The HUMMER HX Concept
Photos of the HX concept and lots more from NAIAS on Flickr
By Carl Zipfel, Exterior Design Director
HUMMER Design Studio
Hello, my name is Carl Zipfel. I’m the Exterior Design Director of the HUMMER Design Studio. As you may know, the HUMMER HX concept vehicle debuted today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. On Jan. 16, I’ll be speaking at the Autoweek Design Forum. The theme of the forum is “Designed for Fun,” and the reason I was asked to be there is because I work with the team responsible for creating the exciting, new, fun designs for HUMMER.
The HX concept is a peek into the future possibilities for the HUMMER brand. There are a number of imperatives we’re working on: first, to build on our position of “Best in Class” off-road capable vehicles, evidenced by H3 and H3 Alpha stock-class victories at the 2007 Baja 1000 and the H3 Alpha’s recognition as Four Wheeler Magazine’s 2008 Four Wheeler of the Year; second, to continue to evolve the portfolio with fresh, exciting, relevant new designs; and third, to maintain our commitment to develop HUMMER’s global relevance — a brand that is available in 37 countries today.
The HX is a compact two-door, four-passenger, open-air, extreme off-road capable concept. HX features a reconfigurable rear compartment that can transform from slant back to SUT to square back, any of which can be open air or fully enclosed. The HX is a hint at the evolution of the HUMMER design DNA. HX is all about leading-edge design with a theme focused on function, performance, adventure and fun.
And while HUMMER vehicles are designed for fun, the also have a serious side, with capabilities that make them the ideal emergency response vehicle. HUMMER has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide 72 vehicles for over six years to enhance the disaster response capacity of chapters around the country.
An important aspect of HX is the 3.6L E85 Ethanol FlexFuel powertrain. HUMMER is committed to the development of alternative fuel systems for the entire range of models we offer. In fact, by 2010, all HUMMER models will offered with a biofuel powertrain
I believe the HX concept is a fitting representative for the future of the HUMMER brand during GM’s centennial celebration year. We’re looking forward with passion and excitement about the future possibilities for HUMMER. We’re committed to the development of the brand, and as part of that, we will create new models that are relevant to the rapidly changing world around us. The future is bright. I’m excited about the work ahead of us and continuing to deliver on the promise of keeping HUMMER “Like Nothing Else.”
- Posted in Auto Shows
BILL GRIDLEY
Build it soon!! I’m not getting any younger.Now I can stop looking at so many JEEP WRANGLERS. Build it and they will buy!
Tyler
I really like it. I’m not an off-roader, but if I were I imagine this would be what I would get. Do try to keep the production model close to that while taking care of the obvious changes that need to be made before going to production (such as mirrors attached to the removable doors). This makes a great challenger to the Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Wrangler. I think a diesel should be offered as an option as well.
dazed
Hmm..
I am not overly impressed by this car.
…which is a shame, because I was really looking forward to HUMMER’s saviour!
The exterior is way to heavy handed and borders on being ugly.
The interior is unrefined, also heavy handed, looks dated and sadly, it looks like a horrible place to be in.
Let’s face it, HUMMER is a brand that is dying.
Sales are dropping in the States.
In the rest of the world, the brand seen as a silly looking american car for eccentric people without taste.
I’ve seen people laugh at a HUMMER when it drives by…The HX does nothing to change that.
Sorry GM - i was expecting more - more depth, more thought, more creativity and a new, smarter HUMMER.
edvard
I like the concept for it’s back-to-basics approach. I’m also glad to see that this will be a somewhat more compact vehicle that retains much of the ‘larger than life’ attitude of the Hummer brand.
But that last sentence in my opinion is Hummer’s own worst enemy. I believe the Hummer, regardless of the actual size or fuel economy, is in most people’s minds presents an image of huge, gas guzzling SUV’s. I think the majority of the damage was due to launching the H2 first, which was so entirely oversized that it made a lasting impression.
Nevermind that the H3 is built on a Chevy Colorado chassis and gets as good a fuel economy as any of the other mid-sized SUVs. The perception remains. So with that in mind, I think launching an alternative Hummer than looks… small would be an effective way to help redirect perception back into the positive.
