2006 Hummer H3 Preview

Between the H3T pickup truck concept first displayed at last year's Los Angeles auto show (see concept archives under Hummer), and

Aside from a couple of unique styling details, the H3 is obviously the H2's little brother. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

the production-ready vehicle of today very little has changed from the front clip to the B-pillar. While it's true that the funky black and red Nike-designed tires and the two-door pickup body style are not part of the H3 package, as of yet at least, its Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon midsize pickup truck roots continue forward.

The H3 takes after the H2 in terms of styling, as opposed to the original and less sophisticated H1. Both feature key Hummer trademarks including chunky bodywork seemingly carved from a solid block of metal, an in-your-face vertical louvered chrome grille, wide and narrow side windows, and massive wheels and

Although it has roughly the same footprint as a typical American family sedan, the imposing design of the H3 makes it appear larger. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

tires. Stylistically there are a few notable differences between the H2 and the H3, namely the pronounced fender flares, front mounted turn signals and unique front and rear bumpers, but these don't obscure the fact that the H3 is obviously the H2's little brother.

At 4,142 mm (111.9 in) long, 2,171 mm (88.5 in) wide and 1,893 mm (74.5 in) high, the H3 is 429 mm (16.9 in) stubbier in length, 152 mm (6.0 in) shorter in height and 165 (6.5 in) narrower than the H2, giving it roughly the same footprint as a typical American family sedan. These dimensions are hard to comprehend in photos, as its imposing design makes it appear just as large as the juggernaut-sized H2.