HUMMER X Concepts Give Owners the Tools to Build Their Own Adventures

Designers at GM’s new Advanced Design studio in Pasadena have created a pair of electric concepts that shrink the classic HUMMER size while opening up far more ways for owners to shape the vehicle around their plans. The HUMMER X truck and its SUV counterpart land in the midsize category yet deliver serious off-road geometry and a fresh approach to building and modifying them over time.

The studio opened its doors last week, providing a perfect opportunity to showcase these two vehicles. They’re both developed on a modular platform based on four fundamental ideas: easy reconfigurability so you can change things up on the go, robust performance on challenging terrain, drivers can stay connected no matter where they are, and materials designed to last far longer than they should. Neither is being considered for production right now; they are more experimental, allowing GM to explore ideas for a future HUMMER model that will appeal to drivers who enjoy getting out and exploring.

LEGO Technic Kids Toy Car – Building Kit for Boys and Girls, Ages 10+, Makes a Cool Birthday Gift…

• FORD BRONCO MODEL CAR KIT – Builders ages 9+ can create their own off-road adventures with this detailed LEGO Technic SUV featuring authentic…
• AUTHENTIC DETAILS – This car toy building set includes working suspension, opening doors, functional steering, and a detailed V6 engine under the…
• CAR MODEL KIT – Young engineers can explore learn more about their favorite vehicles with this building and learning toy that demonstrates real…

The exterior lines are extremely clean and basic, with a flat roofline that goes from front to rear, gently rounded edges to avoid abrupt creases, and visible bolts and laser-welded seams for a mechanical appearance. Removable fender flares sit above huge Goodyear tires set on bead lock wheels with a function that adds security while you’re pushing it to its limits. Underbody protection runs the length of both vehicles, and the Multimatic shocks absorb all road bumps.

Capability is where the true magic of these designs happens, or more specifically, a combination of geometry and real-world testing that has resulted in some pretty impressive specs. The SUV is 188.3 inches long with a 116-inch wheelbase. With 13.2 inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 44 degrees, a departure angle of 46 degrees, and a breakover angle of 30.9 degrees, it is among the best in the midsize off-road class. The truck version is slightly longer, measuring 207.3 inches overall with a 130.7-inch wheelbase. It has 12.5 inches of ground clearance, a 41.5-degree approach angle, and a 29.7-degree departure angle, and both use slightly more than 57% Flex Fab construction, which we’ll get to in a minute

Flex Fab is where things really become interesting, since it is a technology that allows for on-demand manufacturing, removing the need for massive stamping dies and stationary equipment. Small manufacturing runs become absolutely realistic, and you can swap out a body part, fender, or interior item. This platform is the polar opposite of traditional production in that it can accept multiple designs without having to start from scratch each time.

Inside, the dashboard is likewise highly adaptable, with multiple screens that can be stacked or set side by side depending on your trip. One of the panels can actually communicate with a small drone, which takes off on trails, maps out risks and route options in real time, and then returns to the vehicle. It’s the ultimate off-road accessory since you can change the digital layout for rock crawling or highway driving without having to go back to the store or disassemble the whole car.

GM has also considered sustainability in these designs. When possible, snap fittings and mechanical fasteners are employed instead of permanent glue. Many components are produced from recycled materials, such as seatbacks and instrument panels fashioned from old vehicle fascias. The design also makes it easier to disassemble the gadget in the future, allowing materials to be reused rather than discarded.
[Source]