Chicago 2008: HUMMER H3T makes unceremonious debut
by Damon Lavrinc on Feb 6th 2008 at 3:15PM 
click above for more high-res shots of the 2009 HUMMER H3T
You've got to feel a little bad for the HUMMER H3T. While the rest of the crowd at GM's press conference had their focus set on the unveiling of the 2009 Chevy Traverse, the 2009 HUMMER H3T sat in the corner, all but ignored by camera-toting journos. We, however, know a good thing when we see it (though many of you might disagree). And considering how the H3T is sporting an elongated wheelbase and a five-foot long bed, it remains one of a few significant unveilings here in Chi-town.
Just as a refresher, the H3T gets power from either the anemic 3.7-liter five-cylinder mill we've come to know and loathe or a 5.3-liter V8 when equipped in the top-level Alpha trim. Towing capacity is 5,900 pounds, which should be plenty for a family of four with dirt bikes in tow.
Check out our high-res gallery of live and press shots below and head on over to our original post for all the details on the new HUMMER H3T.
Gallery: 2008 Chicago: 2009 HUMMER H3T live
Gallery: 2009 HUMMER H3T
PRESS RELEASE:
2009 H3T BRINGS HUMMER'S UNIQUE STYLE AND LEGENDARY CAPABILITY TO THE TRUCK MARKET
- Exclusive standard full-time four-wheel drive with 32-inch tires and skid plates
- Crew cab body style with seating for five
- Five-foot (1.5 meters) bed capable of carrying two dirt bikes, a snowmobile or ATV and full sheets of plywood
- Extensive portfolio of officially licensed accessories
- Standard StabiliTrak and head curtain side air bags
- H3T Alpha with 5.3L V-8 and a 5,900-lb. (2,676 kg) towing capacity
CHICAGO – HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed.
The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a HUMMER, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable.
"With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "It offers the combination of truck versatility and HUMMER off-road prowess that delivers customers to the trail in style."
In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature HUMMER off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires. The V-8-powered H3T Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).
The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at GM's Shreveport, La., assembly plant, with vehicles arriving at HUMMER dealerships shortly thereafter. HUMMER will sell the H3T in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Design
Like all HUMMER models, the H3T has a purposeful design. Its consistent and iconic styling cues include a wide, aggressive stance; a low roofline and high beltline; and large, off-road tires. The wide, seven-slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square housings are signature HUMMER design elements.
"Form following function is at the core of HUMMER's design philosophy, and the H3T's capability reflects that mantra," said Carl Zipfel, HUMMER director of design and former motocross professional. "It has a distinctive look that could be mistaken for nothing except a HUMMER – and it also has the functionality to get the driver to and from the trail in style."
The crew cab body shares H3 styling and components from the B-pillar forward, while the rear section of the cab and the separate bed are unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed is similar in design and function to GM's recently redesigned full-size trucks, including an easily removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed.
The bed is sized to carry a wide range of popular outdoor necessities, from hauling motocross bikes to Baja, a quad to camp, or backcountry gear to the trailhead. One of the industry's largest portfolios of accessories complements the H3T's bed, offering different cargo management options to suit all of those lifestyle interests.
Accessories
One of the industry's broadest portfolios of vehicle accessories has been developed for the H3T. Centered on active lifestyles, items such as removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender make full use of the standard bed-rail cargo management system. A range of additional accessories that improves off-road capabilities, provides passenger entertainment and enhances exterior styling is also available. There are more than 75 HUMMER Genuine Accessories offered.
In addition to the factory-developed accessory portfolio, HUMMER has partnered with top automotive aftermarket companies to develop more than 50 Officially Licensed HUMMER Accessories – a first for the brand. A variety of exterior enhancements, such as a Slant Back Bed Cover, hard tonneau covers and a winch are offered, along with cargo management solutions such as the BedSlide and bed divider, offering countless possibilities to personalize the H3T.
