2003 Hummer H3T Concept

With its alternative 4x4 system in mind, Hummers have never been particularly fast vehicles. Rather they're owners buy them for taking it slow (relatively) on road and trail, or at least they buy them with the expectation of conquering the wild frontier. It could be, however, that H3T buyers, if GM chooses to build it, will have different, less demanding objectives.

The H3T's unorthodox tire treads, featuring gray-flecked teeth with a red center strip pattern, were designed by Nike. (Photo: General Motors)

After all, the new concept's relatively low 2,109 kg curb weight, combined with the engine's massive amounts of power and torque, working in concert with a heavy-duty automatic transmission, could mean that this truck might actually be fairly fast.

That leads up to another question. Does this "running shoe" fit a brand usually associated with combat boots? Why not, at least sporting goods manufacturer Nike seems to think so. It designed the H3T's unorthodox tire treads, featuring gray-flecked teeth with a red center strip patterned after the brand's newest Nike Airs.

Nike also had a hand in designing the H3T's less military and more luxurious interior. (Photo: General Motors)

While it's not unusual for tire manufacturers to consult design houses when coming up with new tread patterns - for example, Vredestein, a Dutch tire company, features two high-performance tires with treads designed by Giugiaro. The H3T Nike tires are appropriately large at 285/65 R 19.

Another area that Nike worked on was the H3T's cockpit. Though it's true that GM has improved Hummer passenger accommodations from military-spec to luxury in recent years, the H3T progresses the trend a step further by enhancing style and updating ergonomics. The trim is two-toned in gray and tan, offset by red accent lines. The instrumentation is simple to read, black lit in red and sporting chrome bezel rings around the gauges.