H3T unveiling

[DURAMAX TIM]

I got this from our plant website,
WARREN — Hummer and Saab have a new recipe to grow sales — offer smaller products to attract younger buyers. Both General Motors Corp. units plan to introduce all-new, less expensive models during January’s Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.
The Saab 9-2X is a production vehicle; the Hummer H3T is a concept.
Hummer first hit the market with the gargantuan H1, a civilized version of the military Humvee, then introduced the smaller H2 in 2002. It plans to sell an even smaller Hummer called the H3 in 2005.
The H3T is a pickup concept version of the H3. It isn’t built on a Hummer platform, but on the same underpinnings as GM’s new midsize pickups — the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.
"We’re not looking to create mama, papa and baby bear Hummers," said Clay Dean, design director for small trucks and Hummer.
But the automaker is looking to milk its latest truck franchise and draw younger buyers to the brand, where the typical owner is now 45.
"We continue to explore a lot of other opportunities for Hummer," said new GM design chief Ed Welburn. "We’re looking at a smaller Hummer, more efficient, more affordable Hummer and how to appeal to a much younger market."
Hummer worked with athletic wear and equipment giant Nike Inc. to design the interior and exterior of the latest concept. Its 34-inch tall ACG TA tires resemble round hiking shoes with different colored areas denoting traction pad and sand paddles.
The H3T’s seats are made of special lightweight material, the same fabric Nike uses in specialized athletic wear that can cool or warm the body naturally.
Like most concept vehicles, the H3T has its share of gee whiz features, such as hood-mounted cameras for recording one’s off-road exploits. The pickup box includes side-access doors and drop-down steps that double as weather-tight storage compartments.
A power-operated folding canvas sunroof and drop-down rear window are there to provide an open air driving experience.
The 4-wheel drive H3T is powered by a 350 horsepower turbocharged version of GM’s new Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder engine.
GM plans to gauge reaction to the H3T from auto show attendees in Los Angeles, one of the nation’s biggest Hummer markets, Dean said. But, he said, if it does go into production, the H3T would most likely not be a complete duplicate of the concept version.
A pickup version of the H2, called the H2 SUT, will go on sale during the 2005 model year.
Hummer may not be out to create the equivalent of the fictional three bears in building progressively smaller versions, but it could be a savvy strategy in building sales for the growing family of vehicles.
"It will fill out their product line with variations," said Mike Wall, an analyst with Farmington Hills-based consultants CSM Worldwide. "They may have an opportunity for a little more of a volume bump and start bringing in folks coming from the Colorado and Canyon at a premium."

BTW we are starting to build dies to make some of the 06 H3 parts.
But u never know, they cancelled the 6 door Suburban after we had made the door dies for the extra 2 doors.

Yell'r 04 Lux w/ air, sunroof,F&R brush bars
Traded 03 White Lux
03 GMC D/A CC SLT LB soon to be 04

[Steve R]

9

[noc]

Any interior pics of the SUT?

[Steve R]

The H2 SUT had the same interior we have, but that particular one at the show had a super-fancy leather upgrader....but we were told it was just for show.

The H3T was just a concept vehicle. The actual H3 SUV will be available and is a coming reality. Again...the H3T was just a piece of candy concept vehicle that they were bringing to the auto show.

The only thing that comes to mind is the idea of making that thing one of those transformers: SUV --> truck --> SUT. Something versatile enough to seat 4 OR have a rear bed for cargo OR even a neat camper set-up for adventuring.

I like the size, but I'd sure prefer some stout metal bumpers that can handle some abuse.

The other thought is that these vehicles are offroad worthy, but they are still designed around a consuming public that will rarely really take them offroad. On account of that they are not given as much clearance and underbody protection as I'd want for my own use...but that's where customization comes in: it's all relatively easy, except for that front IFS deal.

[Steve R]

yeah....hard liquor, all you can drink, and I was driven down there and didn't have to drive.

Ya know what I realize now....all that time I kept waiting for people to get out of the way so I could get a good side-shot of the H3T...and it just never happened (spectating bastards!).

The H3T is purely a concept vehicle...don't even go getting excited about it! Can someone else back me up with some more shots...I was too busy messin' with some other kind of shots!

[H2Stealth]

For more INSIDER info, NIKE????, look at the link below:

http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosins...0/b01-3938.htm

03 Black with Nology Ignition products, K.I.T. carbon-fiber fender trim / hood scoop with handles / hood side tower caps / rear louvers / engine cover, 14 inch BulletProof Suspension powdercoated black installed by CTL MOTORSPORTS, Fox Racing Shox, 44inch Truxus STS with 17x14 Weld Racing Wheels, Snyper brakes, Custom black bi-xenon projector headlights, Kodiak fold down steps, black grill, Pro-Fit custom black LVE fuel door, Benevento carbon-fiber dash kit, Husky Liners floor mats, MOMO shift knob / pedals, HITCHCAM rear camera, Royal Purple fluids, Cleargearz clear differential cover, Airaid intake / filter, Borla exhaust / headers, Optima Battery.

