Notes and commentary by Kenny Herman.
2008 HUMMER H3 Alpha
Newest mannequin within the performance-bred Alpha sequence
Powerful 5.3L V-8 powertrain affords 295 hp (224 kW)*
Maximum towing elevated to six,000 kilos (2,721 kg) – a 33-percent enhance
Unique exterior and inside options, together with Alpha badging
Offering the towing functionality that solely a V-8 can, the 2008 H3 Alpha broadens HUMMER’s vary of versatile, do-anything and go-anywhere autos. HUMMER introduced the H3 Alpha on the New York Auto Show; it goes on sale this summer time.
The H3 Alpha is the second member of HUMMER’s unique Alpha sequence, representing the top of efficiency, each off the street and on it. It comes with a brand new, 5.3L V-8 engine that delivers 295 horsepower (224 kW)* and 317 lb.-ft. of torque (438 Nm)*. It is partnered with a four-speed computerized transmission and allows a most towing capability of 6,000 kilos (2,721 kg) – a rise of greater than 33 % over different H3 fashions
“H3 Alpha is, merely, the last word HUMMER H3,” stated Martin Walsh, HUMMER basic supervisor. “It delivers all of H3’s famend off-road functionality, however with enhanced efficiency that’s suited to quite a lot of life.”
In addition to the V-8 engine, the H3 Alpha additionally contains the favored “Luxury” tools bundle, the Chrome Appearance bundle, 16-inch chrome wheels, a 4.10 rear axle ratio and particular Alpha identification, together with a distinguished tailgate badge, horn pad badge and embroidered entrance headrests with the “Alpha” insignia.
For clients who need a extra accessorized look straight from the manufacturing facility, the Alpha mannequin may be mixed with the H3X content material, which incorporates shiny roof crossbows, chrome gasoline door, a body-color grille and distinctive spare tire cowl, tires, wheels and heart cap, and a brush guard. Additionally, HUMMER Accessories affords an unique line of GM-designed, manufactured and validated equipment which are engineered and examined for no-compromises match, end and efficiency.
“Because HUMMER stands for extra than simply off-road efficiency, the H3 Alpha builds on the type and refinement of the H3 lineup and affords a novel, immediately recognizable assertion on the street,” stated Walsh. “In brief, the H3 Alpha matches HUMMER’s off-road expectations with on-road angle.”
Alpha – the last word HUMMER
HUMMER Alpha fashions symbolize the highest in efficiency, functionality and luxury. The H1 Alpha was the primary of those final HUMMERs, and just like the H3 Alpha, it provided a extra highly effective engine in addition to distinctive styling and luxury options.
The H3 is the latest mannequin to hold the Alpha flag, and represents HUMMER’s first Alpha mannequin engineered together with GM Performance Division.
Award-winning inside and security enhancements
The H3 Alpha shares the identical extensively admired inside as all H3 fashions, together with element revisions and enhancements which have been applied throughout the lineup. New baby security locks for the rear doorways and easier-to-use energy window switches had been launched throughout the ’07 mannequin yr and replicate clients’ enter.
“Details matter, and our clients advised us these particulars had been notably necessary, so we up to date the H3 lineup to handle them,” stated Walsh.
Also new for the H3 Alpha and the whole 2008 H3 lineup are normal head curtain aspect air baggage; they had been beforehand non-obligatory. Additional normal security options now discovered on all H3 fashions embrace:
StabiliTrak digital stability management system
Four-wheel antilock brakes with traction management
Dual entrance air baggage with Passenger Sensing System
Tire stress monitoring system
Vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility
LATCH rear baby seat anchors
HUMMER’s Rear Vision system and a navigation system can be found. The Rear Vision system makes use of a digital camera mounted close to the rear bumper to offer a view of objects straight behind the automobile. Also, the protection and safety of OnStar is normal, and its new Turn-By-Turn Navigation characteristic is on the market.
Powertrain particulars
The H3 Alpha’s 5.3L engine is a strong and environment friendly member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 household. It is rated at 295 horsepower (224 kW)* and 317 lb.-ft. of torque (438 Nm)*; and is much like the small-block V-8 discovered within the Chevy Silverado, which was named the 2007 Truck of the Year on the North American International Auto Show.
“For jobs corresponding to towing private watercraft up a mountain to the lake, the small-block V-8’s torque performs with easy ease and little impression on gasoline mileage,” stated Christopher Meagher, assistant chief engineer of small-block V-8 truck engines. “The 5.3L engine enormously broadens the H3’s towing functionality.”
Effortless freeway driving is also an attribute of the 5.3L V-8, which allows 0-60 mph efficiency of roughly eight seconds.
“All of the powertrain choices within the H3 lineup ship efficiency suited to completely different driving types and desires,” stated Meagher. “But on the subject of sure duties corresponding to towing, there’s typically no substitute for a V-8 engine.”
