Want to see the 2009 HUMMER H3T in action? Of course you do! What kind of dumb question is that? We recently got word from the guys over at IGotShotgun that they’ve been putting the 2009 H3T through its motions, including climbing the heck all over Moab, UT’s mountainous terrain. Check the H3T out in action in a series of videos featuring Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com as he puts the H3T through its paces. Well, GM isn’t bragging that the H3T is the “most versatile vehicle” they’ve ever built for nothing, you know.
Cars showing up as product placement in a movie is no big deal. In fact, it’s almost common place. Ford, for example, had almost exclusive rights to Michael Bay’s “Transformers”. And it now looks like GM will have their brand new 2008 Hummer HX Concept Car featured in the upcoming “G.I. Joe” movie, which makes sense since the movie is about a military special operations force, and what better way to go into combat than in a Hummer vehicle?
Hummer HX will be used in the upcoming film. The HX is a compact two-door, four-passenger, open-air, extreme off-road capable concept. HX features a reconfigurable rear compartment that can transform from slant back to SUT to square back, any of which can be open air or fully enclosed.
This will be one of the many GM vehicles to be used in the film and will be known as the Cougar (Patrol Vehicle) or the Grizzly (Armored Truck).
Check out the Hummer HX below, and now just picture Snake Eyes riding this bad boy into battle with Storm Shadow…
It’s heeeeeeeeere. Without further ado, some “unofficial”/official pictures of the 2009 Hummer H3T truck (scroll down to the bottom), plus the official press release from GM.
HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed.
The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a HUMMER, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable.
“With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder,” said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. “It offers the combination of truck versatility and HUMMER off-road prowess.”
In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature HUMMER off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires – and the V-8-powered H3T Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).
The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at GM’s Shreveport, La., assembly plant, with vehicles arriving at HUMMER dealerships shortly thereafter. HUMMER will sell the H3T in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Design
Like all HUMMER models, the H3T has a purposeful design, consistent and iconic styling cues, including a wide, aggressive stance; a low roofline and high beltline; and large, off-road tires. The wide, seven-slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square housings are signature HUMMER design elements.
“Form following function is at the core of HUMMER’s design philosophy and the H3T’s capability reflects that mantra,” said Carl Zipfel, HUMMER director of design and former motocross professional. “It has a distinctive look that could be mistaken for nothing except a HUMMER – and it also has the functionality to get the driver to and from the trail in style.”
The crew cab body shares H3 styling and components from the B-pillar forward, while the rear section of the cab and the separate bed are unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed is similar in design and function to GM’s recently redesigned full-size trucks, including an easily removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed.
The bed is sized to carry a wide range of popular outdoor necessities, from hauling motocross bikes to Baja, a quad to camp or backcountry gear to the trailhead. One of the industry’s largest portfolios of accessories complements the H3T’s bed, offering different cargo management options to complement all of those lifestyle interests.
One of the industry’s broadest portfolios of vehicle accessories has been developed for the H3T. Centered on active lifestyles, items such as removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender make full use of the standard bed-rail cargo management system. A range of additional accessories that improves off-road capabilities, provides passenger entertainment and enhances exterior styling is also available. There are more than 75 HUMMER Genuine Accessories offered.
In addition to the factory-developed accessory portfolio, HUMMER has partnered with top automotive aftermarket companies to develop more than 50 Officially Licensed HUMMER Accessories – a first for the brand. A variety of exterior enhancements, such as a Slant Back Bed Cover, hard tonneau covers and a winch are offered, along with cargo management solutions such as the BedSlide and bed divider, offering countless possibilities to personalize the H3T.
Interior
The H3T’s crew cab cabin offers seating for five adults, with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat for increased cargo-carrying options. The cabin’s layout is essentially identical to the acclaimed H3 SUV, with premium materials and attention to detail that give the vehicle a functional yet refined aesthetic.
Standard amenities also include air conditioning, power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry. An AM/FM radio with CD is standard and a premium Monsoon audio system is available. XM Satellite Radio also is standard and includes three months of trial service.
HUMMER’s Rear Vision system and a navigation system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted on the rear bumper, directly above the trailer hitch mount, to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity available.
