Hummer Guy

The official information on the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha has been released from Hummer – and here are some of the highlights from the press release:

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

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

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 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.

We also heard that the newly designed front bumper was for better car-to-car surface area in case of a crash. For the complete release, check out Autoblog.com

The newest custom to come out of the Sewell Hummer of Dallas store is a black and silver two-tone H3. In addition to the paint, the truck also features Hummer’s custom 18inch wheel, and their new chrome hood insert which is less than half the cost of the full chrome billet replacement. This is a good Hummer for someone looking for a custom that’s ‘like nothing else’, and still maintains a lower, more reasonable level of ‘bling!’

It seems we may have accidentally jumped the gun on the 2008 Hummer H2 and H3 Alpha — we found the information from a forum user on the Elcova Hummer Forums. With the actual release date yesterday, we now have more official information on the specs and details around the 2008 H2. Here are some of the highlights from the press release:

HUMMER announced the 2008 H2, with a completely redesigned, more refined interior that combines luxury with HUMMER’s legendary ruggedness; enhanced safety features and a more powerful engine that is coupled with a new, six-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain combination improves efficiency when compared with previous models.

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.

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.

All 2008 H2 models are distinguished from previous models with functional changes that maintain HUMMER’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).

For the complete press release, you can check out Autoblog’s Report on the 2008 Hummer H2.

These are the first images and information that are officially released from General Motors on the 2008 Hummer H2 and 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha. These put to rest many of the rumors surrounding the V8 in a Hummer H3 and the interior changes in the 2008 Hummer H2. Lets start with the H2 Changes:

The 2008 Hummer H2 gets a larger 6.2 liter V8 with a six speed transmission – the horsepower increase hasn’t been announced, but should be significant. The full third row seat is also new – Hummer has never offered more than a single seat in the rear area. The interior dash area has been updated to a more luxurious and clean looking control panel. It also appears that the front bumper has been changed to an aluminum colored finish. The leather choice has also been updated in 2008. These are some terrific advances to a vehicle that has not had a major update in 5 model years!

The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha will have a 5.3 Liter V8 engine. The new engine should boost the HP to 295. That is by far the largest component of the update, but some drivetrain systems have been updated to support the increase in power. Similar to the H2 photos, there was a brushed aluminum looking front bumper that will replace the current black bumper. We didn’t see many interior updates besides the Alpha badge on the steering wheel.

This is great news from Hummer and will finally put some rumors to rest regarding the upcoming changes for the 2008 Hummer H2 and Hummer H3 Alpha!

I normally don’t post specials on Hummers to purchase, but I thought this one may be worth it to someone. After the announcement that there will be no more Yellow H2s produced, there has been an increased interest in purchasing the last few remaining. Less than 10 new 2007 Hummer Yellow H2s (Luxury Models) remain in the country, making them very difficult to find. You may have read our info on certified pre-owned Hummers, and the ability to get certification on a 2007 Yellow Hummer H2 that has less than 5000 miles is unheard of and a great deal (6 year, 100,000 bumper to bumper). This particular model with Sunroof and Navigation touch-screen retails for over $62,000. This 2007 Model is being offered for the next 24 hours (until Tuesday, March 27th, 12 noon) for $51,450 – that price INCLUDES certification (You can get it un-certified for under $49,995!) Unfortunately, due to strict company policy, this vehicle is going to auction tomorrow afternoon. If you’ve priced a new 2007 models and tried to find a Yellow Hummer H2, you’ll understand why this is post worthy. Please contact me with any questions.

We’ve put together another custom Hummer H2 – this time we decided to try some new things. The biggest and most obvious is the body-kit around the edge of the truck – this was by far the most complicated and time consuming project we’ve taken on. We thought it would be relatively easy, but the whole thing ended up taking around a month or so to paint, fit, etc. We also dropped in LED tail lamps and turn signals – those things are bright! And to break it up a little more we put in clear cab lights all around the exterior to replace the red and amber factory lights. Just in case we didn’t have enough candlepower up front, we went ahead and added the hood lights and cowl lights to finish it off. Overall, it’s a pretty mean-looking truck. BTW, the picture above has the wheels photoshoped, the pictures below show how the vehicle sits.

The eco-terrorists are at it again, and Hummers are still the target. A recent string of Arsons in Denver bring up memories of the Hummer Dealerships that went up in Flames a few years ago by the Eco-Terrorist group ELF. One suspect has been arrested, but the fire department investigators say there is still no link to string the arsons together. I suppose that they’re all SUVs, all in Denver, all arson, and at least one had ELF tagged on the door (investigators won’t release if the other 3 had similar markings), isn’t enough of a link to tie them together. One individual from involved in the 03 fire-bombings of Hummer dealerships is serving an 8 year sentence for the crime.

Hummer H3’s very first limited edition is on the way! Dealers are starting to order the Tactical Edition Hummer H3 – a limited run H3 that will include a body-color grille, black wheels (in the 7 wide-spoke chrome design), black brush guard, black tube steps, and a special spare tire cover. The limited edition Hummer H3 will only be available in Victory Red, Black, and Boulder Gray and only 1000 will be made nationwide. This is great news for the person who buyer who wants to get back to the rugged, tough look that Hummer was founded upon.

Hummer recently revealed one of the first right-handed drive model Hummer H3s in Manchester, England – the move is part of General Motor’s plan increase world-wide sales for certain brands. Hummer’s iconic design has international recognition, so it was a natural step to introduce a right-handed drive version for release in South Africa, Australia, and Japan among others. Hummer reported that its sales grew nearly 34 percent globally in 2006 with 82,000 vehicles delivered, compared with 61,000 in 2005.

Owners in the Middle East will now be able to get the same off-road training offered by Hummer in the United States. Hummer recently announced it’s opening an off-road driving academy in Bahrain – a small island nation in the Persian Gulf. The new venture looks to be a General Motors project, unlike the U.S. Hummer Driving Academy which is a joint venture with Humvee manufacturer AM General. Several key GM representatives will be on hand for the March 22nd group breaking at the Bahrain International Circuit.