In the annals of vehicular history, the year 1979 marks a pivotal juncture, as it heralded the commencement of AM General’s foray into the realm of groundbreaking design with the inception of the M998 Series High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), colloquially known as the iconic Humveeยฎ. Tasked with the ambitious mission of supplanting the venerable M151 and other light tactical vehicles, the Humvee was envisioned as a 1.25-ton truck, a veritable titan in the military
automotive domain.
Fast forward to 1981, a year that witnessed the U.S. Army bestowing upon AM General the mantle of prototype development through a lucrative contract. The crucible of development and operational testing unfolded over a five-month gestation period in 1982, culminating in March 1983 with a resounding
triumph as AM General clinched a monumental $1.2 billion contract. This landmark agreement aimed at the production of 55,000 Humvees, a fleet that would manifest in five basic models and an astonishing 15 different configurations over the ensuing half-decade.
The magnitude of the Army’s endorsement swelled as an additional 15,000 vehicles were appended to the original order, magnifying the total contract to a staggering 70,000 Humvees, all valued at an impressive $1.6 billion. The Humvee, with its exceptional trifecta of speed, mobility, and agility, became the stalwart companion of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy, strategically positioned across domestic and overseas locations.
The saga of AM General unfolded further in 1983 when the LTV Corporation orchestrated the acquisition of AM General from American Motors Corporation, cementing its status as a wholly owned subsidiary under the umbrella of the LTV Aerospace and Defense Company. Relocating its headquarters from the American Motors AMTEK Building to Livonia, Michigan, in 1984, AM General eventually found its abode in South Bend, Indiana, becoming the epicenter of its manufacturing operations.
January 2, 1985, marked a historic milestone as AM General proudly ushered the inaugural HMMWV, christened colloquially as the HUMMER, off the assembly line in its newly established South Bend facility. The birth of this standard military vehicle was not merely a mechanical feat; it symbolized the culmination of years of design prowess and
engineering acumen.
The ensuing years bore witness to AM General’s strategic maneuvers, including the completion of its medium truck business in 1989 and the subsequent closure of the Chippewa Avenue facilities in South Bend. A pivotal moment materialized in 1990 when the AM General headquarters embarked on a relocation journey from Chippewa Avenue to its present domicile in downtown South Bend.
The rhythm of success persisted, echoing in the August of 1989 when the U.S. Army, recognizing the indispensability of the Humvee, bestowed upon AM General a new multiyear contract encompassing the production of over 33,000 additional vehicles. As deliveries commenced in January 1990, the total value of this second multiyear contract eclipsed $1 billion, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Humvee.
Not content to rest on laurels, AM General continued to augment its legacy with subsequent contracts, including one in 1994 and a monumental award in 2000 for the production of up to 31,474 additional Humvees through 2007. An impressive tally of over 175,000 vehicles has since been meticulously crafted and delivered to the U.S. Armed Forces, fortifying the Humvee’s reputation as the indomitable workhorse of military endeavors.
The Humvee etched its indelible mark in the annals of military history, emerging prominently in the U.S. military actions in Panama (1989-90) and Operation Desert Storm (1991). Its rugged resilience resonated in subsequent theaters of conflict, from Somalia and the Balkans to Afghanistan and Iraq, underscoring its unwavering presence wherever the stars and stripes fluttered.
In the corporate tapestry, The Renco Group, Inc. of New York City entered the narrative in April 1992, acquiring AM General Corporation from LTV. Not content to be confined to military domains, AM General diversified its portfolio in 1992 with the inception of civilian versions of the Humvee, christened the HUMMER. Positioned as “the world’s most serious 4×4,” the HUMMER found favor among commercial users and individuals alike, drawn to its longevity and unparalleled performance.
A seminal moment materialized in 1999 when AM General birthed General Engine Products, Inc. (GEP), a wholly owned subsidiary, and erected a state-of-the-art facility in Franklin, Ohio, dedicated to crafting 6.5-liter diesel engines. This strategic move positioned GEP as a pivotal player, supplying service engines to General Motor’s Service Parts Operation and catering to diverse customer needs.
December 1999 witnessed a transformative alliance as AM General and General Motors Corporation sealed a pact to jointly explore product, marketing, and distribution avenues for the HUMMER. In this symbiotic partnership, GM assumed exclusive ownership of the HUMMER brand name worldwide, rechristening the extant HUMMER as the HUMMER H1. The year 2002 heralded the assembly of the HUMMER H2, a “next-generation” sport utility vehicle designed by GM, within a new factory in Mishawaka. Consequently, GM assumed the mantle of marketing and distribution for all HUMMERs.
A pivotal chapter unfolded in April 2002 as AM General transitioned into a limited liability company, solidifying its strategic trajectory. Beyond the assembly line, AM General assumed a multifaceted role, offering not only parts and training support for its products but also leveraging its Engineering and Product Development Center to provide systems technical support for various military vehicle systems, including the stalwart Humvee.