Frank
I’m usually not a big Hummer fan, but this thing is pretty sweet.
Gary Dikkers
Mr Zipfel,
Please. Emergency organizations that want serious off-road capability would be much better off with a real AM General HMWWV (Humvee) with a diesel engine, not your duded-up HUMMER HX.
Regards,
Gary Dikkers
mike shaw
I think the gentlemen that said hummers are vehicles that people laugh at when they drive by is on crack this new Hx is awesome!!! I think you hit the nail on the head with this one! it exudes style and awesome offroad capabillities!!!!
foxxy
Build it and I will buy one. I thought the FJ was bad, but the FX is way better. Looks like I’m going to put off my next car purchase for a while to see if the FX turns out to be anything close to the concept.
Greg
I have been in love with the cj7 and jeep wranglers since I was a kid. Seeing how I work for General Motors I have never went out and got myself one. One look at the HX concept and the old love affair is over! I will be first in line for the HX. 35’s, locking front and rear, removable top, a winch! Now thats some serrious stuff. But hey, full time 4-wheel drive. That cant be good for the mpg’s. I would offroad the thing but lets face it, showing off around town is 1/2 the fun and 90% of the miles….dont need 4×4 when you are cruising the strip at the beach with the top down. Please make a Hummer that is offroad tough but 2wd selectable!!!! I have heard nothing but good reactions to this concept. To the few people who say it is ugly and unrefined??? Well now,35’s and refined, those two things have no business being in the same sentance. Big, Bad, Hummer, and Cool. Now those are words that go together. And probably why the hx comes with a shovel and first aid kit and the REFINED Range Rover comes with some sort of leather road side assistance kit. American and in your face proud of it!
Rick Lupori
Carl, Like the HX style and think it will sell well against the Wrangler.
But, I would prefer HUMMER introduce a light weight “Dune Buggy” type vehicle with the 260 HP (300 on E-85) 2.0L Turbo four cylinder for better on road manners while retaining great off road performance, bigger (heavier) is not always better.
I applaud GM’s using E-85 but the HUMMER H-1 was Diesel powered and most Off-Roader like (if not prefer) Diesel power with it’s great low end and “crawlability” up tough terrain - not to mention better MPG; not a small thing if you are REALLY going (miles) OFF ROAD.
GM has the 2.9L 250HP/406lb-ft and the soon to be introduced 4.5L V8 TD 500+HP/600+ lb-ft; when will they be offered in a HUMMER?
Edward Hayes
It might be inevitable that many held the HX concept to the incredibly high standard of the H3 introduction which catapulted Hummer to a 50% sales increase when that vehicle was introduced.
Well you definitely beat the Toyota FJ but the H3 still reigns as the most significant vehicle from Hummer. I was expecting much smaller and with the success of Jeep’s first 4 door Wrangler I thought a 4 door would appear here or at least be considered. But since the vehicle is not as small as I first thought once you add two more doors it may hit H3 territory.
There is a lot to this vehicle that we can’t see yet, like the removable parts and more details of the interior. I am sure that is where the true beauty is.
In short, you translated the beauty of the H3 into a slightly smaller package but, this concept does not catapult the Hummer design language fast forward like the original H3 did or the especially cute H3T pick up. Still it is a winner and the details of the removable hard top and folding seats are things we can’s see yet.
Still I am sure that if we see this thing riding down the local freeway and parked at the local diner jaws will drop and hearts will pound. The real jury for design is the actual road itself not a fancy auto show, escecially for Hummer and especially for a vehicle like this.
Congratulations on a wonderful package overall and I wish you much success, you work for the best company and the most awesome brand in the world. I just can’t wait to see the H3T again and forgive me if I am jumping ahead but can’t wait to see perhaps an H2T.
Ames Tiedeman
When I see things like this and the CTS and the Malibu I ask myself how on earth can GM lose any more market share. They ca’t! These cars are too good.
david
Gary,
I don’t know what country you live in, but the H2 is a very popular ERV in the US where roads are seasonally accessible or unimproved.
