B-Series, the Dodge Raider/Mitsubishi Montero, Mitsubishi Lancer/Plymouth Arrow, Mitsubishi Starion/Dodge Conquest, the Isuzu TF pickup/Chevrolet LUV, and later the Isuzu D-Max/Chevrolet Colorado. But one of the most intriguing badge-engineered cars available was the Mitsubishi 3000GT and the Dodge Stealth.

Mitsubishi developed the GTO for the Japanese market. It was a FWD/AWD sports car with a transverse-mounted 3-liter V6. The 24 valve was available as a naturally-aspirated engine or with twin turbochargers. The car also came with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual, active aerodynamics, and four-wheel steering. It also was available with the first retractable hardtop available since 1959. This car was way ahead of its time.

Mitsubishi began selling its GTO, badged as a 3000GT, in North America in 1991. It’s no surprise that Dodge wanted its own version. Chrysler Corporation designed its own exterior styling and came up with that awesome name: Dodge Stealth. But mechanically, the Stealth is identical to a 3000GT.

This quick little coupe was actually slated to be the pace car for the 1991 Indianapolis 500. The United Auto Workers protested because it was assembled in Japan, and Dodge used a Viper prototype instead. But pace car special editions of the 1991 Dodge Stealth still exist. It is rapidly becoming a coveted car by enthusiasts looking for a stick-shift AWD with Japanese reliability and a unique nameplate.

Perhaps the resurgence in the Dodge Stealth’s popularity inspired the Dodge corporation. Or perhaps it is just a dope name. Whatever the reason, the company announced that its upcoming new crossover SUV will be named the Dodge Stealth. There isn’t much known about the new vehicle. It will be bigger than the compact crossover Hornet and smaller than the full-size Jeep Wagoneer. It will likely replace the current Dodge Durango. And I know, it will be far from a nimble coupe. But its top-trim engine may be a turbocharged 3.0-liter, the 420-550 horsepower “Hurricane” I6.

Next, find out why that I6 engine will trigger major Mopar nostalgia, or see the original Dodge Stealth reviewed in the video below: