Hummer HX Concept. Click image to enlarge |
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Hummer HX Concept
Detroit, Michigan - Wind in your hair and mud in your face are the exciting possibilities in Hummer's compact HX Concept. Smaller than a Hummer H3 (2,057 mm/81 inches wide with a 2,616-mm/103-inch wheelbase) the HX concept is an open-air, two-door off-road vehicle with an easily convertible body adjustable for varied trail conditions, cargo needs or passenger whims. The HX can be configured as an SUT (with the roof assembly removed), a stylish slant-back, or a traditional, wagon-like design that offers a bit more cargo space. In addition, the HX Concept features easily removable fender flares and doors.
"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 design of the HX was driven by input from three young designers who were new to GM and the Hummer design studio. As part of their "initiation," they were charged with developing concept drawings for a smaller, youthful Hummer and the HX is a direct result of their creativity. The HX concept is based on one of the designers' original illustrations, but incorporates the best ideas and elements from the other designs.
"This is the Hummer design language stripped down to its essence," said David Rojas, creative designer. "The HX has an aggressive appearance and great proportions, with beauty lying in its functional austerity."
On the exterior, the lightweight theme is evidenced in the appearance of exposed, billet aluminum suspension components that feature CNC-machined lightening relieves, as well as clean, unadorned bodywork and minimal trim. The lightweight theme is taken to its extreme when the roof panels, roof assembly, fender flares and doors are removed.
Classic Hummer design cues include the round headlamps located in square housings, an upright windshield profile, minimal overhangs, hood vents and prominent air intakes. The air intakes are functional and feed a V6 engine beneath the hood, while the hood vents are active - they articulate to allow hot underhood air to escape.
The HX seats four, with a pair of bucket-type seats in the second row. The rear seats mimic the front seats' design and can be removed to generate more cargo room. All the seats feature a four-point, racing-style safety harness.
The console also houses a resting place for phones, MP3 player and iPods or iPhones. In fact, there is no conventional radio in the HX, only integrated speakers. Passengers plug in an iPod, or similar device, to a USB connector to play music in the HX.
Motivation for the HX comes from an E85 FlexFuel 3.6-litre V6 that is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is teamed with a full-time 4WD system, front and rear locking differentials, fully independent suspension, and 35-inch-tall off-road tires to offer exceptional low-speed traction and crawling capability. A complete underbody armour kit, including a front skid plate and powertrain protection, protects the HX from wayward rocks and other potentially damaging objects.