As the pages turned towards the mid-2000s, General Motors unfurled the 2006 HUMMER H3 midsized SUV, a testament to the enduring legacy of the HUMMER lineage. In this ever-evolving narrative, AM General, with its eight decades of growth, stands resolute as the preeminent world leader in the design, engineering, and production of military and special purpose vehicles.
In the lexicon of trademarks, the Humvee stands adorned with the imprimatur of distinction as a registered trademark of AM General LLC, while HUMMER, H1, and H2 find their place as registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. As the wheels of time roll forward, AM General’s journey, marked by innovation, resilience, and strategic alliances, continues to chart new horizons in the dynamic landscape of vehicular excellence.
HUMMER H3T Concept Truck
The HUMMER H3T Concept Truck stands as an exemplary testament to the synergistic prowess emanating from the collaborative endeavor between General Motors (GM) and Nike designers. Imbued with a resolute commitment to embody a quintessential “go anywhere, do anything” aesthetic, the H3T’s design narrative unfolds as a paragon of innovative finesse and trailblazing automotive artistry.
A pivotal facet of this design convergence materializes in the evolutionary trajectory of the H3T’s tires, a product of the intellectual intersection between GM Design and Nike Design. This collaboration delves into the intriguing interplay between off-road performance footwear and its potential influence on off-road performance tires. The fruit of this exploration is the groundbreaking ACG TA
tire, a testament to cutting-edge engineering that addresses diverse traction environments with an ensemble of sand paddles, traction pads, and multiple rubber durometers, vividly delineated by distinct color breakouts. BFGoodrich, a stalwart in tire engineering, stands as a key partner in the realization of these visually striking and functionally superior tires.
Nike’s design imprimatur extends beyond the exterior, permeating the H3T’s interior with the deployment of its revolutionary Sphere material on the vehicle’s seats. Originating from Nike’s repertoire of specialized clothing, this lightweight material transcends conventional norms, seamlessly oscillating between cooling and warming functions without recourse to mechanical means. The technical finesse of Nike’s design ethos harmoniously coalesces with the rugged ambiance of the H3T, creating a symbiosis of form and function. The incorporation of Nike Epic backpacks into the seat-back clamshells, effortlessly released with elastic bungees, further amplifies the interior’s athletic and performance-driven motif.
Dean, a key protagonist in the design narrative, underscores the uniqueness and excitement derived from the Nike collaboration. The collaborative crucible becomes a fertile ground for the exchange of ideas, fostering a cross-pollination of design philosophies between GM and a global vanguard in design innovation like Nike. This experiential fusion enhances the entire H3T project, elevating it to a realm where automotive design transcends conventional boundaries.
The H3T’s design language, an ode to HUMMER’s legacy, exudes classic proportions that not only echo its off-road prowess but also serve as a testament to HUMMER’s expressive styling, a quintessentially American design idiom that articulates a profound narrative of driver freedom intertwined with the off-road experience. Dean elucidates the design philosophy as a minimalist approach that radiates purpose, a visual manifestation of HUMMER’s overarching theme – simplicity in appearance coupled with robust tactile integrity. Every detail, from door handles to dashboard intricacies, resonates with a sense of being meticulously milled from a solid billet of steel or aluminum, reinforcing the purposeful aesthetic.
The purposeful premium interior environment of the H3T extends to a rugged shifter handle that folds with military precision and toggle switches, inspired by military aesthetics, overseeing various controls. The dashboard proudly boasts an altimeter, compass, and inclinometer, epitomizing the marriage of form and function. The technical leather and Nike-designed Sphere seat fabric, adorned in chamois, petrol, and paprika orange hues, further amplify the athletic and performance-driven theme of the H3T, creating an ambiance of luxury redefined.
This new paradigm of luxury, as articulated by Dave Lyon, the interior design director, eschews traditional tropes and finds expression through the meticulous selection of specific materials that convey a premium aura without resorting to conventional luxury appointments like wood or leather.
The exterior of the H3T, a realm of high-tech resilience, showcases durable LED headlamps and taillamps, an integrated winch and tow hooks, and stamped aluminum front and rear skid plates joined by side “rock sliders.” Control arm and rear axle skid plates, coupled with a carbon fiber skid plate/belly pan, embody the H3T’s prowess when navigating off-road terrain while optimizing aerodynamic efficiency on highways.
Aesthetically, the exterior is resplendent in Petrol Blue Metallic and Satin Titanium Alloy, resonating with the H3T’s overarching theme of a rugged vehicle exuding an unmistakable attitude. Trigger-operated latches facilitate the forward-opening hood, integrating seamlessly with the trademark HUMMER hood louvers. An exposed radiator, a hallmark of HUMMER styling, converges with a hood-mounted camera capable of recording off-road exploits in DVD format, epitomizing the fusion of form and functionality.
The rear of the H3T unveils a tailgate with exposed hinges, integrated gas struts, and cantilevers, crafting an uninterrupted load platform for the bed that spans over 4 feet in width, punctuated by minimal fender intrusions. Lyon aptly encapsulates the essence of the H3T, portraying it as a harbinger of a new era in rugged yet premium choices for discerning drivers, ushering in a paradigm shift for driving enthusiasts who seek the perfect confluence of unyielding capability and unparalleled relevance in the midsize truck market. In the realm of the H3T, there simply exists nothing comparable, solidifying its position as an unrivaled icon in the automotive landscape.
