Hummer HX Concept: Coarse Coupe

Motoring Channel Staff - 10/January/2008

Detroit, America — The company behind the Hummer brand, General Motors, unleashed the latest evolution of the Hummer brand with the HX Concept at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show.

Showing off a daring new design, which was penned by a trio of young designers in the States, the new concept provides a glimpse at the future design direction of the Hummer brand.

Already being nicknamed the H4, the Hummer HX Concept adds to the growing number of 2-door SUV concepts from companies such as Land Rover, and will be motivated by a 3.6-litre E85 ethanol-powered V6 FlexFuel engine.

With the Hummer H3 now available in Australia, it opens up new avenues for the brand in this country, and seeing as this concept is the smallest Hummer yet, it could prove to be even more popular than current models.

"The HX is Hummer’s vision of an agile, trail-ready, open-air vehicle that fits the lifestyles of everyone who needs or wants to drive off road," said Martin Walsh, the general manager of Hummer in the States. 

Styled by three of GM's youngest designers, the new model could precede a cost-effective production model aimed at younger drivers.

The key features of the Hummer HX Concept are as follows:

   Youthful, open-air entry-level-sized Hummer
   Full-time 4WD with front and rear locking differentials
   Aeronautically inspired interior with functional, lightweight design elements
   Reconfigurable instruments for highway and off-road driving
   3.6-litre SIDI V6 E85 FlexFuel engine with 6-speed automatic transmission
   Convertible body with removable roof panels and modular rear roof assembly
   Easily removable wheel flares and doors

Smaller than the H3 which is currently available in Australia, the open-air, 2-door off-road HX Concept adheres to both the Hummer design DNA and a legacy of hardcore off-road capabilities. The ride height and tyre size suggest the vehicle will be capable of hitting the rough stuff.

With removable doors and roof, the Hummer HX Concept takes after the Jeep Wrangler as a modular open air vehicle and as Carl Zipfel, director of design at Hummer explains, this is part of the evolution of the brand. 

"The modular design of the roof and removable body panels mark an evolution of Hummer’s design aesthetic. 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," says Zipfel.

The roof panels allow for three distinct modes: 

• Roof completely removed

• Slant-back sports wagon

• Traditional wagon (more cargo space)

The Hummer HX Concept shown at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show features the slant-back configuration.

With full-time 4WD, V6 power, and 6-speed auto gearbox, the new Hummer is already being touted as a potential production model to extend the brand.

Reports that GM's top brass have already discussed the vehicle's future have been circulating. According to some sources, a new model based on the HX Concept could be on sale by 2010.

"Hummer appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest [design] talent," said Ed Welburn, one of General Motor's most influential executives. The vice president of global design has been a big supporter of the new Camaro which is being developed here in Australia, and lending his weight to this Hummer concept enhances it's chances for a real-world introduction.

While the 4WD, V6-powered driveline is important, it is the design that's key to the vehicle's allure.

If show goers like what they see at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the Hummer HX Concept could be on the road within three years.

Related Articles:
- Hummer H3 (2007)
- Hummer H3 (2007)
- Hummer H2 (2003)
- Christmas Hummer H2 by GeigerCars (2006)