December 10, 2003

H3T Concept: The First Hummer of European Stature

Zurich. With a total of nine new cars and trucks to be revealed at the Los Angeles and Detroit autoshows, General Motors continues its product launch offensive and broadens its product portfolio. The product blitz starts with four new vehicles that will have there debut at the 2004 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show (Jan 2-11, 2004).

Hummer H3T: Midsize pickup is powered by turbocharged inline-five

With the Hummer H3T concept vehicle, General Motors is demonstrating its vision how the successful Hummer brand could grow into a full range of expressive, versatile vehicles in the future. Riding on a 3,012 millimeter wheelbase and measuring 1,893 millimeter wide, the H3T embodies the classic Hummer proportions - wide stance, low roofline, and wheels at the corners - but in a smaller configuration. The two-passenger H3T concept was built with production-type components on a modified GM midsize truck platform. It is powered by a 350-horsepower, turbocharged version of GM's new Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder engine. The engine also makes 474 Nm of torque. Fuel-saving variable valve timing technology boosts the five-cylinder's efficiency.

"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."

GM and Nike designers collaborated on several key aspects of the vehicle's design. The H3T's tires measuring 285/65R19 resemble the design of Nike's ACG trail and hiking shoes. Nike's influence on the interior includes the use of its Sphere material on the H3T's seats.

Saab 9-2X with two models: the 227 hp 9-2X Aero and the 165 hp 9-2X Linear

The new Saab 9-2X is the next significant step in the biggest product development program in the company's history. With standard full-time all-wheel-drive, powerful engines, and distinctive European design, the Saab 9-2X is a unique and early offering in a car segment just emerging in the American market: the premium sports compact segment.

The turbocharged and intercooled two-liter high performance DOHC 9-2X Aero engine produces 227 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 294 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The power plant of the Saab 9-2X 2.5 is naturally aspirated and delivers 165 hp @ 5,600 rpm as well as a maximum torque of 225 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. Both cars provide a standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.

"The Saab 9-2X is the ideal addition to our line-up," said Peter Augustsson, Saab's President and CEO. "Additionally, its price point will attract some new, young, enthusiastic customers to Saab - the fastest growing European premium car brand in the American market already today."

Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay carry seven people and plenty of cargo

The Buick Terraza and Saturn Relay are two of the four crossover sport vans that GM will introduce as 2005 models. The vehicles' bold styling evokes the emotional appeal of sport utility vehicles, yet provide the function that consumers want from a mid-van, in addition to performance, quality, reliability and competitive safety ratings.

Both cars are able to carry seven people and plenty of cargo. Power (200 hp) and torque (289 Nm) are provided by a 3.5-liter V-6. Standard independent long-and-short-arm rear suspension with automatic load leveling give a premium ride quality. As an option GM's Versatrak all-wheel-drive system is available.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, employs 341,000 people globally in its core automotive business and subsidiaries. Founded in 1908, GM has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. GM today has manufacturing operations in 32 countries and its vehicles are sold in more than 190 countries. In 2002, GM sold more than 8.6 million cars and trucks, nearly 15 percent of the global vehicle market. GM's global headquarters is at the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit.

For more information about the above-mentioned GM vehicles and additional photography click on these media website links: Hummer, Saab, Buick, Saturn

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