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Hummer HX 2008 Geneva Motor Show

March 5th, 2008 1 Comment

Hummer HX 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Expected to run on E85 Biofuel, the Hummer HX offers a similar deal to the Jeep Wrangler with its open-air driving experience. The HX has a pair of removable roof panels above the driver and front passenger and a modular, removable rear roof assembly enabling a quick conversion from closed vehicle to open vehicle SUT.

2009 Hummer H3T pick-up revealed

January 27th, 2008 27 Comments

Official images of the Hummer H3T pick-up have found their way onto the web ahead of its debut next month at the Chicago Auto Show.

Based on the H3 SUV, the H3T should also receive the same 5.3L V8 alongside the standard 3.7L Atlas straight five engine.

Hummer HX Concept - 2008 Detroit Auto Show

January 15th, 2008 6 Comments

Hummer HX Concept - 2008 Detroit Auto Show

We finally have some actual photos of the Hummer HX Concept, and we hate to admit it, but the car doesn’t look that great in the flesh.

2008 Hummer HX Concept

January 9th, 2008 13 Comments

General Motors has released official images of the Hummer HX Concept - actually they were apparently leaked, although that word is being used far too liberally lately.

The Hummer certainly has come a long way since the tank-sized H1 yet has obviously lost none of its appeal, and if this latest concept is any indication, future models will continue the trend.

Hummer H3R 7.0-litre V8

December 28th, 2007 13 Comments

We said in our review of the Hummer H3 that it can really do with a little more power, but by a little more we meant maybe a 5.0-litre V8 or even a V6. But being American, General Motors has decided to fit a H3 with a 7.0-litre V8 from the Corvette Z06.

Dubbed the Hummer H3R concept, the car is expected at the Detriot Motor Show early next year (and we will be there). There is no official word on whether or not the concept will see the production line, but smaller V8 versions of the H3 are already available in the US.

2008 Hummer H3 review

December 19th, 2007 90 Comments

2008 Hummer H3 review

Yes it’s big, yes it’s yellow, but damn it looks good!

CarAdvice rating:

Models tested: H3, H3 Luxury

Recommended Retail Price: $51,990-$59,990

Options Fitted: None

- by Alborz Fallah & Karl Peskett

This review is broken up into four parts:

HUMMER HX Concept - H4?

December 11th, 2007 28 Comments

HUMMER has a dilemma - what will the next generation Hummer H1/2/3 look like? It would be insanity to change the iconic look of the Hummer range, but at the same time, something needs to be updated to signify a new model.

Thankfully GM is well aware of this problem and plans to show off a Hummer concept at next year’s North American International Auto Show. Dubbed the HUMMER HX concept, it reflects the future design of off-road vehicles according to GM.

Hummer H3T Ute (pickup)

October 31st, 2007 22 Comments

Falcon and Commodore ute owners beware, if real men drive utes, then this beauty is going to be a massive ego boost. Seriously though, a Hummer Ute? We’d like to send a prize to whoever came up with this.

The all-new HUMMER H3T is now a reality. Troy Clarke, GM Group Vice President and GM North America President today announced a $73-million investment in the company’s Shreveport plant facility for the H3T.

2007 HUMMER H3 Review

October 28th, 2007 51 Comments

2007 HUMMER H3 Review

CarAdvice rating:

Recommended Retail Price: $51,990 - $59,990.

Options Fitted: None fitted.

- by Paul Maric - Photos: John Marx & HUMMER

Nine out of ten people pointed their fingers and turned their heads, while the remainder simply shook their heads. This is the type of reaction you can only get with one car, the all new HUMMER H3. Classed as a mid-sized SUV, the HUMMER H3 demands a presence unlike any other vehicle both on and off the road.

Climb into the cabin and a respectable interior is on display. A classy gauge cluster with digital display offers an upmarket feel, while a metallic-look fascia backs the centre cluster. Insert a CD and be prepared to test your ear’s boundaries. Deep levels of bass and adequate treble make the HUMMER’s sound system one of the best in the business.

Although there is a great deal of plastic used around the interior, it doesn’t feel cheap or tacky. The fit and finish, along with the build quality is quite impressive for an American vehicle like the HUMMER. Visibility from the driver’s seat is rather average. Reversing is a trivial task – especially when you consider the lack of reverse parking sensors as standard equipment (available as dealer fitted option). The A-pillar is also quite large, limiting visibility in traffic.

Under the bonnet, a unique 5-cylinder petrol engine headlines the HUMMER’s act. At 3.7-litres in capacity, the engine produces a respectable 180kW and 328Nm of torque. Weighing in at just over 2.1-tonnes, the base H3 model tested used a respectable amount of fuel, with 14.5-litres/100km being the fuel use average for the four-speed automatic version.

At highway speeds there is noticeable wind noise and tyre noise, but the ride is impressive, with the suspension soaking up even the roughest of bumps and holes in the road. The steering is rather numb and lifeless around centre, but improves as more lock is added.

Without a doubt, the HUMMER’s main calling card is its off-road ability. With high and low range 4WD modes, the H3 isn’t all just looks when it comes to leaving the black-top. During testing, the HUMMER was able to traverse any terrain thrown at it, including steep hills and gravity defying slopes. The 216mm ground clearance, coupled with well endowed approach and departure angles allow the HUMMER to tackle even the toughest of terrain.

The pricing was a common point of discussion between passengers and onlookers. Not one person guessed the price – or was even within remote proximity of it. Priced from $51,990 for the manual H3 variant, the price tag undercut average guesses by some $40,000! Nobody was able to believe such a competent and sizeable vehicle could be so affordable.

