ALL NEW 2009 VOLKSWAGON TIGUAN SEL 4MOTION – ‘THE FIRST COMPACT SUV FROM VW’

Sales of small, compact sport utility and crossover vehicles continues to grow, while sales of full-size and mid-size models continue to fall. With VW’s experience engineering and building the superb mid-size Touareg sport utility, the time seemed right for VW to introduce the all-new 2009 Tiguan compact sport utility vehicle.

The Tiguan has been under development for several years and was not put together hurriedly to grab a piece of the expanding new segment, but the competition will be tough from the likes of the BMW X3, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Saturn Vue.

Once inside and on the road, or off-road, you will agree that this is one of the best compact sport utility vehicles on the market. VW’s prowess in styling, engineering, performance, manufacturing, quality and safety is easily seen.

VW offers two styles of Tiguan-the Sport & Style comes to the US, and is a more on-road tuned vehicle with a deeper front airdam, while the European only Track & Field models features a higher front end to give it more off-road manners and a better 28-degree approach angle.

None the less, the all-new Tiguan brings news levels of design, driving dynamics, safety features, plus a long list of luxury and conveniences that are sure to win over many consumers.

It is fun-to-drive with excellent handling and performance characteristics. It is also the first compact sport utility to offer a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 6-speed automatic, and is built on the proven VW GTI and Rabbit chassis.

The unique styling of the front fascia is highlighted with a deep front airdam, crisp lines and brightwork around the new two-stage grille. Jewel-like bi-xenon headlamps lead into a clam-shell styled hood. The tall greenhouse, also comes with a chrome strip surround, and gives a feeling of space. At the rear, large shoulders blend into the flared fenders below the D-pillars giving it the look of strength. The rear fascia features a tall and wide liftgate, step-up bumper, large, wraparound lamp clusters, and two round exhaust pipes peering out from under the left side of the bumper. Even the bright silver roof rails seem to be an integral part of the vehicle. It also expands the cargo-carrying capacity.

From the side is a wedge shape from the low front end all the way to the end of the roof.
Its curving lines create a feeling of motion, even when parked. The flared fenders are stuffed with 18X8in. alloy wheels and wrapped with 235/50R18in. all-season radial tires. The unique styling shows both toughness and elegance, with just the right amount of elements from each.

Under the skin are VW’s proven powertrain, fully independent suspension, powerful 4-wheel disc brakes and stability control systems.

All Tiguan model receive the 2.0 liter turbo-charged inline 4-cylinder engine. It generates a healthy 200hp at 5,00rpm and 207lb.ft. of torque between 1,700 and 5,000rpm. It is one of the best engines for a quick launch, driving at cruising speeds during long trips, and when encountering stop and go rush-hour traffic. This potent engine is mated to either the standard 6-speed manual front-wheel-drive transmission, or VW’s proven 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. On the highway the automatic returns 24mpg, and 18mpg in the city. The 4Motion AWD system is by Haldex and comes with an electronic differential lock with 90% of the torque channeled to the front wheels in normal driving conditions but with the ability to channel torque to any of the wheels that have traction, instantly.

Underpinning the steel monocoque chassis is a fully independent suspension to smooth out the bumps and to give you precise reaction to your inputs whether driving straight-ahead or when encountering curving roads. Up front are wheel-locating MacPherson struts, an axle assembly with triangular lower wishbones, steel coil springs, anti-roll bar, and a single piece aluminum subframe. The rear setup features 4-links, steel coil springs, gas-charged shocks and an anti-roll bar. The ride was impressive when going over poorly paved road surfaces, and with the new electro-mechanical rack & pinion steering system, even faster reaction with more precise feedback from the road. Turn-in was very good and it built up my confidence to push for more speed.

Part of that confidence building was due to the strong stopping power of the all-new Tiguan. These 4-wheel disc brakes really felt like I was stopping on a dime. Up front are 12.2in. vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, while the rear features 11.2in solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers. Further enhancing the stopping power and control during severe maneuvers is standard ABS, traction control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, and engine brake assist. The standard electronic stabilization program helps to keep you in control of the direction that you want to be headed in.

The interior cabin is roomy and very comfortable. Luxury, convenience and high-tech features abound throughout the cabin, more to the levels found in the BMW X3. Soft-to-the-touch quality material lines the dashboard and shelf for a high-quality look.
The interior is designed for you and your passenger’s convenience with flexible seating including reclining rear seats with 6in. of fore-aft travel, including a front-passenger seat that folds flat to increase the length of cargo that you can easily load. The optional panoramic sunroof lets in lots of air and sunlight that gives a feeling of added space because it is now so much more light and airy.