Mike
Gotta say I love this design. If it weren’t too overly expensive I would consider buying right away if it became a reality. Only caveats I would have is that the interior doesn’t look that comfortable, and it would be nice to seat 3 in the back as opposed to 2. Selectable 2WD would also be nice. Just an outstanding design, reminds me of Halo.
Gary Dikkers
Mr Hayes,
I submit that buying a motor vehicle in order to make “jaws drop and hearts pound” is exactly the wrong reason to be buying a car.
It’s true that car companies almost always market their cars in an attempt to to satisfy people’s emotional needs rather than their transportation needs, but that doesn’t mean that is how it should be.
Best regards,
Gary Dikkers
Cody
I have a question. Dos any one on the design team ever play Halo? Becuase the HX looks to me a lot like a Worthog. Which would be really sweet to have.
http://www.game-reviews.ca/ktml2/images/uploads/wart.jpg
MikeB
Like others have commented, first blush tells me that the HX will be a fierce competitor for Wranglers and FJs, and has the potential, if priced right, to dominate that segment. I love the design, and think it’s true to the Hummer brand, with great flexibility and features. Count me in!
Michael
Three cheers to Gary Dikkers for bringing a voice of sanity to these blogs. And bravo to the blogger who said people laugh each time they see a Hummer ride by. I used to laugh–a lot–at each H2. I kind of sigh and snarl when a rare H3 hits the streets of New York. But these days, I just get angry at these oversized gas guzzlers that continue to make us dependent on Middle East oil. I can’t wait for the day when a Hummer has to get 35 MPG (oh wait, that’s GM–Hummer will probably still be getting 5 MPG and GM will be paying billions of dollar in fines as a result). How long will it be before Hummer hums its last notes? (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m being a cynic again.)
Russell
I have never been so excited about a concept vehicle before until Hummer HX. This vehicle is something I look forward to owning with diesel power prefferably.
Gary Dikkers and Michael, what happened to the personal choice
We live in a democratic society and have the right to drive what we want if we are willing to pay for it.
mitch
i love the look of it, but what i like more is that it looks and reminds me of that jeep on the video game halo
Russell
Please build this Hummer HX or I will be forced to build a knockoff myself.
Joe
wow this is really sweet, if it makes it to production I’ll probably get that over a jeep, will you be able to get it as a Diesel Hybrid?
Chris
Ah cool! Hummer made an Excursion, an Explorer, and now a Wrangler. Awesome! I’ll bet it’ll be in the very affordable $40k range (with options of course). Looks like a great mall crusier for trustfund babies and Hollywood types.
Karl
That is such a cool vehicle. I have been looking for something like this with removable top and was looking at the new 4 door jeeps. Well this thing looks like it was built for off roaders. I watched the video of the designers on the Hummer site and they don’t look like serious off roaders but they have designed one cool as heck utility vehicle. Looks like it is going to have an E85 engine in it. If you look at anything that is comparable to it, an FJ or Rubicon you will not see better than the low 20’s in hwy MPG. Since the H3 get this I susped the HX will to.
Mike
Wow,there are always the select few that have to “rain on the parade” or “piss in the Wheaties”.I dont know,A full size AM Hummer being a better emergency response vehicle? How so if the thing is too big to get through a couple of well placed trees that it cant knock down.I’m betting the Emergency response HX would be properly “duded up” for its intended task.And the Hummer playing a key role in keeping our
dependence on middle east oil? Please give me a friggen break.The small percentage of Hummers on the road compared to the rest of the vehicles is like saying you better not empty that eye dropper in the ocean,you may raise water levels.I like the HX but probably would never buy it.It cant tow around a 12 ton gooseneck trailer,a 6 horse gooseneck trailer or a 5th wheel toyhauler load of dirtbikes or streetbikes like my 2500 Duramax can.If life ever turned into not having to do so,the new HX and a new Z06 would pair up quite nicely in the garage though.
Gary,get out of the house and go try and have some fun.It sounds like it may do you some good.
197,great job!
132
Englishfil
I am a Jeep Wrangler driver - on my second - system lift, winch, custom final ratio i.e. serious kit and it gets used seriously. Always thought Hummers bloated and overdone - until now. I like the look of this - agree a refined turbo diesel or even hybrid electric would be better power option, agree full time 4WD is wasteful, suggest concept interior is too wacky for production model. As for the rest - as is please - if it handles off-road as well as its looks promise I may already have bought my last Jeep.
