Hummer Guy

In similar fashion last year’s NFL draft, GM has given the use of two Hummer H2s to one individual. Last year it was Heisman winner Reggie Bush – this year it’s Brady Quinn. Quinn will not actually own the vehicles, but will have unlimited use of two, 2008 Hummer H2s. Too bad for Quinn they don’t make it in brown — but they do make it in blue — which may be more appropriate after saturday’s interesting draft.

With registration for the 2007 SEMA show opening up recently, we’re stoked about what we’ll see this year. There’s been so many rumors flying around about the new Hummer truck (made official by Martin Walsh in November of ’06) and the production of a new, smaller Hummer model (made official by Martin Walsh several days ago). So the big question is: What’s going to be at the SEMA show in 2007, and will Hummer choose that venue to release more information to eager Hummer fans? Vehicle manufacturers typically don’t use the SEMA show to release new models, but it is a place where they can take the public’s temperature on new ideas. For instance, Hummer’s 2005 SEMA show display had an H3 “Street” model (seen above), that turned out to have all the major design cues (tire cover, chrome brush guard, wheel/tire combo) that would be sold as the H3x nine months after the show. Over a year after the show, Hummer released a custom 18inch chrome wheel for the H3, that happened to be identical to the one on the accessories display (minus the H3 logo, see below). One more thing about this H3 before we move on – do you see any similarities in the front bumper from these 2005 photos, to the new bumper in the 2008 Hummer H3? In 2005, Hummer also had an H2 on display that tried out the look of a brown leather interior (see below). Again, any similarities to the new option for 2008?

In short, do we think Hummer is going to announce any new models at the 2007 SEMA show? No. Do we think there will be some new, unofficial products that will become mainstream for Hummer in the future? Yes. Our prediction for H2s is we’ll see a new, possibly larger wheel option (they’ve been stuck on 17 inches forever!). This will certainly appease the ‘bling’ crowd. However, what about the hard-core off-road enthusiasts — the type of person that had a moment of silence when the H1 was discontinued? Only time will tell, but we bet Hummer will have something to win back some anti-bling, off-road muscle points at the show.

On the H3 we don’t expect much that we haven’t heard already, and expect most of the focus will be on the upcoming (and at that point released) Hummer H3 Alpha model.

Digg It!

Even though it’s listed under the “Hummer Kids” section of Hummer.com, I found the new “Hummer games” section relatively amusing. One game in the spirit of Hangman is called “See the World” – upon successful completion of the phrase, you win accessories for your virtual Hummer of choice. My favorite called “Trail Blazers” (seen above) puts you in the driver’s seat in an arcade-style off-road rally. These can be found on Hummer.com, under Hummer World, and Hummer Kids.

We found an interesting story on Rockcrawler.com, via the Elcova Hummer Discussion boards. More spyshots have been captured of the Hummer H3T – a concept vehicle that has yet to be announced by the manufacturer. These look like the exact same vehicle that was captured in photos and video last October. We didn’t see any changes to the rumored Hummer H3T, but you can see the pictures at Rockcrawler.com.

We now can confirm that there will be several colors discontinued, and new colors coming, in the 2008 Hummer lineup. We knew that yellow was a goner for H2 and H3, and twilight maroon metallic’s demise was no surprise. However, it is now official that the H2 will discontinue one of its most popular colors: Pewter. In its place will be a color called “Graystone Metallic” – a very similar color (see above picture). It looks more silver and a little bit darker than its pewter predecessor. Also new for 2008 Hummer H2s is “Solar Flare Metallic” (see below) – the color is reminiscent of the “Sunset Orange” color from the 03 – 04 era.

The H3 loses slate blue, and gains Graphite Metallic – a similar color, but darker and with less blue tinge to it. The H3x gets a new color all its own – Carbon Flash Metallic. This color reminds me a lot of the metallic black color that was available on the 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha. It doesn’t appear that they’re continuing to offer the Desert Orange color in the H3x, but will continue with the Sonoma Red Metallic.

Interiors will stay the same on the H3 – three leather choices (Ebony, Cashmere, and Ebony/Morocco), and 3 cloth choices (Ebony, Cashmere/Ebony, and Red). The H2 will no longer have wheat interior in its adventure or base models – ebony will be the new standard. The new brownish color you’ve been seeing in some of the 2008 Hummer H2 pictures is called Brick, and will have ebony piping and interior accents.

I think The new colors will look good – I’m especially excited about the Graystone Metallic in the H2s – nice color!

According to GoAuto, an Australian automotive site, Hummer’s GM Martin Walsh has released details surrounding the launch of a new, smaller, Hummer. Walsh insists that the Hummer H4 would not compromise Hummer’s iconic design, or its commitment to off-road capability – “As we grow smaller, we must ensure that (Hummer) maintains these two characteristics.” “Our growth will be downwards in terms of size,” Walsh says, and adds that he hopes to sell and additional 30,000 to 40,000 Hummer units per year. They also mentioned a right-handed drive H2, but I figured you’d be more excited with Hummer’s GM talking about the H4!

“Green” business and marketing is becoming more and more prevalent in everyday life. Car companies, energy companies, and even restaurants are appealing to your sense of green while vying for the green in your pocket. America’s interest in becoming more environmentally conscious isn’t slowing down – and neither are sales of America’s favorite go-anywhere four-wheel drive – the Hummer. As the first vehicle brand to announce bio-fuel options across its entire lineup, Hummer is on its way to becoming more green. Biodiesel specialist Jonathan Goodwin couldn’t wait – he’s already converted over 60 H2s from gas to diesel, and nearly 100 H1s. One Hummer H2 is able to run on a number of clean fuels like ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, and biodiesel. The conversions take about a week to complete and cost around $24,000. Conversions have also been done on older muscle cars – and they’ve kept the muscle! One converted 65 Impala puts out 850 HP and 1200 foot-lbs of torque – and beat a Lamborghini in the quarter mile. The race video will be shown a special earth-day edition of Pimp My Ride (April 22nd). California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was so impressed by the Impala conversion, he’s asked the company to convert one of his H2s, growing his green Hummer fleet.

Whichever side you’re on regarding the recent Don Imus debacle, you have to admit – he does a lot of good work with children’s charities. GM recognized that in the past and provided Imus’s ranch for cancer-stricken children Hummer H2s and Chevy Suburbans. Sales and Marketing Chief at General Motors Mark LaNeve announced they were pulling sponsorship from the MSNBC, before it was canceled in its entirety. LaNeve says that GM will continue to support Don Imus’s charitable works.

Riding shotgun in your buddy’s new Hummer can be fun – but riding shotgun with Rod Hall in his souped-up Baja 500 Hummer is a once in a lifetime experience! Fans may have their chance to do just that in a promotion from igotshotgun.com. The GM sponsored website specializes in getting ‘behind the scenes’ footage of GM branded entertainment. The winner will get the chance to meet and interview Rod Hall, go on a Hummer test-run, and join the chase crew during the actual race (not to mention travel to Ensenada and the Baja Peninsula!). In order to win, interested folks need create and submit a short video showcasing why should be chosen for the crew. Submit your video and check out more details at the igotshotgun blog. Good Luck!!

It’s official – another Hummer model will no longer be produced. However, I don’t think there will be as many people upset about the discontinuation of the Hummer laptop as say, the Hummer H1. The folks at Itronix have decided to end production of the Hummer laptops that were built to be extra rugged. The price ranged from $2900 to $4600 for the heavy duty CPU – a price out of reach (or out of reason) for many. You can check out the official press release on the “End of Life, Hummer Laptop.”