General Motors recently sparked a new surge of interest in the upcoming GMC Hummer EV pickup truck by releasing a fresh video teaser segment. The video included a wealth of enticing hints about the new battery-driven Hummer, including mention of something a bit unexpected, namely “Crab Mode.” No details were provided, which leads us to ask – what is the GMC Hummer EV’s Crab Mode?
The new Hummer EV powertrain
Naturally, the first possibility that comes to mind is some sort of advanced four-wheel steering system to help the GMC Hummer EV deftly maneuver around tight spaces. General Motors has offered similar systems before, including Quadrasteer (also known as QS4, or Four Wheel Steer) as an available option for full-size pickups and SUVs like the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon. GM also offered Active Rear Steering on the Cadillac CT6 sedan.
The benefits of four-wheel steering include a tighter turning circle, which is particularly useful on larger vehicles that tow, as well as enhanced low-speed agility and high-speed stability.
Prototype model under construction
That said, Crab Mode would suggest completely lateral movement, rather than simply a tighter turning radius. With that in mind, perhaps the new drive mode has nothing to do with parking or cornering, but instead references the GMC Hummer EV’s “incredible” off-road capability.
Anyone who’s been down to the seashore and seen a crab make its way across a slippery rock face should know what we’re getting at here. The new GMC Hummer EV will honor the Hummer nameplate’s legacy with some serious off-roading chops, and having a dedicated drive mode specifically for rock crawling and treacherous terrain would fit the bill nicely. It would also play a nice counterpart to the other drive mode revealed in the recent teaser video, namely Adrenaline Mode. With 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque, plus a 0-to-60 mph time of three seconds, it seems pretty obvious what Adrenaline Mode is for.
Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long to have our questions answered, as the new GMC Hummer EV is slated to debut this fall. Reservations will also open in the fall, while production will begin next year.
As a reminder, the GMC Hummer EV will be constructed on the new GM BT1 vehicle platform, with production taking place at the GM Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in Michigan. GM’s new Ultium battery technology will provide the juice.
What do you think Crab Mode is? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Hummer news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
It is simply the front and rear wheels turning in the same direction. Much like the monster trucks do when they crab walk at events side ways.
Rear steering will be much easier to do on a EV as well it may be steer by wire to the rear.
You will still see some more surprises coming.
Anyone who paid attention during GM’s EV day noticed how much clearance there was in the rear control arms on the Hummer chassis and how beefy the rear steering rack was. Looked to be capable of at least 60 degrees of turn.
C8.R,
What surprises are you referencing? Are you a little in the know? Or just speculating?
As far as Crab Mode…that could definitely be it. I don’t see it as a response to the Rivian “Tank Turn.”
I don’t have anything specific but with what GM is leaking out they appear to be holding back more.
You know they drop bigger things at the intro.
As for the tank turn that is a dirty gimmick. No real engineering or tech in running motors backwards.
You may impress buddies in a parking lot but it is not for moves between trees or rocks.
Probably four wheel steering like the was offered in the trucks around 2008. That system worked very well but was expensive. Should be cheaper to do on an electric. “Give me 13 acres and I’ll turn this rig around”
I would think it’s a low ratio gearing for crawling over rocks and any hard terrain it encounters…