Tree huggers can release their grip on the oaks and maples to applaud.
At long last there’s a small Hummer.
Not a tiny Hummer, but one smaller than the H2 or giant H1.
The economy-size model is a truck version of the long-rumored H3 sport-utility vehicle. For now it’s only a concept given a media preview before unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January. It’s expected as a production model for the ’06 model year.
But, sources said, when the H3 does join the lineup, it will bow as a sport-ute, with the truck version coming later.
Offering a sport-ute and a truck derivative of the H3 is in keeping with what Hummer has done with the H2, which came out first in SUV form and is adding a truck version called H2 SUT with a bed replacing the cargo hold in the second quarter of next year.
Hummer now offers the H1 starting at $105,000 to $116,000, and the H2 at about $50,000; the SUT hasn’t been priced. The H3 is expected to be priced around $35,000, the truck derivative a bit higher.
Only a few weeks ago (Cars, Nov. 20), Hummer general manager Mike DiGiovanni told us that, “There’s no reason Hummer can’t be more fuel efficient in the future,” and that, like the H2 SUT “You may see other trucks from Hummer.”
Never thought we’d see the smaller, more fuel-efficient Hummer, much less the truck derivative, this soon.
Styling leaves no doubt it’s a Hummer, with its wide stance, low roofline, wheels at the corners, and familiar big, bold front end and grille.
The H3T is billed as a “smaller, refined” Hummer. This “mini” is built on a 118.6-inch wheelbase and is 174.9 inches long, 70.6 inches high and 74.5 inches wide, more petite than the 122.8-inch wheelbase and 189.8-inch length, 77.8-inch height and 81.2-inch width on the H2.
The H3T is built off the same platform as the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon midsize pickups.
It’s powered by the same 3.5-liter 5-cylinder engine in Colorado/Canyon, though with turbocharging it delivers 350 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque, versus 220 h.p. and 225 foot-pounds of torque in the Chevy/GMC trucks.
No fuel economy numbers because this is a concept. The 5-cylinder in the trucks is rated at 18 m.p.g. city/22 m.p.g. highway, but the H3 will be heavier.
“The smaller size makes the H3T more manageable and less intimidating,” said Clay Dean, GM’s small-truck design director, who calls the concept “an irreverent vehicle, a bad boy in a black tie.”
Those who complain they can’t see around a Hummer when on the road or in the parking lot, will welcome the slimmer, trimmer version.
Noteworthy features include side-access doors for the pickup box to load or unload from either side. Press a button on the key fob with the access door open and assist steps power down to help you get in or out of the bed. The steps double as a weather-tight storage compartments.
Other goodies include a power canvas sunroof, power drop-down rear window, a shift handle that folds flat into the center console when not in use, LED head and taillamps, integrated winch and tow hooks, and front and rear skid plates.
The concept also comes with a hood-mounted camera to record off-road excursions in DVD format. You can watch the action in real time on a dash screen or tape it for viewing after you return home.
In the cabin, Hummer called on Nike to supply lightweight Sphere material usually used in clothing to cool or warm the body without traditional heaters/coolers buried in the seats. Nike also provided removable backpacks integrated into the front seat backs.
Though smaller and “refined,” the H3T is made for off-road use, Hummer said, with 11.5 inches of ground clearance and 19-inch radials that stand 34 inches tall and allow for 51-degree approach and 50-degree departure angles for climbing over rugged terrain. BFGoodrich developed the tires, which come with a “sand paddle”-like tread design for off-roading.
In addition to the Hummer concept, the L.A. Auto Show also will see the debut of the Saab 9-2X hatchback sedan that goes on sale July 1. It’s the newest entry from the Swedish automaker owned by General Motors.
The four-door all-wheel-drive hatchback, the first AWD Saab, is based on the WRX from Subaru. GM owns a 20 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries, maker of Subarus.
Still to come from Saab is the 9-7X sport-utility expected to arrive in early ’05. Like the 9-2X, the 9-7X is an example of GM’s global platform sharing because it is a derivative of the Chevy TrailBlazer sport-ute.
The 92X will be positioned and priced below the 9-3 sedan ($26,000) and available in two versions, an entry-level Linear with a 2.5-liter, 165-h.p., naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that claims a top speed of 122 m.p.h. and a high-performance four-door Aero with a 2-liter, 227-h.p., turbocharged 4 and a claimed top speed of 141 m.p.h. To feed air to the turbo intercooler, Aero will sport an integrated hood intake.
Linear will be rated at 21 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway and the Aero at 20/27 with manual.
Saab boasts that the 9-2X can carry surfboards, skis, in-line skates and camping gear, and obviously is targeted at younger buyers. Linear is expected to start at less than $22,000, Aero at less than $26,000.
Both versions will offer full-time AWD, sports-tuned suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, 5-speed manual transmission (4-speed automatic optional), 16-inch radials mounted on lightweight alloy wheels (17-inch optional on Aero), climate control, power locks/windows/mirrors, tinted glass AM/FM/CD systems and rear window wiper/washer.
The H3T and 9-2X are expected to be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show in February.
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Hear Jim Mateja on WBBM-AM (780) at 6:22 p.m. Wednesdays and 11:20 a.m. Sundays.
