There are many hardcore off-road vehicles in the auto market, but the only one that can be called the "Red Rabbit among Horses" is the Hummer. It can not only carry people over mountains and ridges, but also play a leading role in war.
During the 30 years that the Hummer has been in military service, the Hummer has been deeply loved by American soldiers because of its excellent off-road performance and rugged appearance. In the 1980s, Hummer was the designated vehicle of the U.S. Army and had a large number of military orders. At that time, Hummer was extremely popular, but ordinary people could only get a glimpse of it on TV and newspapers.
In 1992, Hummer announced its entry into the civilian market, and the person who prompted Hummer to enter the civilian market was Hollywood superstar Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger likes Hummer's rough appearance very much. The most important thing is that this car fits his tough guy temperament. So he took the initiative to find the Hummer company and hoped to customize a Hummer of his own. After this precedent was set, Hummer officials also realized the possibility of entering the civilian vehicle market.
Because of the market potential of the Hummer brand, American General Group acquired Hummer's parent company Am? General in 1999 and obtained the right to use Hummer's trademark and production rights. GM successively released H1, H2, and H3 models in the next few years. The market response was enthusiastic and sales increased year by year.
The Hummer H1 model uses the same production platform as the military version. Except for slight adjustments in air conditioning, audio, and interior decoration, its mechanical structure and chassis are basically the same as the military version, which is considered the most original. Authentic civilian Hummer. Unfortunately, in 2006, the H1 was criticized by the outside world due to its old design and high fuel consumption, which led to a sharp drop in sales. Finally, General Motors announced the discontinuation of the Hummer H1 model.
The launch of Hummer H2 in 2003 can be said to be GM's move to move closer to the civilian market. Because compared with its predecessor H1, the main purpose of H2 is no longer to ride in the wild, but to pursue higher comfort on ordinary roads. Therefore, although the size of Hummer H2 is not as large as H1, it adds many comfort features, which also makes H2 the best-selling model of Hummer.
The Hummer H3 model launched in 2005 can be said to be the mini version of the H2. Because H3 maintains the design style of H2, while maintaining excellent off-road performance, it further reduces the body size, and then continues to work hard on the driving comfort of the vehicle. Generally speaking, Hummer has realized the changes in people's consumption consciousness and has gradually moved closer to comfort and economy.
It’s a pity that these changes in Hummer came too late. As the market consumption trend changes, consumers are turning their attention to models with higher comfort, economy, and convenience. If Hummer only has excellent off-road performance, consumers will not pay the price. Sales volume is the best proof. In 2006, global sales of the Hummer brand reached 70,000 units, the highest in history. But in the following years, Hummer sales gradually declined, especially after the 2008 economic crisis, when its sales plummeted.
General Motors wants to sell the Hummer brand, whose sales are declining, but no other car company has been willing to take over this gas giant. To make matters worse, the U.S. military stopped purchasing Hummers as military models. As a result, Hummer, the legendary off-road brand, finally lost to the times, and its production line was shut down by General Motors in 2010.
No one would have thought that it would be the motor that saved the Hummer.
Recently, General Motors announced that it will launch the all-electric Hummer EV (Hummer EV) on October 20. The conference was originally held in May this year, but was postponed to October this year due to the epidemic. Although it has been delayed by 5 months, judging from the official trailer, the 5-month wait is still worth it.
The front face of the Hummer EV retains the iconic wide chrome grille, with built-in daytime running lights, which is unique and quite recognizable. This design allows Hummer EV to maintain its rugged style while enhancing its sense of modern technology.
It can be seen from the two side trailers that the Hummer EV may have two versions, a pickup version and an SUV version.
However, some netizens pointed out another possibility. The Hummer EV only has an SUV version, but it is equipped with a removable roof, so it looks like a pickup truck.
Although the true face of the Hummer EV cannot be clearly seen at present, judging from the outline of the body shown in front of us, its momentum and publicity are only increasing, especially the set of wheels, which are full of combat effectiveness. It exudes an eclectic, tough-guy vibe.
Some people may say that the Hummer EV is not a purebred Hummer. The starting point of this statement is that the engine of the new car is no longer a fuel engine, but an electric motor. Can the Hummer with a new heart maintain a strong "pulse beating"? The answer to this question can be found in the official power data.
It is reported that the Hummer EV’s pure electric power system can output a maximum power of more than 1,000 horsepower, with a peak torque of 15,600 Nm, and can accelerate to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in 3 seconds. ), however, the cruising range has not been officially announced yet, leaving a suspense.
In addition to the violent electric motor, Hummer EV’s new function, the crab walk, has also attracted much attention. It is called Crab Walk because the Hummer EV supports synchronous steering of the front and rear wheels in the CRAB WALK mode and can "walk sideways" like a crab. According to the official explanation, in this mode, Hummer EV can move forward in a diagonal direction, helping drivers to get out of trouble with a smaller turning radius in extreme road conditions.
Written at the end
In the past, rough-looking off-road vehicles were usually combined with large-displacement engines, and the old Hummer was an example. Today's Hummer EV still has the classic appearance and off-road capabilities of the old Hummer, but whether the Hummer equipped with an electric motor can regain the favor of consumers with a new life will be left to time and the market to prove.
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.