| 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."
That purposeful appearance is delineated
from the HUMMER H1's military roots.
"We evolved the HUMMER design
language with the H2," said Dean. "But we're continuing
that vision and progressing the brand."
The H3T's purposefully premium interior
environment includes a rugged shifter handle that folds completely
forward and military-inspired toggle switches for various controls.
An altimeter, compass and inclinometer also are mounted on the dashboard.
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."
The same goes for the H3T's exterior,
which features high-tech, yet durable, LED headlamps and taillamps,
an integrated winch and tow hooks, as well as front and rear skid
plates that are stamped out of aluminum and joined with side "rock
sliders." There also are control arm and rear axle skid plates,
along with a carbon fiber skid plate/belly pan, which protects the
vehicle when off the road and aids aerodynamic efficiency on the
highway.
A brush guard is integrated with the
front skid plate and the taillamps have integrated lens protectors.
Driving/marker lamps are built into the side-view mirrors.
The exterior colors, Petrol Blue Metallic
and Satin Titanium Alloy, fuel the H3T's theme of a rugged vehicle
with serious attitude. The forward-opening hood is aided by trigger-operated
latches, which integrate into the trademark HUMMER hood louvers.
An exposed radiator is another classic HUMMER styling cue and a
camera mounted on the hood can be used to record off-road excursions
in DVD format.
At the rear, the tailgate features
exposed hinges (with integrated gas struts) and cantilevers to provide
an unbroken load platform for the bed. The bed is more than 4 feet
wide and has very small fender intrusions.
"The H3T supposes a new realm
of rugged, yet premium choices for drivers who find larger vehicles
don't fit their needs," said Lyon. "With the H3T, a whole
new group of driving enthusiasts benefits from the relevance of
HUMMER's unflappable capability. There simply is nothing like it
in the midsize truck market." |
