2009 Hummer H3T Preview

Introduction

Introduced at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, the 2009 H3T is an all-new compact pickup from Hummer that's bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size model. Hummer hopes to create a new niche when the truck arrives in dealerships in the third quarter of 2008. Based on the H3 SUV architecture, H3T offers a 5-passenger crew cab and separate 5-foot-long bed.

Model LineupThe 2009 Hummer H3T will be offered in four trim levels. These include 5-cylinder models and the Alpha edition with V-8 power. According to GM, H3T is the only midsize truck to feature standard full-time 4WD, 32-inch tires, and functional skid plates, and the only midsize to offer both front and rear locking differentials and 33-inch tires.

Standard equipment on the 2009 Hummer H3T will include power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with CD. XM satellite radio is also standard, with the first three months of service free. An optional premium audio system can jazz up the tunes. Other options include a navigation system and Hummer Rear Vision system. OnStar with Turn-By-Turn Navigation is also standard, and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity is available.

Design

Prominent design features include the signature seven-slot Hummer grille and round headlamps in square housings, wide stance, and large off-road tires. The H3T is well suited for both trail and highway driving, says GMC. The 5-foot pickup bed, similar to that of GM's recent full-size truck redesign, features an easily removable tailgate and set-up for bed-rail accessory system, making the bed suitable for carrying various outdoor gear. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed. On the inside, the H3T has seating for 5 and a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat to increase cargo-carrying. The cabin is virtually identical to the H3 SUV.

Hardware

Power for the 2009 Hummer H3T comes from the standard Vortec 3.7-liter inline-5 (I-5) engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Preliminary horsepower and torque estimates (pending SAE certification) for the inline 5-cylinder engine are 242 hp at 5600 rpm and 242 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm. The I-5 is backed by a 5-speed manual transmission or available 4-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission. The optional H3T Alpha 5.3-liter V-8 engine produces 300 hp at 5300 rpm and 320 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm (again, figures are preliminary). Use of an aluminum cylinder block with the I-5 engine assists in reducing overall mass as well as maintaining more optimum front-to-rear weight balance, Hummer says. The transmission is an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic. The Alpha H3T with V-8 engine has a 5900-pound towing capacity.

The 2009 Hummer H3T's chassis and suspension-based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV-is the same as that found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. Two suspension packages are available. The Z85 is the standard suspension, geared for a balance of on-highway and off-road capabilities, with specially tuned heavy-duty shocks, 32-inch all-terrain tires on 16-inch steel wheels, and a choice of two axle ratios: 4.56 (3.7-liter) or 4.10 (5.3-liter) rear axle. The Off-Road Adventure is an optional suspension package specifically for aggressive off-road performance, the automaker says. It includes locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case, and crawl ratios of 68.0 (with manual transmission) or 56.2 (with automatic transmission)-plus 33-inch tires and specifically tuned shocks.

Off-road, the 2009 Hummer H3T can climb a 60-percent grade and traverse a 40-degree side slope. It features front and rear locking differentials (a first in the segment, according to GM), and standard Hummer Hill Hold Assist for improved hill ascent. With the 33-inch tires, the vehicle has a 110.2-inch ground clearance, 38.7-degree approach angle, and 30.1-degree departure angle.

Safety

The 2009 Hummer H3T has four standard skid plates (front shield, transfer case shield, fuel tank shield, and oil-pan shield/front axle shield), and offers dual frontal air bags with the GM passenger sensing system; head curtain side-impact air bags; electronic vehicle stability control system; 4-wheel ABS with traction control; tire-pressure-monitoring system; Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH); and 1-year OnStar with Safe & Sound service.