Jalopnik: Hummer H3

Hummer Unveils Details On Threesome Of H3 Concepts Heading To SEMA

Ray Wert — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT

The boulder-climbing boys over at Hummer have just revealed details and photos of three concept vehicles debuting at SEMA next month based on the Hummer H3. Two are concepts direct from the manufacturer. The first is a new, pre-runner-style H3T called the "Weekend Warrior" rigged with performance and appearance accessories. The second concept, dubbed the H3 X is what Hummer thinks the ultimate H3 should look like. The third vehicle is a modified H3 Alpha built by Four Wheeler Magazine as a project vehicle which they've been tossing details around about left and right. We'll see all three first hand in just a week or so in Vegas. Hit the jump for more details.

HUMMER SHOWS A TRIO OF H3-BASED CONCEPTS AND PROJECTS AT THE 2008 SEMA SHOW

LAS VEGAS – The desert surrounding Las Vegas has long been the inspiration of off-road enthusiasts. HUMMER is the ultimate expression of off-road capability and it comes to Vegas and the 2008 SEMA Show with a trio of special vehicles guaranteed to quicken the pulse of anyone whose vacation plans include destinations like Moab or Baja.

HUMMER introduces two concepts, a new, pre-runner-style H3T outfitted with a raft of performance and appearance accessories, and the H3 X Concept – a proposal for the ultimate H3 X. The third vehicle is a modified H3 Alpha that was built by Four Wheeler Magazine as an ongoing project detailed in several issues and online.

“HUMMER has always been about unmatched capability and that’s exactly what these concept vehicles deliver,” said James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. “More importantly, they are based in reality with mostly bolt-on components attainable by any enthusiast who wants them. They are more than concepts; they’re thought starters for enthusiasts who want to express themselves via their H3 or H3T.”

While none of these specialized HUMMERs is targeted for production, they incorporate Genuine HUMMER Accessories components and other aftermarket parts that are on the market today, allowing enthusiasts to replicate much the concept vehicles’ attitude and enhanced capability.

H3T Weekend Warrior
The H3T Weekend Warrior concept demonstrates the added extreme capability and functionality that can be accomplished with the H3T and a few weekends in the garage. Enhanced performance under the hood and from the suspension is due to the development work of HUMMER’s off-road engineers and the technology transfer from HUMMER’s championship-winning racing program.

Starting with a new H3T Alpha, engineers added nearly 70 horsepower to its 5.3L V-8 via components available through GM Performance Parts. They include LS2 cylinder heads (part number 12576063), a higher-lift camshaft (part number 12574519) and supporting components. Also enhancing performance is a custom, 3.5-inch exhaust system.

Taking a note from the playbook of the HUMMER stock-class race program, the H3T rides on 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich Baja T/A tires mounted on HUMMER Accessories 20-inch wheels. The concept also uses racing-proven stock and aftermarket suspension components, including Light Racing JounceShocks and 2-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks. The modified suspension improves the H3T’s inherent off-road capability, making it the ideal high-speed desert chase truck. There is also a set of high-performance disc brakes from DBA.

To complete a weekend desert-escape, the H3T carries a KTM 450 SX-F dirt bike mounted with the H3T’s cargo management system. The vehicle also wears other parts available from HUMMER Accessories that enhance function, including a bed extender and carry-off cargo boxes.

Additionally, the Baja Orange Metallic custom paint is highlighted by essential HUMMER accessories, including roof-mounted and grille-mounted off-road lamps, a body-color upper grille and custom hood graphics. The lower grille, mirror caps, door handles and fuel door have a satin-metal finish. Inside is a custom, black leather-trimmed cabin with orange accent stitching and carbon fiber instrument panel accents.

H3 X Concept
The HUMMER H3 X Alpha is a stylish and capable vehicle straight from the factory, but the H3 X Concept takes style and exclusivity to the next level. Production equipment includes bright roof crossbows; chrome fuel filler door, assist steps and brush guard; body-color grille and spare tire cover; 18-inch wheels and embroidered seat headrests.

The H3 X Concept builds on those features with the following:

* New 18-inch wheels with unique finish
* All-terrain 35-inch-tall tires
* Black chrome finish on exterior chrome components, including an exclusive black chrome hood louver
* Body-color rear bumper extensions
* Clear turn signal and side repeater lenses

The exterior is painted a distinctive Canyon Metallic color from PPG that is complemented brilliantly by the black chrome details and 18-inch wheels. The interior features black leather trim on the seats, console armrest, door armrests and shift knob that is accented with orange stitching. It also features custom mats with orange piping and a headrest DVD entertainment system that is available from HUMMER Accessories.

