2003 Hummer Review

Specifications

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 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 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 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 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 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.

Something that I noticed in first is the vehicles second set of door handles behind the cockpit. While there arent any jump seats or a pullout enclosure, this little door grants easy access to the trucks bed, similar in execution to Chevys innovative Cheyenne concept that bowed in Detroit last year. When opened, a small step lowers itself to make climbing in less arduous. The door also gives easy access to items that may be stored in the front section of the bed, especially advantageous if the rear half of the bed is filled up. The concept also features a weather-tight compartment hidden below the door.

Its interesting that GM chose the H3T as the canvas to present what might be an even more important introduction, a completely new engine design. Currently, only massive gas-guzzling V8s and old-world diesels are available in Hummer SUVs. The new truck features an all-new 3.5-liter inline-five turbo. This comes as a bit of a shock as Hummer has never featured an engine smaller than 6.0-liters in displacement before, nor has an H1 or H2 boasted a turbocharged gasoline powerplant. Regardless, this engine is a step forward for Hummer in technology, producing more power than both the gasoline-fuelled Vortec 6.0 V8 and Optimizer 6.5-L diesel. The inline-five cranks out a sensational 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.

As mentioned, the H3T is based on the Colorado, thus, it features many of the trucks new and improved traits. The engine powers the rear wheels when running on paved, dry roads, however, when the going gets ugly power is electronically diverted to the front wheels via two differentials. This system provides three simple advantages - a reduction in fuel consumption, less wear and tear, plus an improvement in performance. Though it is not as traditional as the H1s full-time or H2s part-time systems, it should be adequate.

With its alternative 4×4 system in mind, Hummers have never been particularly fast vehicles. Rather theyre owners buy them for taking it slow (relatively) on road and trail, or at least they buy them with the expectation of conquering the wild frontier. It could be, however, that H3T buyers, if GM chooses to build it, will have different, less demanding objectives. After all, the new concepts relatively low 2,109 kg curb weight, combined with the engines massive amounts of power and torque, working in concert with a heavy-duty automatic transmission, could mean that this truck might actually be fairly fast.

That leads up to another question. Does this “running shoe” fit a brand usually associated with combat boots? Why not, at least sporting goods manufacturer Nike seems to think so. It designed the H3Ts unorthodox tire treads, featuring gray-flecked teeth with a red center strip patterned after the brands newest Nike Airs. While its not unusual for tire manufacturers to consult design houses when coming up with new tread patterns - for example, Vredestein, a Dutch tire company, features two high-performance tires with treads designed by Giugiaro. The H3T Nike tires are appropriately large at 285/65 R 19.

Another area that Nike worked on was the H3Ts cockpit. Though its true that GM has improved Hummer passenger accommodations from military-spec to luxury in recent years, the H3T progresses the trend a step further by enhancing style and updating ergonomics. The trim is two-toned in gray and tan, offset by red accent lines. The instrumentation is simple to read, black lit in red and sporting chrome bezel rings around the gauges.

The center console blends with the transmission tunnel, and features a wide-screen linked to the CD/MP3 player and climate control. Chunky switches, knobs and buttons give the H3Ts interior a Tonka Toy appearance, matching well with the exterior. The seats are lined in two-toned leather, and stitched with red thread.

Slightly smaller, easier to handle and friendlier to the environment than any previous vehicle featuring the Hummer nameplate, the H3T makes for an interesting alternative to traditional pickup trucks. It will be offered as a pickup truck when it arrives in 2005, while plans for an SUV variant are in the works. Prices have yet to be announced.