Hummer debut at British International Motor Show
HUMMER will make its UK debut at the British International Motor Show at London’s ExCeL with a display featuring the legendary HUMMER H2 and the new, midsize, HUMMER H3 which is due to become available with right-hand drive during 2007.HUMMER H2
The left-hand drive HUMMER H2 provides a unique combination of unrivalled off-road capability and on-road comfort, with a fully welded ladder-type frame chassis that features a modular, three-piece design incorporating a number of hydroformed components. The result is outstanding strength, stiffness and dimensional accuracy. Ensuring on-road ride comfort and control, as well as off-road capability, is the standard independent front torsion bar and five-link coil spring rear suspension. The solid rear axle ensures durable sure-footedness, particularly in tight, off-road situations. A self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is available for severe off-road and towing requirements.
The H2 has short overhangs for radical approach and departure angles, and exceptional ground clearance for minimal impact on trails. The 17-inch wheels and heavy-duty suspension provide superior handling, carrying and towing capability.
H2's power is derived from the Vortec 6000 6.0 litre V8 that produces 325 horsepower (242 kw) at 5200 rpm and 488 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine is mated to a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. H2 also features a, powertrain-integrated Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time 4WD system, which is capable of further reducing H2's gear ratios by 2.64:1 when necessary, for highly controlled obstacle climbing.
A Bosch 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 where necessary and permit additional wheel slip in the traction control mode for sand and desert racing conditions.
HUMMER H3
The latest addition to the growing HUMMER range, the HUMMER H3, delivers authentic HUMMER style and off-road capability in a more accessible, midsize package. Compared with the H2, the left-hand drive H3 is 429 mm shorter, 152 mm lower and 165 mm narrower.
Powered by the Vortec 3500 engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing, this 3.5 litre in-line five-cylinder unit produces 220 horsepower (162 kw) at 5600 rpm and 305 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm.
H3 is the first HUMMER to offer the choice of transmission – either a standard, smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
At the heart of the H3 is the electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. The system is augmented with features such as traction control, underbody shielding, an optional rear locking differential and StabiliTrak stability control with the automatic transmission.
The H3’s manoeuvrable size results in a 11.3 m turning circle. The 231 mm ground clearance and maximum break-over angle of 25 degrees both make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 40 degrees and maximum departure angle of 37 degrees.
Starting in the fourth quarter of 2006, the HUMMER H3 will be assembled at a second location, the General Motors plant in Struandale, South Africa. The additional volume is scheduled for markets in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. A right-hand drive version of the H3 will be added to the South African production in early 2007, to be followed by an optional diesel engine later. General Motors South Africa will be the only manufacturing site outside of the United States to assemble the HUMMER H3. Production of the H3 began in spring 2005 at GM’s Shreveport, Louisiana, plant in the United States.
HUMMER SALES
The global expansion of the HUMMER brand has seen sales nearly double in 2005 (61,000 2005; 31,000 units in 2004). While much of this growth was led by the H3 in the United States of America, HUMMER also saw significant expansion in Europe, Mexico, Canada and the Middle East. Details of the official HUMMER licencee in the UK, Bauer Millett, can be found on bauer-millett.com
