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2008 Hummer HX Concept

Think Hummer and you think big. “Large” is the word that seems to come to

Hummer's HX landed in Detroit. Perhaps it's a hint at what's to come from the brand? (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

mind for most folks, and it's often times not a very good thing. Think of all the environmentalists and concerned people for the state of the planet, not to mention the social stigma associated with driving these vehicles.

However, as it was pointed out on GM's Detroit auto show stage during a Hummer press launch by the brand's Communications Manager Nick Richards, every vehicle that Hummer has released since the H1 has been smaller than the one that preceded it. This was said while hundreds of journalists crowded around the brand's latest arrival – and the smallest Hummer yet – the HX Concept.

Penned by three young designers new to the Hummer studio, the result is a compact open air 4WD vehicle that seems squarely (no pun intended) aimed at the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, in size and off-road capability. There are many similarities between these two serious off-roaders, starting with the obvious reality that both are convertibles with removable roof panels and modular rear assemblies. Additionally, both feature doors that are easily removable, while the HX goes a step further by offering removable fenders to reduce damage that often occurs during serious off-roading. It also has a proper full-time 4WD system with locking differentials enabling the HX

Those fenders can be removed if need be (as can the doors). The shocks are provided by Fox. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

to go over, through and around obstacles. And for boulder climbing, the HX features an electronic disconnecting stabilizer bar for increased articulation of its 35-inch off-road tires.

So far, so good, but the HX is out to appeal to real off-roading enthusiasts so the spec sheet continues. Its shocks aren't just regular dampers, but custom-developed heavy duty units from Fox Racing that feature remote reservoirs for extreme off-roading. As such, driving usually accumulates nicks and scratches, so therefore the HX gets underbody armor to protect its vital organs. And for when the going stops and gets stuck, the HX also has recovery hooks up front and in back, and includes a power-operated winch integrated into its front bumper.

“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.”

3.6-liter direct-injection V6 from the CTS runs on E85. (Photo: Hummer)

More compact than an H3, the HX concept still packs the off-road acumen for which Hummer has become legendary. Remove the roof panels and roof assembly and the HX is transformed into a true convertible. It was also designed with several roof variations, allowing this versatile vehicle to 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. When it was rolled out, the HX was shown with a slant-back configuration, wearing a desert-inspired matte olive paint scheme, a tip of the hat to the original Hummer H1 in its military spec.

“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

The interior is functional, minimalist, but very appropriate for the sort of trails and terrain it could tackle. (Photo: Hummer)

look all its own.”

While the HX is an amazing off-roading concept SUV, what's also impressive is how quickly and efficiently General Motors transformed an idea into a functioning vehicle. The HX went from initial sketches to finalized clay models in only six months. From the front there is no mistaking it for anything but a Hummer, as design cues make it instantly recognizable as such, including the round headlamps located in square housings, an upright windshield profile, minimal overhangs, hood vents and prominent air intakes. The exterior also features HID headlamps with focusing rings that adjust automatically when they're turned on – much like the lens of an auto-focus SLR-type camera and LED lighting technology in the turn signals and tail lamps.

Inside the HX was inspired by the functional and lightweight elements found in the aircraft industry. “Aeronautical parts are designed to be both lightweight and strong, and that is the feeling exuded by the

The rear seats fold down flat to create a much bigger cargo bay. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

HX's cabin,” said Stuart Norris, interior design manager. “There isn't superfluous trim or decoration – it is a purposeful design that conveys beauty through strength.”

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, switches and other necessary parts. Furthering the aeronautical influence is the instrument panel, which uses an exposed, extruded aluminum cross-vehicle beam as its foundation. On the beam, the instrument cluster and other vital controls are mounted; and it also features a unique, removal top cover that provides significant storage capability.

Like aircraft seats, the HX's four buckets are constructed on a lightweight framework with minimal components that feature lightening holes and strength-enhancing cross braces or triangulations. They are mounted on exposed, aircraft-style tracks and trimmed with a weather-resistant neoprene material, so no worries if the top's stored in the garage and it rains out on the trail. For more cargo room the rear seats can be removed entirely. There isn't a conventional radio or CD

With a vehicle like the HX, Hummer could not only compete against the Wrangler, but offer something affordable too. Maybe it'll be the H4? (Photo: Hummer)

player in the HX, but you can bring your iPod as there are speakers and the console houses a resting place and plug in for your MP3 player or other USB device.

So while Hummer is making an effort to downsize things, what about making its SUVs greener and cleaner as well? They have. Sort of. Motivation for the HX comes from the same 3.6-liter SIDI V6 engine that gets used in the Cadillac CTS, generating 300+ horsepower, though unlike the Caddy it can run on E85. I personally don't really buy into the “E85 is the future” argument, at least not currently, at least if meeting ethanol demand would lead fuel companies to tap into our food supply and subsidize the farmers to do so, though GM's the newly formed partnership with Coskata to produce ethanol from trash and other wastes might convince me to alter my viewpoint.

E85 or not, Hummer needs a vehicle like the HX. It's smaller, lighter and more efficient – all very good things – but above all, the HX doesn't forgo any Hummer strengths, like image and off-road ability. Hummer sales in the U.S. slipped a massive 30-percent in 2007, and once again rumors of the brand's demise are surfacing. No other GM brand saw a larger slip in sales last year than Hummer, so they may have to do something to turn things around, therefore something more affordable to the masses and friendlier to the environment could really make a difference to Hummer's bottom line. After all, Jeep's new four-door Wrangler Unlimited is the new star child of Chrysler group, selling better than anyone expected. Hummer could enjoy such success too, if it had something competitive to offer North America's young, adventurous crowd.

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