2008 Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Hummer H3T
Although it’s scheduled to debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, we can bring you the goods on the 2009 Hummer H3T now. As expected, it’s essentially a standard H3 with a utility bed out back. A 22-inch-longer wheelbase helps to accommodate the bed without sacrificing interior passenger room. The cargo box itself will offer GM’s bed rail accessory system, so although it’s only 5 feet long it should prove more useful than your typical SUT add-on.
Everything else about the H3T is identical to the standard SUV model. Base models get the 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder while the H3T Alpha gets the 5.3-liter V8. Hard-core off-roaders will appreciate the fact that the optional off-road package adds front and rear differential lockers along with lower transfer case gears and 33-inch tires. No word on whether the standard H3 will offer the same upgrades for 2009. Production of the 2009 Hummer H3T starts in the third quarter of this year, so expect to see it in dealers by August.
-- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
- Permalink | Comments (14)
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 25, 2008, 2:56 PM
- Categories: Chicago Auto Show, HUMMER, SUVs, Trucks
Lower the beltline and give it a better drivetrain and I'd buy one. That box is simply way too high.
Looks really cool, but knowing Hummer they'll price it high. Anyone remember the Jeep Gladiator? This Hummer really reminds me of that.
The truck the Colorado wishes it could be...
Wonder if the V8 drivetrain will ever make it to the Colorado? As well as the interior quality?
GM has already stated that the 5.3 V8 is going to the Colorado/Canyon, but I'm not sure when. Not that it matters though, those are trucks are fairly old.
The Jeep Gladiator was a great looking truck.....should have been built. This H3T doesn't do much for me.
rick8365
The Jeep Gladiator was built—back in the 1960s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Gladiator
Oh, I know, you're talking about the Jeep Gladiator concept. ;)
So I am also left to ponder how well this will really do? It is a HUMMER and that name might sell, but as far as it being a truck?? I guess only time will tell. It says it's a midsize, but I don't see it being any bigger than a Colorado and definately not as big as a Tacoma or Frontier. At least it has a V8 and Dodge can't make the claim of having the only mid-size with a V8 anymore. Not that thier Dakota is flying off the lots.
I give that it is an attractive looking vehicle and probably quite capable off road. I don't see the bed being very useful except to haul a couple potted plants and maybe a boxed TV, but that's about it. At least it'll haul more than the H3.
Bob,
I had NO idea that the old Jeep Wagoneer based pickups were called "Gladiators"....WOW, an interesting bit of truck trivia there. I remember those trucks when I was a kid and I remember a non dually wrecker version in my town. The Wiki article also mentions military use and I remember seeing them too - both in olive drab and Air Force blue. Thanks for the blast from the past, I had forgotten about those trucks and of course never knew their official name.
Obviously, I was referring to the Gladiator concept which I thought was a great looking truck when I saw it at the NYIAS show that year. Seeing the picture of it again only solidifies my opinion - I would love to have that truck with the diesel and 6spd.
I imagine with a wheelbase that long you're better off driving around the block vs. attempting a U-turn. ;-)
It looks like the truck needs it's tailgate down to carry the dirtbike (something that I'm interested in doing). Just by judging what that red reflector is in the cleverly angled pic. Cleverly angled so it's hard to tell that the bed is too short..
yes you would have to have the tailgate down... you have to on most mid-size trucks with less than a 6" bed and a decent sized bike.
Hmmm, the Tundra doesn't let you do that. Apparently there could be a failure with the mechanism.
thebigal is correct. Even with a 6 foot bed you need the tailgate down on a full size dirt bike. With a 5 foot bed it would be close even with the tailgate down.
Perhaps that bike is photoshopped in.
I agree with desmo / thought the same thing....the gate is down and there's a cleverness to the choice of angle in the photo. I think you can actually see the top corner of the tailgate peeking out by the tailight/bumper.