We may be a little late on the HUMMER H3T crusing around in the snow video, but better late than never right? The video was released by GM prior to the H3T’s first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show next week. Also included are a few comments from HUMMER’s general manager Martin Walsh, and lead HUMMER designer Carl Zipfel - Enjoy!
Source: GM via Autoblog
The general consensus is that HUMMER will be producing a smaller vehicle in the near future, most likely called the H4. After my conversation with Carl Zipfel, HUMMER’s director of exterior design, my consensus is that it will be very similar to the HX concept that appeared at the Detroit Auto Show.
We all know that somewhere between concept and production there are inevitable changes. Zipfel says that when working with a concept like the HX, it’s important to keep your eye on possible production. “We like to stay within striking distance,” he explained. Zipfel, being an engineer of sorts, put that comment in quantitative terms as well: “As far as the dimensions and the features, I think we’re about 90% there. We’ll probably lose some of the custom billet pieces here and there…but I could see this as an Alpha almost exactly like it is – integrated winch, 35inch tires, 20 inch wheels, some billet parts – it’s not really that un-doable. ”
Some HUMMER enthusiasts have expressed concern about the independent front and rear suspension on the HX concept, but Zipfel suggests that could change. “(The HX) is showing an independent front with a semi-trailing rear, and there might be a little re-think on that if it ever did reach production. I think you’d still see the independent front, but what the rear ended up being could be debated.”
Since Zipfel works with the entire HUMMER brand, I was also interested in what insight the HX could give us into the upcoming exterior update to the H2. Can we expect to see any design cues from the HX on the newly designed H2? “Oh yea, definitely…we’ll always do a 7 port grille, but we’re certainly looking at how we evolve the grille, how we execute things like the headlamps and tail lamps. So all the things you’re seeing on (the HX) will definitely have some influence on any refresh of the H2.” Zipfel was relatively tight-lipped on the subject of H2, but did offer some commentary on all the comparisons HX is getting to the Jeep Wrangler: (more…)
Today started out with some grainy HUMMER H3T scans, and ended with a complete embargo break – mostly in part by the angry folks at PickupTruck.com, who were upset with Truck Trend’s ‘accidental’ embargo break that hit newsstands well before the scheduled embargo date. For a more complete breakdown of the events, check out Jalopnik’s coverage (be sure to check out their Motor Trend embargo break story – pretty amusing). At any rate, here is our HUMMER H3T breakdown:
The HUMMER H3T Pickup Truck will be shown in public for the first time at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. The new truck in HUMMER’s portfolio will have a five foot bed, and is based on the H3. That means seating for five, 32 inch tires, full-time four-wheel drive, Stabilitrak, and side curtain air bags will be standard on the H3T. Not standard on the HUMMER H3T is the V8 engine, which similar to the H3 (at least until the H3 Championship Edition), will only be offered only as part of the Alpha trim level.
“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 that delivers customers to the trail in style.”
One interesting point about the drivetrain, the HUMMER H3T is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials. Along with full-time four-wheel drive, that option helps HUMMER stay true to their off-road heritage.
Vehicle accessories are an important part of the HUMMER brand, which is why the H3T will have one of the broadest accessory portfolios of any vehicle. The truck bed will offer several storage boxes, and even an adjustable bike chock to secure your bike or ATV. Other accessory options will offer improved off-road ability, passenger entertainment, and of course, exterior styling. In all, over 75 official HUMMER accessories will be offered. For the first time prior to production, HUMMER has partnered with several aftermarket companies to produce more than 50 officially licensed products for the H3T . Among them are hard tonneau covers, bedslides, and even a slant-back option. I guess that spy shot from the Baja 1000 chase vehicle wasn’t so far fetched!
Many people were concerned about the inherent off-road inabilities of a pickup truck, but it looks like the HUMMER H3T will have the best off-road ability in its class. The H3T will be able to climb a 60 percent grade and traverse a 40 percent side slope – the same as H3, H2, H1, and military Humvee. Not bad. The ground clearance is a step above H3 and H2 at 10.2 inches with the optional 33inch tires. Front and rear locking differentials will also be a first for any HUMMER model other than H1, as well as any midsize pickup. The H3T will also have HUMMER Hill Hold Assist – which we need more info on, but it sounds like some sort of system that stops the vehicle from rolling backward on a steep incline.
When we talk to anyone at General Motors, it isn’t cars and SUVs that are keeping the lights on – it’s pickup trucks. Even though the economy fluctuates, the demand for pickup trucks stays relatively unchanged, probably due to the segment of the population that needs a pickup truck for certain lines of work. HUMMER is hoping to capitalize on their reputation of having unique styling, great off-road ability, and America’s love for the pickup to make the HUMMER H3T a success. The H3T will begin production in September of this year.
Check out the full gallery at Autoblog.
We’re still sticking to HUMMER H3T embargo, but the newest Truck Trend hit newsstands (early, by mistake) with some images of the newest HUMMER pickup truck. The HUMMER H3T is set to debut at the Chicago Auto show in a few weeks. So, for now, we’ll let the images speak for themselves. Enjoy!
