HUMMER announced the 2008 H2, with a completely redesigned, more refined interior that combines luxury with HUMMER's legendary ruggedness, improved security and a more powerful engine combined with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain combination improves efficiency compared to previous models.
"2008 HUMMER H2 is a significant step in the evolution of this iconic vehicle," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "From performance to comfort and security of general refinement, the new composition of H2 to produce more of what customers expect from HUMMER, are particularly affected by the new, more refined interior."
HUMMER H2 2008 revealed that in the New York Auto Show. Changes within and outside the propulsion system are also included on the H2 SUT. The '08 H2 and H2 SUT go on sale later this year.
The new powertrain combination consists of a 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine, rated at 393 hp (293 kW) - an increase of about 20 per cent on the previous engine - and a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission transmission. Performance-optimizing engine technologies like variable valve timing and six-speed large gear, including an overdrive "high", the performance and efficiency are improved compared to previous models allow.
"This is one of the few cases in which improve performance has been adapted for more efficient," said Walsh. "More power to H2 helps make highway movements such as typing on a freeway ramp, feel effortless while enhancing towing capacity."
Brand new, luxurious interior equipped
While drivers will feel the '08 H2 improved performance on the road, they'll appreciate it more when she knows the all-new interior. It has a completely redesigned dashboard, new seats - including a full third row seating for two passengers, new door panel trim, new controls, new rear seat heating / cooling, new to the general rear DVD entertainment system and a new family of premium radios.
"The new interior offers a refined, premium feel while maintaining HUMMER's trademark ruggedness," said Dennis Burke, interior designer. "Just flush feel for the controls of the materials exudes craftsmanship in new H2, while the little details, like leather seat piping, create a consistent approach, style, premium interior design HUMMER full range. "
Seats in the H2 have a chiseled appearance and offer new convenience. In fact, HUMMER engineers focused on every detail to improve interior comfort. For example, seat belts before the siege are mounted on the vehicle battery B-pillars rather than seats themselves. This change has allowed for uncompromising comfort for the seats of engineering. Seat Belt front seat is new, too, and are standard.
Complementing the new seats, door panels and trim a new instrument panel and new panel of six gauge that includes a more refined and better tolerance. In fact, the new interior is designed with gap tolerances within a millimeter or less. Soft-touch materials and new, more tactile controls enhance the feeling of craftsmanship. A new center stack houses the climate controls and a new family of GM radios - including a standard premium Bose audio system and an available surround sound. The instrument panel also features new vents that enhance heating or comfort cooling throughout the vehicle - especially for second-row seats and third.
Numerous comfort and convenience features are new or transferred in the '08 H2, such as a new rear-seat DVD entertainment system at the top, navigation system, rear camera system view and the heated windshield washer fluid. OnStar and XM Satellite Radio are standard.
The '08 H2 also offers a remote starting system allows the vehicle to be heated or cooled prior to driving.
Driving experience
The core of the '08 H2 is a new 6.2L V-8 engine that uses variable timing technology to maximize performance and fuel economy. It is rated at 393 hp (293 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (574 Nm). The engine also features lightweight materials, including an aluminum engine block, which helps reduce total vehicle mass.
6.2L V-8 of technologically advanced features also help it meet new federal emissions standards a year before mandatory implementation.
A new six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic transmission backs the 6.2L engine. The six-speed automatic transmission has a wide 6.04:1 overall ratio - including two overdrive gears - that helps deliver an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. Also, the 6L80 has a "tap up / tap down" that allows the driver to manually select the changes by a button on the handle of the column.
The powertrain combination helps the 2008 H2 and H2 SUT deliver an additional 1,500 pounds (680 kg) of towing capacity - an increase of 6,500 pounds (2948 kilograms) of 8,000 pounds (3629 kg). A number of additional revisions to the propulsion system also helps improve performance and efficiency of the H2, including:
High capacity cooling system more complete, more powerful engine
The electric engine cooling fans reduce "drag" the engine, which allows more power
Regulated voltage control maximizes fuel economy by charging electrical components only when necessary
New LAN architecture is more efficient electric and consumes less power
Standard 3.73 rear axle ratio
Off-road feel was also improved with the new powertrain system. The 6L80 transmission's tap up / tap down feature provides more control on grades and it offers automatic grade braking. It also enhances off-road gear ratio to approximately 39:1 - an improvement of about 20 percent.
The transfer case is improved '08 H2 is stronger and better performance. A new traction control is standard, which helps ensure sure-footed traction in most driving conditions.
The performance of off-road or is reinforced by a steering mechanism that is reviewed and a quick ratio improvement in central-returnability. The driving experience also is quieter and more refined, thanks to the new air intake and exhaust systems tuned.
Safety Standard
Complementing the range H2 performance and comfort changes are enhancements of the security system. They include many new standard features:
Roof rail head curtain side airbags, first, second and third row passengers with rollover sensing system
Pretensioner seatbelts (front seats)
System, electronic stability control with roll
New system for traction control
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Also new is a panic brake assist feature - the first application of a full-size truck or SUV from GM - which detects emergency braking situations and maintains maximum brake pressure to help stop the car more quickly and with more control. It is a standard feature on all H2 models. In addition, the OnStar system now offers the optional navigation system Turn-by-turn. Other optional features that contribute to safer driving include HUMMER rear vision system - a rearview camera system - and a navigation system.
Exterior improvements
All 2008 H2 models are distinguished from previous models with functional changes that maintain HUMMER identify design instantly recognizable. The iconic, seven-slot grille features larger openings and lower grille has also been expanded to meet the cooling needs of the most powerful 6.2-liter V-8. The lower bumpers are painted 08 models of silver (previous models had black lower bumpers).
Soul HUMMER
While '08 H2 is offered a new engine and interior, its foundation remains the same: a fully welded ladder-type frame that features a modular, three-piece design of a number of hydroformed components. This design provides excellent 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 17-inch, heavy, front suspension and independent five-link suspension at the rear offers improved handling, transportation and towing. The solid rear axle ensures durable sure footedness, particularly in tight, off-road situations. Also standard is underbody protection and rocker protection. These elements allow the H2 Hummer mantra of capability, including traveling through streams 24 inches (508 mm) deep, climbing 16-inch (406 mm) steps and rocks and paddling through deep sand or snow .
A new four-channel anti-lock brake control / traction (ABS / TCS) provides optimum control on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ABS to detect and adjust its braking capabilities off-road rough surfaces such as gravel and holes. TCS also includes the ability to gain traction through a single wheel, if necessary, and more wheel slip in traction control mode for the second sand and desert racing conditions.
A self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is available for extreme off-road and towing needs.
H2 SUT - maximum utility and fun
Like the H2, H2 SUT carries passengers and cargo, but does so with a twist: an open bucket allows easy storage of large items. When cargo requires more space, a 4 foot by 6 foot (122 cm by 244 cm) pickup bed can be created by providing the rear window in Midgate, then bend forward of the bulkhead and seats back. With four passengers on board, the bulkhead is at the rear of the SUT's cabin stood, providing ample cargo capacity.
Practice hand, H2 SUT also offers an open, exciting driving experience. By pressing a button, the driver can lower all four side windows and rear window. Using a separate switch, the standard sunroof can also be opened, giving SUT a truly open feeling air.