The objective of the HX concept car project was to potentially market a Hummer branded vehicle in the smaller-sized and lower priced SUV market segments.[1] Development of the vehicle, dubbed H4,[2] began in 2004 and the new model was to be Jeep Wrangler sized.[1]
The 2008 HX show car was smaller than both the H2 and H3. It featured a 3.6 L (220 cu in) V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The HX shared with other Hummers a body-on-frame design, with front and rear independent suspensions, four-wheel-disc brakes, and full-time four-wheel drive.[3]
The HX was shown with a slant-back configuration, wearing a desert-inspired matte olive paint scheme, and featured removable doors with exposed hinge pins and removable composite fender flares that are attached with quarter-turn quick-release fasteners.[4]
The exterior's matte olive color was also applied to the interior's largely sheet metal-covered panels. The floor was a rubberized material. The HX seats four, with a pair of bucket-type seats in the second row. The rear seats are removable to allow cargo room. The console included a compartment for phones and MP3 players with no conventional radio, only integrated speakers and a connector for digital players or similar devices.[4]
Three designers, recent graduates of College for Creative Studies who were new to General Motors, Robert Jablonski; Kang Min-young, a South Korea native; and David Rojas, a native of Peru, participated in the development of the Hummer HX.[5][6]
Production Through MEV
The Hummer HX never reached production through GM; however, MEV (My Electric Vehicle) won exclusive rights to the Hummer HX brand. MEV produce the Hummer HX as a small electric vehicle with similar proportions to the original HX concept although significantly smaller and is intended as a resort vehicle/golf cart. It utilizes a 72v drive system, powering an AC brushless motor, giving a range of 60+ miles and top speed of 19mph. MEV also produce the Hummer HXT, which is a soft-top version of their HX.[7]