An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps cut back total mass and maintains a extra fascinating front-to-rear weight stability. Like all of GM’s small-block V-8 engines, highlights embrace:
Deep-skirt cylinder block with cross-bolted primary caps
High-flow cylinder heads
Electronic throttle management
58X ignition system
E67 32-bit controller
Polymer-coated pistons with full-floating wrist pins
Returnless gasoline system
Lightweight valvetrain
Steel camshaft
Low-restriction air consumption system
GM’s small-block V-8 engines are engineered to satisfy as we speak’s extra stringent emissions requirements. In reality, the H3 Alpha’s V-8 engine beats the deadline for brand spanking new, U.S. federal emissions requirements by a yr. And in comparison with truck engines of a decade in the past, the small-block engine household is roughly 90 % cleaner. Cast iron exhaust manifolds matched with 4 close-coupled catalytic converters assist cut back cold-start emissions, which is the biggest supply of auto emissions.
A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically managed four-speed computerized transmission is paired with the H3 Alpha’s V-8 engine. And, as with all H3 fashions, flat-towing is enabled.
New V-8 drives vehicle-wide enhancements
HUMMER H3 and GM Performance Division engineers did greater than merely shoehorn a V-8 engine into the H3’s engine compartment. Accommodating the brand new energy plant necessitated the execution of a seemingly countless variety of technical particulars – lots of which have been applied throughout the whole H3 lineup.
The H3’s body was modified to just accept the V-8 engine, and a particular oil pan was designed to make sure fixed oil stress when driving on steep grades – an indicator of HUMMER’s off-road functionality. Also, the engine compartment entrance of sprint was modified to accommodate the V-8, and a brand new steering system is used on all H3 fashions to ship higher on-center really feel and much more improved off-road reliability.
To assist the torque output of the highly effective V-8, the H3 Alpha’s entrance differential case is made from forged iron; different fashions characteristic an aluminum case. New engine mounts, increased torsion bar charges to assist the elevated mass, and particular shock valving are also distinctive to the V-8-powered mannequin, guaranteeing it continues to ship the unparalleled journey high quality – each on- and off-road – that clients count on.
All of the chassis and suspension modifications had been validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah, the Rubicon Trail and different difficult off-road venues.
“Our engineers stay, breathe and eat off-road driving,” stated Walsh. “To say they sweat the main points is an understatement.”
A HUMMER by any measure
All H3 fashions pack HUMMER’s trademark functionality right into a midsize bundle. Compared to the H2, the H3 is 16.9 inches (429 mm) shorter in size, six inches (152 mm) shorter in top and 6.5 inches (165 mm) narrower. Roughly the identical size as a midsize household sedan, H3 comfortably navigates metropolis site visitors and matches properly in parking garages.
The H3 lineup additionally delivers distinctive rock crawling and climbing efficiency; it was engineered for off-road management amongst midsize SUVs. The coronary heart of this functionality is its electronically managed four-wheel-drive system and suspension tuning tailor-made for off-road efficiency. In addition, the H3 options normal underbody shielding, brake traction management, and an non-obligatory 4.03:1 switch case with rear locking differential.
Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 24-inch (610 mm) streams at a 5-mph tempo, climb 16-inch (407 mm) vertical steps and rocks, make its manner via deep sand and race simply over sandy surfaces.
H3’s extra maneuverable measurement offers benefits, corresponding to a 37-foot turning circle that’s about the identical as a typical compact automotive, making simple work of car parking zone maneuvers and tight turns when off-roading. The 9.1-inch (231 mm) floor clearance and most breakover angle of 25 levels (with 33-inch tires) each make it potential to clear massive obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road efficiency can also be aided by the utmost method angle of 39 levels and most departure angle of 37 levels. These method and departure angles allow the H3 to drive right into a gap and again out once more, with out getting hung up within the entrance or rear.
2009 HUMMER H2 Black Chrome version
2009 HUMMER H2 Black Chrome Photos – (11 Photos)
The Black Chrome restricted version mannequin shall be out there later within the ’09 mannequin yr. Only 1,300 shall be provided worldwide. These particular H2 SUV and SUT fashions are distinguished on the skin with black chrome particulars, together with:
Twenty-inch chrome-clad wheels
Grille
Hood latches and handles
Fuel filler door
Door handles
Mirror caps
“H2” badges
Side air vents
Spare tire cowl emblem
Body-color wheel flares, rocker moldings and hood louver
Three exterior colours can be found with the Black Chrome version: the new-for-2009 Silver Ice Metallic, Sedona Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic. Silver Ice Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic are provided with the Ebony/Shale inside mixture, whereas the Sedona Metallic shade is unique to the Black Chrome version and is obtainable solely with the Sedona inside.
Specific inside trim is included with the particular mannequin, in addition to a heated and power-tilting steering wheel.
