|
GENEVA – HUMMER will bring the HX Concept, a nimble,
reconfigurable off-road concept vehicle, to the Geneva Motor Show next
month. With unmistakable HUMMER design cues and a compact, go-anywhere
attitude, the HX is an entry-level, open-air vehicle that packs the
off-road acumen for which HUMMER has become legendary into an easily
convertible body that acclimates to trail conditions, cargo needs or
passenger whims.
“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, HUMMER general manager. "Of course,
it carries exceptional off-road capability and the distinctive styling
for which all HUMMERs are known.” An open-air driving
experience is made possible by a pair of removable roof panels above
the driver and front passenger, and a modular, removable rear roof
assembly. With all the roof panels removed, the HX is transformed into
a true convertible. It can also be configured into an SUT, a stylish
slant-back or a traditional, wagon-like design that offers a bit more
cargo space. Doors and fender flares can also be quickly removed for
additional fun and trail/rock clearance while off-road driving.
More compact than a HUMMER H3, the HX is 2,057 mm wide, with a 2,616-mm
wheelbase. These compact dimensions, almost no overhangs and grippy
35-inch tires prepare the HX for driving on most any terrain. Like
HUMMER production models, the HX has sturdy, body-on-frame
construction, onto which is mounted front and rear independent
suspensions. A full-time 4WD system can pull the HX over, through and
around off-road obstacles. It transfers torque to the front and rear
axles, each of which is equipped with a locking differential.
Classic HUMMER design cues make the HX Concept instantly recognizable,
including the round headlamps located in square housings, an upright
windshield profile, minimal overhangs, hood vents and prominent air
intakes. And while the headlamps and seven-slot grille are clearly
HUMMER cues, they’ve evolved on the HX with a “chopped circle” motif.
“The grille slots and headlamps, as well as elements on the interior,
have the appearance of circles or ovals that have been clipped at the
top and bottom, creating a unique appearance that speaks to the
vehicle’s purposeful aesthetic,” said Walsh. Reinforcing the
stripped-to-the-essence feel, the exterior’s matte olive color carries
over onto the interior’s largely sheet metal-covered panels. The color
is accented with pressed or extruded aluminum components, such as the
handles and switches. From aircraft-inspired seats to
integrated, off-road-ready tools, the HUMMER HX’s interior has a beauty
that lies in its purposeful intent. It was inspired by the functional
and lightweight elements found in aircraft. The HX Concept
gets its power from an E85 FlexFuel 3.6L direct-injected V-6 that is
backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. The HX’s size, weight,
advanced V6 and six-speed transmission provide an efficient package
combined to create what could potentially be the most fuel-efficient
HUMMER ever built. The transmission is teamed with the 4WD system to
offer exceptional low-speed traction and crawling capability.
Four-wheel-disc brakes provide confident stopping power. |