General Motors has released more details on the Crab Mode function for the highly anticipated new GMC Hummer EV, along with a video showing the innovative system in action.
Crab Mode, which GM teased last week, is a unique four-wheel-steering system that will allow the GMC Hummer EV to “move in a diagonal direction.” The automaker says this functionality “is tailor-made for off-roading customers,” as well, so it should prove to be genuinely helpful when traversing difficult terrain.
Additionally, the four-wheel-steering system may be able to operate independently of Crab Mode. Four-wheel-steer isn’t only beneficial for off-roaders – it can also make a car more agile and easy to maneuver at low speeds and more stable at higher speeds. Jeep previously made waves with an off-road centric four-wheel steering system on its 2005 Hurricane concept and it seems the GMC Hummer EV could employ a similar (yet much more sophisticated) setup.
The GMC Hummer EV will be based on the new GM BT1 electric vehicle platform for large electric trucks and SUVs. At least one version of the vehicle will have 1,000 horsepower on top from its trio of electric motors, enabling an impressive 0-60 mph time of just three seconds. Other GMC Hummer EV models with one and two electric motors are also expected, though these variants will not be as powerful or performance-focused.
Additionally, GM has said previously that its electric truck models will have 800V battery packs with 350 kWh fast charging capabilities and will utilize its Ultium battery technology. Certain GMC Hummer EV models could be capable of traveling up to 400 miles on a single charge, as well.
Like many other EVs, the GMC Hummer EV will feature two large digital interior display screens: a 12-inch digital driver’s display and a 15-inch central infotainment display. The off-roader, which will be available as an SUV or a pickup truck ‘SUT’ model, will also have removable glass roof panels and boxy retro-inspired styling.
We’ll have all the details on the 2022 GMC Hummer EV immediately after its official debut next month. For now, be sure to see what Crab Mode looks like in action in the video embedded below.
Comments
Very very Nice!
Watching the video it looks you have the ability to lock and unlock the steering position of the tires.
Also they gave us a hint of the pedestrian warning sound (the sound the EVs have to make through speakers at low speeds) it has a nice thumping sound to it.
You think that bass-like thumping noise is the pedestrian warning? Could be, I hadn’t even noticed it…I just thought it was part of the video soundtrack.
Beyond that, I had a few other thoughts:
1.) Ground clearance looks to be at least 12 inches. Excellent.
2.) I really hope that running board on the side is retractable, because if not, that could severely limit that ground clearance.
3.) That display is really high-def…wow.
4.) 4 wheel steering will be really beneficial for off-roading even beyond Crab Mode. Yes, Crab Mode could get you out of some really tight spots, which is cool, but more basic 4WS (set up like Quadrasteer) could help make really tight turns and even maximize tire contact for traction when rock crawling.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…this Hummer series is going to be hugely popular. Pricing will dictate if they can turn that popularity into sales success, and I think it will be priced competitively. October 20th can’t come soon enough.
I mentioned this in another site but notice the crab mode display has locks on it. I think you can individually lock the front or rear steering. Like set the wheels lock them then they will stay pointed where you want them and you can then steer either the front or rear wheels independently from the locked wheels.
Cool. This just reinforces my belief that the Hummer EV will be an expensive niche vehicle.
Where’s the guy that was saying this would compete with the Bronco?
Because the Silverado, the last GM vehicle to have this feature, was an expensive niche vehicle.
And they charged $7000 for it. At least until they realized nobody wanted to pay for it.
Just because an option is available doesn’t mean it’s standard. I assume the Hummer is going to be priced like a Denali and you can add all the crazy features you want, but it will drive up the price. If you want 1000HP, 0-60 in less than 3 secs., AWD, removable roof, removeable doors, and carbon fiber bed it’s going to require options that aren’t on the base vehicle.
GMC already said that Crab Mode is optional. It definitely won’t be available on the RWD, single-motor variant. It will be available on the AWD, tri-motor setup. Not sure about the AWD, dual-motor one.
Looks interesting, they should have included the overhead shot with the diagonal tracks in the sand. That would have been the kill shot right there.
I think it is clear the Hummer is not going to be a value leader model.
I expect the base model to be in the $50’s and go up to the $80k To $90k range.
This is a vehicle that is intended to bring ROI On the EV platform at lower volumes like Tesla does. The lower priced models will come with the ROI being recouped and will carry the Chevy badge in high volumes.
The crabbing is cool and will be more for parking lot fun vs off road. Like the last Hummer this is more a high value image product.
I love that new screen as well. One thing I noticed was the small indicators on the corners of each “tiles” that tell me that you can increase the size of each individually. I don’t know if any other cars can do that, except to have set tile sizes, but that would be nice to make them as big as you like and/or remove the tiles you do not need. Also, I noticed that the lug nuts and tires look like the picture you guys had on here awhile ago – and now can’t seem to find like they made you take them down!
Would love to see quardsteer back in the regular pickups.
Pretty useful when stuck in a mud rut. You could turn all 4 wheels into the shoulder of the rut where you could get better traction and get unstuck.
@Canyon Owner
That’s a great point.
Is it my imagination, or it looks pretty much like a gen 1 Ridgeline on side view ?
Thumbs up !
Nope, not your imagination. But it looks more like an Avalanche to me…up close though, it’s not going to look like that puny unibody minivan with a bed lol. This is true body on frame.
Yeah it looked like an Avalanche to me too, especially when they first showed us just that clay build.
I suppose it won’t be long and we’ll get a better look at it.
Best option they ever made for larger pickups. It’s completely ruined me for having to drive 2WS long trucks.
Hopefully they’ll actually advertise this option and it will catch on this time. I’m waiting to upgrade until it’s available in some form again.
GMC haven’t even built it yet and it already have CRABS
^^^^ This guy thinks he’s the first person to ever pull apart an Oreo lol
GMC hasn’t even built the aka Hummer and it already has CRABS