HUMMER H3T Alpha (2009)

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HUMMER H3T Alpha (2009)

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 that delivers customers to the trail in style.'

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. 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. Its consistent and iconic styling cues include 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 suit all of those lifestyle interests.

HUMMER H3 Alpha (2008)

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HUMMER H3 Alpha (2008)

For 2008, HUMMER has addressed one of the sticking points many people have had with the smaller H3 model, namely, the lack of a V8 engine. While the 3.7L inline 5 has adequate power to shuttle the H3 around, the burble of a V8's exhaust note and the associated extra thrust would certainly have been more in keeping with the brand image created by the monster-sized H1 and solidified by the more-realistic H2.

With the return of the Alpha moniker last seen on the top-end H1, HUMMER fixed the H3's biggest problem. The Alpha, you see, has 5.3 liters of V8 power underhood. Read on after the jump.

The freshly-available small-block V8 dishes out 295 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, a very healthy and welcome increase over the I5's 242 horses and 242 lb-ft of torque. The available V8 gives the small HUMMER a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

Inside, the H3 Alpha's cabin remains essentially unchanged save for an "Alpha" badge on the steering wheel. it's well-appointed to begin with, as the H3 Luxury Package is part of the greater Alpha trim level. Roof-rail side-curtain airbags, an option on the '07 truck, are now standard equipment as well. Like its big-brother H2, the '08 H3 gets a silver-painted lower front bumper. The Alpha package can also be combined with the H3X to give the maximum-bling H3 the newfound V8 punch as well. With the availability of V8 power for the H3, HUMMER has now fleshed out its existing lineup and given potential buyers two distinct flavors of the entry-level HUMMER to choose from. This is good. Now, where's that long-rumored Wrangler competitor?

HUMMER H2 (2008)

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HUMMER H2 (2008)

The 2008 Hummer H2 gets a redesigned interior and more powerful engine. This premium large SUV is available as a 4-door wagon and a pickup-like SUT. Like the Chevrolet Avalanche, the SUT features a folding midgate between the cabin and cargo bed. Responding to criticism that the H2's interior trailed the competition in materials quality and overall design, Hummer updates its big SUV's passenger compartment for 2008. With the revised interior comes an available 2-passenger 3rd-row seat. Also new is a 393-hp 6.2-liter V8 that replaces a 325-hp 6.0-liter. A 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual operation is the only transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 8000 lb, up from 6500 lb. H2s have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing for off-road use. Severe off-road equipment is available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are OnStar assistance and leather upholstery with heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.