GM's gas-guzzling military-style testosterone-infused Hummer sports utility vehicle (SUV) is officially making a comeback. The company announced that it will be resurrecting the popular brand, but this time around, the Hummer will be coming back as an all-electric "super truck" boasting massive power, torque, and acceleration.
The automaker confirmed the rumors in an announcement made on Thursday, in conjunction with the release of three online teaser videos for its upcoming GMC Hummer EV. GM also revealed that it would be releasing a much longer 30-second ad during the Super Bowl, one that will feature the vehicle and NBA player LeBron James.
The teaser trailers didn't fully show the entire profile of the new Hummer, but it did feature its futuristic-looking front and back end. The new truck will feature the Hummer's iconic slotted grille, complete with the word "Hummer" backlit right behind it. GM is marketing the new EV with the tagline "quiet revolution," which is a play on the lack of sound in fully electric vehicles.
According to the company, the new Hummer EV will feature an electric power train with an output of 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque. The massive grunt will be capable of hurling the truck from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just three seconds.
GMC vice president of marketing, Phil Book, stated that the company's all-electric super truck would essentially be a combination of a supercar and a very capable SUV. The company expects the new EV truck to go into production by the fall of 2021, with assembly being made in its plant in Detroit.
Brook added that the new Hummer will be completely different from anything the company has done and it will mark the start of more ambitious strategies within the electric space. The executive did not reveal any further details on the company's plans.
GM is expected to first unveil a pickup version of the all-electric GMC Hummer SUV on May 20 this year. It isn't yet clear if the company would unveil the SUV version ahead of the pickup's debut. Previous models of the Hummer did include an SUV and a pickup version.
The original Hummers were designed to mimic the look of the popular military vehicle known as the Humvee, which is short for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. The vehicle received mixed reviews from buyers and critics, with most arguments being made around its massive size and its poor gas mileage. In 2009, the Hummer brand was officially discontinued after GM filed for bankruptcy.