Available in three models – the H3, H3 Luxury and H3 Adventure – prices start from $51,990 and finish at $59,990 for the automatic H3 Adventure.

Standard features in the base model include: Auto dimming rear vision mirror with inbuilt compass; cruise control; power windows; central locking; fog lights; alloy wheels; CD-player, electric side mirrors; full-sized spare tyre; ABS brakes and Electronic Stability Control (ESP).

Coupled with traffic splitting looks, loads of features and plenty of presence, it’s hard to fault the HUMMER. When you look at the pricing, it undercuts its competitors substantially and offers second to none 4WD’ing ability. Despite what some people say, the HUMMER is also relatively efficient and environment friendly in comparison to some of the overpowered V8 sedans sold on the market. The all new HUMMER H3 serves its purpose, and serves it well.

With 22 incorporated dealers nationwide, there is absolutely no reason I wouldn’t recommend checking out the HUMMER H3 if you’re serious about off-roading, or just want to make an impression, it’s hard to ignore the new H3.

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2007 Hummer H3 Australian Launch

April 3rd, 2007 12 Comments

We finally have official word of the Hummer H3. When we had the opportunity to sit inside the H3 at the Brisbane International Motorshow, we were more than disappointed. The interior felt less spacious than a Lotus Elise, while the plastic trim put the final nail in the coffin. Just look at this interior:

Nonetheless, its a Hummer, so it wouldn’t really matter what it was powered with or if the car was made out of used Hyundai parts from the 80s. People would still buy it, and buy it they have, with over 150 orders already taken for the Hummer H3 since its debut at the Brisbane International Motorshow. Infact GM plans to sell 750 Hummers this year and 1400 to 1500 next year! More giant SUVs on our roads.

The Hummer H3 sold in Australian will come with the 3.7 litre in-line five-cylinder engine (180kW of power and 320Nm of torque). This will be linked up to a choice of a five-speed manual or electronic four-speed automatic transmission. As mentioned earlier, this power to weight distribution is the equivalent to a miniature pony pulling Kim Beazly up a hill.

2007 Hummer H3 Australia

Also as mentioned yesterday the Americans are going to get the Hummer H3 Alpha, which is powered by a more potent V8 engine which delivers 220kW and 430Nm. So far GM has no plans to bring the H3 Alpha down under, but given the relatively good start for the H3, you never know!

The Hummer H3 right hand drive models are built in South Africa and start at $51,990 for a manual and $53,990 for automatic. The base models include such features as traction control, ABS & stability control as standard.

For those few who really think they will take their hummer off-road (think again) there is an option to go all out and get the H3 Adventure for $57,990 for the manual and $59,990 for the auto. The upgrade includes fully locking electronic rear differential and rugged suspension.

At the top of the range, there is always the choice to get the Hummer H3 you really want, the H3 Luxury. This is the blinged out American version with chrome trimmed exterior and leather interior. It will set you back a good $59,990 (auto only).

2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

April 2nd, 2007 10 Comments

GM has blessed Australian with the Hummer H2/H3. The H2 is the more hardcore of the two (even though half the car is still plastic). The H3 on the other hand is actually affordable, and given the Hummer badging and image, there has been quite some interest in the car.

However the problem with the H3 (apart from the obvious - Hummer factor) is that the current model (set to go on sale in the next few months) will be available with only a 3.7-litre inline five-cylinder petrol engine, producing peak power of 180kW @ 5600rpm and peak torque of 328Nm@4600rpm. Now that might sound like a lot of power till you realize that the weight to power distribution is the equivalent of a miniature pony pulling Kim Beazly up a hill. Not that great.

However there is a new Hummer H3 coming out next year, the Hummer H3 Alpha, powered by an engine more suited to the Hummer image, the 5.3L V8 engine puts out 224 kW and 438 Nm.

Being a GM car, it comes with an ancient four-speed automatic transmission. However GM argues that the four-speed is there to allow for a maximum towing capacity of 2,721 kg.

“H3 Alpha is, simply, the ultimate Hummer H3, it delivers all of H3’s renowned off-road capability, but with enhanced performance that is suited to a variety of lifestyles.” said Martin Walsh, Hummer general manager.

It is obvious that the majority of these Hummers will never once set foot off-road. In fact, it is expected that the H3 will be popular with adventures females in their 30s who want a car that expresses their personality as they drive around the city and to and from work.

So with that in mind, Hummer have equipped the H3 Alpha with the

“Luxury” equipment package,
the Chrome Appearance package,
16-inch chrome wheels,
4.10 rear axle ratio
Hummer H3 Alpha badging, such as a tailgate badge, horn pad badge and embroidered front headrests with the “Alpha” insignia.

But if thats not enough to satisfy your ego and make all your friends hate you, there is always the option for such other ridiculous things such as

bright roof crossbows,
chrome fuel door,
a body-colour grille
unique spare tyre cover, tyres, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard.

We beg those who are looking at buying a Hummer to sleep on it a few nights and have a good think about what a Hummer REALLY says about your personality. Does a H3 really tell the world that you are independent, brave and bold? We really don’t think so.

“Because Hummer stands for more than just off-road performance, the H3 Alpha builds on the style and refinement of the H3 lineup and offers a unique, instantly recognisable statement on the road. In short, the H3 Alpha matches Hummer’s off-road expectations with on-road attitude.” said Martin Walsh, Hummer general manager.

As you can see the guys at Hummer are well aware that this car is 99% about image 1% about the need for a box shaped car and 0% for off road activities.