Top 12 Interesting Facts About Hummer You Should Know

Hummer’s history as an electric truck is considered one of the most exciting stories in the automotive industry. Hummer has played many different roles at home and abroad over the decades. The story goes that in the early 1980s, the Hummer was introduced as a combat vehicle for the U.S. military. In 1989, the Hummer served as a combat vehicle in the U.S. invasion of Panama.

A Chinese auto company, Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Company, expressed interest in building a Hummer in 2009 but changed its mind after not getting approval from Chinese regulators. This four-wheeled vehicle was a powerful combat vehicle that is now popular for driving on American roads. It then introduced its civilian version as well. No matter the era, Hummer vehicles always seem to make a place for themselves. The latest and greatest makeover of the Hummer brand ushers in a new era for the American icon that has been with us for the past four decades. We have some interesting facts about us that you need to know; let’s find out.

Top 12 Interesting Facts About Hummer

The Hummer is a vehicle that has made the journey from the battlefield to urban streets. Here are the top 12 interesting facts about Hummer.

1. The Term Hummer is an Acronym

A unique and interesting thing about Hummer is that the term is an abbreviation of Humvee or HMMWV, which means High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. Before the civilian version of the Hummer hit the streets, the Hummer was considered a military-grade vehicle, which was made for soldiers and used to fight wars. The term describes it. The HMMWV entered service years before Operation Desert Storm made “Humvee” a household term in the U.S.

2. Hummer AM Was the Winning Design of the General

If we talk about the history of the old Hummer, it was one of the three prototypes of a compelling, multi-purpose SUV. The High Military Combat Vehicle program only considered it. Three companies participated in building the Hummer, including AM General, Chrysler Defender, and Teledyne Continental. Among these companies, the best was AM General’s 6.2-liter V8 Hummer, built with a three-speed automatic transmission and was a winning design.

In 1983, AM General won the contract to produce the initial batch. Before that, until the late 1980s, AM General built many thousands of Hummers. These include large vehicles, called Humvees, designed to transport troops and equipment.

3. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the First Owner of a Civilian Hummer

Action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger was very fond of us. He was keen to buy the Hummer and talked to AM General about making a civilian version. So AM General built a civilian version, and in 1992 Schwarzenegger had the first civilian version of the M988 Humvee in his garage. Hummer also inspired the ‘Terminator’ on the Action Hero SUV.

4. Hummer is a Robust Off-Road Vehicle

Another essential fact about Hummer is that it has excellent off-road skills. The ground clearance of this vehicle is excellent. Unlike conventional 4X4s built in the 1980s, the Humvee had an independent front and rear suspension. This big car perform well with 30 inch Jeep Rims. It gave the Humvee a ground clearance of 16 inches. These tires were about twice the size of other 4x4s at the time. Additionally, the drivetrain sits higher in the chassis, making the Hummer as wide as an 18-wheeler. The wide stance helps keep the center of gravity low and provides additional off-road stability.

5. The Hummer H1

The many versions of Hummer built each had some differences, so let’s understand their differences. As the first Hummer vehicle, the Hummer H1 was based on the Humvee. Who developed American Motors’ AM General subsidiary for the civilian market in 1992. This vehicle meets U.S. Army specifications issued in 1979. It has a unique boxy design. It is comprehensive and has excellent ground clearance. The Hummer H1 uses a turbo engine that puts out 300 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. As a result of U.S. regulations prohibiting foreign governments from owning defense contractors, Renault (partially owned by the French government) took control of AMC in 1982 and sold the AM General division to Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) in 1983. Chrysler acquired American Motors in 1987, and production of H1 civilian versions continued throughout 2006.

6. The Hummer H2

The Hummer H2 was the 2nd vehicle in the Hummer range built in the AM General facility under contract from General Motors from 2002 to 2009. There were two types: The H2 SUV and H2 SUT. A full-size SUV, the Hummer H2, has a slightly higher horsepower rating of 393 but only 452 pound-feet of torque. They both convey a solid military-grade message. Sales were influential during the second, third, and fourth years of production but less significantly toward the decade’s end.