Interior
The H3T's crew cab cabin offers seating for five adults, with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat for increased cargo-carrying options. The cabin's layout is essentially identical to the acclaimed H3 SUV, with premium materials and attention to detail that give the vehicle a functional yet refined aesthetic.
Standard amenities also include air conditioning, power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry. An AM/FM radio with CD is standard and a premium Monsoon audio system is available. XM Satellite Radio also is standard and includes three months of trial service.
HUMMER's Rear Vision system and a navigation system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted on the rear bumper, directly above the trailer hitch mount, to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity available.
Powertrain
Standard in the H3T is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 horsepower (180 kW) at 5600 rpm* and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm) at 4600 rpm. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.
The H3T Alpha's 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM's legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm).* An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha's engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.
A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.
Chassis
The H3T's frame and suspension system are based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV's chassis and suspension – the same race-proven design found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. The wheelbase measures 134.2 inches (3,409 mm) – 22 inches (86 mm) longer than the H3 SUV.
A ladder-type frame is the truck's foundation and it has a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness. An independent SLA torsion bar front suspension and multileaf Hotchkiss-type rear suspension are used. There are two suspension packages available:
Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering – This standard suspension delivers an excellent balance of on-highway comfort and off-road capability. It includes 32-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 16-inch, smoke-color steel wheels, specially tuned heavy-duty shocks and either a 4.56-ratio (3.7L) or 4.10-ratio (5.3L) rear axle.
Off-Road Adventure – Designed for more aggressive off-road performance, this optional suspension package includes taller, 33-inch tires, specifically tuned shocks, locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and industry-leading crawl ratios of either 68.9 with the manual transmission or 56.2 with the automatic.
To support the torque output of the 5.3L V-8, the H3T Alpha's front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. V-8-powered vehicles also receive higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass and specific shock valving. The chassis and suspensions were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in California, and other challenging off-road venues.
Off-road capability
The H3T lives up to HUMMER's legendary off-road reputation, with best-in-class extreme off-road capability. Highlights include:
Ability to climb a 60-percent grade and traverse a 40-percent side slope
Exceptional 10.2-inch (285 mm) ground clearance (with 33-inch tires)
38.7-degree approach angle and 30.1-degree departure angle (with 33-inch tires)
Segment-first available front- and rear-locking differentials
Standard HUMMER Hill Hold Assist for improved hill ascension
"For most lifestyles, there's almost nothing the H3T can't handle," said Walsh. "It's a truck with HUMMER's immutable capability."
Complementing the features that enable the H3T's impressive off-road prowess are a host of first-class protective elements, including four standard skid shields: a front shield, an oil-pan shield/front-axle shield, a transfer case shield and a fuel tank shield.
Safety
Continuing HUMMER's tradition of delivering a broad range of safety systems, the H3T offers the following standard features:
- Dual frontal air bags with GM's passenger sensing system
- Head curtain side-impact air bags
- StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability control system
- Four-wheel ABS with traction control
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- LATCH rear child seat anchors
- OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Koko 3:23PM (2/06/2008)
I'm curious what the bed with is and length of the bed with the tailgate down.
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w3pirate 3:32PM (2/06/2008)
overweight and underpowered... but at least you have a spot to tow the groceries or the soccer balls.
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2004m3driver 3:38PM (2/06/2008)
Looks nice. Good for people who just drive trucks for no reason. I have to admit though, I do kind of like those people because whenever I need to borrow one I have a friend who has one.
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350zee 3:49PM (2/06/2008)
It should probably be bigger...
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Purifoy 3:49PM (2/06/2008)
Oh great! Just what we need -- another overpriced, oversized gas glutton.
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TwinTurbo3000GT 12:41PM (2/07/2008)
Are you schizophrenic? Who are you referring to as 'we'?
I really hate it when people think they speak for everyone, or even anyone else.
Polly Prissy Pants 3:50PM (2/06/2008)
It's too bad GM isn't as crazy about small or hybrid cars as they are about 12mpg trucks. How many trucks has GM intro'ed in the past month?
