Coming up with a civilian use for a Humvee once this has been retired from the military can be a bit of a creativity quest. And, given the rugged aura these army siblings of the Hummer carry, any project based on one has serious chances of grabbing attention. So, here we are, discussing a slammed Humvee that seems to have picked a trick from the 2022 GMC Hummer EV.
This contraption entered service as a 2009 Am General HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) in M1123 spec, which means it was used to haul troops and cargo. And since we’re dealing with a two-door configuration, the balance is obviously tipped towards the latter.
Nevertheless, those who attended last November’s 2021 SEMA show—here’s a pair of builds preparing for the 2022 edition—could see the now-civilian truck squatting on Las Vegas ground. Some would call that an Identity Crisis and we’re specifically referring to an Indiana-based shop dubbed Meyer Truck Equipment, which is responsible for the project.
Bringing a former piece of military equipment so close to the ground in static form would be ridiculous, so Scott Mcellhiney, Matt Cartwright, and Jeremy Anderson, the builders, fitted the machine with Hoppos Hydraulics-supplied hardware that’s now proudly displayed in the bed, at least when the rough-looking cover isn’t on.
The wheels that get neatly tucked into those fenders when the hydraulics are put to work? Those are Detroit Steel rollers featuring a simple look and a black finish. The units are shod in Hercules 20×35-inch rubber, so this former soldier isn’t afraid of stepping off the pavement.
There’s a custom cab by Missouri-based Midwest Military Equipment, while the vehicle seems to have maintained its original powertrain. As such, a 400 ci (6.5L) diesel V8 is mated to a four-speed automatic.
What does this have to do with the 1,000 HP electric truck that is the GMC Hummer EV?
One of the features that have made the resurgent Hummer popular is the crab walk, which allows all four wheels to steer in the same direction, with the vehicle thus being able to drive diagonally.
Well, the Identity Crisis Humvee can also pull such stunts—check out the second video below—courtesy of a PCS rear steering system.
The solid DS18 Audio system and the custom LEDs can also put on a show, even though this machine’s best moves probably come on the vertical axis. And you can see it jumping in the first clip below.
As is usually the case with Humvee or Hummer (the civilian version) builds, this is the type of polarizing proposal and we’d love to see the hydraulic suspension, which can also boost the ride height past the standard value, helping this thing get by on rugged terrain.
