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The H3 Alpha is the second member of HÚMMER’s exclusive Alpha series, representing the pinnacle of performance, both off the road and on it. It comes wîth a new, 5.3L V-8 engine that delivers 295 horsepower (224 kW)* and 317 lb.-ft. of torque (438 Nm)*. It is partnered wîth a four-speed automatic transmission and enables a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) – an increase of more than 33 percent over other H3 models

H3 Alpha is, simply, the ultimate HÚMMER H3. It delivers all of H3′s renowned off-road capability, but wîth enhanced performance that is suited to a variety of lifestyles. In addition to the V-8 engine, the H3 Alpha also includes the popular ‘Luxury’ equipment package, the Chrome Appearance package, 16-inch chrome wheels, a 4.10 rear axle ratio and special Alpha identification, including a prominent tailgate badge, horn pad badge and embroidered front headrests wîth the ‘Alpha’ insignia.

For customers who want a more accessorized appearance straight from the factory, the Alpha model can be combined wîth the H3 X content, which includes bright roof crossbows, chrome fuel door, a body-color grille and unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard. Additionally, HÚMMER Accessories offers an exclusive line of GM-designed, manufactured and validated accessories that are engineered and tested for no-compromises fit, finish and performance.

Because HÚMMER stands for more than just off-road performance, the H3 Alpha builds on the style and refinement of the H3 lineup and offers a unique, instantly recognizable statement on the road. In short, the H3 Alpha matches HÚMMER’s off-road expectations wîth on-road attitude.

Powertrain details

The H3 Alpha’s 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 295 horsepower (224 kW)* and 317 lb.-ft. of torque (438 Nm)*; and is similar to the small-block V-8 found in the Chevy Silverado, which was named the 2007 Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show. For jobs such as towing personal watercraft up a mountain to the lake, the small-block V-8′s torque performs wîth effortless ease and little impact on fuel mileage,’ said Christopher Meagher, assistant chief engineer of small-block V-8 truck engines. ‘The 5.3L engine greatly broadens the H3′s towing capability.

Effortless highway driving also is an attribute of the 5.3L V-8, which enables 0-60 mph performance of approximately eight seconds. All of the powertrain options in the H3 lineup deliver performance suited to different driving styles and needs,’ said Meagher. ‘But when it comes to certain tasks such as towing, there is sometimes no substitute for a V-8 engine. An aluminum cylinder block is used wîth the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance. Like all of GM’s small-block V-8 engines, highlights include:

• Deep-skirt cylinder block wîth cross-bolted main caps

• High-flow cylinder heads

• Electronic throttle control

• 58X ignition system

• E67 32-bit controller

• Polymer-coated pistons wîth full-floating wrist pins

• Returnless fuel system

• Lightweight valvetrain

• Steel camshaft

• Low-restriction air intake system

GM’s small-block V-8 engines are engineered to meet today’s more stringent emissions standards. In fact, the H3 Alpha’s V-8 engine beats the deadline for new, Ú.S. federal emissions standards by a year. And compared to truck engines of a decade ago, the small-block engine family is approximately 90 percent cleaner. Cast iron exhaust manifolds matched wîth four close-coupled catalytic converters help reduce cold-start emissions, which is the largest source of vehicle emissions. A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired wîth the H3 Alpha’s V-8 engine. And, as wîth all H3 models, flat-towing is enabled.

Interior and Safety

The H3 Alpha shares the same widely admired interior as all H3 models, including detail revisions and enhancements that have been implemented across the lineup. New child safety locks for the rear doors and easier-to-use power window switches were introduced during the ’08 model year and reflect customers’ input. Details matter, and our customers told us these details were particularly important, so we updated the H3 lineup to address them.

Also new for the H3 Alpha and the entire 2008 H3 lineup are standard head curtain side air bags; they were previously optional. Additional standard safety features now found on all H3 models include:

StabiliTrak electronic stability control system

Four-wheel antilock brakes wîth traction control

Dual front air bags wîth Passenger Sensing System

Tire pressure monitoring system

Vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility

LATCH rear child seat anchors

HÚMMER’s Rear Vision system and a navigation system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted near the rear bumper to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, and its new Turn-By-Turn Navigation feature is available.

Wide Enhancements

HÚMMER H3 and GM Performance Division engineers did more than simply shoehorn a V-8 engine into the H3′s engine compartment. Accommodating the new power plant necessitated the execution of a seemingly endless number of technical details – many of which have been implemented across the entire H3 lineup. The H3′s frame was modified to accept the V-8 engine, and a special oil pan was designed to ensure constant oil pressure when driving on steep grades – a hallmark of HÚMMER’s off-road capability.

Also, the engine compartment front of dash was modified to accommodate the V-8, and a new §teering system is used on all H3 models to deliver better on-center feel and even more improved off-road reliability. To support the torque output of the powerful V-8, the H3 Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. New engine mounts, higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass, and specific shock valving also are unique to the V-8-powered model, ensuring it continues to deliver the unparalleled ride quality – both on- and off-road – that customers expect.

