FIRST LOOK: 2008 HUMMER H3 Alpha

[Flybrian]

GM@NYIAS
2008 HUMMER H3 ALPHA
Press Release

2008 HUMMER H3 Alpha Photo Gallery


For release: March 28, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EDT
V-8-POWERED H3 ALPHA EXPANDS HUMMER’S RANGE OF VERSATILE SUVS

• Newest model in the performance-bred Alpha series
• Powerful 5.3L V-8 powertrain offers 295 hp (224 kW)*
• Maximum towing increased to 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) – a 33-percent increase
• Unique exterior and interior features, including Alpha badging

NEW YORK –Offering the towing capability that only a V-8 can, the 2008 H3 Alpha broadens HUMMER’s range of versatile, do-anything and go-anywhere vehicles. HUMMER announced the H3 Alpha at the New York Auto Show; it goes on sale this summer.

The H3 Alpha is the second member of HUMMER’s exclusive Alpha series, representing the pinnacle of performance, both off the road and on it. It comes with a 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 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 HUMMER H3,” said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. “It delivers all of H3’s renowned off-road capability, but with 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 with the “Alpha” insignia.

For customers who want a more accessorized appearance straight from the factory, the Alpha model can be combined with 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, HUMMER 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 HUMMER 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,” said Walsh. “In short, the H3 Alpha matches HUMMER’s off-road expectations with on-road attitude.”

Alpha – the ultimate HUMMER

HUMMER Alpha models represent the top in performance, capability and comfort. The H1 Alpha was the first of these ultimate HUMMERs, and like the H3 Alpha, it offered a more powerful engine as well as unique styling and comfort features.

The H3 is the newest model to carry the Alpha flag, and represents HUMMER’s first Alpha model engineered in conjunction with GM Performance Division.

Award-winning interior and safety enhancements

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 ’07 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,” said Walsh.

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 with traction control
• Dual front air bags with Passenger Sensing System
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility
• LATCH rear child seat anchors

HUMMER’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.

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 with 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 with 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 with cross-bolted main caps
• High-flow cylinder heads
• Electronic throttle control
• 58X ignition system
• E67 32-bit controller
• Polymer-coated pistons with 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, U.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 with 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 with the H3 Alpha’s V-8 engine. And, as with all H3 models, flat-towing is enabled.

New V-8 drives vehicle-wide enhancements

HUMMER 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 HUMMER’s off-road capability. Also, the engine compartment front of dash was modified to accommodate the V-8, and a new steering 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.

All of the chassis and suspension changes were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah, the Rubicon Trail and other challenging off-road venues.

“Our engineers live, breathe and eat off-road driving,” said Walsh. “To say they sweat the details is an understatement.”

A HUMMER by any measure

All H3 models pack HUMMER’s trademark capability into a midsize package. Compared to the H2, the H3 is 16.9 inches (429 mm) shorter in length, six inches (152 mm) shorter in height and 6.5 inches (165 mm) narrower. Roughly the same length as a midsize family sedan, H3 comfortably navigates city traffic and fits nicely in parking garages.

The H3 lineup also delivers exceptional rock crawling and climbing performance; it was engineered for off-road leadership among midsize SUVs. The heart of this capability is its electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system and suspension tuning tailored for off-road performance. In addition, the H3 features standard underbody shielding, brake traction control, and an optional 4.03:1 transfer case with rear locking differential.

Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 24-inch (610 mm) streams at a 5-mph pace, climb 16-inch (407 mm) vertical steps and rocks, make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy surfaces.

H3’s more maneuverable size provides advantages, such as a 37-foot turning circle that is about the same as a typical compact car, making easy work of parking lot maneuvers and tight turns when off-roading. The 9.1-inch (231 mm) ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 25 degrees (with 33-inch tires) both make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 39 degrees and maximum departure angle of 37 degrees. These approach and departure angles permit the H3 to drive into a hole and back out again, without getting hung up in the front or rear.

The H3 is sold in 34 countries, with production in the United States and South Africa .
*Pending SAE certification.

[FAPTurbo]

Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 24-inch (610 mm) streams at a 5-mph pace, climb 16-inch (407 mm) vertical steps and rocks, make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy surfaces.

The 9.1-inch (231 mm) ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 25 degrees (with 33-inch tires) both make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 39 degrees and maximum departure angle of 37 degrees.

