General Motors had more on its mind than a new building when it opened the doors to its Pasadena design studio. For the unveiling, GM put on display something far more compelling: the GMC HUMMER X concepts. These two radical electric off-roaders are meant to give you an idea of what a midsize HUMMER of the future might be.
Judging by these concepts, the next chapter for the HUMMER brand is set to be quite experimental.
Whether in SUV or pickup form, the HUMMER X takes the notion of an electric off-roader and does something entirely different with it. Rather than just making a shrunken version of the present-day HUMMER EV, GM has come up with a modular, highly configurable platform that can suit the needs of any owner.
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GM puts “reconfigurability” at the heart of the concept. The vehicle is built to be changed, inside and out, down to the exterior panels and interior arrangement. This is made possible by a new way of manufacturing they call FLEX FAB; it eschews traditional stamping tools for small-batch, on-demand work. In short, you have a HUMMER that can be customized to a degree today’s cars don’t permit, and one that can change with you over time.
For all its futuristic trappings, the X is still very much a rock crawler at its core.
GM has given it the credentials to back up the name, including:
- 35- to 37-inch tires
- Beadlock wheels and Multimatic shocks
- Underbody protection and fender flares you can take off
Then there is the instant torque and low center of gravity inherent to an EV layout.
The modular thinking extends to the cockpit as well. You will find stackable digital displays that can be put where you want them, be you on a technical trail or just doing some everyday driving.
But the real point of interest is the way the car is designed to engage with you.
GM is targeting an audience of “builder makers,” folks who like to put their own stamp on their ride. To that end, there is the HUMMER HUB, a connected system for drivers and their off-road exploits. One of the more forward-thinking features is a scout drone to go ahead on the trail and relay terrain info back to you before it comes to rest in its dock.
Sustainability is also part of the equation. The X makes use of simplified, recyclable materials and mechanical fasteners in place of adhesives so parts can be taken apart and put to use again. Some of the interior is even fashioned from recycled automotive stock. It is a view of sustainability that goes beyond the powertrain to consider how a vehicle is put together and cared for.
Make no mistake, the HUMMER X is not going into production. GM sees it as a proving ground for everything from off-road tech to new ways of making things. But then again, these kinds of concepts have a way of seeping into future products. A smaller, more pliable electric HUMMER could well end up in the lineup down the line.
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