Hummer buggy being mulled to wrestle with Wrangler
In the ongoing saga at Hummer that we like to call "Honey, I shrunk the Hummer", the ultimate off-roading brand is
considering an even smaller product than the H3 that will be predictably called the H4. The vehicle would compete
against the Jeep Wrangler and probably be based on a shortened version of GM's small pickup platform used for the H3.
Autoweek points out that Bob Lutz knows the competition
intimately, having been a former boss of Jeep himself, and he's putting his full support behind the project. With Jeep
getting a little soft around the edges *cough, Compass,
cough* and not mandating its entire line be "Trail Rated", Hummer stands to be the only game in town to offer a full
catalogue of boulder busting bruisers.
[Illustration from AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Craig 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
It's a brilliant move and one that I think a lot of people expected. Currently the Wrangler doesn't have much in terms of competition. An H4 that stays more true to the original core message of Hummer is sure to be a success.
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Erik 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
I am a Wranger loyalist, but this would definitely get my attention. The fact that it is convertable is key, but a roll cage would be an essential addition for it to be safe off road.
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jamie 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Hummmm...It looks way too Jeepish for me.
I agree with Craig, "An H4 that stays more true to the original core message of Hummer is sure to be a success."
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Justin Hollabaugh 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
I'm skeptical of the IFS. They seem to have the lower control arms mounted fairly close to vehicle centerline but I'm afraid this won't come anywhere close to the suspension articulation available with the Wrangler (or it's potential via cheap and easy bolt on upgrades!!!).
Then again, no one who wants a serious no-holds-barred offroader is going to buy a Hummer H4 over a Wrangler anyway. No doubt H4 will be loaded with unecessary "luxuries" and a sticker price to match. Get a clue GM. That goes for you poseurs too.
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WillDaThrill 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Looks metrosexually challenged to me. What a way to take a hardcord military vehicle and put the gay/prep look into it.
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2Suave 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
That's a great idea unless GM puts 20 year old engines and transmissions in it. The look of that thing is just right.
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brandon 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
I.Love.It.
Make it, I'll buy it, hands down.
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Richard 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Sounds like a good idea. I agree that it needs a roll cage as standard. I think it would be truly competitive if there's a version that's loaded with off-road goodies. I'm thinking H1-style off-road system: full independent suspension with raised half-axles, LSD on all three diffs so the "brake lock" trick still works, selectable lockers on all three diffs, tire size somewhere in the range of 37" to 40". Would also be neat to see an central tire inflation system with preselects for Sand, Snow, Street, Mud, and Rock. With the controls located in the cab, of course.
Jeeps are also great, with an extensive aftermarket. Many offroaders look at the stock Jeep as a good starting point for further modifications. I've seen people throw $20K worth of mods at $18K Wranglers. The best rigs out there have tens of thousands more dollars in modifications. Hummer would win on the H4 if it came standard with such modifications. The H1 is really great off-road, although I always wish it were smaller on the outside and larger on the inside. Looks like the H4 is my answer. As long as they don't use that crappy 5-cylinder from the H3.
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Brian 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Looks very nice but will fail miserably if GM doesn't peg the pricing VERY close to the Wrangler.
While you're at it, GM, make sure you don't create yet another weighty pig. Keep it light, simple and cheap!
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Rob 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Umm I'm a poser and I would get one
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spencer 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
"That's a great idea unless GM puts 20 year old engines and transmissions in it. The look of that thing is just right."
I don't recall the Wrangler having a "modern" engine or automatic transmission. At least the manual is a six speed.
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Optimus Prime 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
This qoute from a Car and Driver H3 review sums up my feelings about the Hummer brand:
For me, playing GI Joe in a pseudo Jeep is just uncomfortable while real soldiers are dying in the real thing.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=9742&page_number=3
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JustJase 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
The burning question is- Will the gays love it the way they love the Wrangler?
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Robert Aitchison 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Sounds like a Chevy Blazer to me.
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Doogs 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Meh.
I called this the day they announced they'd build the H2. Logical progression and logical competition.
But let's face it...the thing'll need solid axles front and rear...at the very least...if it hopes to gain any traction in the offroad community. Otherwise the Wrangler will continue in its dominance (and probably would anyway).
And people will buy the H4 for its looks and for the ragtop, not for its capability. Hey - just like the H2 and the H3!
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JohnJohn 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
"The burning question is- Will the gays love it the way they love the Wrangler?"
Who's burning question is that? Your partners?
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JustJase 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
I'm too cynical and bitter to have a partner. =(
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bob 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Speaking of Jeep, did anyone notice that Autoweek used the Jeepster concept's windshield and mirrors in their Photoshop smash-up?
Your pal,
bob
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md 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
Live axles are a must. period. and frankly, high tech could be a disadvantage in this sort of vehicle. Jeeps are great because they are so simple- less to go wrong. The 4.0 I6 was derived from a tractor motor, but they are known for their durability and longevity. Simple works best in these types of vehicle: simple interior, simple sheet metal, simple suspension, simple driveline, etc.
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RUBICONTRAIL.NET 11:06PM (12/18/2005)
"With Jeep getting a little soft around the edges *cough, Compass, cough*"...
So one proposed rally-type vehicle makes the Jeep soft? The Commander and the Grand Cherokee have superior four-wheel drive systems. These systems only competition is those found in the LR3 and Toureg. The Liberty is considered soft by some by the Jeeps seen on lostkjwest.com proves otherwise. The Patriot will also be reportedly Trail Rated.
Then there is the Wrangler. There is nothing that can match it off-road. The 2007 Wrangler will be available in a four-door version, rumored to be called the Rescue.
So that is six off-road vehicles to Hummer's five (if you count the SUT)? What's next the H5? ;-)
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