Need a real toy? Try a full size RC Hummer
Filed under: Biodiesel, HUMMER, Green Daily

click to enlarge
No, I don't get this story either.
Apparently, someone has turned an actual Hummer H3 into a remote control vehicle. That someone is Engineer Dr James Brighton from Cranfield University, who spent a month adapting the iconic vehicle into something you can control from your hands. What's the green angle here? In a few years, H3s running on biofuel and diesel will be available. Sure, we knew this already, but now any of you who are interested in having the largest RC on the block can imagine it filling up your toy at the local biodiesel co-op. Hehe.
I double-checked, and there isn't an April 1 embargo date on this story. The Mischief PR agency put the release out and, for what it's worth, they claim to be "the most straight talking agency in the industry."
Press Release:
A TOY STORY– LIKE NOTHING ELSE - HUMMER H3 converted into man-sized remote control car -
"...we don't stop playing because we get old;
we get old because we stop playing."
HUMMER, the world's most iconic boy's toy, has converted the new right-hand drive H3 into the ultimate gadget for grown ups – a life-sized remote controlled car that definitely won't be available in your local toyshop.
The hardy on/off road vehicle has been converted to make life a little less dull – those lucky enough to have a play, will experience the unrivalled agility and off-road capability of the new H3 from the palm of their hand.
Engineer Dr James Brighton from Cranfield University transformed the HUMMER H3 into a remote controlled vehicle to create the ultimate boy's toy: "Converting the HUMMER H3 into the super-sized remote control car took a month to complete but we've had lots of fun in the process.
"The results are clear – all controllers will be amazed by the handling ability – the best any radio controlled vehicle has had to date. The vehicle is capable of climbing a 407mm vertical wall, traversing a 40% side slope and operating in up to 610mm of water – imagine the fun."
Steve Catlin from HUMMER comments:
"HUMMER is like no other – as the ultimate workhorse it is built for action and can handle off-roading with ease but also has a unique, iconic style.
"What better way to show off the definitive big boy's toy than converting the HUMMER H3 into a remote controlled car?"
The HUMMER H3 is available to order now from £26,495 on the road. For more information visit www.hummer.com
Notes To Editors
The remote controlled HUMMER is not available for general purchase.
HUMMER H3
With permanent full-time four-wheel drive, a two-ratio transfer gearbox, traction control and HUMMER's patented StabiliTrack Stability Enhancement System on all models, the H3 is a sure-footed choice for those seeking a vehicle that is just as much about action as it is about expressing the HUMMER brand's iconic style. Indeed, the H3 is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market today.
At launch, three trim levels are available – the SE, Adventure and Luxury. All come with a comprehensive standard equipment list including air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, a six-speaker stereo system, cruise control and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror with eight-point compass and temperature display.
Adventure models add heated power-adjustable seats, a leather appointed interior, an off-road suspension package, full-locking central rear differential, a chrome appearance package and a seven-speaker stereo system, making it perfect for those who want to take their HUMMER a little further off the beaten track.
For those who want a more cosseting HUMMER, the Luxury model comes with leather appointed interior, eight-way power adjustable heated seats, 16x7.5in chrome wheels, chrome side steps, hood louvre and roof bars and a seven-speaker sound system. A comprehensive range of options is available for all models.
Initially, all H3s will be offered with HUMMER's unique five-cylinder in-line 3.7-litre VORTEC petrol engine. The 244bhp unit was designed specifically for the H3 and offers an impressive 328Nm of torque, giving the car excellent flexibility in even the most challenging of conditions. Two transmissions are on offer – a five-speed manual or a four-speed GM Hydra-Matic auto. Biofuel and Diesel H3s will follow within three years.
Prices start from £26,495 on the road.
[Source: Mischief PR]











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-17-2008 @ 8:52PM
Peekoyle said...
Whilst European and Japanese Engineers are designing Vehicle Technologies of the Future, we have this guy playing with remote control Hummers.
I think this guy should leave this kinda stuff for the Mythbusters and do some real work.
Reply
3-17-2008 @ 9:53PM
rar said...
Peekoyle, did you look at the plate on the Hummer? UK. Did you read what school he is with? Cranfield University in England. Dr James Brighton is a European engineer.
Reply
3-18-2008 @ 2:47AM
The Luigiian said...
This is the biggest waste of a vehicle I have ever seen in my entire life. I don't even see the point in converting an entire damn car into something you can't even use for transportation purposes.
Reply
3-18-2008 @ 8:13AM
GoodCheer said...
"The Mischief PR agency (...) "the most straight talking agency in the industry."
Hmmm, not a very high bar they've set for themselves eh?
Reply
3-18-2008 @ 2:41PM
Bill said...
BAD idea. Ever see what happens to an R/C car when the transmitter batteries die or there is interference with the signal? It usually races wildly out of control until it meets an inanimate object. I would not want to be around when that happened with this thing.
Reply
3-18-2008 @ 6:26PM
cashrc said...
I agree that it'sa a waste of time and resources, but I wouldn't worry about interference "hitting" the reciever in the Hummer..from the looks of the transmitter, it's a 2.4 spread spectrum system, those have about as bulletproof a signal as you can get..
Reply
3-18-2008 @ 6:29PM
slav said...
"Hummer is like no other" ??? Not the H3.
The original military Hummer, maybe you're onto something. But the H2 is already based on a Chevy Tahoe chassis, and now the H3? There's nothing special about it.
Hummer is now just like any other SUV out there. And when it comes to gas mileage, off road performance, and reliability, it's worse.
Reply
3-18-2008 @ 6:49PM
brandon said...
Bill, advanced systems like this have a fail safe so when (if) there is interference or a loss of signal the servo controlling the brakes will fully engage stopping the vehicle.
Reply
3-20-2008 @ 10:43PM
cba20k said...
This looks fake. There's nothing to indicate that this H3 is in fact R/C other than a douchebag standing next to it with a remote control. Also, if you look closely at the first pic, you can make out what looks like a woman's head in the lower right corner of windshield crouched down. Show me a video and show me the interior and I'll believe it.
Reply