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The Hummer family is set to grow via a 'crewman' version of the volume-selling H3, and the vehicle in question makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, which bursts into life on February 6.

The H3T is derived from the existing wagon, but a stretched wheelbase -- at 3020mm, it's wheelbase is a sizeable 559mm longer than the donor vehicle -- has liberated enough space for a full-length load bed.

And as per the wagon, the H3T will be offered with an entry-level 180kW/328Nm 3.7-litre five-pot, while the range-topping Alpha model scores a 224kW/438Nm 5.3-litre V8.

GM has confirmed production of the H3T pick-up will commence in the third quarter of this year, but whether or not it will join the Australian H3 line-up is yet to be announced.

The H3 wagon is currently the sole model in Hummer's Australian line-up, with pricing ranging from $51,990 to $59,990.

The pick-up variant could prove a popular choice with motocross enthusiasts and the like, as the load bay can easily accommodate a dirt bike or three. The cargo area has standard bedrails as well as additional storage compartments.

Towing capacity isn't too shabby either. When equipped with the V8, it can lug almost 2700kg.

Two states of suspension tune will be offered -- one geared towards off-roading and the other set up primarily for on-road use and towing.

The cabin is largely as per its wagon sibling -- it features the same controls and instrumentation, and the rear seat flips down to free up additional flat cargo space when required.

The four-door H3T shares its chassis with the US-targeted Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, and its maker describes it as "larger than a midsize truck, smaller than a full-size."

Although the Chicago show will mark the debut of the production-ready H3T, a radical concept version (with seating for only two) was seen as long ago as 2004, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Hummer sales in the US took a sharp dip in 2007, but company execs hope the H3T will draw new customers to the fold and help redress the deficit following its launch.

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