AM General is presenting the latest version of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), which it calls the HUMVEE, incorporating a range of advanced technologies that enhance the capabilities of this legendary tactical vehicle. The new vehicle includes a 250-horsepower 6.5-litre engine with a common-rail direct injection (CRDI) electronically controlled fuel system. The turbocharged V8 can run on JP-8 jet fuel, F-24, or ordinary diesel.
According to AM General, this offers improved 0 to 30 mph acceleration, higher top speed, and better fuel economy. The new design supports all-diesel internal combustion propulsion, hybrid propulsion, or all-electric (silent) propulsion. This configuration also provides high-voltage or low-voltage exportable power for communications or other on-board or external systems. This allows for potential integration of powered weapon stations, sensors, or counter-drone capabilities.
The “next-generation” is envisioned as a three-phase development, with the first including the 250 hp engine, an upgraded transmission, and long-travel suspension. Phase 2 will improve ergonomics, provide a new dashboard, and scalable protection. Phase 3 will incorporate drive-by-wire, vehicle health monitoring and autonomous operation.
The company’s long travel suspension with semi-active damping is designed to “accommodate greater profile terrain and adjust to varying speed inputs.” Implemented into the HUMVEE, it improves cross-country speed and performance. AM General has also already shown its ability to provide autonomous vehicle operation in separate demonstrations.
A significant number of HMMWVs remain in active use. This is despite the 2025 announcements of its removal from active service, it’s supposed replacement by the JLTV and ISV, and the end of production contracts. This shows that the HMMWV remains available and is still the most ideally suited platform for a range of tasks and mission roles. In fact, the HUMVEE remains in wide demand with foreign armies, and the company indicates its production line will remain open and active. The HMMWV’s reputation was well deserved, and its difficulties in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted from putting demands on a vehicle it was never designed to handle. In fact, a strong case could be made that the US Forces still do not have a platform as capable of filling many support and logistics tasks. The AM General “next generation” HUMVEE offers a state-of-the-art option to address this and demonstrates the design is hardly “obsolete”, as some have suggested. The vehicle is scheduled to be shown at the upcoming Association of the U.S. Army exposition, where it is expected to draw significant interest.
by Stephen W. Miller