Darryl Meyer
looks like a futuristic hummer model.
It looks like it’s a tad bit less bulky. 
what sort of hummer lift kits should be used with this?
Wil Randolph
Through Automobile Magazines coverage of the Detroit Auto Show I saw the first glimpse of the Hummer HX concept.
Currently my off roader is a 1988 Jeep Cherokee, and I love that truck. I was just planning on getting a later model Cherokee when mine finally dies. Luckily with this concept and the possibility of production I have something else to look foward to.
Russell
This is the best thing that could happen to the Hummer brand
The HX could easily be out-selling Wranglers by 2011.
There’s nothing I don’t like about this. Build it like it looks. Don’t worry about mirrors on doors; we don’t use rear-view mirrors off-road much anyway.
Dean
Too BAD, toooo BAD!!!
Too many drawbacks,
1, too small too compact, only 2 doors, not gonna carry more than 2 adults, need unfold seats to fit pets and budies. if so, no room to hold outdoor stuff. Can’t remember when is my last time go out with only ONE budy. Well, never happens, i’m not gay anyway.
2, removable top?? what the hell is that? where is roof rack? where should i put my surfing board on? my canon, my tent,etc. In trailer? if trailer can crawling over rocks, why do i need buy a car?
3,Power train, how can u believe corn will replace gas to power a car?? is it effecient? NOT AT ALL. even E85 20% cheaper than gas. SOLAR, SOLAR, SOLAR !! that is final solution, not corn which is only a temporary answer at best.
4, is interior cool?? i’d rather they spend $$ and talent on something useful.
Good side is they do build smaller hummer(the H3 looks like JEEP’s son). credit to engineer.
but to designers, do you really think they have talent?
Mitch
I Love the Hx guys, the only thing it needs is the 5.3 V8 to satisfy my lust for power and “fuel economy” seriously the V8 will get better mileage in the Hx than the V6. Make two prototypes, one with the V6 and one with the V8 do the tests then give it to us staight. People of the cities, do not listen to t.v. ads about smaller engines and japanese cars getting better mileage, in most instances when smaller engines have to haul more weight, guess what? Thats right they use more fuel than a more powerful engine (torque people). Stop going around spewing your STUP hole saying things like “I hear those cars get good gas mileage”. Don’t reiterate stupidity, make judement calls from facts.
For the people that think the Hx looks like a wharthog from Bungie’s HALO COMBAT EVOLVED game it’s probably the fact that the wharthog’s design came from the humv then given an artist’s rendition.
P.S. If you take everything you hear in a commercial to mean the opposite then you have reached a mature intelligence.
Thank you I’ll be here all week.
Chris
I love this Design. It does look a little bit uncomfortable for people like me who never go off roading and are always on the road. I would get over it though because I really love the design. Hopefully they will make a more comfortable interior. Hopefully it will get good gas milage and will not be overly priced. I hope they go into production. If so, I will deffinatly be getting one! (if its priced right of coarse)
SS
Please build this. Too many concepts don’t get built. I would buy an Hx in a heartbeat. Again please build this.
Neil
This Hx Hummer is great. I am in the process of restoring an FJ40(toyota) and while researching found the prototype for th new FJ. This is alot tike the vehicle that Toyota had the option to build and chickened out! Wheh I found the HX online today, I had a mixed group of people view the vehicle with overwhelming positive response. Build it as is don’t “soften it” as Toyota did and you will have an incredible hot seller on your hands. Part-time 4X4 a must, though.
Chad
Hey, I like it!
If you build it I will buy it! As long as it gets reasonable fuel mileage, selectable 2wd/4wd and you keep the styling rugged. That is the appeal.
cameron
Hey somebody needs to tell GM to wake up and put this vehichle in production. If this SUV was well manufactured, as i’m sure GM would, it would sell like a drug. Talk about an FJ killer. This could be the first vehicle that GM could out sell Toyota in a long time. Will someone for the love of god tell GM to put this in production. I would buy it. Think of the marketability to the younger male demographic alone! GM would be making a huge mistake throwing this sketch in the trash.
