[Updated] Hummer HX Concept revealed; GM claims not designed with Wrangler in mind
General Motors has officially unveiled its Hummer HX Concept at the Detroit Auto Show, a vehicle sources say is a preview of the new
SUV model usually referred to as the H4.
The final name of the production vehicle remains a mystery, but the consensus is that GM will opt for "H4" rather than HX.
General Motors executives reportedly previewed the vehicle to dealers at the annual Hummer All-Dealer meeting in California this summer. While it's not known if they were shown this concept or a production prototype, Martin Walsh, Hummer's General Manager made it clear a very similar SUV will be ready for showrooms in 2010 or 2011.
While touted as a Jeep Wrangler-fighter by the press, Stuart Norris — one of the three designers responsible for the HX Concept — says that HX was not designed with the proven Jeep model in mind. Instead, the HX was designed to exude the Hummer brand image and appeal to the young consumer.
Easy removal of the roof panels and rear-roof assembly enables quick conversion from a closed vehicle to an open one. The HX also was designed with several roof assemblies, allowing the vehicle to be configured as a pickup (with the roof assembly removed), a stylish slant-back or a traditional, wagon-like design that offers a bit more cargo space. It's not known if the production truck will have this feature.
Removable doors — easily removable pins in the exposed hinges allow the doors to be removed quickly — an appreciated feature of many serious off-roaders
Removable fender flares – attached with quarter-turn quick-release fasteners, the composite fender flares can be quickly removed for additional trail/rock clearance, or if the flare is damaged during off-road driving
“The modular design of the roof and removable body panels mark an evolution of HUMMER’s design aesthetic,” said Carl Zipfel, director of design. “These features demonstrate a deeper understanding of enthusiast desires when it comes to off-road driving – and the slant-back design gives the HX a look all its own.”
The interior of the HX was designed to be simple, stylish and very functional. According to Norris, the bare aluminum look was inspired by the aeronautical industry. Also, by removing the plastic covers to expose the metal underpinnings, designers were able to save weight and increase the HX's efficiency.
When asked what design features might make it into a production Hummer, Norris said that the overall ethos of the car would be carried into road-going versions — meaning that the materials and storage features of the HX will soon spread throughout Hummer's lineup of vehicles.
Power for the HX comes from an E85 FlexFuel 3.6L SIDI V6 — although no performance numbers were given — that is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is teamed with the
4WD system.
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1988 Nissan 300zx 5sd 71,000 miles
1995 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 5spd 90,000 miles (sold, frame gone)
2001 Sequoia Limited 4x4 119,000 miles (some electronic issues, manifolds, otherwise solid and not a single rattle woot)
Hummer's new FJ Cruiser, Wrangler Fighter - H4
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