Powering the H3 X Concept is the Alpha model’s 5.3L V-8 engine that delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW) and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm). It is partnered with a four-speed automatic transmission and enables great off-road driving control and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) – enough to haul a trailer packed with a weekend’s worth of dirt bikes, camping gear and more.

H3 Alpha Four Wheeler Project Trailhugger
Partnering with HUMMER, Four Wheeler Magazine built an H3 Alpha with an all-business demeanor and greater off-road capability, while retaining daily-driver comfort and fuel economy.

The project, dubbed “Trailhugger,” started by “de-glossing” the H3. That entailed painting the chrome and bright trim flat black and modifying the factory’s shiny Victory Red clear coat paint job with a special PPG flattening agent mixed with clear to give it a satin appearance. The editors also added HUMMER’s brush guard, roof lighting and rocker protection accessories.

After that, Four Wheeler swapped in a set of nitrogen-charged, 2-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks and Light Racing JounceShocks. The editors also installed a set of GT Inc. Simulock 16-inch wheels – painted flat black to match the rest of the exterior theme. They’re factory-style HUMMER wheels with a simulated bead lock accent on the perimeter. The wheels were mounted on the H3 with a set of BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 LT285/75R16 tires. The editors chose not to give the H3 a body lift, preferring to explore its capabilities with the stock ride height.

Additional modifications in the ongoing project include a Gobi Stealth roof rack with a custom, wireless remote-operated perimeter lighting system (with 10 PIAA 2100XT lamps) using components from Directed Electronics; a Warn XD9000 winch with winchline.com’s synthetic rope and hawse fairlead; DeFelice Offroad Innovations winch mount system and Up Armor skid plate.

The 5.3L V-8 is stock, but Four Wheeler added a MagnaFlow after-cat exhaust system. Most modifications and upgrades to the H3 were handled by Attitude Performance in Arlington Heights, Ill.

Progress of the Trailhugger project continues in the pages of Four Wheeler and a complementing blog: blogs.fourwheeler.com, where editor Ken Brubaker regularly writes about the H3’s upgrades and its performance as a workhorse for the magazine.

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GM: Sale Of Hummer Is "Urgent"

Mark Arnold — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Automotive News reports that GM President and Chief Operating Officer Fritz Henderson told reporters at a recent press conference in India that the sale of the Hummer brand is on an "urgent basis." That's no surprise, since General Motors is predicting a US vehicle market of around 14 million units for 2008, down from 16 million units last year. Why the statement was made in India, we have no idea, since Mahindra has denied interest in buying Hummer. Perhaps Tata could still be thinking about a purchase? [via Automotive News, Sub. Req.]

Changfeng Gives Up On Getting Hummer From GM

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:40:00 EDT

China Car Times offers more details on our earlier report that no company seems to want a Hummer from GM, giving us the low-down on insider reasons why Changfeng's in denial. The Chinese automaker was apparently interested enough — and GM open enough — to visit the Hummer production facilities, but subsequently determined the hulking SUV's "gasoline consumption was too high" for Chinese customers. China's new tax on large vehicles, particularly imports, would have further weakened demand, adding as much as 30% to the retail price of a Hummer. CCT closes with a mutually beneficial recommendation for the General:

"Perhaps the best deal for GM would be to procure smaller Chinese SUV’s and turn the Hummer brand into an economical SUV brand."

Now there's a moneymaking idea for the General: Build smaller, more fuel efficient and totally unsafe SUVs! [China Car Times]

Report: GM Caught Not Soliciting Hummer Offers

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:20:00 EDT

A new report in the Detroit News states that, while the automaker has received a number of inquiries about the brand, General Motors has neither solicited offers for Hummer nor engaged in discussions with potential buyers. GM is trying to downplay recent reports of interest in Hummer by Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska (now denied by Deripaska), and India's Mahindra & Mahindra. Although General Motors has said it's working on a "strategic review" of the Hummer brand that could lead to a sale, the automaker insists its current focus is on aiding dealer profitability on a case-by-case basis; considering that dealers sold an average of 11 Hummers each last month, that's probably a good place to focus. [Detroit News]

Russian "Undesirable" Oleg Deripaska Makes Play For Hummer

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:20:00 EDT

Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, owner of Moscow-based Russian Machines, is in the hunt for the Hummer brand, according to Russian business magazine Vedomosti. Should Deripaska end up the high bidder, GM is going to have to take the paperwork to him: He's been barred by the US State Department from entering the country due to his alleged ties to organized crime and possible false statements made to the FBI, and he's been accused by business associates of extortion, kidnapping, and "unsavory business practices." We know: On the surface, Deripaska sounds like the perfect suitor for Hummer, but some statements made by one of his associates have us a little concerned.

