2008 HUMMER H3 ALPHA Test Drive

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 engine that delivers 300hp and 320lb.ft. of torque, and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that enables maximum towing capacity of 6,000lbs., and a faster 8sec. time to 60mph from a standstill than with the standard 242hp inline 5-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.

The new H3 Alpha is the ultimate Hummer H3, delivering all of H3’s renowned off-road capability, but with enhanced performance that is suited to a variety of lifestyles.

 

In addition to the V8 engine, the H3 Alpha also includes the popular ‘luxury’ equipment package, the chrome appearance package, 16in. 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 door, a body-color grille and unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels and center cap, and a 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 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 front of the dash was modified to accommodate the V8, and a new 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 customers expect. That equates to a 37ft. turning circle, a 9.1in. ground clearance and maximum breakover angle of 25-degrees with 33in. 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-degrees and maximum departure angle of 37-degrees. Of course the H3 Alpha can ford 24in. streams at 5mph, climb 16in. 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.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Suspension: Front-independent SLA torsion bar, 46mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 36mm tubular stabilizer bar
Rear-Hotchkiss design multi-leaf, semi-elliptic dual stage leaf spring, 46mm monotube gas-charged shocks, 25mm solid stabilizer bar
Steering: power-assisted rack & pinion with tri-bushing mount design
Brakes: Front-12.4in. vented discs with four-piston calipers
Rear-12.28in. solid discs with single-piston sliding calipers
ABS, Traction Control
Wheels: 16X7.5in. aluminum/265/75R16in. Bridgestone radials
Wheelbase: 111.9in.
Overall length: 186.7in.
Overall width: 85.5in.
Overall height: 74.5in.
Track: f/r-65/65.5in.
Curb weight: 4,854lbs.
Headroom: f/r-40.6/39.9in.
Legroom: f/r-41.9/35in.
Fuel tank capacity: 23 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates (city/highway): 13 mpg / 16 mpg
Range in Miles (automatic): 299 mi. / 368 mi.
0-60mph time: 8.0 seconds