HUMMER GOES ELECTRIC

STORY: LaChelle Halliday PHOTOS: Courtesy of GMC

You don’t have to thank Arnold this time for the iconic comeback of GMC’s groundbreaking beast of a machine, the Hummer. In the early 90s, Arnold Schwarzenegger undoubtedly fell head over heels for the military grade 6,000 lb vehicle used by military individuals to carry man and supplies to the battleground. He ultimately requested AM General, manufacturer at the time, to build a civilian version of the Hummer. After obtaining the rights, GMC began producing the Hummer line to include the H2 and H3. By 2010, as sales drastically declined, GMC stated the line had ceased in production. 10 years later, GM boasts fully renovated factories and an upcoming lineup, promising an army of electric vehicles for the coming years. Yet the most awaited reveal was undeniably the new fully electric Hummer with a six-figure price tag promising to give fuel guzzling trucks some fierce competition.

GMC has held a strong foundation of manufacturing trucks since 1902 in multiple countries, thus setting the standard for purpose-built vehicles designed and engineered to the highest degree. With the backing of engineers who are deeply passionate off-road enthusiasts themselves¬– the Hummer EV was born.

At a glance, there is no mistake this truck is anything BUT a GMC Hummer EV. With Formidable styling cues, including wheels at the corners and a high stance, rooted in a capability-first mantra, where off road functionality such as approach and departure angles take precedence in the design. This unique opportunity is a bold design statement combined with a truly capable chassis that visually conveys an eagerness to forge a new path.

Equipped with GM’s Ultium batteries, providing power and range, also will be contributing to driving dynamics and structure. With a low mounting position, the chassis contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing the vehicle’s control and stability. As the first vehicle designed around an EV propulsions system together with the truck enhances the unique performance capabilities

to yield a combined GM estimate of 1,000 horsepower. As this is then multiplied through front and rear drive unit gear ratios, GM estimates 11,500 lb-ft of torque available to the driver at the wheels. The single front drive unit will have a 13:3:1 fixed gear ratio and will offer an electronic lockable differential capable of delivering 100 percent of motor torque to one wheel. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 47

GMC DEBUT With a range estimate of 350+ miles, the Hummer EV’s e4WD drive system with torque vectoring enables maneuverability and traction beyond anything GM has previously offered, allowing the vehicle to reach new destinations over the most challenging terrain. Boasting capability to climb 60% grades (forward and reverse), scaling 18-inch verticals and fording water more than 2 feet deep.

With Drive Mode Control to include Terrain Mode, offering unique one pedal driving tailored for off-roading to allow the driver to negotiate challenging terrain at low speeds by simply modulating input on the accelerator pedal.

Including newly designed UltraVision, with new front and rear under body cameras with live “virtual spotter” views to assist drivers navigating obstacles and place wheels on and off of the trail. The under body cameras are specially packaged to help protect against damage and are equipped with a wash function to help remove debris while forging your way through any path of choice. The Hummer EV has a total of 18 available camera views from the vehicle, helping to increase awareness of surroundings, to serve as a virtual spotter.

Maneuverability was not lost during the designs of the EV as GMC created an exceptionally nimble 4-wheel steer. The system allows the rear wheels to be locked in the forward position to turn opposite of the front wheels or turn in the same direction as in the exclusive feature dubbed the “CrabWalk.” This feature turns the rear wheel at the same angle as the front at low speeds, allowing diagonal movement of the vehicle for an even greater range of maneuverability in tight off-road conditions.

Last but certainly not least, the immersive technology fundamentally responsible for tracking range and locating charging stations to monitor vehicle performance on and off the road also ensures the right soundtrack is playing for that Moab adventure we’re all planning since seeing the unveiling. The Hummers infotainment system comes alive when you interact with it. It involves you and rewards you, enhancing the experience by making you a bigger part of it. The geometrically textured interior contributes to the premium look and commensurate with GMC’s high standards of craftsmanship and ruggedness. Without conventional carpet, a versatile and easy to clean vinyl floor topped with rubber flooring made from recycled material, is functional and designed for easy clean up after a day on the trails.

We will soon be saying “RUN TO THE HUMMER” but don’t start running too soon. Hummer isn’t scheduling production until late 2021. GMC is currently taking reservations online as they gear up for the newly rebuilt ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, a 40-year-old facility re-purposed solely devoted to electric vehicle production, to begin building this iconic and now eco-friendly brand.

It was only a matter of time before we were going to see an overland version of the Ford Bronco. SUV’s are super popular with the overlanding crowd. The new 2021 Bronco is the perfect vehicle to outfit as an overlander and Ford Motor Company recognizes that.

Ford came out with the OG Concept overlander in October. “OG” stands for off-the-grid and that’s exactly what this vehicle is designed for. The OG concept is based around the four-door Badlands model with the Sasquatch package which delivers maximum off-road capability.

On top of the Bronco is a heavy-duty Yakima In the rear of the Bronco, the cargo area has two-person rooftop tent. The tent is mounted to been reconfigured. A complete food storage the Bronco’s existing roof rails. There is also a area was installed. Installation also includes front mounted Rigid Light bar with six additional water tank, ARB refrigerator, cooking kit Rigid light pods in a 360-degree configuration. and stove. The refrigerator has a slide-out This allows visibility around the entire vehicle. A tray for easy access. A table is mounted to CB antenna has been mounted to the rear bumper the tailgate. There are also chairs that help which doubles as a spotter flag. complete the dining area.

In the front, a Warn winch was added to the Ford accessories steel modular front bumper. While the OG Concept overland is just that, a concept, the build shows what the overlanding community can do with the 2021 Bronco.

The Wildland Fire Rig Concept is based on the 2021 Bronco Badlands model with the Sasquatch Package. Its painted in the iconic Forest Service Green. A full fire skid with water tank and hose reel was added to the back of the vehicle. Ford also added a steel modular bumper with a Warn Zeon winch. A heavy-duty custom fabricated roof rack was also added to the Bronco with a Rigid LED light-bar. The roof rack carries several wildland fire tools such as a Pulaski (firefighting axe), shovel and water tank. The roof rack is durable enough for a firefighter to stand on and assess a situation above ground. Other fire specific equipment includes a chainsaw, two hard hats, drip torch and high-lift jack.

Filson came in with their custom otter green duck canvas door bolsters, armrests and seating surfaces. The material is inspired by Filson’s jacket lining. The steering wheel features the Bronco horse logo plated in Filson brass. Filson also included their logo in other locations throughout the concept vehicle. Filson manufactures a ripstop nylon, typically found on their line of backpacks. That same material was used on the Bimini-style top and rear cargo divider. The top can be opened and rolled back and secured with Filson bridle leather straps.

The Wildland Fire Rig Concept Bronco is just that, a concept. It will not be available in a production model and not available to the public. It does show how versatile and capable the 2021 Bronco can be and the endless customization possibilities. There is no word as of yet whether the U.S. Forest Service will place an order for 2021 Broncos to add to their aging fleet. Ford and the newly created Bronco Wild Fund will donate two vehicles help with firefighting efforts. DIRTSPORTSWORLD.COM | 53