HUMMER H3T Concept Truck
PowerTrain
The HUMMER H3T Concept Truck represents a paradigm shift in off-road performance and engineering prowess, seamlessly blending robust design with cutting-edge technology. At the heart of its formidable powertrain lies a modified GM midsize truck platform, featuring coil-over front and rear suspensions for unparalleled agility over diverse terrains. The incorporation of Fox remote-reservoir shocks sets a new standard for off-road dampening, ensuring an optimal ride even in the most challenging environments.
One of the H3T’s standout features is its automatic transfer case, a technological marvel that seamlessly engages four-wheel drive when the terrain demands it. The locking front and rear axles, borrowed from full-size GM
trucks, underscore the H3T’s commitment to uncompromising performance. Braking is a symphony of precision, courtesy of Alcon’s four-wheel discs, boasting 15-inch-diameter rotors. The front showcases Baer six-piston calipers, while the rear boasts four-piston calipers, delivering unparalleled stopping power. Complementing this, 19-inch wheels stand tall at each corner, ensuring a commanding presence on and off the road.
The beating heart of the H3T is a 350-
horsepower, turbocharged iteration of GM’s groundbreaking Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder engine. This powerhouse is paired with the heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L65-E electronically controlled four-speed transmission, marking a technological union that seamlessly balances raw power with precision control. Surpassing the performance of many six-cylinder engines, this turbocharged marvel doesn’t compromise on compactness. With a torque output of 350 lb.-ft., the H3T effortlessly conquers steep terrains, embodying a perfect synergy of power and agility.
Incorporating fuel-saving variable valve timing technology, the five-cylinder engine achieves unparalleled efficiency by dynamically adjusting valve timing, lift, and duration. This not only enhances fuel economy but also contributes to reduced emissions and an overall boost in performance. The H3T, while currently a concept vehicle, boasts production-grade components, including chassis and suspension elements derived from existing GM truck architectures. This strategic approach ensures that the H3T maintains the distinctive HUMMER identity, epitomizing a harmonious blend of compact design, functionality, and, most notably, off-road superiority.
In the words of Dean, an authoritative voice in the automotive industry, “Everything about the H3T says HUMMER. The package may be a little smaller, but the personality, functionality, and, most importantly, the off-road superiority is all there.” The HUMMER H3T Concept Truck stands as a testament to innovation, pushing the boundaries of off-road excellence and redefining the possibilities of adventure on wheels.
HUMMER H3T Concept Truck
Specifications
General |
Body/chassis structure: |
body on frame; steel body panels |
Suspension |
|
Front:ย
|
torsion bar with SLA |
Rear:ย
|
5-link with coil over shocks/springs |
Wheels: |
19โณ x 8.5โณ |
Tires: |
285/65R19 |
Tire brand: |
Nike-inspired BFGoodrich |
Brakes: |
disc with 15โณ-diameter rotors, 6-piston calipers |
Dimensions |
Height (in / mm): |
70.6 / 1795 |
Length (in / mm): |
174.9 / 4443 |
Width (in / mm): |
74.5 / 1893 |
Wheelbase (in / mm): |
118.6 / 3012 |
Track (in / mm): |
Front: |
65 / 1650 |
RearP |
65.5 / 1664 |
Weight (lb / kg): |
4650 / 2109 |
Bed storage (cu ft / L): |
40 / 1133 |
Bed dimensions: |
5 ft wide x 5 ft long x 1.6 ft deep(1.5 m wide x 1.5 m long x 0.5 m deep) |
Powertrain |
Engine: |
3.5L turbocharged Vortec I-5 |
Technologies: |
variable valve timing, variable intake manifold, 2-step variable valve actuation |
Turbo intercooler type: |
air-to-water |
Displacement (cu in / cc): |
211 / 3460 |
Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm): |
350 /260 @ 6000 |
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): |
350 / 474 @ 3600 |
Transmission: |
Hydra-Matic 4L65-E 4-speed auto with AWD |
Exterior:
- Two-door unit body pickup truck (single-piece body and box)
- Bed has two side access doors with fold-down tool box/step below door
- Large, fabric, power-operated sunroof
- Aluminum rocker covers/rock slider skid plates
- Aluminum โExoskeletonโ structure (windshield surround, door opening)
- Aluminum roof trim around sunroof with integrated LED marker lamps
- Aluminum grille and brush guard (milled billet)
- Hood-mounted air box on driver side and passenger side
- LED marker and taillamps
Interior:
- Seating for two
- Nike-inspired materials throughout
- Nike backpacks integrated to seatbacks
- Cast rubber floor
- Portable MP3 player/radio with docking station
- Portable GPS/navigation system with docking station
- Hood-mounted video camera (records events and displays in center console)
- Analog/LCD combination gauge cluster (LCD portion is a vehicle inclinometer)
- Fold-flat passenger seat