You’ve seen the design sketches; now we can reveal the first official photographs of the car that will take General Motors’ offroad brand Hummer into uncharted territory midway through 2009. According to the press release, this is the Hummer HX concept but, as Autocar has learned, it’s also a dead ringer for the H4, Hummer’s forthcoming smallest model.The HX concept will be unveiled at the Detroit motor show this Sunday. At 4343mm long it’s almost identical in size with Jeep’s historic Wrangler, and with a two-plus-two seating arrangement, removable rear roof panels and a wheel-at-every-corner stance, it’s just as close to the Jeep conceptually.Powered by an E85-compatible 3.6-litre V6 engine with 304bhp and 273lb ft of torque, this car should be capable of rock-hopping with the best of ‘em. The engine’s mated to a drivetrain with a six-speed automatic gearbox, full time four-wheel drive and locking differentials on both axles while, at every corner of the car, 20in alloy wheels wrapped in 35in Bridgestone Dueler tyres find the grip. At the front of the HX concept the chassis is made up of independent suspension; at the rear semi-trailing arms do the hard work. Interestingly, there’s just 81-inches between this car’s front- and rear wheels - almost as little as there was on the original Land Rover - and Hummer claims some impressive offroad abilities as a result. The HX, it says, will negotiate a 56-degree approach angle and a 51-degree departure angle – better clearances than both the H2 and H3. It will also climb a 60 per cent gradient, traverse a 40 per cent slope and ford 24in of standing water.The HX comes with removable doors and bumpers, complete underbody protection and a winch too, as well as a cabin tool kit including a branded shovel, fire axe, torch - even a first aid kit."The HX is Hummer’s vision an agile, trail-ready, open-air vehicle that fits the lifestyles of everyone who needs or wants to drive off road," said Martin Walsh, Hummer general manager.
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