Sergey Babichenko, a representative of Russian Machines' parent company, wrote to ABC News, explaining, "Mr. Deripaska is a respected member of society, a leading Russian businessman, a philanthropist and an outspoken champion on vital global issues of sustainable development and climate change." That last part's what has us worried: We fear that Deripaska may not be aware of the scope of the environmental backlash Hummer has faced in the States. Then again, if Rick Wagoner had just stuffed naysayers into the trunk of a limo and taken them for a "little ride," perhaps Hummer sales wouldn't be down by 60% this year. [ABC News]

GM In Talks To Buy Out Hummer Dealerships

Andrew Stoy — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Automotive News reports that General Motors is ~~bribing~~ incentivizing moribund Hummer dealers by prepaying them second- and third-quarter bonuses based upon 2007 sales. The company is also reportedly talking to many dealer principals behind-the-scenes about buyout options, attempting to smooth the transition to a brand sale or closure and avoid some of the expensive legal issues that plagued its Oldsmobile shutdown. Dealers could use all the help they can get: Hummer sales plummeted nearly 60% in June, compared with a year earlier.

The incentive bonuses are not insignificant: Automotive News quoted Miami Hummer dealer Ed Williamson as saying they could "be substantial," often in the six-figures. Williamson would know: He happens to own the highest-volume Hummer store in the country, Williamson Cadillac-Hummer. So how many of the beasts did the hottest location move in June? Thirty-one, or about one per day. That's compared to about 100 a month during 2007.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Sales dropping due to a "loser" image? Irrelevant products? A parent company that's given up hope? It's DeSoto, Studebaker and Oldsmobile all over again. Take a picture of yourself next to an H2 soon: One day your kids will say "I can't believe people used to drive things like that!" [Automotive News (Sub. Req.); Photo Credit: A1 Limobus]

Hummer H3: Decepticon or Autobot?

Travis Hudson — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EDT

It seems that the HX won't be the only Hummer vehicle featured in Transformers 2. At the Cinema Expo International 2008 in Amsterdam, GM shelled out some bucks for a big platform that includes the H3 logo, the Transformers logo and dual black H3's to go along with it all.

If you recall, Ratchet from the first Transformers was a tweaked Hummer H2. Could Ratchet be getting a upgrade? Or will the Hummer H3 serve as a completely new Transformer? GM might just using the black H3s because it doesn't have enough spare Hummer HX concepts for a measly movie expo. Only time will tell.

Maybe that "strategic review" of the Hummer brand meant just dumping all of the Hummer eggs into the Transformers basket. [TFW2005]

More Evidence Points To Hummer Sale; Russians, Chinese Interested?

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:15:00 EDT

More evidence is emerging that GM is moving quickly to solve its Hummer problem. The Detroit Free Press reports today on John Voss, a Dayton-area dealer who purchased a Hummer franchise in April, who says that GM offered to refund his money. "They have three choices and they said they want to make this decision very quickly," Voss said. "They are either going to make a smaller Hummer hybrid and change the H2, close the brand or sell it." Given the lead time needed to create a Hummer hybrid or impose radical changes to the H2 and the implications of closing the brand, a sale still seems to be the most practical option for GM.

Countries raking in huge oil profits are would be the most likely destination for Hummer. Markets in Russia and Latin America continue to demand large SUVs, while China and India are potential suitors as well. At least one analyst speculated about Hummer as a logical fit for Tata Motors. "It would be a great fit with Land Rover," said Rajesh Kothari, a partner with investment banker Seneca Partners LLC and Manchester Holdings. "Hummer is a similar product line; it has similar demographics but a different reach." While the combination of Tatas and a Hummer make perfect sense to us, a spokesperson from the Indian automaker declined to comment.
[Freep; Photo Credit: GraniteGrok.com]

Hummer To Join Fred, Be Not-Yet-Dead?

Andrew Stoy — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Mark Phelan, columnist for the Detroit Free Press, today argues both sides of the "should Hummer stay or should it go?" coin. On one hand, Hummer's gas-sucking asshole image isn't doing GM any favors, and poor sales numbers make the abuse harder to absorb. On the other hand, Hummers are truly capable vehicles with a rabid (if shrinking) fan base. Then there's the issue of Hummer dealers getting all sue-happy if GM shut the brand down. There still seems to be a logical option, however.

