THE SPORT UTILITY TRUCK TO OWN

© All photos by Harvey Schwartz

THE SPORT UTILITY TRUCK TO OWN By HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Any way you measure it, the Hummer H2 achieved runaway success in its inaugural year. In six months, the H2 captured the heart of 19,222 new Hummer aficionados and a number of automotive awards. Even without incentives, Hummer dealers had a difficult time keeping more than a 10-day supply of H2s on their lots.

The H2's packaging may have been scaled down, but not its ability. This is a Hummer first and foremost. That means it's still capable of traveling through streams 20 inches deep, climbing 16-inch steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in high-speed desert runs. The H2 can accomplish off-road maneuverability like no other factory 4X4. Its grade capability is 60 percent, its side slope capability is 40 percent, its approach angle is 40.4 degrees, its departure angle is 39.6 degrees, its ramp break-over angle is 25.8 degrees, its axle differential to ground is 9.9 inches (251 mm) and its fording depth is 20 inches (508 mm).

All of these numbers far exceed any other SUV on the market. Now comes the H2 SUT, which offers more flexibility, functionality and versatility without sacrificing any of it's proven off road capabilities.

The passenger and cargo areas of the SUT can be configured for a variety of needs. When the vehicle needs to carry passengers in the rear seats as a conventional SUV would, the bulkhead (called the midgate) at the rear of the passenger compartment remains upright and weather-tight, still providing a rear bed with more than 30 cu.ft. (850 L) of cargo space. However, when more cargo space is desired, the rear window can be powered into the Midgate, and the Midgate and rear seat can be folded forward to allow access into the now-expanded 4 ft.x 6 ft. (122cm , 244 cm) pickup bed. The cargo box and tailgate are trimmed in composite material that will never rust and it can easily be washed out with two large drainage areas. The new SUT also features a 5-window express down and up feature that drops all vertical side windows and the rear glass. The rear glass also has it's own toggle switch for independent up and down operation.

The SUT also features an optional 'up-level' interior with high-quality aircraft leather seats that feature a more pronounced bucket design for enhanced support and greater comfort, thicker leather on the aircraft style stick- shifter, thicker leather on the door pulls, and thicker leather wrapped around the giant, dashboard-mounted front passenger grab handle. More acoustical material is used this year to keep the cabin even more quiet.

In addition, the new H2 SUT gets more power from its Vortec 6.0-liter V8 engine now pumping out 325 hp at 5,200 rpm and 365 lb.ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The more powerful engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L65-E 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with full-time 4X4 and locking differentials, and the same independent front suspension with torsion bars, 46mm monotube gas shocks and 36mm stabilizer as the H2. The SUT's rear suspension features unique five-link variable-rate self-leveling air-springs, 46 mm monotube gas shocks, and a 32mm stabilizer bar. The truck stays put at high-speeds on the highways and flat in the turns. Off-road there is no other truck except the Hummer H1 that has the same or better capability. Brakes, tires and wheels are the same as equipped on the regular H2.

With the addition of the new SUT, Hummer H2 enthusiasts now have a truck that can take care of more chores and be more flexible and functional as new needs arise, and that can only be taken care of behind the wheel of the all-new Hummer H2 SUT. © All text and photos by Harvey Schwartz

For more information on Hummer products, go to www.hummer.com. More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2005 Hummer H2 SUT Price of vehicle: $53,500.00+ Engine type: 6.0-liter Vortec V8, OHV, cast iron block/cast aluminum heads Horsepower: 325 hp at 5,200 rpm Torque: 365 lb.ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm Drive configuration: Front engine/all-wheel-drive Transmission type: four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission Front suspension: Independent with torsion bars, 46 mm monotube gas shocks, 36mm front stabilizer bar. Rear suspension: five-link variable-rate self-leveling air springs, 46 mm monotube gas shocks, 32mm stabilizer bar. Wheels/tires: 17X8 cast aluminum wheels/LT315/760R17 all-terrain radial tires Brakes: Front: 12.8-in. vented discs Rear: 13-in. solid rear discs with 2-piston calipers at each wheel and 4-wheel/4-channel ABS Overall length: 203.5 in./5170 mm Overall width: 81.2 in./2063 mm Overall height: 81.2/2080 mm with roof rack/78.5/1977 mm without roof rack Curb weight: 6,400 lbs./2909 kg. EPA mileage: 8 mpg/city/12 mpg highway