Powertrain
Standard in the H3T is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 horsepower (180 kW) at 5600 rpm* and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm) at 4600 rpm. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.
The H3T Alpha’s 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.
A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.
Chassis
The H3T’s frame and suspension system are based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV’s chassis and suspension – the same race-proven design found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. The wheelbase measures 134.2 inches (3,409 mm) – 22 inches (86 mm) longer than the H3 SUV. A ladder-type frame is the truck’s foundation and it has a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness. An independent SLA torsion bar front suspension and multileaf Hotchkiss-type rear suspension are used. There are two suspension packages available:
* Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering – This standard suspension delivers an excellent balance of on-highway comfort and off-road capability. It includes 32-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 16-inch, smoke-color steel wheels, specially tuned heavy-duty shocks and either a 4.56-ratio (3.7L) or 4.10-ratio (5.3L) rear axle.
* Off-Road Adventure – Designed for more aggressive off-road performance, this optional suspension package includes taller, 33-inch tires, specifically tuned shocks, locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and industry-leading crawl ratios of either 68.9 with the manual transmission or 56.2 with the automatic.
To support the torque output of the 5.3L V-8, the H3T Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. V-8-powered vehicles also receive higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass and specific shock valving. The chassis and suspensions were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in California, and other challenging off-road venues.
Off-road capability
The H3T lives up to HUMMER’s legendary off-road reputation, with best-in-class extreme off-road capability. Highlights include:
* Ability to climb a 60-percent grade and traverse a 40-percent side slopeExceptional 10.2-inch (285 mm) ground clearance (with 33-inch tires)38.7-degree approach angle and 30.1-degree departure angle (with 33-inch tires)Segment-first available front- and rear-locking differentials
* Standard HUMMER Hill Hold Assist for improved hill ascension
“For most lifestyles, there’s almost nothing the H3T can’t handle,” said Walsh. “It’s a truck with HUMMER’s immutable capability.”Complementing the features that enable the H3T’s impressive off-road prowess is a host of first-class protective elements, including four standard skid shields: a front shield, an oil-pan shield/front-axle shield, a transfer case shield and a fuel tank shield.
Safety
Continuing HUMMER’s tradition of delivering a broad range of safety systems, the H3T offers the following standard features:
* Dual frontal air bags with GM’s passenger sensing systemHead curtain side-impact air bagsStabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability control systemFour-wheel ABS with traction controlTire pressure monitoring systemLATCH rear child seat anchors
* OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service
The H3T was also designed for vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a crash and its rigid body structure provides good passenger protection.
Holy cow, General Motors wasn’t kidding when they said they wanted to change the way the Hummer looked. GM is apparently targeting the consumers who are interested in vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, and word is it may reveal its new 2008 HUMMER HX at the Detroit auto show next month. We’ll have to wait and see if we’ll get our first glimpse of the HUMMER HX next month, but until then, here are more info about the concept sketches.
David Rojas, Min Young Kang, and Robert Jablonski are the artists GM assigned to envision a future off-road vehicle for the HUMMER brand. All three are graduates of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The vehicle would have to evince HUMMER’s off-road credentials while passing muster with Carl Zipfel, the director of the brand’s design studio.
The resulting HX concept shares some elements with other HUMMER vehicles, like its flex-fuel-capable powertrain. But as the HX model is smaller and is a two-door vehicle, it has some stylistic touches uncommon to other HUMMER vehicles. The roof, for example, has removable panels and a removable rear roof that converts the HX from hardtop to an open-air vehicle with a short truck bed. The doors and fender flares are removable, too.
Ready or not, the HUMMER H3T is coming. General Motors is investing over $73 Million to build a plant to build the all-new H3T HUMMER line in Shreveport, Louisiana, according to a press release by the company.
GM Investing $73 Million in Shreveport, La. Truck Plant for Production of HUMMER HT3
SHREVEPORT, La. – General Motors today confirmed that it will invest approximately $73 million into its Shreveport, La. truck assembly plant to prepare the plant for production of the all-new HUMMER H3T.
“GM’s $73-million investment in Shreveport is further proof that the community remains an important part of GM’s manufacturing plan,” said Troy Clarke, GM Group Vice President and GM North America President. “The H3T is unique for HUMMER because it is the brand’s first true pickup. Like every HUMMER model, the H3T delivers capabilities unparalleled in the marketplace and will carve out a new niche in the truck market. I’m happy to say that the men and women of Shreveport will be a big part of this new growth.”
