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The first is the first. What the hell is Watts to freedom? In short, it’s the GMC Hummer EV version of Tesla’s Ludicrous Plus launch mode, both in function and in its sophisticated nature. What does that mean? Ridiculous refers to Ridiculous speed from the classic 1987 sci-fi parody Spaceballs. Meanwhile, GMC’s acronym for Watts To Freedom is WTF, and we’re sure you know what plus that means. But wait, there’s more
Activate WTF mode on the recently revealed GMC Hummer EV, and it won’t launch to 60 mph for three seconds. For starters, the truck will duck a couple of inches before putting down its 1,000 horsepower (735 kilowatts) estimated by GM. That’s a functional component of going fast, but less functional are the sounds emanating from the Hummer EV’s speakers and animations that appear on its digital displays.
GMC doesn’t offer a specific description of what this means, but the B-roll images below take us through the process that begins at the 28-second mark. Once activated, a low-pitched hum reverberates through the speakers, and an animated main screen animation transforms into a third-person view of a Hummer EV on a space-themed track. Meanwhile, the dashboard displays “Watts To Freedom” with stars and stripes, along with a message warning that “repeated use will cause accelerated wear and tear on the vehicle.” The driver can choose cancel or Let’s go, which is not as catchy as I want my mommy or Go ahead but hey, you get the point.
To select Let’s go sets the system in motion. The truck lowers (which is also shown on the instrument display) and finally the driver is asked to press the brake and accelerator. This is the interactive part, as the driver must brake hard enough to get the important green check mark. step on it, all while the sound increases both in intensity and annoyance.
With the pedals crushed and the Hummer EV ready, release the brake and you’re ready to race. Drivers will presumably be concentrating on the road while sprinting at 60 mph, so they won’t see the mini starfield flashing on the digital dash next to the speed reading. However, everyone will hear what sounds like the USS Enterprise it will warp the velocity through the speakers. At least it’s more pleasant than the low-res hum that starts it all.
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Is the GMC Hummer EV fast? Yes, it certainly is. However, experiencing all the pomp and circumstances that are not at all similar to Tesla’s various wacky Easter eggs could easily be considered a hack in the best of the circumstances. We’re at least curious to try it all out in person rather than seeing a close-up in a video, but we suspect that these aspects of the WTF mode could lead to more than a few people asking WTF what GMC was thinking with all of this.
