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2003 Hummer H3T Concept

A New Variation on a Familiar Theme

Two recent trends have become apparent for the Hummer brand since GM took over its marketing rights: theyre producing more concept cars than ever before and the models that these concepts turn into are becoming ever smaller and more affordable.

Recent concepts that have gone into production start with the Chevy Tahoe-based H2, of course, and the derivative H2 SUT (sport utility truck), an SUV up front and pickup out back, set to arrive soon. Following the down market trend a midsize H3 is expected, possibly to look similar, in the front end at least, to this H3T concept pickup just recently launched in L.A. - incidentally ten days prior to the Los Angeles Auto Show, in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center where

The Hummer H3T concept pickup was just launched in Los Angeles prior to the L.A. auto show. (Photo: General Motors)

the show will open to the press on Monday, December 29th.

The H3T follows the aforementioned H2 SUT conceptually, but being that it features only a 2-seat regular cab configuration its a pure truck rather than an SUV/truck crossover. Its interesting to see Hummer move into this new direction, in what seems like a quest to optimize one of the worlds most recognized brands thanks to CNN and the resulting coverage of the Gulf and Iraq wars.

When

With a 2-seat regular cab configuration the H3T is a pure truck rather than an SUV/truck crossover. (Photo: General Motors)

produced, no one expects that the H3T will sell as well as the more conventional SUV version that will follow, but why not pull in pickup truck buyers that want something distinctive if a business case can be made. After all, a majority of the tooling can be shared with the wagon so the cost wouldnt be that high to satisfy a niche market. That must be the theory behind the H2 SUT as well.

Though I mentioned that the H3T is a smaller vehicle for Hummer, the midsize Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup chassis its based on

Although small for a Hummer, the H3T is still a fairly big vehicle as its based on the midsize Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup chassis. (Photo: General Motors)

isnt exactly petite. The H1 is just so astonishing in terms of size, with the H2 not all that much smaller at 179.9 inches in length, 81.2 inches wide and 77.8 inches tall, that the still larger than midsize H3T looks diminutive in comparison. In reality its only about five inches shorter than the H2 at 174.9 inches long. But its a near seven inches lower to the ground at 70.7 inches, and about seven inches narrower at 74.5. Still, it couldnt wear a Hummer badge if it was compact and the H3T is in no way compact. As it is the rough and ready brand stands for larger than life off-road domination, and so the H3Ts form follows

The retractable soft-top roof is a familiar theme in military vehicles so it carries over well on the H3T. (Photo: General Motors)

the automakers military origins.

Much like Jeeps production and concept vehicles, theres a distinctive look thats truly unmistakable. The similar design characteristics consist of flat planes, huge headlights and a vertically 7-slat grille, plus the box-like shape of the cabin. Following this pattern everything about the H3T is clear cut, and very tough. Though the edges have been slightly rounded compared to the H1 or H2, and the corners have been "sanded down," theres no doubt about its origins. Two-toned silver plastic covers the front grille surround and fascia, outlining the blackened grille ribs at center and powerful circular projection beam headlamps at each side. All the traditional goodies are still

The H3T sports an entirely new 350-hp 3.5-liter inline-five turbo engine. (Photo: General Motors)

present, including external hood latches, hood-mounted vents and massive side-mount mirrors.

While normal for a Hummer, the new concept does depart from ordinary pickups in several ways. In particular, atop the roof is a retractable soft-top. This is a familiar theme in military vehicles so it carries over well on the H3T, allowing sun and fresh air in. This is not the first Hummer to feature such a device either, as the H1 featured a full convertible option for the longest time - but more like the soft top of a Jeep Wrangler than the targa top featured here. Either way, its much more creative than fitting a sunroof.

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