Cal Rapson, UAW vice president and director of the GM Department, also voiced strong support for the project.
“This investment is a testament to the members of UAW Local 2166 for their hard work and commitment to build high quality products,” Rapson said. “UAW members at the Shreveport plant are an important part of the team that is bringing this exciting new GM vehicle to the market.”
Larger than a midsize truck, smaller than a full-size, the H3T delivers attitude, versatility and capability. And more important, with a fully functional truck bed and one of the industry’s broadest range of personalization accessories, the H3T provides a new level of lifestyle functionality to the HUMMER portfolio and will draw new customers into the brand. The H3T is scheduled to arrive in dealerships by third quarter 2008.
“I am delighted that GM has once again chosen to increase investments in Louisiana by expanding operations in Shreveport,” Governor Blanco said. “Louisiana looks to partner with companies interested in doing business in our state who will not only positively impact the region’s economy with their activity, but will also provide quality jobs with good benefits to our workers. Thank you for helping us move Louisiana forward.”
In the last several years, GM has invested approximately $1.5 billion in the Shreveport facility. This investment along with the plant’s annual payroll of $160 million and annual taxes of $4.5 million, demonstrates that GM will continue to be an economic force in the local community and state of Louisiana for years to come.
Shreveport Assembly has built trucks since 1981, beginning with the Chevy S-10. The plant presently produces the HUMMER H3 and Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks. Shreveport Assembly employs approximately 2,100 employees.
Holy cow, who wouldn’t want one of these things? Can you imagine being stuck in traffic and some douche is up there holding everyone back because for some dumb reason? You can pop out the laser cannon and blast his ass back to doucheville. Hell yeah, baby! Here’s the story from The Register (via):
Monster US arms’n'aerospace outfit Boeing is pleased as punch this week to announce that it has “successfully demonstrated” its new Humvee-mounted raygun, the Laser Avenger – intended to prove “that directed energy weapons are relevant to today’s battlefield, and ready to be fielded”.
Just what use this might be isn’t immediately clear, though Boeing reckons Laser Avenger would be a great way of clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) or perhaps terrorist/insurgent bombs (Improvised Explosive Devices, or IEDs) out of the way. It seems you can shine the raygun at such things, and after a while they explode.
Boeing said: “During laser firings [last month] the Laser Avenger engaged and destroyed five targets representing IED and UXO threats… at ranges that allowed the system to be operated at safe distances from the target.”
Can’t afford a real Hummer H3 just yet? Don’t worry, settle for the toy version. Or, more specifically, the RC version. The guys over at RCMania has a review of the Hummer H3 RC from New Brite, and they’ve given it a grade of C+. Not great, but hey, these guys are RC experts, so I’m guessing their criteria for A+ products are very high. In any case, it looks very cool.
The specs:
Street Price: $69.99 US
Manufacturer: New Bright
Mfgr’s recommended min. age: 8+
Our recommended age range: 7-11
Top speed: 7.3mph
Radio: 49mhz
Includes:
The New Bright Hummer H3 1/6th scale looks great and on pavement or level ground, it’s very fun to drive. Younger kids in its age range in particular will enjoy it, especially because of its size and realistic sounds. If you want a rough & tumble truck to go offroading with, though, this isn’t the truck for you. On minor inclines and over modest bumps, it can easily get stuck and the motor really isn’t powerful enough to propel it around at good speed.
The HUMMER truck is flying off the showroom in Venezuela despite the fact that the country’s President, the always out-of-this-world fruit job Hugo Chavez telling everyone to stop buying them. The South American wannabe dictator wants to start a “revolution” to curb drinking and material commercialism, saying, “What kind of revolution is this? The Whisky Revolution? The Hummer Revolution? No, this is a real revolution!” And the response from his citizens? Sales of both premium whiskey and Hummers are booming! Ha!
All of his sermonizing about vices and virtues might make Chavez seem like a prudish sourpuss to some, but he also likes to party — in his own clean way.
