Motor Authority - blog Category: H3

If one thing is certain, these are uncertain times, especially when it comes to the sale of former GM brands. While the HUMMER-Tengzhong deal doesn't look to be headed to the rocky fate of Saturn's sale to Penske, it still hasn't passed final regulatory approval in the U.S. or China, but already reports of the resumption of HUMMER H3 and H3T production are emerging.

The news comes none too soon for dealers that are nearly out of inventory to sell, though according to the report they'll still have to wait about a month before new HUMMERs arrive on their lots.

Once the sale to Tengzhong is complete and production can get back underway, there...

If one thing is certain, these are uncertain times, especially when it comes to the sale of former GM brands. While the HUMMER-Tengzhong deal doesn't look to be headed to the rocky fate of Saturn's sale to Penske, it still hasn't passed final regulatory approval in the U.S. or China, but already reports of the resumption of HUMMER H3 and H3T production are emerging. The news comes none too soon for dealers that are nearly out of inventory to sell, though according to the report they'll still have to wait about a month before new HUMMERs arrive on their lots. Once the sale to Tengzhong is complete and production can get back underway, there should be little or no delay in sourcing parts because production for non-U.S. markets has taken place within the last several months, meaning suppliers are still tooled and ready to send parts to the factories. The HUMMER H2, on the other hand, would take 3-4 months to get back online, since production of that model has been down for some time. The deal with Tengzhong, rumored to have cost the Chinese buyer just $150 million, is signed with GM, but must still meet approval from the Chinese government before it can be finalized. Once that is done, however, progress should happen rapidly, as the company plans to keep on the current HUMMER executive management team and will contract production directly from the existing HUMMER plants through June 2011. Once production on the H3 and H3T does resume--assuming the sale moves forward as expected--a new E85 flex-fuel version will be first on the docket under Tengzhong's guidance, as the Chinese hope to push the HUMMER brand into previously unknown green territory. [HUMMERGuy] Read More

Hummer's troubled present and uncertain future are no impediment to tuners hell-bent on creating the most insane vehicles possible, and this blown V8 Hummer H3 is a prime example. Today the Germans at Geiger Cars, already known for some outlandish Hummer creations, have unleashed the H3 V8 Kompressor on an unsuspecting world.

The 'baby Hummer' is just a shade under 4,700lbs (2,131kg) in stock form, its 3.7L five-cylinder delivering yawn-inspiring performance with just 239hp (178kW) and 241lb-ft (327Nm) of torque on tap, though it ekes out a 14/18mpg city/highway rating. Even the stock 5.3L V8 makes just 300hp (224kW) and 320lb-ft (434Nm) of... Hummer's troubled present and uncertain future are no impediment to tuners hell-bent on creating the most insane vehicles possible, and this blown V8 Hummer H3 is a prime example. Today the Germans at Geiger Cars, already known for some outlandish Hummer creations, have unleashed the H3 V8 Kompressor on an unsuspecting world. The 'baby Hummer' is just a shade under 4,700lbs (2,131kg) in stock form, its 3.7L five-cylinder delivering yawn-inspiring performance with just 239hp (178kW) and 241lb-ft (327Nm) of torque on tap, though it ekes out a 14/18mpg city/highway rating. Even the stock 5.3L V8 makes just 300hp (224kW) and 320lb-ft (434Nm) of torque despite its displacement, and though it's certainly more up to the task of promptly getting the H3 to speed, it takes a hit in the efficiency department, dropping to 13/16mpg city/highway thanks in part to its 5,069lb (2,299kg) weight. Perhaps the lust for excitement then is what motivated Geiger's decision to drop in a supercharged 5.3L V8 generating 423hp (316kW) and 502lb-ft (680Nm) of torque. The power upgrade is enough to sling the diminutive behemoth to 60mph (96km/h) in 7 seconds from a standing start, and carry it on to a homicidal top speed of 148mph (238km/h). To get the beast back down to safer speeds safely, Geiger does equip the H3 V8 with a set of six-piston 380x35mm disc brakes. A suspension package improves handling at speed, and 22x10in wheels shod in 305/40 Continental Cross Contact tires offer lots of grip. Appearance modifications are reminiscent of last year's H3 GT, featuring a full body kit and a rear spare delete to offer a cleaner profile. Inside ample use of carbon fiber trim makes light of the H3's porky poundage while also offering a pleasing aesthetic. Though many might decry this modification as a completely counter-productive neutering of what is in reality a decent off-road SUV, it may actually be a more honest interpretation of its actual usage: as a 'look at me' attention-demanding street vehicle for ferrying kids and grabbing groceries in obscene, over-the-top style.Geiger Hummer H3 V8 Kompressor Read More

Despite a change-up in power at the top with the naming of a new CEO just a week ago and a firm commitment by GM to sell the brand, Hummer is continuing merrily on its way to SEMA with a three-pack of concepts based around the H3.

