GM has a great news SUV enthusiasts and dreadful news for environmentalists. The 2009 Hummer H3T has been officially launched at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show and will go into production in the third quarter of 2008 subsequently rolling into showrooms soon after.

Essentially a sub-military vehicle, the Hummer H3T is very much similar to its predecessor the H3 in design but includes a 22 inch longer wheelbase (now 134.2 inches) that consists of a 5 feet (1.5 m) long cargo bed without sacrificing room for 5 passengers. Like all Hummer models, the H3T’s design is mean and purposeful with consistent styling cues which include a very wide, aggressive stance enhanced by a low roofline and high beltline along with and massive tires meant for offroad jaunts. The wide, seven slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square slots are typical Hummer design elements.

The rear section of the cargo bed is unique for H3T and incorporates an easily removable tailgate and a provision for bed rail accessory system. The bed is designed to carry a variety of popular outdoor recreation equipment that could include motocross or mountain bikes, trekking stuff, foldable gliders, surfpads or whatever catches your fancy. In case you get a flat carrying all that stuff there is a full size spare wheel under the deck, though it would require real muscle to be able to change it. The power mill for the H3T is an inline 5 cylinder Vortec 3.7L I-5 capable of delivering 242 bhp (180 kW) @ 5600 rpm and 328 Nm of torque @ 4600 rpm. This is mated with a five speed manual or four speed automatic gearbox. Also on offer is an optional 5.3L V-8 with a 4 speed automatic transmission producing 300 bhp and 434 Nm of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs. Both combinations use regular gasoline, the diesel option is missing. Fuel economy figures have not been released but arent expected to be great anyways.

The H3T’s cabin is meant for 5 passengers and have basic comforts including AC, power locks, remote keyless entry and power windows etc which is likely to be essential while you climb that mountain or sail through the desert.

The H3T’s forte is off road ability and to master this it comes with a full time 4 wheel drive with 33 inch all terrain tires, lockable front and rear differentials, specifically tuned shock absorbers. The H3T can climb 38.7 degrees on approach angle and 30.1 degrees on departure. To make sure you are safe doing this the H3T has dual frontal air bags enabled with GM’s passenger sensing system, head curtains, side-impact air bags enabled with StabiliTrak system and a systemLATCH rear child seat anchors to prevent your little ones from flying out the window!

The Hummer H3T would be manufactured at GM’s production facility at Shreveport, LA and would be sold in North America, Europe and the Middle East.