GMC Hummer EV Prototype Had So Much Torque, it Could Pop a Wheelie
We’ve known about the GMC Hummer EV for a while but are still waiting on them to hit the streets. In the meantime, there have been many reports about the unique features it might have. For instance, prototypes can allegedly pop a wheelie because of the torque. On top of being able to crab walk, what else can the new GMC Hummer EV do? For now, this is the coolest thing we’ve heard of yet.
GMC Hummer EV prototype could pop wheelies
According to The Drive, it got the chance to drive a GMC Hummer EV prototype with the vehicle’s chief engineer, Al Oppenheiser. Notably, the Hummer EV is a massive off-road electric beast that can spin all four of its 35-inch tires with Watts to Freedom (WTF) mode engaged. Additionally, The Drive mentioned that it doesn’t lack handling capability despite its significant proportions. Saying, “it can still turn as sharply as a Chevy Bolt hatchback.”
During the drive with Oppenheiser, the chief engineer told the reporter about the Hummer’s issues thus far. One of which was the incredible ability to pop a wheelie. The vehicle’s launch in WTF mode was so aggressive; the reporter mentioned how impressed they were. What followed was a surprise, as Oppenheiser explained he was happy to have the tires stay on the ground.
“In the early days when we were just trying to balance the front and rear torque, I got the front end to lift,” Oppenheiser told The Drive.
Will the production version of the GMC Hummer EV have wheelie popping capability?
When it comes to the production version of the Hummer EV, features won’t include wheelies. Unfortunately, for “functional safety reasons,” the ability to pop wheelies can’t be the Hummer’s repertoire. How disappointing, we think this is one feature that could easily justify the $100,000 price tag. Unfortunately, the version of the GMC’s EV available to the public will not have enough torque to lift its wheels.
It’s not likely that this outcome will ever change. Maybe if safety laws and other issues change, GMC could release a wheelie package on one of its future models. However, we wouldn’t hold our breath and predict that no one will ever see a GMC Hummer EV pop a wheelie. This report could give some ideas, though, and it does sound like the next Hoonigan project is waiting to happen.
When will the GMC Hummer electric vehicle be available?
According to GMC, the Hummer EV was set to begin production in Fall 2021. The model is still available for reservations on the automaker’s website, other than the Edition 1 model. Deliveries started going out in December for the most expensive model, Autoweek reported.
The most affordable trim level starts at $79,995 and isn’t available until Spring 2024. Additionally, the Hummer EV 2X isn’t available until Spring 2023, and finally, the second-highest trim, 3X, releases Fall 2022. For now, only those lucky enough to get an early preorder in on the $110,295 tri-motor Edition 1 model are getting theirs.
Although the remaining GMC Hummer EV models are still available for reservations, they’re all a long way out. The early test version of the electric off-road model had so much torque; it could pop a wheelie. Unfortunately, the most incredible EV feature we’ve heard of isn’t included in the production model.