The doors open wide to make entering and exiting safe and easy. The front bucket seats are very comfortable, supportive and heated. The convenient center console holds storage slots, dual cup-holders, and a storage bin with padded armrest. In front of the cupholders is a shift gate surrounded with aluminum trim. There are more aluminum trim pieces on the dashboard, door handles, audio, navigation, climate control dials and steering wheel.

Visibility is excellent from inside and the privacy glass cuts down on heat and damaging sun rays as well as keeping the interior more secure.

The new instrument panel has big dials for the speedometer and tachometer with smaller gauges for the fuel on board and engine temperature coolant, all surrounded by aluminum bezels. Inside, the center screen gives you vital information about how the systems are doing, plus outside temperature, odometer, trip computer, etc.

The 60/40 split 2nd row also features a drop-down center armrest with dual cup-holders, coat hanger clips and reading lamps at each back door… In the rear of the center console are air-ducts to help channel air to the seat, and pop-out dual cup-holders.

Above each door is a grab handle for easy entry and exit. The rear cargo hold features chrome tie-downs, storage bins, cargo cover, light, and an under-floor storage area.
The loaded Tiguan SEL 4Motion model that I tested came with these standard features: dual-zone climate control with pollen filter, intermittent wipers with rain sensor speed control, DynAudio 300-watt audio system with 9-speakers and a subwoofer, 3-spoke, leather wrapped/tilt/telescope steering wheel with redundant buttons for the audio system and trip computer, leather wrapped shift knob, 12-way power driver seat, map pockets behind the front seats, express up/down power windows, power door locks, anti-theft deterrent system, self-dimming rearview mirror, power, heated rear-view mirrors with heated washer nozzles, privacy glass rear side and tailgate windows, thick-cut pile carpeting with front/rear/cargo floor mats, dual map lamps, and sunglass holder in the overhead console.

Options include DVD navigation system with rear backup camera, and a large, power panoramic sunroof.

Standard safety features include driver/front passenger airbags, driver/front passenger side airbags, front/rear side curtain head impact airbags, 3-point safety belts for all seating areas, LATCH child seat anchors, front/rear crush zones, side impact beams in each door, child safety rear door locks, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The all-new VW Tiguan compact sport utility or crossover, whichever you want to label it, maybe late to the party, but the party has really just begun as this segment needs high-quality vehicles, like the Tiguan, and is growing in popularity with consumers every month. The base price for a nicely equipped Tiguan is $23,200.00, while my fully loaded SEL 4Motion model stickered at $37,230.00, including $699.00 destination charges.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

Price: MSRP $32,940 Invoice $30,668
Type: Compact SUV
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 174.3 in.
Width: 71.2 in.
Height: 66.4 in.
Wheel Base: 102.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 6.9 in.
Curb Weight: 3631 lbs.

Interior

Front Head Room: 39.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 56.2 in.
Rear Head Room: 39 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54.8 in.
Front Leg Room: 40.1 in.
Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in.
Luggage Capacity: 23.8 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 200 hp
Max Horsepower: 5100 rpm
Torque: 206 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 1700 rpm
Maximum Payload: 1330 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2200 lbs.
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 39.4 ft.

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.8 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 18 mpg / 24 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 302.4 mi. / 403.2 mi.

The Not-So-Slow Death of the SUV

Not too long ago, the vehicle of choice for many Americans was the SUV. However, soaring gas prices have resulted in a tremendous shift in consumer purchasing. The SUV is no longer the king of America’s roads. Families, couples and even single people are now opting for smaller, lighter vehicles that don’t guzzle gas.

Have high gas prices sounded the death knell for the SUV? Take a look at the average car dealership today. While you will still find SUVs for sale, chances are they are outnumbered by crossover vehicles, slimmer sedans, sport coupes and, of course, hybrid vehicles. Even hybrid SUVs haven’t been able to make a dent in the new pattern of consumer spending.

So, the American auto market has changed. Has the global economy undergone a similar dramatic shift? Since the rest of the world does not drive SUVs, as a rule, the spending patterns of global citizens remain largely unchanged. Small cars, motorcycles and mopeds still rule the streets of London and Paris, Milan and Rome.

