Hummer HX

One of the most famous gas-guzzlers in America is about to go green – Hummer is creating a new vehicle called the HX, which can run on E85 bioethanol.

While the 4x4’s eco-credentials are known, exactly what it will look like has yet to be decided. There are three different designs in the running and they all offer an open-air driving experience, thanks to removable panels above the driver and front passenger and a modular rear roof assembly.

The trio of angular 4x4s was penned by three fledgling General Motors stylists, with guidance from Carl Zipfel – a director of the Hummer design studio. While there are common ideas running through each of the proposals, they are all subtly different.

Min Young Kang’s creation showcases his take on Hummer’s distinctive rectangular chrome grille, David Rojas’ blue concept displays outrageous flared wheelarches, while Robert Jablonski’s sketch takes a more futuristic approach.

They were asked to create a vehicle that people could relate to the firm’s familiar look and would recognise the marque’s off-road capability. But most important was to move the brand forward from a body that has effectively remained unchanged since Hummers debuted in the US in 1985.

After three months of sketching and sculpting, the designers had the chance to present scale clay models to GM vice chairman Bob Lutz, who will pick his favourite. The winner will be unveiled at January’s Detroit Motor Show.