He says he unwinds with pickup baseball games or outdoor bowling matches known as “bolas criollas.” And during marathon speeches he breaks into song frequently — so often, in fact, that one aide compiled recordings of him singing on an “All Time Hits” CD, which has yet to be released to the public.
“There I am singing, but it’s terrible,” Chavez said.
As a former tank squadron leader, Chavez also enjoys getting behind the wheel of a Venezuelan-made Tiuna jeep, which he did in August with Hollywood star Sean Penn in tow. But he says he has no interest in Hummers or other material belongings.
Andres Medina, a 39-year-old browsing at the car show, said he agrees with Chavez, but that old habits die hard.
“Society would benefit from socialist values,” he said. “But it’s very difficult to change this culture.”
Buy those Hummers, boys. Don’t listen to that whack job.
Dying to see what the 2009 Hummer H3T looks like when it finally becomes available at your local Hummer dealer? Well you’re in luck, because someone snapped a photo of it, and the guys at worldcarfans has it (see the thumbnail to your left and a bigger picture below). I personally think it looks okay, but nothing to get overly excited about. Then again, the finished version could look so much better, who knows.
So what’s the difference between the 2009 version and the rest? According to WCF:
The most obvious difference between the concept vehicle H3T and the production model is that the concept was a 2-door, but the prototype shows that the production model will be a 4-door. Completely covered in the prototype is the short pickup truck bed, about 4 feet long, which will probably be outfitted with an optional assortment of locking storage boxes as shown in the concept vehicle.
Engines will probably be a choice of the 242 hp 3.7 liter inline 5-cylinder, or the new 295 hp 5.3 liter V8 as used in the H3 Alpha. The new H3T is expected to be introduced in late 2008 as a 2009 model.
Want to see the 2009 HUMMER H3T in action? Of course you do! What kind of dumb question is that? We recently got word from the guys over at IGotShotgun that they’ve been putting the 2009 H3T through its motions, including climbing the heck all over Moab, UT’s mountainous terrain. Check the H3T out in action in a series of videos featuring Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com as he puts the H3T through its paces. Well, GM isn’t bragging that the H3T is the “most versatile vehicle” they’ve ever built for nothing, you know. 
Cars showing up as product placement in a movie is no big deal. In fact, it’s almost common place. Ford, for example, had almost exclusive rights to Michael Bay’s “Transformers”. And it now looks like GM will have their brand new 2008 Hummer HX Concept Car featured in the upcoming “G.I. Joe” movie, which makes sense since the movie is about a military special operations force, and what better way to go into combat than in a Hummer vehicle? 
It’s heeeeeeeeere. Without further ado, some “unofficial”/official pictures of the 2009 Hummer H3T truck (scroll down to the bottom), plus the official press release from GM.
Holy cow, General Motors wasn’t kidding when they said they wanted to change the way the Hummer looked. GM is apparently targeting the consumers who are interested in vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, and word is it may reveal its new 2008 HUMMER HX at the Detroit auto show next month. We’ll have to wait and see if we’ll get our first glimpse of the HUMMER HX next month, but until then, here are more info about the concept sketches.
Holy cow, who wouldn’t want one of these things? Can you imagine being stuck in traffic and some douche is up there holding everyone back because for some dumb reason? You can pop out the laser cannon and blast his ass back to doucheville. Hell yeah, baby! Here’s the story from The Register (
Can’t afford a real Hummer H3 just yet? Don’t worry, settle for the toy version. Or, more specifically, the RC version. The guys over at RCMania has a review of the Hummer H3 RC from New Brite, and they’ve given it a grade of C+. Not great, but hey, these guys are RC experts, so I’m guessing their criteria for A+ products are very high. In any case, it looks very cool.
The HUMMER truck is flying off the showroom in Venezuela despite the fact that the country’s President, the always out-of-this-world fruit job Hugo Chavez telling everyone to stop buying them. The South American wannabe dictator wants to start a “revolution” to curb drinking and material commercialism, saying, “What kind of revolution is this? The Whisky Revolution? The Hummer Revolution? No, this is a real revolution!” And the response from his citizens? Sales of both premium whiskey and Hummers are booming! Ha!
Dying to see what the 2009 Hummer H3T looks like when it finally becomes available at your local Hummer dealer? Well you’re in luck, because someone snapped a photo of it, and the guys at 