However, in America, the change has been drastic and left the Big 3 scrambling to find products on which the public is willing to spend money. While GM’s much-hyped line of hybrid SUVs is a fine introduction, it does not seem enough to turn the troubled automaker’s fortunes around. Instead, consumer focus seems to be on the Volt, coming out in 2011. The Volt will be a new breed of car, at least for Americans. Technically a hybrid, it does not use an internal combustion engine to propel the vehicle. Rather, it uses it to charge the battery packs that power the electric motor.

With consumer interest geared towards vehicles that run on alternative fuels, use cutting edge technology to reduce emissions and save big dollars at the pump, it is very possible that the SUV’s days are numbered. A quick glance at your local Auto Trader magazine will show you the truth.

While small compact cars like the Civic and the Cobalt seem to be retaining their value, you can get an SUV in excellent shape for fire sale prices. This is the best indicator that the SUV will soon go the way of the dodo. Unless the Big 3 are able to step up to the plate with innovative new technologies that offer more than the 20% fuel savings touted by today’s hybrid SUVs, the breeds time may have just run out.

Enjoy! – MotorWeek’s Hybrid Round Up:

The “little” Benz G-Wagon aka Benz GLK is getting noticed before it comes out.

So Benz decided to take the GL-Class a step farther adding the letter “K”. Some of us may know what that means and some will argue about where the GLK class fits in the Benz line-up. It is almost something in between a GL and a C-Class, mostly the best of both worlds in one successful package. Now facts will tell you that the new GLK class has already had over 10,000 units reserved in Western Europe due to start deliveries in October. US owners will have to look for their new GLK’s in early 2009 sporting a fresh interior design.

The smaller GLK will be right there battling it out with the BMW X3 and Acura RDX classed vehicles. Should we expect to see more manufacturers put out small utes like this one? Heck yea, with gas being as expensive as it is, this is the cure-all, for now, for those families looking for a slower gas sipping SUV.

I don’t know why versatile, flexible, four-door vehicles that can carry up to 8-people or a sheet of 8X4ft. plywood ever got the name ‘sport utility’ vehicle. With a high center of gravity, body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle, these utility vehicles were never built to give a sporty handling experience, no matter the price.

Porsche entered the sport utility segment in 2003 with the Cayenne to bring more sport into the segment with their long heritage of building some of the world’s great sports cars. While they did dial-up the power and performance level with the 500hp Cayenne Turbo model, there was still room for improvement in the handling department.

In 2008 Porsche offers its second generation of Cayenne’s featuring the all-new GTS. Porsche is serious because the GTS designation has not been used by Porsche since the 1963 Porsche 904 GTS.

Sharing its essential architecture and appearance with the Cayenne S and Turbo, the GTS differs in purpose. Sacrificing some of its sibling’s excellent off-road capabilities, the GTS rewards the demanding enthusiast driver with increased levels of on-road performance similar to the 911 sports car.

When viewed head-on, the GTS shows its purposeful, aggressive face by sharing its fascia with the awesome Cayenne Turbo. Like the Turbo, the GTS has large cooling intakes and new headlamp clusters moved to the sides behind clear lens, Like the Turbo, drivers behind the GTS are greeted by the vehicle’s chrome, dual, twin tailpipes and an extended bi-plane spoiler at the roof’s trailing edge.

Thanks to its wider track, 20mm lower ride height, standard air suspension, and wider 21X10in. wheels and tires, compared to the Turbo, the GTS provides astounding agility on pavement.

Commensurate with its place at the top of the naturally aspirated Cayenne family, the GTS sports a unique interior tailored to help you and your passengers fully appreciate the vehicle’s abilities. Even with its performance enhancements, the GTS comes standard with all-wheel drive and a broad palette of traction and stability enhancing technologies so you can leave the pavement with confidence as long as you use off-road tires.

At the heart of the all-new GTS is an enhanced engine and transmission.

Refinements by Porsche engineers to the naturally aspirated 4.8 liter V8 engine have resulted in a 20hp increase to 405hp, and 369lb.ft. of torque. Regardless of whether you opt for the standard six-speed manual, or the optional six-speed Tiptronic S, you will feel the increase in acceleration. The engine’s power characteristics are further enhanced by a specially created sport dual exhaust system which comes with the added bonus of a throaty, growl from its four tailpipes.

As a result, Porsche test drivers were able to accelerate the GTS with the manual gearbox from 0-60mph in 5.7sec., and 6.1sec. using the Tiptronic automatic.

