“Watts to Freedom”, which takes you to 60 mph in just three seconds, is not without its pre-launch gimmicks.
First things first. Watts To Freedom? It’s basically the GMC Hummer EVO version, in both function and its gimmicky nature, of Tesla’s Ludicrous Plus launch modes. What does this mean? Ludicrous is Ludicrous speed taken from the 1987 Sci-Fi spoof Spaceballs. The acronym for GMC’s Watts To Freedom (WTF) is the same as WTF. We’re certain you know what other it stands for. Wait, there’s more!
The newly introduced GMC Hummer EV will not just accelerate to 60 mph in 3 seconds. The truck will first slow down a bit before putting its 1,000 horsepower (735 kilowatts), to the ground. This is a necessary part of going fast. But, less functional is the Hummer EV’s speakers and animated images that appear on its digital screens.
GMCdoes not provide a detailed explanation of this process, but the below B-roll footage walks us through it starting at the 28 second mark. After activation, a low-pitched humming sound reverberates through speakers. A snazzy animation transforms to a third-person perspective of a Hummer EV poised along a runway themed after space. The dash also displays “Watts To Freedom” in stars and bars. It also warns that repeated usage can cause vehicle wear. The driver has the option to choose cancel, let’s go. This isn’t as catchy, but it’s still clear.
The system is activated by selecting let’s get. The truck will lower (which can also be seen on the instrument display), and the driver will eventually be prompted to push the accelerator and brake. This is the interactive portion. The driver must brake hard enough for the green checkmark to floor the truck. All the while, the sound intensifies and gets more annoying.
Once you have the Hummer EV in your hands, push the accelerator and release the brake. Drivers will likely be focused on the road and sprint to 60 mph while the digital speed readout flashes on the digital instrument board. But everyone will hear the sound of the USS Enterprise Going at warp speed through speakers. It’s still more pleasant than the low resonance buzzing that started it all.
Is the GMC Hummer EEV fast? It is. It is, however, a bit gimmicky to experience all the pomp and circumstance not unlike Tesla’s quirky Easter eggs. Although we are curious to see it all in person, rather than seeing a video of it, we think these aspects might make more people wonder what GMC was thinking.