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Koko 3:54PM (2/06/2008)
Why is driving a truck such a bad thing? What dictates what one person enjoys to drive more than another? People may find more satisfaction in driving a truck than driving a car. Yet we're going to let gas consumption determine this? Some people love chocolate some people hate it. Doesn't mean either one is wrong.
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Polly Prissy Pants 4:36PM (2/06/2008)
Energy usage (gas consumption) is a national security issue so the more you use the less secure you make it for the rest of us. It's not just a matter of what you happen to like. But don't take my word for it, listen to former CIA chief James Woolsey and he'll tell you the same thing:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/consumer/112_0705_james_woolsey_interview
Koko 8:33PM (2/06/2008)
Good article, but we need to cut oil cosumption in a lot more places than the automobile industry. Private passenger vehicles are a small percentage of the overall oil usuage in the world.
mehugtree 4:00PM (2/06/2008)
meh.
doesn't seem very significant in my eyes. Just another truck, albeit an overpriced one relying on it's questionable heritage to set it apart.
I am, though, looking forward to the h4 to take on the Wrangler. Not that I think it'll win, but think it's about time there is some competition in that segment.
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jgp 4:03PM (2/06/2008)
Anemic five-cylinder engine? 242hp in a compact/midsize truck is nothing to sneeze at. That's more than the V6 Tacoma, Dakota/Raider, Sport Trac, and Ranger. It's second only to the Frontier/Equator.
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MikeW 6:23PM (2/06/2008)
The engine could use more mid/top end power.
What would give it that? variable intake valve timing.
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/HPT%20Library/Line%20Engines%204,5,6/2008_37L_LLR_Hummer_H3.pdf
Fill in that 3000-4000 valley.
take out the obsolete 4 speed auto, put in the 6L50.
I still can't get over the fact GM didn't have the 5L40 from the beginning.
Jason 4:07PM (2/06/2008)
Pretty sure just 2. One of which is a hybrid. The other is the H3T.
The GMC Denali XT (which makes 3 if you count it as a 'truck') is a car-based UTE, that's also a hybrid.
The Chevy Traverse is a crossover SUV.
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Polly Prissy Pants 4:55PM (2/06/2008)
According to Autoblog, these have been intro'ed so far at Chicago:
2009 Chevy Traverse
2009 HUMMER H3T
GMC Denali XT Concept
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid
I'm pretty sure these would end up classified as trucks. No cars of any kind so far, but that could change as the week goes on.
Jason 5:13PM (2/06/2008)
Would you classify the El Camino as a 'truck' then?
As I said before, the Traverse is a crossover, not a 'truck', but yeah, it's no small car (though it's WAY more useful than one).
The Denali XT is a CAR-based ute. It's based off the same platform as the new Pontiac G8 sedan. If you want to call it a 'truck' because it's got an open bed, well, see El Camino question above...
Fact of the matter is a LOT of the US still wants their big vehicles. The MFGs are simply producing what sells. Producing lots of high mileage econoboxes doesn't mean they're going to sell well.
Polly Prissy Pants 5:43PM (2/06/2008)
It's not whether I classify an El Camino as a truck, it's whether the gov't does, and they do. Lambda's too.
GM currently markets over 40 trucks/*UV's - is it too much to ask that maybe they put a little effort into making a good small car that can effectively compete against the Corolla, Mazda3 and Civic? Or how about a real hybrid car ala the Camry hybrid? Slapping a GMC badge on a Ute is easy but doesn't really get them anywhere. If GM is going to succeed in the future they're going to have to start spending some of this money on fixing these hard problems, not just throwing version 6 of another truck variant over the wall and hoping someone buys it.
Jason 4:07PM (2/06/2008)
dang it, that was supposed to be a reply to Prissy Pants above.
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Jay 4:12PM (2/06/2008)
I wonder what it would look like in grey?
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xxxxxxx 4:19PM (2/06/2008)
It would look the same but in GREY..
lol
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