New for 2009 Hummer H2
The H2 and H2 SUT’s modifications for 2009 enhance the mannequin line’s selections of facilities to boost consolation and comfort. They complement a luxury-appointed inside that was redesigned for 2008. The new options embrace:
Available second-row captains chairs that ship a extra private and opulent seating selection
Third-row seat storage that frees up extra space for storing within the H2 SUV’s inside
Heated steering wheel (interim availability)
Power-tilting steering wheel (interim availability)
Additionally, a number of expertise enhancements are added to the H2 lineup:
Bluetooth cellphone connectivity
OnStar Destination Download that sends driving instructions on to the navigation system
XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic real-time site visitors advisement
Rear imaginative and prescient “show on demand” on the within rearview mirror for fashions not geared up with the navigation system – this replaces the earlier “slide out” show (fashions with the navigation system characteristic rear imaginative and prescient shows on the navigation display)
2009 HUMMER H2
Luxury Appointed Interior
Completely redesigned in ’08, the H2 lineup’s luxury-appointed inside incorporates a detailed instrument panel, three seating rows, a rear local weather management system, a rear-seat overhead DVD leisure system and a household of premium radios.
The seats have a chiseled look and provide wonderful consolation; front-seat security belt pretensioners are normal. Complementing the brand new seats are upscale door trim panels and an instrument panel with a six-gauge instrument cluster. These options have an in depth, refined look with minimal gaps – typically 1 mm or much less. Soft-touch supplies and tactile controls improve the sensation of workmanship.
A distinguished heart stack homes the local weather controls and radio, together with a typical premium Bose audio system and an out there encompass sound system. XM Satellite Radio is normal and it’s now out there with NavTraffic, a real-time site visitors advising characteristic.
The H2 additionally affords a typical distant beginning system that allows the automobile’s inside to be heated or cooled previous to driving.
2009 HUMMER H2
Powertrain
The pulling energy of the H2 comes from its 6.2L V-8 engine that makes use of variable valve timing expertise to maximise efficiency and gasoline effectivity. It is rated at 393 horsepower (293 kW)* and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (563 Nm)*. The engine additionally options light-weight supplies, together with an aluminum cylinder block. New for ’09, the 6.2L engine is calibrated to run on E85 ethanol.
A six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically managed computerized transmission backs the 6.2L engine. It has a large, 6.04:1 total ratio – together with two overdrive gears – that helps ship a wonderful stability of efficiency and gasoline economic system. Also, the 6L80 has a “faucet up/faucet down” functionality that permits the driving force to manually choose upshifts and downshifts with buttons on the steering wheel. It offers an off-road crawl ratio of roughly 39:1.
A 3.73 axle ratio and options corresponding to regulated voltage management that fees electrical parts solely when essential assist maximize the H2’s effectivity, whereas the powertrain allows a towing capability of 8,200 kilos (3,727 kg).
Chassis
The H2’s basis is a completely welded, ladder-type body that incorporates a modular, three-piece design incorporating a variety of hydroformed parts. This design delivers excellent energy, stiffness and dimensional accuracy.
Short overhangs permit radical method and departure angles, in addition to distinctive floor clearance for minimal impression on trails. Standard 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty unbiased entrance suspension and a five-link rear suspension present superior dealing with, carrying and towing functionality.
A stable rear axle ensures sturdy sure-footedness, notably in tight, off-road conditions. Also normal is underbody safety and rocker safety. These parts assist the H2 ship on HUMMER’s mantra of functionality, together with touring via streams 24 inches (508 mm) deep, climbing 16-inch (406-mm) steps and rocks and paddling via deep sand or snow.
The H2 incorporates a four-channel anti-lock braking/traction management system (ABS/TCS) that gives optimum management on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ABS can detect and modify its braking capabilities to tough off-road surfaces like gravel and potholes. The new traction system permits the driving force to make use of a two-foot driving method (one foot the brake, the opposite on the gasoline pedal), which is the very best driving type for negotiating a steep, rocky path. The TCS additionally contains the flexibility to realize traction via a single wheel.
A self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is on the market for excessive off-road and towing necessities.
New for 2009 Hummer H2
Safety
A strong security system enhances the H2 lineup’s efficiency and luxury facilities, and contains a number of normal options:
Roof rail head curtain aspect air baggage for first-, second- and third-row passengers (if geared up) with rollover sensing system
Safety belt pretensioners (first-row seats)
Electronic stability management system with rollover mitigation expertise
New traction management system
Tire stress monitoring system
A panic brake help characteristic (normal) detects emergency braking conditions and maintains most brake stress to assist cease the automobile extra shortly and with extra management.
The normal OnStar system affords the non-obligatory Turn-By-Turn navigation system. Additional non-obligatory options that contribute to a safer driving expertise embrace HUMMER’s Rear Vision System – a rearview digital camera system – and a navigation system.