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 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)

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)

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

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)

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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