2008 HUMMER H2
- All-new interior features refined,
premium appointments, all-new instrument panel and all-new, more
comfortable seats with a full third row
- New standard safety features include
new electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation
technology, panic brake assist and roof rail head curtain side
air bags with rollover sensing system
- All-new 6.2L V-8 and six-speed
automatic combination delivers more power and efficiency
- Towing capacity increased to 8,000
pounds (3,629 kgm)
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 2008 HUMMER H2 represents
a major step in the evolution of this iconic vehicle," said
Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "From performance to
comfort to safety and overall refinement, the new H2 lineup delivers
more of what customers expect from HUMMER; they will be especially
impressed with the new, more refined interior."
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.
"This is one of those rare instances
where enhanced performance is matched with improved efficiency,"
said Walsh. "More power in the H2 helps make highway maneuvers,
such as entering from a freeway on-ramp, feel effortless while simultaneously
bolstering towing capability."
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.
"The new interior delivers a refined,
premium feel while maintaining HUMMER's trademark ruggedness,"
said Dennis Burke, interior designer. "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 HUMMER family."
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, 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 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
Also new is a panic brake assist feature
– 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.
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. |
