New GMC Hummer Has A Very Cool Backstory

Oct. 27, 2020 11:21 AM ET by Jay Traugott Trucks / 11 Comments

Not everything went to plan.

Development for any new vehicle begins years before the debut and, typically, automakers are fully aware of what the end product will be. In other words, they stick to a specific plan. In the case of the all-new GMC Hummer, however, GM didn't initially plan for it to wear the GMC badge. In fact, reviving the Hummer nameplate also wasn't originally part of the game plan. Speaking to Muscle Cars and Trucks, Vice President of Global Buick and GMC Duncan Aldred admitted the automaker's early plans were different than what ultimately transpired.

"When this vehicle was being put together... that's when we've begun to realize that (Hummer EV) had 'super truck capability' both off-road and on-road," said Aldred. "That's when the Hummer nomenclature came into effect."

GM's initial plan was to develop an all-electric "super truck" and that's it. It wasn't assigned to any GM brand and it certainly didn't have a name. But it didn't take long until engineers realized the full extent of the truck's capabilities. A proper name was required and reviving Hummer was clearly the most logical thing to do. The truck's specs are certainly worthy of that name.

With 1,000 horsepower and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque, the new Hummer continue's the brand's 2000 era tagline of "Like Nothing Else." Combine that with cool features like the Crab Walk, Watts To Freedom, and the targa-style roof, and you're looking at a new off-road icon.

And it's already proving to be a sales success. The $112,000 First Edition was sold out within one hour and that's despite the fact those deliveries won't happen for another year. Reservations are still being accepted for less powerful versions, but even the cheapest Hummer costs nearly $80,000, and it's still four years away. GMC's Hummer strategy also doesn't end with the truck; an SUV body style is expected in the too distant future and we expect it'll offer the same trim options. Pricing will likely be a tad higher.

For a vehicle that didn't even have an assigned brand or nameplate in the earliest R&D stages, it's quite impressive how everything has turned out.