[Steve R]

On another note, I spent a LOT of time getting to know the exec's of the GM heirarchy:

me: what are you gonna do about the tie-rod problem on the front of the H2???

them: What tie-rod problem??????

me: Uhhhh.....tie rods tend to break rather easily....that tie-rod problem.

them: hmmmm...we don't have any data supporting that as an issue. We'll look into it.

me: ya think???

them: well, the tie-rod is the fuseable link in the system....it's breaking protects other components from damage that would be far more severe and costly...

me: OH OH!!! did you see that platter go by, I think it was those little hot-dogs wrapped in fresh rolls...I'll be right back, you want some??

[tanklizard]

I like the idea of a truck as well as an SUV (all the better to haul the quad I'm going to buy his spring) but I wonder what type of trucks they'll sell? If they only offer the H3T as a regular cab they will be shooting themselves in the foot as far as sales go. They have to offer extended and crew cab models to be competitive. Seeing how the Colorado/Canyon comes with extended and crew cabs hopefully the H3T will as well. I'd love to have an H3T version of this:


I also wonder how much of the gee whiz stuff will make it from concept to production. I'm sure the "Nike" tires will get replaced with BFGoodrich's but I wonder if the I5 will remain turbocharged for production. What engine did the H2 concept have?

We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.---George Orwell

[Steve R]

It was really hard to say how wide or large it was....but...if I had to say....it was pretty much perfect sized, about 14-18% smaller then our 2's. Wide stance, good dimensions!!

The offroading side is favorable, but yet again the IFS will inhibit a simple lift and the clearnace seems no better.

It's big-time concept vehicle...don't even give it another thought!

[DURAMAX TIM]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The locking front and rear axles on the H3T are borrowed from full-size GM trucks. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Which GM trucks have factory front lockers?

Yell'r 04 Lux w/ air, sunroof,F&R brush bars
Traded 03 White Lux
03 GMC D/A CC SLT LB soon to be 04

[RichieM]

Hey Steve, Nice pix! Anyways what show are these pix coming from? I wanna look for some more on the net. Thnx

[Detonate]

Have you seen the Envoy XUV?

I LOVE that concept.

With back closed up and the midgate window down, it works just like an SUV.

Power in the roof, roll up the midgate window, and now you have an SUT.

Power down the midgate window, fold down the seats, Roll in the roof, and now you have a Truck.

I wish that trend would catch on!

------------------------------
2003 Red H2 equipped with Tough Country Heavy Duty Armor Series Front End with Winch, Rear Bumper, Brush Guard, and Roof Rack.

[drouke]

That H3 looks pretty nice.

[H2Norcal]

The H3, the H3T, what is next....

This is a prime example of what happens when a top 3 automotive manufacturer takes an incredibly unique and special vehicle and over-brands it.

I don't know about you, but this is exactly what I expected to see from GM. Hummer SUVs, Hummer Trucks, Hummer cars, Hummer Tractors, Hummer Heavy Duty Commercial vehicles, Hummer Vans, Hummer Motorhomes.....most of which are going to be launched faster and use standard GM platforms, just with different skins.

I just received the Burston Hummerstuff catalog (GM's Hummer MarCom company). It sports a picture of a Hummer Gibson Guitar. You too can own a Hummer Guitar for $9k. (I am sure many of you have already discussed this; I have been off for a bit).

Just a little overboard here gang.

I love my H2 but it has lost most of its appeal just by virtue of oversaturation. Still a great truck though.

Cheers.

[This message was edited by H2Norcal on 12-11-03 at 04:26 AM.]

[This message was edited by H2Norcal on 12-11-03 at 04:27 AM.]

[Steve R]

15

[MAC]

I am not a truck guy so I don't know, but at a glance it looks like any other Japanese pickups to me, except with a Hummer face glued on. The bed is not long enough to be used as a workhorse, if you NEED a truck, this is not for you. There are a lot of houses under construction or renovation in my town, I see a lot of big pickups park on the side during the day. Trucks are big money in auto trade.

Concept is concept, very few made it to production, this one looks more likely. Personally I am disappointed, marketingwise I think they are crossing the line in brand image and where they wanted the Hummer brand to be. People who buy SUV are not the people who buy trucks. People buy G, ML, X5, X90, H1 are not the people who buy big pickup trucks. I am not being snobbish, just talking business, auto brand image and market placement.

[Steve R]

4

[Steve R]

5

[Steve R]

8

[MAC]

It looks like a Japanese pickup truck to me, but being bigger is different, maybe it is better to see it in person. Big truck is an important auto segment, I hope that's what it is, not a small pickup. Small pickup is the entry level, in the auto trade, it is what people buy if they cannot afford a car. Why would Hummer go for the top level, then reach for the bottom level? I am sure they know what they are doing? have faith.