General Motors will debut a new Hummer concept dubbed Hummer HX at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January -- a project that was handed down to three new GM designers and recent graduates of the College for Creative Studies.
The young designers, David Rojas, Min Young Kang, and Robert Jablonski, were assigned the task of providing a vision for the future Hummer. Each designer was given a different specified proportion -- wheelbase, approach and departure angles, and stance -- with free will on the remainder of each vehicle. Carl Zipfel, director of the Hummer design studio, supervised the designers as each sketched and sculpted their own concept ideas.
The design process took three months, after which all three concepts were presented in scale model form to GM vice chairman, Bob Lutz, and Ed Welburn, who mutually chose the winning concept to be displayed on the Detroit show floor. According to GM, the winner features a fully customizable package with removable roof panels and doors, fender flares, a slant-back assembly, and a rear roof which can be detached to transform the Hummer HX from a closed vehicle to an open SUT-like configuration. The concept is E-85 FlexFuel capable and retains what GM calls the Hummer spirit in a compact package.
We'll have more information on the Hummer HX live from the Detroit show this January, so keep it tuned to Motor Trend Online for live updates on this and all the other concepts to be shown during the show press days, Jan. 13-15, 2008.