Justin
Keep the design elements, integrated winch, and locking front and rear differentials and the Hx will be my next vehicle. I know the truck segment of the market is in decline, but don’t let that prevent the introduction of an out of the box off-road trail eater.
Steven A
I absolutely love this. I drive a jeep right now and it will be paid off soon but am going to wait until this becomes available to buy my next vehicle. The style just seems to come naturally with a well thought functuanal design. Thankfully some may think this is ugly and I am grateful as only those who appreciate functuonality and performance over thoughtless style will buy it. It has the simplisity and raw look of what I look for in a capable off road vehicle. Great proportions, style and size for those who prefer to drive their trucks rather than their ATV’s. Functional, Raw, Efficient, Modern come to mind when I look this concept over. My only complaint….Provide a hybrid option. Give us the fuel mileage we crave and the raw torque on demand we would like from an electric motor. If a hybrid option is available I might just have to stand in line a few days before release just to be able to get one first. WOW I really want one of these! I think many of us would agree this with a conscious effort to provide real fuel economy\power option would definitely lead many truck buying lists.
Brian
I have never been much of a Jeep Wrangler-type fan. I’ve driven them, and just cannot get into them. HOWEVER….once I saw this…it was instant love!!! LOL I mean come on, it has/does it all!! It’s got a 305hp V6, 6-spd auto, 4×4, 37″ tires, you can disassemble it however you need, the lines are incredible, and the interior is insane!!! PLEASE BUILD THIS!!! I currently own a 2007 Avalanche, which I absolutely love, but I would love to have an HX as a 2nd vehicle!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!! BUILD IT!!!
John
Back in January, I was considering getting a 4×4. Some coworkers thought I should consider a hummer but I didn’t want a huge gas guzzler even though hummer has some awesome 4×4 vehicles. I wanted something small that could handle the brushy trails we have in NM. Then one of them found out about the hummer hx and told me about it. Since then my mind has been changed. I’d really like to see this concept go to production and have put off my purchase of a new vehicle in hopes to see this on the market soon.
Aaron
Build it and make sure it looks just like this. The only exceptions I agree with others is 2WD with switch to 4×4/lockable and a diesel powerplant option. I really like the no radio concept. All I use is my iPod as it is. I really dislike how companies make a conceptual product that everybody is willing to go and buy now and then never release it. Sad, please don’t let it happen to this. If it doesn’t come out I’ll settle for the 4 door Rubicon or FJ.
mr. Big
Biuld this thing. All I need is a .50 cal and a plate that says WARTHOG
CJ
Dont tell me all there is to the HX at the moment is mere design. BUILT IT IMMEDIATLEY. I cant wait to get one.
luis
hummer hx is the car of my dreams please!!! can somebody tell me when is going to on sale i can not wait
Eduardo from Brazil
Built now!!!
And in stand of these E-85, make it with a “total flex” engine (gasoline OR ethanol), or, even better, diesel..
Ah, pleasel, ask GM to sell it in Brazil!
Armin from Germany
Really cool…would love to buy it, but , as always..very few companies have the nuts to push their concepts all the way down the road. i have seen many concept cars in frankfurt auto show…the stuff being marketed is far away, most of the times.
Man, that would be a great thing to drive..i will buy one!
mikey
I wanna buy it now. does anybody know what is gonna be a price of that lovely car?
it won’t matter, I will buy it anyway..
common start selling it, until I change my mind.. what r the GM waiting for???
Nicky
WOW nice car I am impressed. Few things I don’t like though, needs more ground clearance, to much underbody baggage - even if it is armor to protect the machinery. I’m sure they could have made it smaller. Need a turbo diesel or turbo diesel/gas hybrid. Manual, I mean really who wants to go proper offroading in an automatic? Half the funs in changing gears and driving how you want, not getting the computer to do it for you. Needs a simply radio/GPS - nothing fancy just simple built in and functional. 2WD and 4X4 selection is a must. Diff lockers.
Practically everyone who goes fourbying would buy one of these, because it’s extremely functional and looks kick ass.