Say an embargo-bustin' howdy to the Hummer HX concept. You weren't supposed to find out about this until next week at the Detroit show, but the problem with Hummers (OK, one of the problems with Hummers) is that they're not very good at staying quiet and unnoticed.

So one of those roguish American blog sites went and spilt the information on Hummer's baby all over the internet, which means we can bring you all the juicy details on the most desirable Hummer we've ever seen. Admittedly it's not up against stiff competition, but still...

More compact than the H3, the HX concept previews a more versatile off-roader from GM's blingest brand. Almost all of the exterior parts are removable, from the roof panels and the rear-roof assembly to the doors and fender flares.

That means the HX can be transformed from a wagon to a slant-back or a convertible without resorting to dangerous and irreversible chainsaw solutions.

It's this versatility that Hummer is getting really excited about. "It's like a four-wheel backpack that's already fitted with the necessities," said designer Stuart Norris. We have no idea what he means by this.

The HX is a strict four-seater, with two bucket seats in the back that can be removed for extra cargo room.

Despite the utilitarian, go-anywhere appearance - the HX sits on 35-inch tyres and features a four-wheel-drive system with a locking diff - there are a few luxury touches. Our favourite is the slightly phallic-sounding pop-up gear shifter.

Arnie won't be too impressed with the H3's engine: a 3.6-litre V6 developing 304bhp, 273lb ft of torque and a heady cloud of carbon fumes.

Though we know we probably shouldn't, we rather like the HX. OK, it may look like a gaudy take on the Toyota FJ Cruiser - or, as one TG staffer confidently asserted, Barbie's Californian runabout - but we still want Hummer to build it.

And then race it in the Paris-Dakar rally across Chile. Or something.