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New Hummer H3 to be Released in 05
By Jacob Isaac-Lowry
Jan 22, 2005, 00:30

HUMMER GROWTH CONTINUES IN 2005, WITH NEW SHAPES AND SIZES

DETROIT – In 2005, the next chapter of the HUMMER legacy begins with new trucks in more shapes and sizes, all with authentic HUMMER design, off-road performance and surprising comfort.

“We’re taking HUMMER to the next level, growing with products that are true to the brand’s original mission of iconic design and unmatched off-road capability,” said Susan Docherty, HUMMER general manager. “This started with the 2005 H2 SUT, and continues with two 2006 models that launch in the first half of the 2005 calendar year – the all-new midsize H3 and the H1 Alpha.”

Coming in spring 2005:  the all-new H3

The 2006 H3 delivers authentic HUMMER style and off-road capability in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package. Just as its legendary H1 and H2 siblings did in the full-size segment, the H3 will create a new leader in off-road capability among midsize sport utilities when it arrives at dealers in spring 2005.

“H3’s arrival establishes an extraordinary new presence in the previously ordinary world of midsize SUVs,” said Docherty. “The H3 extends the strong appeal of HUMMER by making the brand accessible to a broader range of potential owners.”

H3 packs uncompromising HUMMER style and capability into its midsize dimensions. Compared to the H2 (including outside-mounted spare tire carrier), the H3 is 16.9 inches shorter in length, 6 inches shorter in height and 6.5 inches narrower. H3 comfortably navigates city traffic and delivers HUMMER’s trademark incredible crawling and climbing capability. H3 is estimated to achieve fuel economy of up to 20 mpg.

H1 Alpha

HUMMER will begin a new performance series called Alpha, designed to take HUMMER performance to its ultimate extension. As with all things HUMMER, it starts with the original – the 2006 H1 Alpha. 

The H1 Alpha comes to HUMMER dealerships in the first quarter of 2005, featuring the Duramax 6600 (6.6L) diesel engine and Allison 1000 transmission. H1 Alpha is the highest-performing H1 ever, with more horsepower, more torque and improved fuel economy. The Duramax 6600 delivers 300 horsepower at 3000 rpm, a 46-percent increase over previous H1s equipped with the 6.5L Optimizer Turbo-Diesel. Peak torque is a massive 520 lb.-ft. at 1500 rpm, an increase of 18 percent. 

2005 H2 SUT

The H2 SUT – or Sport Utility Truck – is an innovative new body style for the H2 featuring a cargo bed in the rear that is adaptable and expandable at the touch of a button. Quickly following the success of the original H2 SUV, the SUT went into production in June 2004.

The SUT can carry passengers in the rear seat as a conventional SUV would, with the bulkhead (called the Midgate) at the rear of the passenger compartment separating occupants from the cargo bed with more than 30 cubic feet (850 liters) of space. However, when more cargo space is desired, the rear window can be powered into the Midgate, and the Midgate and rear seat can be folded forward to allow access into the now-expanded 4-foot by 6-foot (122-cm by 244-cm) pickup bed.  

HUMMERS for 2005
Here are the highlights of the 2005 lineup:

H2 SUT: A global express-down feature drops all vertical side windows and rear glass. Then, power-open the expansive Sky Roof and the SUT gives passengers an open-air feel. OnStar Gen 6 hardware with analog/digital coverage and upgraded hands-free calling capabilities is standard.

H2 SUV: Capable of traveling through streams 20 inches (508 mm) deep, climbing 16-inch (406-mm) steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in desert runs, the H2 can do just about anything. The H2 gets more power from its Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine for 2005: 325 horsepower (242 kW) at 5200 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. (495 Nm) of torque at 4000 rpm. Medium Wheat leather seating is now standard, and a luxury interior (common with the SUT) with black leather seating and chrome trim is available. There also are two new exterior colors – Stealth Gray and Desert Sand. A new navigation radio with touch screen controls is now available, as is a chrome stainless steel brush guard.

New 2006 models arrive first half of 2005 calendar year

H1 Alpha:  The first of a new HUMMER performance series, the H1 Alpha’s new powertrain provides more power, enhanced quietness and improved towing capability, with a 10-percent improvement in fuel economy. All 2006 H1s produced will be Alpha models. The H1 Alpha includes the all-new interior with more luxurious appointments than those that debuted on the 2004 model.

H3: Powered by the Vortec 3500 engine with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing, the H3 features a combination of power and greatly improved fuel economy. H3 is projected to reach peak fuel economy of up to 20 miles per gallon. H3 will be the first HUMMER to offer the choice of a manual or an automatic transmission, as many off-road enthusiasts value the ultimate control of a manual. H3 includes premium features such as a modern and refined interior, GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and available roof rail side-impact air bags with rollover protection, traction control and available locking rear differential.