8/25/10

HUMMER HX Concept Revealed

Cars Mania Blog
Auto Car | HUMMER HX Concept Revealed | After much anticipation, HUMMER revealed their newest HX concept to the masses via the Detroit Auto Show. Loud music, lights, and men repelling from the rafters helped welcome the HUMMER HX to the stage. The HX brings a more youthful approach to the brand, both in the vehicle’s design and projected (unofficial) price point of around $25k.

HUMMER appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent," said Ed Welburn, vice president of global design and product planning. "Today's graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HUMMER design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

The youthful and entry-level-sized HX boasts removable roof panels, doors, and a modular rear-roof assembly which never leave open-air motoring more than just moments away. The concept is powered by a 3.6 litre direct-injected V6 that delivers power to all four wheels by a full-time 4WD system that features locking differentials in front and rear.

Inside, an aeronautically-inspired interior boasts aircraft-style seating and a reconfigurable instrument cluster that's mounted to an exposed cross-member. The cluster and comes with a removable top for added storage inside, and the instruments automatically change from a highway-mode to an off-road mode when the vehicle is shifted into low-range. A rubberized floor is easily cleaned and adds to the machine's rugged look.

Since the HUMMER HX is capable of running on E85, GM also announced a partnership with a company who is developing a method of making ethanol from just about anything – trash, old tires, you name it. Estimates by GM suggest that by implementing more flex-fuel vehicles, billions of gallons of gasoline can be saved every year. Check out the video AutoBlog shot of the event below.

Hearing the HX start up behind the closed curtain got my adrenaline pumping – the V6 power plant sounds great very throaty and powerful. After seeing the vehicle in person, and even getting to get inside the HX, I’m even more excited about where HUMMER is going. Even though the HX is more compact, it has a tougher and more agressive look than any HUMMER model since the H1. It’s still talked about as a concept, but Bob Lutz announced awhile ago that a smaller HUMMER is definitely coming, so expect it to be very similar to the HX. Rumor is the HX is 90% production — wow! For more pictures from the reveal, check out AutoBlog’s HX Gallery.

More Detroit Auto Show coverage will come later in the week once all the interviews are compiled, and updates on the future of HUMMER as well. Will the H1 make a return? How long will the H2 model be offered? What engines will be available in the H3T pickup truck? Stay tuned!

(www.auto123.com)

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