Hummer HX makes statement

HUMMER

Fans of the versatile Hummer HX concept can easily remove its doors, roof and rear roof assembly.

With the familiar Hummer family design, the Hummer HX concept vehicle, now on the auto show circuit, challenges the hierarchy of the trail. More compact than the H3, the HX is an open-air, two-door, off-road vehicle.

"It is the Hummer vision of an agile, trail-ready model that fits the lifestyles of everyone who needs or wants to drive off-road," says Marti Walsh, Hummer's general manager.

The open-air driving experience comes via a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front seat passenger, in addition to a removable rear roof assembly. Presto! It becomes a convertible!

The design of the HX was driven by input from three young designers who were new to General Motors' design studios. As part of their "initiation," they were charged with developing concept drawings for a smaller, more youthful Hummer.

"The Hummer brand appeals to young people globally and served as a perfect first assignment for our newest talent," said Ed Welburn, vice president of Global Design and Product Planning. "Today's graduates from top design schools are ready to hit the ground running. The HX design challenge gave our newest designers an opportunity to sprint."

Usually it requires a year or two to put together a new model. With the HX team, it took only six months to draw initial sketches and mold a clay model. Sign these guys up for the big team.

The two doors are easily removed by taking out pins from the exposed hinges. The fender flares also can be quickly removed for additional trail/rock clearance.

"This is the Hummer design language stripped down to its essence," says David Rojas, creative designer. "The HX has an aggressive appearance and great proportions, with beauty lying in its functional austerity."

From aircraft-inspired seats to off-road-ready tools, the HX's interior features convenience and utility. Apparently it was inspired by the lightweight elements found in aircraft. "Aeronautical parts are designed to be both lightweight and strong, and that is the feeling exuded by the HX's cabin," says Stuart Norris, interior design manager. "There isn't superfluous trim or decoration: It is a purposeful design that conveys beauty through strength."

High-tech profile

The HX seats four, with a pair of bucket seats in the rear. All the seats feature four-point, racing-style safety harnesses. Furthering the aeronautical influence is the instrument panel, which uses an exposed extruded aluminum cross-vehicle beam. On the beam, the instrument cluster and other controls are mounted. It also has a removable top cover, which provides storage capacity.

The console houses a place for phones, MP3 player and iPods or iPhones. There is no conventional radio, only integrated speakers. The HX also is equipped with 35-inch tires and a full-time four-wheel-drive system.

There is also a complete underbody armor kit, including a front skid plate, and powertrain protection, which protects the vehicle from rocks. A power-operated winch is on the front bumper, and it also has recovery hooks on the front and rear bumpers. Power comes from an E85 FlexFuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine teamed with a six-speed transmission.

The Hummer brand has committed to offer every model with a biofuel powertrain by 2010.

George Spaulding is a retired General Motors executive and distinguished executive-in-residence emeritus at the College of Charleston. He can be reached at 2 Wharfside St. 2A, Charleston SC 29401.