Image Source: Elcova Discussion Forums
Don’t get too excited, America – the HUMMER H3 diesel engine available in calendar year 2009 will only be available to international markets. HUMMER’s General Manager Martin Walsh says the diesel engine helps show HUMMER’s commitment to enhance fuel economy, which includes the use of biofuels. Walsh also suggested that the international H3 diesel may be the first step to bringing an H3 diesel engine to the North America. When asked why the diesel wouldn’t be offered in the U.S. sooner, Walsh said emissions concerns had held them back. Even though they won’t be offered in the U.S., don’t be surprised when a few diesel-powered H3s show up on the home soil!
General Motors has held onto its 77-year run of being the world’s largest automaker, barely edging out Toyota by about 3,000 units in 2007. GM’s global sales rose 3% to 9,369,524 compared to Toyota’s 6% rise to around 9,366,000 – that estimate coming from a Toyota spokesperson, with promise of a more official number on the 28th of this month. I wouldn’t be surprised if Toyota somehow finds another 3,000 units they hadn’t accounted for in the original number, and claiming the top spot for themselves – time will tell!
Source: Bloomberg
Photo Credit: GM Inside News
With ever increasing demands to enhance fuel efficiency, how does a brand like HUMMER survive? With the cancellation of the H1 model, the largest vehicle in HUMMER’s fleet, many enthusiasts fear that the H2 may be next on the chopping block. HUMMER’s General Manager Martin Walsh recently gave some insight into the future of the H2.
Walsh has been pretty open about the fact that HUMMER will continue to produce smaller vehicles. “That allows us to take mass out, helps us with fuel economy, but also gives us an opportunity to go into more markets around the world,” said Walsh, “We’re currently in 37 countries total right now with a plan to continue to grow that.” The message of HUMMER becoming increasing global brand by decreasing in size was emphasized during our discussion with General Motors’ CEO Rick Wagoner: “If you think H2s look big on the road in the U.S., you out to put them on just about any other road in the world, and they look really, really big.”
Just because HUMMER is scaling down in size to increase its global appeal, Walsh says the H2 still has a place in the U.S. marketplace and for now, is here to stay. “It’s still an important part of our portfolio. We’re not prepared to talk about long-term future because frankly, that vehicle is here and it’s important to us. We haven’t had a discussion on whether it stays or not.”
While pointing out that the 2008 H2 had a 12% increase in fuel economy over the previous year, Walsh explained HUMMER’s “approach is to confront some of the challenges not simply by canceling a vehicle, but by improving the performance of the vehicle, so we can meet the needs of the marketplace.”
To prolong the H2’s lifespan, HUMMER is planning the addition of a 4.5L diesel to the H2 in 2010 , which could garner more global appeal. Also, a revitalized exterior body style is expected around the same time. HUMMER has made it clear they have no expectations of canceling the H2 as long as it continues to have a place in the U.S. market. After our discussion, we felt confident we’ll see the HUMMER H2 produced for several more years.
For the second consecutive year, and third time in four years (see first and second), J.D. Power and Associates have named HUMMER.com #1 in usefulness to new-vehicle shoppers among automotive manufacturer websites, according to CNNmoney.com. Shoppers evaluate websites on four criteria: appearance, speed, navigation, and information/content.
“HUMMER continues to set the standard with a Web site that satisfies shoppers through fast performance and streamlined navigation,” said Steve Witten, of J.D. Power and Associates. “A focus on a user-friendly site that delivers robust information to shoppers both quickly and easily has put HUMMER’s site in the top spot three times in the past four waves of MWES.”
Lincoln and Kia rounded out the top three — check out the top 10 after the jump:
(more…)
Thanks to the crew at TopSpeed.com, we now have video available of the HUMMER H3R at the GM Style Event that kicked off the Detroit Auto Show last weekend. What would I do without bloggers with better A/V equipment than me? Thanks guys!
If you weren’t looking closely at the Detroit Auto Show, you may have missed a significant new product in HUMMER’s lineup. The HUMMER H3 Championship Limited Edition made its debut and will be hitting showrooms this summer.
The HUMMER H3 Championship helps celebrate Team HUMMER’s win at the Baja 1000 as HUMMER’s newest limited edition. The “Ultra Silver” metallic paint is even the same paint used on the #863, V-8 powered race truck that took first in its class. But that’s not all; the H3 Championship has racing inspired design all over.
To start, the H3 Championship is equipped with HUMMER’s V8 engine, which right now is only available with the H3 Alpha package. The grill is painted to match the unique silver color, and the brake calipers and shock absorbers are painted red for a more sporty look. The Baja race was not only about speed, but about off-road, so the H3 Championship on display had some cool items to further enhance its off-road prowess.
Underbody protection, rocker panel protection, black brush guard, and extended fender flares were installed on this vehicle. Whether or not the H3 Championship will come with any or all of these is still unknown. It also had a hood decal behind the black hood insert, adding to the race inspired look.
The pictures I snapped aren’t the best – but the color looks great in real life. This will be the first true silver HUMMER has ever done on H2 or H3 – and it looks nice! Also, chrome haters rejoice, this will be the first HUMMER H3 with a V-8 that you can order without chrome, or even the luxury package! Check out more pictures after the jump. (more…)
