Hummer was never known for doing anything in a small way.
And General Motors' announcement last week that it's bringing back the infamous gas guzzler — but as a zero-emission electron-eater instead — was a reminder of that.
GM nonchalantly noted that the GMC Hummer EV pickup, set to begin production next year, would have a 0 to 60 mph time of 3 seconds, 1,000 hp and 11,500 pound-feet of torque.
No automaker has ever made a consumer vehicle with anything close to a five-figure torque rating. Few even hit four digits. It would best the strongest pickup engine available today by more than 10 times: The 2020 Ford Super Duty diesel is rated at 1,050 pound-feet. A Bugatti Veyron supercar with its quad turbo V-16 engine makes 1,106 pound-feet of torque. The Rivian R1T electric pickup planned to begin production this year is rated at 829 pound-feet.
Torque is a measurement of twisting motion. It's possible that GM's claimed 11,500 pound-feet rating is accomplished with gearing and multiple motors and is only available at low speeds, such as when pulling a heavy boat out of the water or crawling at 2 to 3 mph over steep inclines.
GM isn't saying whether that torque measurement is taken at the electric motor or at the wheels. Either way, the number is sure to raise eyebrows at competitors and elsewhere.
