Following the annual GM shareholder’s meeting recently, rumors are circulating that GM may be putting HUMMER, it’s off-roading line of vehicles, on the chopping block. Apparently the CEO of GM, Rick Wagoner, has placed the HUMMER line under formal “review” to determine whether it undergoes a serious facelift or (more likely) gets sent to the scrap-heap.

Obviously, the cloud that’s been hanging over HUMMER since the fuel crisis began has been visible to everyone. It’s difficult to justify 46mm monotube gas-charged shocks, independent SLA torsion bars, and a curb weight of about 6,000 pounds - unless you’re running errands through the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Following up on the heels of their HX Concept in Detroit and just ahead of its official unveiling scheduled for Chicago some high-res photos of the up-and-coming Hummer H3T pick-up have found their way across the internet. Based off of the H3 model the H3T goes where the other Hummer truck attempts have not; a complete truck bed. In the case of the H3T the truck bed is a completely separate piece from the cab and even comes with bed rails to better express its “truckiness” (yes, made up word included).

There are two suspension packages expected to come in the H3T: off-road and road/tow. While there is plenty of truck versatility in the back the interior of the H3T comes with the same available packages as the H3. Also like its H3 counterpart you can look for the H3T to come with the same available engine packages: 3.5 liter 5-cylinder or the 5.3 liter V8. (…H3T Photo Gallery Following Link)

The Hummer HX has gone from sketch to design to concept and now it is ready to wheel out on the stage at the Detroit Auto Show to show its stuff. Based as an entry-level Hummer and aimed to compete directly against the relatively unchallenged Jeep Wrangler the Hummer HX appears to be intended to rule the trail. Beneath the hood the HX Concept is packing a 3.6 liter SIDI E85 FlexFuel engine that can take both regular gasoline and ethanol based E85. That same engine is producing 304-hp and 273-ft lb of torque with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission sending that power to all four wheels.

here are those who think of Hummer as a wasteful SUV builder and there are those who love their Hummer and all it provides. The Hummer HX Concept steps a bit out of the typical Hummer mold as it is the smallest Hummer yet designed, has the first FlexFuel standard engine and is designed around an aeronautical theme of light weight materials. While these steps will not earn them the Al Gore Gold Medal for Environmentalism it just might peak the interest of many car/SUV buyers.
Follow the link to read more about the Hummer HX Concept from Hummer themselves and for a Gallery of photos.

Source[Hummer via AutoBlog]

GM is planning an expansion of the Hummer brand and looks to take on the competition on the road and off.

In 2003 Hummer developed a concept vehicle called the H3T. It was a pickup truck based off the H2 model. Working off the designs of that concept GM will be branching out the Hummer line-up to compete in untapped markets.

The first changes to come for Hummer will be in 2008 and with the H3 and H2 models. The H3 will be adding a new engine package. It will be a 300-hp 5.3 liter V8 that is sure to add some muscle behind what is currently the smallest of the Hummer brand. The H2 will be finding itself on the receiving end of some interior refinements.

In 2009 the Hummer lineup will expand to include the H4 and the new H3 Pickup. The H4 will be marketed to challenge the off-road dominance of the Jeep Wrangler brand. The Wrangler has a loyal following and a resurgence in approval with their recent redesign. However questions and complaints about the weak power-plant and transmission that motivate the Wrangler through the trails may open the door for a well-appointed competitor. The H3 pickup will be a true first Hummer. It will expand on the appeal of the H3 SUT while possibly opening up a new niche in the pick-up market.

In 2010 the H2 will receive a complete redesign that will be sure to turn heads. Other sources have also intimated that some exploration in diesel engines for the Hummer line may also be introduced in the coming years, but like everything else in this business… until it reaches the market place it is all speculation.

Source[AutoWeek]

Eco-Vandals take out their fury on an unsuspecting 2005 Hummer H2 in a quiet neighborhood in D.C. Being subject to an automotive hate-crime was not something Gareth Groves considered as he finally had the opportunity to purchase his dream hummer not long ago. After getting some specialty work done on the vehicle Groves new ride had only lasted a week on the road before it was accosted.

At 3:30am the vandals sacked the parked and unsuspecting Hummer outside Groves mothers home where he lives. They battered the windows and body with little mercy and slashed all four 38-inch tires and scribed onto the car: “FOR THE ENVIRON.” The criminal act was believed to have been carried out by two men wearing masks and both being about 6 feet tall.

The crime itself seems to be garnering little more than a shrug from Groves neighbors who are predominately Prius drivers with more love for the environment than hate for vandalism. The Hummer has become the poster-child for fuel IN-efficiency in these times of global environmental activism. Unfortunately one mans activism is another mans damaged goods. However, the Hummers 14-mpg is not the lowest on the market, so the real source for the divide between Prius and Hummer must be ego.

Headlines across the web just last week spoke of the Prius owners concern for their appearance as being environment friendly as a large reason for their purchase. While many Hummer owners make their purchase as a matter of status aswell, although a different kind of status.

Great efforts should be taken to spread the word that those who populate this world do leave a footprint on this world with each step and each action we take. That goes for both the consumer of large, inefficient automobiles to the messengers who turn to violence to be heard. What do you think of the men who chose to hammer out their message about the environment on another mans private property? Do you think the owners of large SUV’s should be targeted?

Source[MSNBC.com]