The Hummer H3T concept vehicle that debuts at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show is a smaller cousin to the two production Hummers, and the brand's first true pickup truck. Just as the H2 increased Hummer's footprint by providing a less expensive alternative to the H1, the H3T might make the price of admission even lower.

The H3T has other appealing features as well: it's more maneuverable, and an all-weather interior utilizing Nike fabric is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts.

In a sense, H3T is an extension of the open-bed concept in the Hummer H2 SUT that will go on sale in June as a 2005 model. But unlike the new H2, the H3T is not a sport-utility vehicle. A true pickup truck, it features side-access doors to the bed and drop-down steps that double as storage compartments. A power-folding canvas sunroof with a drop-down rear window gives the H3T a convertible feel, but with better rollover protection.

The powertrain consists of a turbocharged, five-cylinder, Vortec inline engine with an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Locking front and rear axles come from production full- sized trucks. Alcon and Baer, two aftermarket manufacturers of high- performance braking systems, made the rotors and brake calipers.

General Motors and Nike designers collaborated on the truck's interior and tires. Special B.F. Goodrich tires use colors and tread designs from Nike trail running shoes. The upholstery is made of a Nike technical clothing fabric that wicks moisture away and protects the body from extremes of heat and cold. Removable Nike backpacks attach to the driver and passenger seats to store smaller items.

The relationship between Hummer and Nike came out of a longstanding friendship between Hummer design director Clay Dean and Tracy Teague, Nike global director of footwear design.

"We see Nike designers as innovators in their creative process," Dean said. "On this truck, we were inspired by the Nike ACG approach to traction. How do you take off-road footwear design and apply it to tires?"

"As we started our dialogue, we realized that our design process is similar," Teague said. "One thing that we share is [the need to design for] multisurface traction. This was a good outlet for our footwear guys to solve new problems."

According to Teague, Nike's footwear designers for a long time have looked to the automotive industry for future design trends.