The new powertrain combination consists of a 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine, rated at 393 horsepower (293 kW)* – an increase of about 20 percent over the previous engine – and a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. Performance-optimizing engine technologies, such as variable valve timing, and the six-speed’s wide gear ratios, including a ‘tall’ overdrive gear, enable the improved performance and efficiency over previous models. This is one of those rare instances where enhanced performance is matched wîth improved efficiency. More power in the H2 helps make highway maneuvers, such as entering from a freeway on-ramp, feel effortless while simultaneously bolstering towing capability.

Price: $57,425 – 57,470.
Invoice: $53,110 – 53,160.

Interior

While drivers will feel the ’08 H2′s improved performance on the road, they’ll appreciate it more while experiencing it in the all-new interior. It features a completely redesigned instrument panel, new seats – including a full third-row seat for two passengers– new door trim panels, new controls, new rear-seat heating/air conditioning system, new rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system and a new family of premium radios.

The new interior delivers a refined, premium feel while maintaining HÚMMER’s trademark ruggedness. Everything from the flushness of the controls to the feel of the materials exudes craftsmanship in the H2′s new interior, while the fine details, like leather seat piping, create a consistent, premium interior design style across the entire HÚMMER family.

Seats in the H2 have a new, chiseled appearance and offer improved comfort. In fact, HÚMMER engineers focused on every detail to improve interior comfort. For example, the front seat safety belts are now mounted to the vehicle’s B-pillars rather than to the seats themselves. This change enabled engineers uncompromised comfort tuning for the seats. Front seat safety belt pretensioners are new, too, and are standard.

Complementing the new seats are new door trim panels and an all-new instrument panel and six-gauge instrument cluster that features a more refined appearance and better tolerances. In fact, the new interior is designed wîth interior gap tolerances of one millimeter or less. Soft-touch materials and new, more tactile controls enhance the feeling of craftsmanship. A new center stack houses the climate controls and a new family of GM radios – including a standard premium Bose audio system and an available surround sound system. The instrument panel also features new vents that enhance heating or cooling comfort throughout the vehicle – particularly for the second- and third-row seats.

Numerous available comfort and convenience features are either new or carried over into the ’08 H2, such as a new rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system, a navigation system, a rear-view camera system and heated windshield washer fluid. OnStar and XM Satellite Radio are standard. The ’08 H2 also offers a remote starting system that enables the vehicle’s interior to be heated or cooled prior to driving.

Exterior

All 2008 H2 models are distinguished from previous models wîth functional changes that maintain HÚMMER’s instantly recognizable design identify. The iconic, seven-slot grille features larger openings and the lower grille also is enlarged, accommodating the cooling needs of the more powerful 6.2L V-8 engines. The lower bumpers on ’08 models are painted silver (previous models had black lower bumpers).

Driving experience

The heart of the ’08 H2 is a new, 6.2L V-8 engine that uses variable valve timing technology to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. It is rated at 393 horsepower (293 kW)* and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (574 Nm)*. The engine also features lightweight materials, including an aluminum cylinder block, which helps reduce the vehicle’s overall mass. The 6.2L V-8′s technologically advanced features also help it meet new federal emissions standards a year before mandatory implementation.

A new six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic transmission backs the 6.2L engine. The six-speed automatic has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Also, the 6L80 has a ‘tap up/tap down’ capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts wîth a button on the column shifter.

The new powertrain combination helps the 2008 H2 and H2 SÚT deliver an additional 1,500 pounds (680 kg) in towing capacity – an increase from 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg) to 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg). A host of additional powertrain revisions also contributes to the H2′s improved performance and efficiency, including:

Larger-capacity cooling system complements larger, more powerful engine. Electric engine cooling fans reduce ‘drag’ on engine, enabling more horsepower. Regulated voltage control maximizes fuel economy by charging electrical components only when necessary. New LAN electrical architecture is more efficient and uses less electrical energy. Standard 3.73 rear axle ratio. Off-road acumen also was enhanced wîth the new powertrain system. The 6L80 transmission’s tap up/tap down feature provides more control on grades and it offers automatic grade braking. It also improves the off-road crawl ratio to approximately 39:1 – an improvement of about 20 percent.

The transfer case is improved in the ’08 H2; it is stronger wîth improved performance. A new traction control system also is standard, which helps ensure sure-footed traction in most driving conditions. Driving performance off the road or on is enhanced by a revised §teering gear that has a quicker ratio and improved on-center returnability. The driving experience also is quieter and more refined, thanks to new, tuned air intake and exhaust systems.

The Australian launch of the Hummer H3 has been delayed by three months as ADR compliance throws a spanner in the production works. Mudflaps, wiring looms and towbars are where the ADR action is and the delays will see the 300+ Aussies who have already put a deposit on their H3 waiting a little longer than expected.