It'll be great piece of mind in case Starbucks decides to build a franchise on a giant, boulder ridden mountain... or if your city is flooded, your pink H3 will STILL get you to the Prada boutique in one piece.

[Derek77]

4L60.............that sucks. With a limited number of Alphas being produced, you wouldn't think putting 6-speeds in them would be a big deal.

[gm4life]

Who cares it got a decent powertrain, and yes I am a 5 banger hater!

[ocnblu]

If I'm reading this right, this sucka has the 5.3L V8 with a 4.10 rear end, and it still only turns 8 seconds to 60? I know this is not a drag racer... but that seems slow, especially for that low of a rear end. That is ONE second quicker to 60 than published figures for the 3.7L 5 cylinder. Edited March 28, 2007 by ocnblu

[Robert Hall]

(Flybrian @ Mar 27 2007, 09:16 AM) *

Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 24-inch (610 mm) streams at a 5-mph pace, climb 16-inch (407 mm) vertical steps and rocks, make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy surfaces.

(Flybrian @ Mar 27 2007, 09:16 AM) *

The 9.1-inch (231 mm) ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 25 degrees (with 33-inch tires) both make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 39 degrees and maximum departure angle of 37 degrees.

I have to laugh at the off road specs..I'm not sure how these capabilities will benefit the H3 in it's natural habit, i.e. suburban housing developments, mall parking lots, Starbucks lots..except for driving over raised medians to make a quick U-turn into Starbucks or over the raised parking lot berms...

[pow]

If I'm reading this right, this sucka has the 5.3L V8 with a 4.10 rear end, and it still only turns 8 seconds to 60? I know this is not a drag racer... but that seems slow, especially for that low of a rear end. That is ONE second quicker to 60 than published figures for the 3.7L 5 cylinder.

Tahoe 5.3 - 320 hp/340 lb-ft - 5600 lbs - 8.5 seconds to 60

H3 Alpha - 295 hp/317 lb-ft - 5000 lbs - 8 seconds to 60

Sounds about right. Maybe that's without the optional final drive.

[RJB]

Let the hating begin. That is for all the anti-suv organizations out there. This will only fuel their fire more for why the suv should be banned. I can only imagine what the gas mileage will be with the 5.3L since this thing is basically a moving brick. I still like the H3 though, and I like the ever better offroad capabilities it has with added h.p. and torque. Off course I take my stuff offroad to see what it can do and not just to the mall. Give me a more stripped out version though and get rid of all the chrome b.s. it has on it. I want something a little more rugged looking.

Edited March 28, 2007 by RJB

[Guest YellowJacket894]

You do know what this means for the Colorado and Canyon, right?

:wink:

[RJB]

5.3L Canyon/Colorado. And another engine coming too :AH-HA_wink:

[Derek77]

Who cares it got a decent powertrain, and yes I am a 5 banger hater!

Who cares? Will performance not improve by having a 6-speed instead of a 4-speed? Better off-road characteristics and better on-road characteristics from just the 6-speed.

I'll tell you who cares, buyers care that's who.

Edited March 28, 2007 by Derek77

[Neil E.]

It's most unfortunate that GM lacks the balls to build the H3 with a V8 and 6 speed manual tramsmission. Without that it's just another fancy toy instead of something I would actually buy.

[RJB]

I would be more inclined to say wheres the 6-speed automatic intstead. That would make more sense for the masses than a 6-speed manual.

[SuperC]

I agree. The buying public wants more than 4 speeds in their automatic transmissions. There is no excuse for a four speed automatic, especially in a vehicle that costs well over $30,000 like the H3 Alpha will. This is very poor decision making on GM's part.

[91z4me]

5.3L Canyon/Colorado. And another engine coming too :AH-HA_wink:

Is it a 6 cylinder? Or does it run on something other than gasoline? Edited April 3, 2007 by 91z4me

[Oracle of Delphi]

Anyone know what the MPG are on this thing? Is it the same as the Colorado/Canyon twins? I think it has a way bigger gas tank too, but I could be wrong on that.

Edited April 3, 2007 by Pontiac Custom-S

[RJB]

Is it a 6 cylinder? Or does it run on something other than gasoline?

6 er.

[radioactivesob]

6 er.

Wait a minute, if that is true when is this happening? Because in my mind with a 6 er available in the Colorado, the powertrain options in the H3 become:

I5 standard

6 er optional

and the 5.3 Alpha models.

[91z4me]

6 er.

Interesting!