The sport-tuned, fully-independent air suspension features double-wishbones up front, and multi-links in the rear. The Porsche Active Suspension Management system works together with the Dynamic Chassis Control system of active front and rear anti-sway bars to cancel out any body lean when cornering. Click the Sport button and the engine, suspension and steering reacts faster to your inputs.

To ensure more than adequate traction, the GTS is fitted with unique, ten-spoke, 21X10in. light alloy wheels wrapped with high-performance rubber.

Quickly and safely slowing the GTS down from speed are powerful 4-wheel disc brakes. Up front are 13.7in. vented rotors with 12.9in. vented discs in the rear. The front rotors are clamped by 6-piston calipers, and 4-piston calipers in the rear. Braking control is further enhanced with ABS and Brake Assist.

In the sport mode with the chassis set at its lowest setting, the GTS corners close to what you would experience at the wheel of a 911…
But this is a sport utility vehicle with all the flexibility and utility in seating and cargo hauling, plus the spaciousness, comfort, luxury and high-technology found in the world’s finest SUVs.

Like the exterior, the GTS’s passenger cabin shows the vehicle’s performance potential. You’ll appreciate the newly designed leather sport seats with deep side bolsters and Alcantara centers to help keep you in place during spirited driving. Both seats are 12-way power adjustable. The instrument cluster is easy to see and mimics the 911 look.

Console-mounted controls for the active handling suspension are large and easy to operate to get the most from the GTS, on or off-road. All dials, buttons and switches are within easy reach. The beefy, leather wrapped, multi-function, steering wheel features power tilt/telescope for the perfect angle for quick turns, and gear-changing buttons to blast out of a steep curve.

More exclusivity inside is the unique aluminum trim and stainless-steel door entry guards with the GTS logo. You are surrounded everywhere with luxurious, hand-cut and sewn leather, including Alcantara on the entire headliner and pillars. Visibility is excellent all-around.

The folding, split-back rear seat is also unique to the GTS by featuring raised bolsters and Alcantara inserts at the outer seating positions to ensure stable and comfortable seating for three adults. The cargo hold features plenty of space including tie-downs and a security shade.

Standard equipment includes aluminum foot pedals, grab handles above each door, power windows/door locks, heated/retractable side mirrors, self-dimming rearview mirror, A/C with filter, four 12-volt plugs, dark tinted glass on rear and side windows, front/rear variable-speed wipers/washers, power liftgate, AM-FM-CD audio system with 12-speakers, cruise-control, and a multi-function trip computer. Options include HID headlamps with washers, Porsche Communications Management with GPS Navigation, front/rear heated seats, floor mats, rear parking assist, power moonroof, and a Bose Surround Audio System.

If you love the spirited performance of Porsche 911 sports cars, but need the flexibility of a sport utility, you don’t have to compromise, test drive the all-new Cayenne GTS.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Name: 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Price: $72,300.00 base/$87,230.00 as tested

Engine: 4.8 liter DOHC, VVT, all-aluminum V8

Horsepower: 405 at 6,500rpm

Torque: 369lb.ft. at 3,500rpm

0-60mph time: 5.7 seconds

Drive configuration: Front engine/all-wheel-drive

Transmission: 6-speed manual standard/6-speed Tiptronic automatic optional

Front suspension: Independent, double-wishbones, air-springs, 3-position gas-charged shocks, active anti-roll bar

Rear suspension: Independent, multi-link, air-springs, 3-position gas-charged shocks, active anti-roll bar

Wheels/tires: 21X10in light alloy wheels/295/35R21in high-performance tires

Brakes: Front: 13.8in. vented rotors clamped with 6-piston calipers
Rear: 13in. vented rotors clamped with 4-piston calipers
ABS, Brake Assist

Overall length: 188.7in.

Overall width: 77in.

Overall height: 65.9in.

Curb weight: 4,949lbs.

EPA mileage specs: 13mpg/city, 18mpg/highway

Over a year ago, when it was announced that the U.S. Senate was pushing for a 40% improvement in fuel economy by 2020, pundits in both the green and automotive worlds predicted the death of the SUV. Now, with gas prices hovering near and in many cases over – $4.00/gallon across the country, even GM, which has long been the king of American’s truck and full-sized SUV market, has finally learned what the rest of us already knew: good fuel economy comes in compact packages.

GM’s announcement came a month and a half ago, and included not only the news that they would be embracing compacts, but also that they would be shutting down four truck-production plants, and maybe even giving Hummer the axe. All of this adds up to the very clear message that large SUVs are dead, and smaller, lighter vehicles, with smaller engines and greater gas mileage.

