Hummer H3T in a class of one

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By Sue Mead SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Hummer's all-new 4-wheel drive midsize truck is in a category by itself. The 2009 Hummer H3T and the uplevel Hummer H3T Alpha models blend Hummer's iconic looks with a fully functional pick-up truck that is loaded with a plethora of amenities and full-time 4WD. The new models will be available in five trims and come to the market this fall.

There's no mistaking the H3T is crafted from Hummer genetics. It's virtually identical to the H3 in its exterior and interior from the B-pillar forward, with the addition of a five-foot cargo truck bed in the rear. It has a removable tailgate and standard cargo management system. Additional options for cargo management are offered.

The wide and tall stance of the new trucks is accentuated by beefy wheel arches and large, 32-inch wheels. The front end features a bold, vertically-slatted grille; the lower fascia has imbedded fog lights and dual front tow hooks. Four doors open fully to a crew-cab-styled cabin and seat 5 adults. The truck's lined bed has been designed with four storage compartments mounted at the sides. Additional tow hooks are found on the rear, along with a tow-hitch compartment, and a full-sized spare tire mounted beneath. The H3T's under-carriage is engineered with a massive skid plate.

The H3T comes standard with a Vortec 3.7-liter inline 5-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and comes paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Optionally, the five cylinder can be also be equipped with a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. The H3T Alpha comes with an aluminum block, 5.3-liter V-8 engine, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission rated at 300-horsepower.

The H3T is constructed on a longer wheel base than its stablemate, the H3 SUV, with a frame 22.3 inches longer to accommodate the truck's bed. It has an independent short/and/ long/arm torsion bar front suspension set up, with a multi-leaf rear suspension. Two suspension packages are available; the standard Z85 Heavy Duty Handling and Trailering Package; and the Off-Road Adventure Package. The Z85 Heavy-Duty suspension is engineered for on-road riding comfort, with good off-road ability, as well. Underneath are 32-inch all-terrain steel-belted radials mounted on painted steel wheels.

The optional Off-Road Adventure suspension package comes with a more aggressive off-road suspension, and has 33-inch on/off road Bridgestone radials, with a cast iron front differential case, lower gearing and locking front and rear differentials. The H3T has a towing capacity of 5,900 while the H3T Alpha is able to tow 6,000.

The H3T comes equipped with dual-stage front airbags, curtain side-impact air bags, front passenger sensing system, stability control system, child seat anchors in the rear and a tire pressure monitoring system. Hill start assist is also a standard along with OnStar. A navigation system and rearview camera system are both optional. The H3T Alpha model can be fitted with additional features that include roof crossbars, a chrome fuel door, brush guards, body-color grille and a spare tire cover.

Both leather and cloth seats are available. Leather-trimmed models get heated seats and a leather wrapped steering wheel; in the front are rugged, well-bolstered bucket seats. A center console features a storage bin/arm rest configuration, with dual cup holders.

The large center stack comes with an AM/FM/CD stereo, heading and air conditioning knobs, topped by dual vent ports. The optional navigation system and monitor screen also tucks nicely into the center stack.

The instrument cluster features four separate gauges with tire pressure monitoring. Bluetooth is standard on alpha models, optional on other trims. The rear seating tier features bench seating; the 60/40 split bench folds flat for additional cargo space. Storage pockets are found on the back of the front seats for extra storage.

Pricing for the all-new 2009 H3T begins at $31,495. The H3T Alpha starts at $36,760.