Most of Phelan's arguments center around the drawbacks of shutting Hummer down. Thing is, shuttering the brand has always seemed the least-likely scenario. Instead, GM would be better off selling the brand to an outside investor or automaker who could then supply Hummer products to the markets that demanded them — including the U.S., should they choose to do so. Hummer dealers would mostly remain intact, owners would retain parts and service availability, and the General could post a nice chunk of cash to its books while ridding itself of a brand liability and excess manufacturing capacity. What's not to like here?

A Hummer Won't Get You The Love, Hummer You Really Want

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:45:00 EDT

As much as the Internet is powered by ads, you probably don't want to go too far down the Google AdWord rabbit hole because you might be frightened by what you find. In this case a search of Hummer served up a steamy ad claiming

"Most single men buy Hummers to impress women. The only women that a Hummer impresses are high maintaince goal diggers. Is this what you really want in your life?"

It's an excellent question. Is that what we want in our life? Maybe this site is offering guys a way out of merely buying their way into undergarments and offering them a chance to develop real character. It's not. What it's offering is wrong on so many levels. The full ad below the jump.

Look a little further and this is what you'll get:

If you really want to meet high quality women you need to look outside the USA. Foreign women have the qualities you want!

That's right fellas, you don't want a woman that loves you for your awkwardly-styled SUV, you want a woman that wants you because you were born in French Lick, Indiana. We feel sorry for Akona Adventure Gear, which seems to have been roped into this by some skeezy company.

Why not enlist and pick up foreign women today in your Hummer?

$35,000 In Lottery Tickets Used To Create Hummer H3

Wes Siler — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EDT

This Hummer H3 is built from $35,000 in losing lottery tickets. No sheet metal here, folks. The piece is by Brooklyn-based artists Adam Eckstrom and Lauren Was and it's entitled Ghost of a Dream. The tickets came from local bodegas, where they were discarded by unlucky patrons.

"We started talking about what people dream about when they scratch the coin against the ticket, and almost always the first thing they dream about doing is buying a car," Was told the Providence Journal. "This is a ghost of all those dreams."

"We wanted the piece to contain the value of a Hummer," Eckstrom told the paper. "And $35,000 is also the price of the piece."

In Russia, Antiglobalists Egg Your Hummer

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:45:00 EST

Antiglobalists in St. Petersburg, who we assume are anti globalism and not anti spherical representations of the earth, have found a Hummer owner willing to sacrifice his H3 for a politically significant egging. And even better, the man is willing to auction off his H3 and donate the money to charity. A spokesman for the group said "Luxury is a false value, clouding modern society's vision. Advertising posters, TV shows and slick marketing constantly tells us that buying things is the most important value in our society." We know, it's great.

The antiglobalist protesters need to be careful about where the eggs and tomatoes for the demonstration come from, as there are many evil multinational corporations responsible for putting food on Russia's tables. In fact, according to the FAO Russia imported nearly one million metric tons of chicken in 2004. But it's worth the sacrifice if they get to egg just one Hummer. [Source: Reuters]

Hummer H3 Black Edition: Always Bet on Black

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:45:00 EST

In an effort to create buzz about Hummer in Europe, the folks at GM decided to black out an H3 and fit it with an abundance of goodies standard and call it the H3 Black Edition. Based on the H3 Adventure trim, this Clio-crusher offers the aesthetics to live up to its name with matte black grille, steps, roof crossbars fuel door, door handles, mirrors and black powder-coated wheels. Buyers will also get a Kenwood nav system and other expensive goodies for just €1.250 over the price of an Adventure, despite € 4.900 worth of goodies. WIth only 50 on sale, you better act quickly if you're a stylish German soldier-of-fortune. Press release below:

HUMMER H3 goes black to the future

* all-black H3 introduced
* € 5,000,- customer saving
* Exclusive edition limited to just 50 vehicles throughout Europe

The iconic HUMMER offering for Europe will be enhanced with the introduction of a new, exclusive, all-black HUMMER H3 which combines stunning style and excellent value with extras worth € 5.000,- fitted as standard. Just 50 examples will be offered and will go on sale by the end of this year. As with all HUMMERs sold through the official European importer the vehicles come with a four-year, 100,000 km warranty and European Roadside Assistance programme.

