Hummer H3T

Hummer H3T
HUMMER introduced the ruggedly refined H3T concept vehicle at the 2004 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, providing a glimpse at a growing family of expressive, versatile vehicles.

"The H3T concept expresses a vision of the potential of future HUMMER vehicles, targeted at enthusiasts who desire the HUMMER image and capability, but in a smaller, non-SUV configuration," said Clay Dean, design director for small trucks and HUMMER. "It also provides a visual clue to the evolution of HUMMER's design."

To complement the H3T's solid structure with a "go anywhere, do anything" aesthetic, GM and Nike designers collaborated on several key aspects of the vehicle's design.

The H3T's tyres evolved from discussions between GM Design and Nike Design regarding the question of off-road performance footwear influencing off-road performance tyres. The result is the innovative ACG TA tyre, which addresses multiple traction environments with sand paddles, traction pads and multiple durometers of rubber defined by different-color breakouts - much like the design of Nike's ACG trail and hiking shoes. BFGoodrich partnered to engineer and build the striking, groundbreaking tyres.

Nike's influence on the interior includes the use of its Sphere material on the H3T's seats. The lightweight material, used by Nike in specialized clothing, can cool or warm the body without mechanical means. It also conveys a technical aesthetic that looks perfectly at home in the H3T. The seats also are enhanced by Nike Epic backpacks, which are integrated into seat-back clamshells and released with elastic bungees.

"The Nike collaboration is unique and exciting," said Dean. "It allowed us to share ideas and thoughts, while comparing our design process with a world leader in design innovation. The experience has enhanced the whole H3T project."

The H3T's classic proportions reflect its off-road ability, but also symbolize HUMMER's expressive styling - an American design that says as much about driver freedom as HUMMER's off-road experience.

"It's a minimalist approach that conveys purpose," said Dean. "The H3T represents the continual approach to HUMMER's overall design theme - simple in appearance yet strong to the touch. From parts like the door handles to the dashboard details, the H3T looks and feels as if it's been milled from a solid billet of steel or aluminum."

Inside, the technical leather and Nike-designed Sphere seat fabric continue to support the athletic, performance theme of the H3T, as do the chamois, petrol and paprika orange interior colors.

"It's not necessarily a luxury environment in the classic sense - it's a new type of luxury," said Dave Lyon, interior design director for body-on-frame vehicles. "The expression of quality through the use of specific materials conveys a premium look without the use of traditional luxury appointments like wood or leather."

Details
Make	Hummer
Model	H3T
Year Shown	2004
Event	LA Auto Show
Designer(s)	n/a
Propulsion
Type	Petrol Turbo
Capacity	3.5litre / 350bhp
Dimensions
Vehicle Width (mm)	1893
Vehicle Length (mm)	4443
Seating Capacity	2
Performance
Top Speed	n/a
0-60	n/a