POLITICALLY INCORRECT
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, May 4, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
AND PROUDER THAN EVER
The off-road warrior Hummer H2 roars into 2008 with a long list of changes,
starting with a completely redesigned interior that combines luxury features and
appointments with Hummer's legendary ruggedness. Under the hood is a new, more
powerful engine that is mated to a new, smooth shifting, six-speed automatic
transmission.
The signature H2 styling remains the same except for new option packages,
similar to the Luxury Package that my test H2 came with. These changes represent
a major step up in the evolution of the H2 that hasn't seen any significant
changes since it was introduced five years ago. From performance to comfort to
safety and overall refinement, the new H2 gives consumers more of what they
expect in a modern sport utility vehicle.
While you will appreciate the new improved performance on or off the road, the
big news is the all-new interior. It is all Hummer, with a completely redesigned
dashboard, new instrument panel, new seats, including a full third-row seat for
two passengers, new door trim panels, new controls, a new rear-seat heating/AC
system that comes standard, a new rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system,
and a new series of premium audio systems. I am very impressed with the redesign
and the new, refined, premium feel that also maintains Hummer's trademark
ruggedness.
Everything from the flushness of the controls to the feel of the materials shows
craftsmanship in the new interior, while the fine details, like leather seat
piping, creates a consistent, premium interior design. No more GM parts-bin
switches and dials. Hummer H2 has its own distinct interior, first seen inside
the smaller H3, which helped make the H3 such a success.
The leather/power adjustable, seats in the H2 have a new, chiseled appearance
and offer improved comfort. Engineers also mounted the front seat safety belts
to the vehicle's B-pillars rather than to the seats themselves, as before. This
change enabled engineers to fine-tune the seats. Front safety belt pretensioners
are new too, and are standard.
Complementing the new seats are new door trim panels, and an all-new instrument
panel with a six-gauge 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 further enhance the feeling of craftsmanship. A new center stack
surrounded by real aluminum, houses the climate controls, 4-wheel-drive controls
and a new line of GM radios-including a standard Bose premium audio system and
an available surround sound system. The dashboard also features new vents,
surrounded by aluminum trim, that enhance heating and cooling comfort throughout
the H2. A new, round silver signature Hummer analog clock is smack in the middle
of the dashboard. Round vents located in the headliner direct heated or cooled
air into the second-and third-row seats. Even the dual cup-holders on the center
console are now ringed in chrome.
Options include heated/leather seats with power adjustments including lumbar
support, four-heavy-duty Hummer signature carpeted floor mats, new rear-seat
overhead DVD entertainment system, a navigation system, power sliding sunroof,
AM-FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD/DVD player, AutoTone Radio Data System with
Auxiliary jack, premium Bose Audio System with 9-speakers with surround sound,
third-row seat, 17-inch polished aluminum wheels, a rear-view camera system
remote starting system enabling the H2's interior to be heated or cooled prior
to driving off, and heated windshield washer fluid. OnStar and XM satellite
radio are standard.
The heart of the 2008 H2 is the new, 6.2 liter V8 engine that uses variable
valve timing technology to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. It is rated
at 393 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 415 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. The
all-aluminum engine helps reduce the vehicle's overall mass. These technological
advanced features help it meet new federal emissions standard a year before
mandatory implementation.
A new six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic
transmission backs the new V8 engine. The six-speed automatic has a wide 6.04:1
overall ratio-including two overdrive gears-that help deliver smooth shifts and
an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Also, the 6L80 has a 'tap
up/tap down' capability that allows you to manually select upshifts and
downshifts with buttons on the steering wheel. The new powertrain gives the H2
an additional 1,700pounds in towing capacity. A host of additional powertrain
revisions also contribute to the improved performance and efficiency, including
a larger-capacity cooling system that complements the larger, more powerful
engine; new electric engine cooling fans reduce drag on the engine enabling more
horsepower; a regulated voltage control maximizes fuel economy by charging
electrical components only when necessary; a new LAN electrical architecture is
more efficient and uses less electrical energy, and a standard 3.73 rear axle
ratio.
What a thrill to drive off-road as the new H2 gets is better with the new tap
up/tap down feature providing more control on grades. It also improves the
off-road crawl ratio to approximately 39:1-an improvement of about 20%. The
electronic transfer case is now stronger with improved performance and quicker
4X4 changes. A new traction control system also is standard and helps ensure
sure-footed traction in most driving conditions.
Driving performance, both on, or off-road is still further enhanced by a revised
steering gear that has a quicker ratio and improved on-center returnability. The
driving experience is also quieter and more refined thanks to more sound
deadening material placed around the cabin, and a tuned air intake and exhaust
systems.