The H3 Black Edition is based on the premium H3 Adventure automatic model and combines a lustrous black exterior and plush black leather interior with a full collection of matt black accessories, including a matt black grille, tubular assist steps, roof crossbars, lockable fuel door, door handles, mirrors and black powder-coated wheels.

Twenty five of the H3 Black Edition models will additionally feature the large electric sliding sunroof which has proved a popular option. Among the array of standard interior fittings is a fully integrated Kenwood HUMMER Navigation system.

The value to the customer of the extras fitted as standard is approximately € 6.150,- including VAT. Yet the H3 Black Edition will carry a price tag only € 1.250,- higher than a Adventure edition on which it is based - resulting in a customer saving of € 4.900,-. (Calculation based on German pricing. Consumer price may vary in case of different VAT rules).

The HUMMER H3 Black Edition is designed to do much more than make fifty lucky customers across Europe feel very happy. It is another example of the HUMMER spirit that promotes the iconic design, but also makes it clear that, with H3 prices starting at € 49.950,-, the HUMMER H3 is much greater value than many think.

The H3 Black Edition is one of a series of exciting initiatives created by Kroymans HUMMER Europe, the European importer of HUMMER vehicles. The organization, situated at Breukelen in the Netherlands, has been combined with a strong new European dealer network with more than 40 outlets, reflecting the rapid growth of the HUMMER brand in Europe as well as in America. The new central organisation provides yet more benefits for HUMMER customers.[Hummer via World Car Fans]

Kobe Announces His Hummer Auction to Middle Schoolers

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:30:00 EST

While we think the best place to announce you're selling a Hummer H3 would be the parking lot of a Ralph's Fresh Fare around 11:00 am to take advantage of the MILF crowd, Kobe decided to take his message straight to the underprivileged youth that can probably neither drive nor buy the vehicle. If you weren't aware, Kobe Bryant is auctioning off an autographed Hummer for some program benefiting kids. It must be working, as the bidding is already up to $60,000 with 29 bids. Whether he ends his career as an all-star or in disgrace, you're looking at quite the overpriced collectible. Press release below.

Kobe Bryant Visits LA Middle School and Announces HUMMER H3 eBay Auction to Benefit After-School All-Stars

NBA Star supports After-School All-Stars as its newest Celebrity Ambassador.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 1, 2007 — Between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. yesterday, the hours when inner-city youth are most likely to engage in risky behavior, After-School All-Stars students at Bret Harte Prep Middle School got the opportunity to meet with Kobe Bryant. The NBA star, who is the newly appointed After-School All-Star Celebrity Ambassador, arrived at the middle school to award prizes for a model HUMMER design competition. The entries were evaluated by representatives from the Petersen Automotive Museum and the winners were selected based on five judging categories: originality, "coolness" factor, design, style and overall appeal. Kobe Bryant also announced an online eBay auction benefiting After-School All-Stars (ASAS).

The online auction for ASAS, sponsored by HUMMER, went live November 28 and will continue through December 8. The package includes a 2008 HUMMER H3 with Kobe Bryant's autograph in the interior, four complementary tickets to an LA Lakers game and an opportunity to meet with the new ASAS Celebrity Ambassador, Kobe Bryany. The auction page is at www.ebay.com./asas.

"After-school programming is a critical service that not only helps our children succeed in school, but in life as well," said Kobe Bryant. "I'm very excited to have this opportunity to work with After-School All-Stars as they prove on a daily basis the difference after-school programming can make in a child's life."

"We are truly excited to have both Kobe Bryant and HUMMER on board for this valuable auction for After-School All-Stars," said Ben Paul, CEO, After-School All-Stars. "Corporate, foundation and celebrity support for ASAS highlights the importance of quality school-based after-school programming as an essential service for inner-city children across the county. Thanks to efforts like this, we can continue to innovate and deliver services to greater numbers of kids."

Kobe Bryant Wants You to Have a Hummer... You Know, For Kids

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:14:00 EST

Never let it be said that Kobe Bryant likes adultery more than kids, as he's doing his part for the little people by helping to sell this autographed Hummer H3 on eBay for Governor Schwarzenegger's Afterschool All-Stars charity. Schwarzenegger & Kobe! How many references to unwanted sexual advances can we make?

The winner gets to attend a meet & greet with Kobe Bryant, so you're going to want to put in a high bid when the auction starts this November 25th. The H3 appears to be a standard-issue model, and there's no word on whether Kobe tagged it in the front, the back, or both. [eBay]