ALPHA DOG
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 18, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
ALPHA DOG
The new, more powerful Hummer H3 Alpha offers the towing capacity that only a V8
can, as the new H3 Alpha broadens Hummer's range of versatile, do-anything and
go-anywhere vehicles. The H3 Alpha is the second member of Hummer's exclusive
Alpha series, representing the pinnacle of performance, both off the road and on
it. It comes with a 5.3 liter V8 engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 320
pound-feet of torque, and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that
enables maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, and a faster 8-second time to
60 mph from a standstill. That's a big difference from the standard 242
horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine.
The 5.3 liter small-block V8 engine features an aluminum cylinder block to help
reduce overall mass and maintain a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance
and includes a deep skirt cylinder block with cross-bolted main caps, high-flow
cylinder heads, electronic throttle control, 58X ignition system, E67 32-bit
controller, polymer-coated pistons with full-floating wrist pins, returnless
fuel system, lightweight valvetrain, steel camshaft and a low-restriction air
intake system and exhaust.
In addition to the V8 engine, the H3 Alpha also includes the popular 'luxury'
equipment package, the chrome appearance package, 16-inch chrome wheels, a 4.10
rear axle ratio and special Alpha tailgate badge, horn pad badge and embroidered
front headrest with the 'Alpha' insignia. You can also order the new H3 Alpha
combined with content from the H3 X which includes bright roof crossbars, chrome
fuel filler door, body-color grille and unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels,
center cap and brush guard.
The H3 is the newest model to carry the Alpha flag, and represents Hummer's
first Alpha model engineered in conjunction with GM's Performance Division.
Hummer H3 and GM Performance Division engineers did more than simply shoehorn a
V8 engine into the H3's engine compartment. Accommodating the new power plant
necessitated the execution of a seemingly endless number of technical
details-many of which have been implemented across the entire H3 lineup.
The H3's frame was modified to accept the V8 engine, and a special oil pan was
designed to ensure constant oil pressure when driving on steep grades-a hallmark
of Hummer's off-road capability. Also, the engine compartment in front of the
dash was modified to accommodate the V8, and a steering system is used on all H3
models to deliver better on-center feel and even more improved off-road
reliability.
To support the torque output of the powerful V8 the H3 Alpha's front
differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case.
New engine mounts, higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass, and
specific shock valving also are unique to the V8 powered model, ensuring it
continues to deliver the unparalleled ride quality-both on-and off-road-that
consumers expect.
That equates to a 37-foot turning circle, a 9.1-inch ground clearance and
maximum breakover angle of 25-degrees with 33-inch tires, making it possible to
clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also
aided by the maximum approach angle of 39-degress and maximum departure angle of
37-degrees.
Of course the H3 Alpha can ford 24-inch streams at 5 mph, climb 16-inch vertical
steps and rocks, and make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy
surfaces.
This new Alpha model is what H3 enthusiasts have been waiting for and is now
realized.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
If you thought the H3 was the perfect Hummer for you but for its power, the
Alpha is the answer to your dreams.
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 of vehicle: 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha Price: $39,160.00 base/$44,535.00 as tested Engine type: 5.3 liter OHV, cast aluminum block/heads, V8 Horsepower: 300 at 5,200 rpm Torque: 320 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm EPA mileage: 13 mpg/city, 16 mpg/highway Drive configuration: Front engine/all-wheel-drive Transmission: Four-speed electronically controlled automatic Front suspension: Independent SLA torsion bar, 46 mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 36mm tubular stabilizer bar Rear suspension: Hotchkiss design multi-leaf, semi-elliptic dual-stage leaf spring, 46mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 25mm solid stabilizer bar Wheels/tires: 16X7.5 chrome wheels/LT285/75R16 Bridgestone Off-Road tires Brakes: Front: 12.4-inch vented discs with four-piston calipers Rear: 12.28-inch solid discs with single-piston calipers ABS and Dynamic Rear Proportioning Overall length: 186.7 in. Overall width: 85.5 in. Overall height: 74.5 in. Curb weight: 4,854 lbs.