Keeping you safe on your on-road or off-road journey's is a new Electronic
Stability control system with rollover mitigation technology and new tire
pressure monitoring system with a readout in the standard Driver Information
Window.
2008 H2 models are distinguished from previous models with functional changes
that maintain Hummer's instantly recognizable overall design identity. The
iconic seven-slot grille features larger openings and the lower grille is also
enlarged to accommodate the cooling needs of the more powerful 6.2 liter V8
engine. Both front and rear lower bumpers are now painted silver, where previous
models were painted black.
While the new 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 17X9 wheels,
a heavy-duty independent front suspension featuring torsion bars, 46 mm monotube
shocks and a 36 mm stabilizer bar; and a 5-link rear suspension featuring
variable-rate coil springs, (optional self-leveling air springs), 46 mm monotube
shocks and a 30 mm stabilizer bar; provide superior handling on or off-road, and
towing capacity is now rated at 8,600 pounds. The solid rear axle ensures
durable sure-footedness, particularly in tight, off-road situations. Also
standard is underbody protection, front and rear tow hooks, and rocker
protection. These elements help the H2 deliver on Hummer's mantra of capability,
including traveling through streams 24 inches deep, climbing 16-inch steps and
rocks, and plowing through deep sand or snow.
Quickly and safely slowing the H2 down from speed are new, stronger, four-wheel
disc brakes, 13 inches at each wheel and each clamped with dual-piston calipers.
Also new this year is a panic brake assist feature-the first for a full-size GM
truck or SUV-which detects emergency braking situations and maintains maximum
brake pressure to help stop the H2 more quickly and with more control. This new
standard feature works with the standard ABS and traction control systems that
allows the driver to use a two-foot driving technique (one foot the brake, the
other on the throttle), which is best when negotiating a steep, rocky trail. The
traction control system also includes the ability to gain traction through a
single wheel.
New safety features include roof rail head curtain side airbags for first-second
and third-row passengers, three-point safety belts for all passengers, and new
front-seatbelt pretensioners. Other standard safety features include front dual
airbags, remote vehicle start, remote keyless entry, auto headlamps, daytime
running lights, theft-deterrent system, and OnStar.
Standard features not mentioned above include heated second-row seats that have
a pull-down center console with cup holders and fold-flat, cruise-control, auto
dual zone climate control, rear-seat climate control, one-touch express down for
all windows, leather wrapped steering wheel, rear window defogger, intermittent
wipers/washers/rear wiper/washer, thick-cut pile carpeting, dual map lamps, grab
handles all-around, chrome door handles, rear spare tire carrier, chrome fuel
filler door, power-folding, heated mirrors, self-dimming rearview mirror with
outside temperature/compass heading and huge, LT315/70R17 off-road tires.
My test H2 came with the following options: luxury package with chrome aluminum
hood handles, chrome aluminum hood latches, bright door sill plates, carpeted
floor mats, front and rear, rear vision camera, power sunroof, rear seat
entertainment system, Bose Surround Sound System for a total price of
$63,640.00. H2 carry's a base price of $55,510.00.
You can't beat the looks, off-road capability and ruggedness of the new 2008
Hummer H2, and now it is as comfortable, luxurious and safe as any of the more
expensive sport utility vehicles on the market.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
It may not be PC in this era of fuel-sipping greenmobiles, but the H2
unabashedly accomplishes what it sets out to do very well.
For more information about Hummer products, go to
www.hummer.com
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name:
Hummer H2
Price:
$55,510.00/base, $63,640.00/as tested
Engine type:
6.2 liter Vortec, all-aluminum V8 with VVT
Horsepower:
393 at 5,700 rpm
Torque:
415 lb-ft at 4,300 rpm
Drive configuration:
Front engine/all-wheel-drive
Transmission type:
Hydra-Matic 6L80, 6-speed automatic transmission
Front suspension:
Independent with torsion bars, 46 mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 36 mm stabilizer
bar
Rear suspension:
5-link variable-rate coil springs, optional self-leveling air springs, 46 mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 30 mm stabilizer bar (coil), or 32 mm (air)
Wheels/tires:
17X9 cast aluminum wheels/LT315/70R all-terrain tires
Brakes:
Front:12.8 in. vented rotors, dual-piston calipers
Rear: 13.0 in. solid rotors, dual-piston calipers
Overall length:
203.5 in.
Overall width:
81.2 in.
Overall height:
79.2 in. coil springs/78.5in. air springs
Curb weight:
6,614 lbs.
EPA mileage:
10 mpg/city, 12 mpg/highway