Hummer H2, 2008
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.
HUMMER revealed the 2008 H2 at the New York Auto Show. The powertrain,
interior and exterior changes also are included on the H2 SUT. The '08
H2 and H2 SUT go on sale later this year.
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.
All-new, luxury-appointed 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.
Seats in the H2 have a new, chiseled appearance and offer improved
comfort. In fact, HUMMER 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 with 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.
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 with a button on the column
shifter.
The new powertrain combination helps the 2008 H2 and H2 SUT 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:
- 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
with 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 with
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 steering
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.
Safety standard
Complementing the H2 lineup's performance and comfort changes are
enhancements to the safety system. They include several new standard
features:
- Roof rail head curtain side air bags for first-, second- and third-row passengers with rollover sensing system
- Safety belt pretensioners (first-row seats)
- Electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
- New traction control system
- Tire pressure monitoring system
The first application for a
full-size GM truck or SUV - which detects emergency braking situations
and maintains maximum brake pressure to help stop the vehicle more
quickly and with more control. It is a standard feature on all H2
models. Also, the standard OnStar system now offers the optional
Turn-By-Turn navigation system. Additional optional features that
contribute to a safer driving experience include HUMMER's Rear Vision
System - a rearview camera system - and a navigation system.
The Exterior enhancements
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).
The soul of a HUMMER
While the '08 H2 is offered with a new powertrain and interior, its
foundation remains the same: a fully welded ladder-type frame that
features a modular, three-piece design incorporating a number of
hydroformed components. This design delivers outstanding strength,
stiffness and dimensional accuracy.
The H2 has short overhangs for radical approach and departure angles,
and exceptional ground clearance for minimal impact on trails. Standard
17-inch wheels, heavy-duty independent front suspension and a five-link
rear suspension provide superior handling, carrying and towing
capability. The solid rear axle ensures durable sure-footedness,
particularly in tight, off-road situations. Also standard is underbody
protection and rocker protection. These elements help the H2 deliver on
HUMMER's mantra of capability, including traveling through streams 24
inches (508 mm) deep, climbing 16-inch (406-mm) steps and rocks and
paddling through deep sand or snow.
A new, four-channel anti-lock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS)
provides optimum control on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ABS can
detect and adjust its braking capabilities to rough off-road surfaces
like gravel and potholes. The TCS also includes the ability to gain
traction through a single wheel, if necessary, and more wheel slip in a
second traction control mode for sand and desert racing conditions.
A self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is available for extreme off-road and towing requirements.
H2 SUT - maximum utility and fun
Like the H2, the H2 SUT carries passengers and cargo, but does so with a
twist: an open cargo bed enables convenient storage of larger items.
When cargo requires more space, a 4-foot by 6-foot (122-cm by 244-cm)
pickup bed can be created by powering the rear window into the Midgate,
then folding forward the Midgate and rear seat. With four passengers on
board, the bulkhead at the rear of the SUT's passenger compartment
remains upright, still providing ample cargo-carrying capacity.
Practicality aside, the H2 SUT also offers an open, invigorating driving
experience. At the push of a single button, the driver can lower all
four side windows and the rear window. Using a separate switch, the
standard sunroof can also be opened, giving SUT a truly open-air
feeling.