Read Also: 2016 Hummer H2 Exterior, Interior, Price, Specs

7. The Hummer H3

Finally, the Hummer H3 is Hummer’s smallest SUV and midsize SUV. It was based on the GMT355 platform shared with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup trucks.H1 and H2 were manufactured by AM General, while General Motors manufactured H3. The Hummer H3 is the most fuel-efficient compared to the other two versions. The H3 model was produced from 2005 to 2010 by General Motors.

8. Excellent Traction Control and Central Tire Inflation System

The Hummer is equipped with a unique and powerful traction control system called Torque Track 4 that prevents the tires from spinning. The TorqueTrack 4 traction control system automatically controls the brakes on the wheels and forces traction on the other wheels that are not spinning. Its traction control system makes it easy to drive both on-road and off-road.

Tire inflation systems allow many off-road vehicles to let some air out of the tires to increase traction on loose, rocky, or sandy terrain. It helps the tire avoid obstacles easily, providing a smooth ride on loose surfaces like snow and sand. Humvee’s central tire inflation system lets the driver release air pressure and set individual tire pressures for off-roading. By pressing a button on the SUV’s leather interior, drivers can inflate the tires from the comfort of the cabin.

9. Smaller Than Some Cars

Another fact about the Hummer that you must know is that despite the Hummer being a mighty off-road rim truck. The Hummer SUV is actually shorter in length than the Toyota Camry. Hummers are actually shorter than the Altima and Malibu in terms of length. However, we find parking easier compared to more extended SUVs due to their short length.

10. Dual Fuel Tanks

Some Hummer models are equipped with two fuel tanks. The size of the tank is different depending on the model. But these models perform well for those who like to go on long road trips, thanks to the second tank that holds some extra fuel.

11. Hummers are Showstoppers

An interesting fact about Hummer vehicles is that Hummer is a showstopper for people. When a Hummer is on the road, many people can’t help but look back at it because it is a powerful and unique off-road vehicle. It is the reason why Hummer vehicles’ rugged look and unique style have made them famous and popular among the audience. Besides Schwarzenegger, celebrities from Mike Tyson to Britney Spears own a Hummer.

12. Hummer Ready for a Comeback

what stopped production of Hummer vehicles in 2009 due to the loss of General Motors. Hummer’s low fuel economy was the main reason for its low popularity that was fading. Additionally, G.M. has faced a lot of criticism from various environmental groups. However, Hummer is now all set to make its grand comeback in 2022. This time, Hummer will be introduced as an electric truck and SUV.

We expect the Hummer EV to have great features like notable powertrain options, removable air panels, adjustable air suspension, and four-wheel steering. These features will make the vehicle more fun for off-roading.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between Hummer and Humvee?

Hummer is a brand of trucks and SUVs that was first marketed in 1992. While the M998 Humvee is a civilian version that AM General started selling.

Does G.M. Own Hummer?

In 1998, General Motors purchased the brand name from (AM) General and marketed three vehicles. The first original Hummer H1 was based on the military Humvee, and two new H2 and H3 models were based on the smaller civilian market G.M.

Who Makes Military Hummers?

G.M. will sell the Hummer nameplate to Sichuan Tengzhong, but AM General will continue to manufacture the Humvee and own its designs, unique performance capabilities, and technologies.

Final Thoughts

We have told you some unique and interesting facts about Hummer. One of the best and most powerful SUVs that was first marketed in 1992. When AM General began selling the civilian version of the M998 Humvee, the Hummer was actually shorter in length than the Toyota Camry. Hummer was discontinued in 2010. However, Hummer is rumored to return in 2020 as a sub-brand of GMC. This time it will be introduced as an electric SUV truck.