The 2009 Hummer H3T Unveiled

Dallas is so lucky. They got a first hand view of the 2009 Hummer H3T which was unceremoniously unveiled at the Dallas Auto Show. Being a huge Hummer fan, I would have been there if I was not tied up at work. I’ve been missing a lot of good auto shows lately. First there was the hugely successful NAIAS and now this. I’ve not been paying attention to the news so I was not aware that they were unveiling the H3T.

From what I have heard and what I’ve read, the 2009 Hummer H3t lives up to the brand name. You can see from the picture posted below that it is a pick-up truck, the first ever from Hummer. It is a bit larger than a mid-size pick-up truck, but not as large as a full-size one. It brings to mind images of the Ford F150, although the H3T has the trademark wide front fascia which is a noticeable spin-off from previous models. And it’s a bit bulkier and it offers a more menacing look. You know what the automaker just did? Cut the passenger compartment into two, making one part the cab and the other the truck bed. But who cares? It looks good anyway. Plus, you get to lug things around in the 1.5 meter truck bed.

As for the specs, it sports a Vortec 3.7 L I-5 engine. This five-cylinder engine is capable of producing as much as 242 hp at 5600 rpm, and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm. Manual transmission comes standard on the H3T mainly because it is preferable for off-road driving. But if you’re lazy enough to shift gears, automatic transmission is available as well. The H3T Alpha which is slowly beginning to be the most favored trim has a 5.3L V8 engine that produces as much as 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.

The H3T is offered in four trims, including the V8-powered H3T Alpha which is rumored to have a towing capability of a tractor (well, not exactly!). But it can tow up to 5,900 pounds. That is very impressive for a non full-size truck. It also has 4WD capability, being an off-road machine like all its predecessors. It is fitted with 32-33-inch tires, depending on the trim. And skid shields make a great addition to its off-road capability. The cab is similar to the H3, except for the length, for obvious reasons. And the truck bed is lifted from GM’s newest designs of full-size trucks.

Now, about the interior, it has everything that you would expect from a Hummer. And that means, a spacious passenger compartment which can hold five people including the driver, and even six if I bring along my anorexic uncle. The design is very similar to the H3 SUV, and as always it has standard amenities like power features, radio and a/c. It’s also fitted with the OnStar technology, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system and a rear-view camera. The last one can be very helpful when towing stuff.

As for the icing on the cake, well Hummer is planning on marketing as much as 125 accessories for the H3T, and that includes many off-road tools that can make you feel like you can take on any trail in front of you. And, these accessories are even made for different applications, like water sports, biking, trekking, hiking and many other extreme sports. The 2009 Hummer H3T is a definitive must-have. It is set to be in production lines by the last quarter of this year, so expect it to come out early next year. And, by the way, the Hummer HX, which I featured on one post, is set to make a debut in 2010, as well another Hummer, the H4, Can’t wait for those to hit the market.