It would be easy to claim that this was a problem limited to GM. After all, the company has counted on pickups and SUVs for the bulk of its profit for more than a decade, but the reality is that this change of direction is industry wide. Since last year, sales of SUVs are down 24 percent overall, and the numbers for May, 2008 showed 38% fewer sales than the same month in 2007, according to Autodata, Inc.

What are auto companies doing? Like GM, many are cutting production sometimes completely of heavier vehicles. Toyota, for example, is not only stopping production of their Tundra and Sequoia until November so they can devote resources to building the in-demand Prius, while Ford has been showing off a version of their popular Explorer that is built on a smaller, lighter car chassis, and Chrysler had already planned to close the facilities where the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango are built. All of these automakers are pushing smaller cars, of course, instead of the SUVs and trucks that are no longer selling.

As to GM, despite the closing of the four truck plants, they’ve added shifts to two facilities where the Pontiac G5 and Chevrolet Cobalt are produced, and they have also stepped up the plan to get the extended-range electric Chevrolet Volt rolling off the assembly line by November, 2010, and they’ve also announced that 18 of their next 19 American product launches will either be actual cars, or crossover utility vehicles essentially SUVs built on car chassis.

Does all this mean the death of SUVs? Don’t expect them to be completely extinct. Do look for the changes in global economy, beginning with fuel prices, but extending beyond them, to serve as the catalyst for innovative design and corporate change.

Today GM released the announcement to its employees and to the public that they have plans to majorly cut production including 4 truck plants. The slow in the economy and high gas prices is obviously a major factor in the decision that GM is making in the upcoming months. Surprisingly Rick Wagoner, GM’s CEO, announced possible closing of plants that make many GM SUV’s and trucks with a mention of a possible removal or sale of Hummer which may remove this brand from the market all-together.

This may come as a surprise when you listen to Rick Wagoner mention the closing of plants that produce the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon. We all know that is a big monster in the SUV market but we also know the SUV market is diminishing very fast mainly due to the fact that SUV’s consume A LOT of gas and the economy just cannot support the high price of such vehicles.

CNN.com posted the news this morning and reads:

GM: Trucks out, cars in

Automaker plans to shut 4 pickup and SUV plants, build more fuel-efficient vehicles, and may dump the Hummer brand.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — General Motors announced plans Tuesday to shut four truck and SUV plants that employ thousands of workers. It also said high gas prices are here to stay – and, with them, consumers’ growing preference for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

At a news conference in Wilmington, Del., GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner announced plans to roll out more fuel-efficient vehicles, including approval to start the production process on a vehicle that can run gas-free for trips up to 40 miles.

But the plant-closing plans are a stunning admission from the nation’s largest automaker that its long dependence on large SUVs and pickups is no longer a viable strategy for a company struggling to end losses from its North American operations.

The plants to be closed include two U.S. facilities: The Moraine, Ohio plant that builds midsize SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy; and the Janesville, Wisc., assembly line that builds large SUVs such as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and GMC Yukon.

In addition, it plans to close a pickup plant in Oshawa, Canada, and a truck plant in Toluca, Mexico.
The Mexican plant that builds medium-duty trucks sold to businesses rather than consumers will close later this year. The other plants will close in 2009 and 2010, with sooner closings possible if sales do not improve. Each U.S. plant has about 2,500 employees.

iReport.com: Still driving a gas guzzler?

The company said it believes that high oil and gasoline prices will be the norm, and that prices are likely to go higher due to strong global demand for oil.

“These higher gasoline prices are changing consumer behavior and rapidly,” said Wagoner. “We don’t think this is a temporary spike or shift. We think it is permanent.”
Goodbye Hummer Wagoner also said GM is looking at possibly selling its Hummer unit as part of a strategic review of the SUV brand based on military vehicles. The Hummer H3 mid-size SUV gets about 13 to 14 miles per gallon in city driving in the most recent EPA ratings. The H1 and H2 are larger vehicles on which EPA does not give mileage estimates.

The brand has become the symbol to many members of the public of a gas-guzzling large U.S. vehicle.
Hello Volt He also announced that GM has approved production of the Chevrolet Volt, a so-called plug-in hybrid vehicle that can run about 40 miles without any use of gasoline. The Volt will be built in GM’s Hamtramck, Mich., plant and is due in showrooms by the end of 2010.

Read more at cnn.com

Hummer H2 for sale

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