The official launch of the Hummer H3 is now not expected before October this year. The H3 is the baby in the Hummer range and is built in South Africa. It features a 3.7-litre five-cylinder petrol engine and we’re thinking that will make the 2200kg 4WD a bit of a slug. Hummer Australia are pushing for diesel and V8 power and we’d be waiting for it as well before handing over a deposit.

GM Premium brands, the business behind the importation of the Hummer are also looking at bringing the Cadillac brand to Australia but admit that this is still 18mths to 2 years away as they wait for next generation models to come on stream.

We can understand the interest in the Hummer, if your thing is 4WD’s the Hummer would be on the list if only for it’s uniqueness but the Cadillac brand will struggle in our opinion unless the next generation models are significant improvements over current ones. The only buyers we could foresee would be those looking for an average car with massive depreciation…and they may be a little thin on the ground.

The 2009 Hummer H3 adds a crew-cab pickup truck body style to its roster. Otherwise, the lineup for this off-road-ready midsize SUV is largely unchanged. The pickup, called H3T, is larger than Chevrolet’s Colorado compact pickup but smaller than the full-size Silverado. Base versions of the H3 wagon and H3T have a 239-hp 3.7-liter 5-cylinder engine. The top-line Alpha sports a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the base wagon and pickup. The Alpha has a standard 4-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity with the 5-cylinder is 3000 lb with the manual transmission and 4500 lb with the automatic. Alpha has a maximum towing capacity of 6000 lb. H3 and H3T come with all-wheel drive that includes low-range gearing for off-road use. An available Off-Road Adventure Suspension Package on the wagon includes ultra-low gearing and a locking rear axle for severe off-road forays. This feature carries over to the pickup as well.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. GM’s OnStar assistance is standard. A rearview camera is available, along with a navigation system. Note that Hummer also offers an H3X model as a 5-cylinder wagon with automatic transmission. It includes chrome wheels and other specific trim. These features are available as an H3X Package on Alpha wagons.

The 2009 Hummer H2 gains the ability to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. This premium large SUV is available as a 4-door wagon or the SUT, which is a crew-cab pickup truck. Like the Chevrolet Avalanche, the SUT features a folding midgate between the cabin and cargo bed. The H2 wagon can seat up to seven; 2nd-row bucket seats are newly available for 2009.

H2 is powered by a 393-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. A 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual operation is the sole transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 8000 lb. H2s have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing for off-road use. Off-road equipment designed to cope with severe conditions is available.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are OnStar assistance and leather upholstery with heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats. A wireless cell-phone link, heated steering wheel, and power-tilt steering column are among the new features on the 2009 H2.

The standard features of the HUMMER H2 SUT Base include Vortec 6.2L V-8 393HP engine, 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, automatic, 17″ alloy wheels, cruise control, ABS traction control, four-wheel drive, and a StabiliTrak stability control.

The Hummer H1, based on the military Humvee, was joined by the all-new Hummer H2. The H2 is based on GM’s heavy-duty pickup trucks, but highly modified for increased off-road capability. Longer and taller than the original H1, the H2 is built at a new plant in Indiana. For 2005, the Hummer H2 SUV is joined by a second model called the SUT or Sport Utility Truck.

The SUT version, as its name implies, is a pickup, not an SUV, characterized by its unique tailgate, short pickup bed, and tailgate-mounted full-size spare tire, which makes it a few inches longer than the SUV overall. The SUT features GM’s innovative Midgate, which quickly converts the five-passenger SUV with a small pickup bed to a two-seat pickup with six-foot bed.

The Hummer H2 offers truly impressive off-road capabilities. And unlike the H1, it provides occupants with a luxurious interior that’s comfortable and convenient. Its size and design makes suitable for everyday use, as long as you have a large gasoline budget.

The 2010 Hummer H2 was slated to receive a new turbodiesel V8 engine, but its introduction has been indefinitely delayed due to GM’s precarious financial position. GM plans to sell the Hummer brand to a Chinese conglomerate, a process scheduled to take place in calendar 2010. If H2 is to return for the 2010 model year, it should see no major changes. H2 wagon and crew-cab “sport utility truck” (SUT) models should return. Like the Chevrolet Avalanche, the SUT features a folding midgate between the cabin and cargo bed. Seven-passenger seating via an optional 3rd-row seat in wagon models should return.

H2 would reprise a 393-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine, which should retain its ability to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. A 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual operation should remain the sole transmission. Maximum towing capacity should be unchanged at 8000 lb. H2s should retain all-wheel drive with low-range gearing for off-road use. Off-road equipment designed to cope with severe conditions should remain available.

Available safety features will likely include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. OnStar assistance and leather upholstery with heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats should remain as standard equipment. Available features will likely include a wireless cell-phone link, heated steering wheel, and power-tilt steering column. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Hummer H2.