The first, an H3T truck-based vehicle called the 'Weekend Warrior', offers the basic H3T package plus a more powerful engine and enhanced suspension developed with assistance from the company's off-road racing program. With 70hp (52kW) more power on tap from the 5.3L V8 engine thanks to LS2 cylinder heads, a higher-lift camshaft and other bits and pieces, all sourced from GM's Performance Parts division, the... Despite a change-up in power at the top with the naming of a new CEO just a week ago and a firm commitment by GM to sell the brand, Hummer is continuing merrily on its way to SEMA with a three-pack of concepts based around the H3. The first, an H3T truck-based vehicle called the 'Weekend Warrior', offers the basic H3T package plus a more powerful engine and enhanced suspension developed with assistance from the company's off-road racing program. With 70hp (52kW) more power on tap from the 5.3L V8 engine thanks to LS2 cylinder heads, a higher-lift camshaft and other bits and pieces, all sourced from GM's Performance Parts division, the Weekend Warrior is considerably peppier than its H3T Alpha donor. Similarly, Hummer has replaced the stock rubber with a set of 35-inch-tall BFGoodrich Baja T/A tires on 20-inch wheels, added Light Racing JounceShocks and two-inch diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir shocks, enabling the H3T Weekend Warrior to undertake some serious high-speed off-road work without endangering the mechanical integrity of the truck. For those places that the H3T just can't go, there's a KTM 450 SX-F dirt bike in the bed, held in place by the H3T's cargo management sytem. The H3X Concept is based very heavily on production accessories for the H3 Alpha, but adds new 18-inch wheels with a unique finish, 35-inch-tall all-terrain tires, black chrome accents, body-colored rear bumper extensions and clear turn signal and side repeater lenses. The exterior is painted a distinctive Canyon Metallic color from PPG that is complemented brilliantly by the black chrome details and 18-inch wheels. The interior features black leather trim on the seats, console armrest, door armrests and shift knob that is accented with orange stitching. It also features custom mats with orange piping and a headrest DVD entertainment system that is available from Hummer Accessories. The third model is from Four Wheeler Magazine, dubbed 'Project Trailhugger'. The first thing most folks will notice is the satin paintjob, achieved by adding a special PPG flattening agent to a clear coat and sprayed over the factory Victory Red paint job. All bright-colored trim was then painted flat black to complete the no-nonsense look. The Trailhugger has the goods to back the look up as well, with the same Rod hall and Light Racing suspension setup as the H3T Weekend Warrior. Simulock 16-inch wheels in flat black mated to big BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 tires give the vehicle solid grip, and a Gobi Stealth roof rack system helps bring all the gear necessary along for the ride. The Trailhugger's engine remains stock, but an array of accessories including a Warn XD9000 winch and a wireless remote-operable perimeter lighting system add that something extra. All three Hummers will be on display at SEMA, which runs from November 4-7 this year.Hummer Concepts for the 2008 SEMA Show Read More

Hummer is set to launch an all-new Championship Edition of its entry-level H3 SUV later this year and although we don’t have official details about the car some of the specifications have made their way onto internet forums. The key addition to the new variant will be the option of the 300hp 5.3L V8 from the H3 Alpha as well as subtle styling tweaks and extra trim.

Some of the new features include an off-road suspension package, a new ‘Ultra-Silver’ metallic paintjob, a body colored grille, fender flare extensions and additional protective features. The list includes new rocker panel protection, under-body shielding and a... Hummer is set to launch an all-new Championship Edition of its entry-level H3 SUV later this year and although we don’t have official details about the car some of the specifications have made their way onto internet forums. The key addition to the new variant will be the option of the 300hp 5.3L V8 from the H3 Alpha as well as subtle styling tweaks and extra trim. Some of the new features include an off-road suspension package, a new ‘Ultra-Silver’ metallic paintjob, a body colored grille, fender flare extensions and additional protective features. The list includes new rocker panel protection, under-body shielding and a black brush guard. Further differentiating the H3 Championship Edition are custom red brake calipers, exclusive hood decals, optional wide-spoke chrome wheels and a chrome appearance package. There’s no mention of Hummer’s recently revealed H3T being available with the new Championship Edition package but we’ll update the story as soon as official details and images are released. Pictured above is the standard H3. Read More

Diesels have proven to be much more economical than similar sized petrol engines and even rate better than petrol-electric hybrid vehicles in some circumstances, so it comes as no surprise that GM Holden wants an oil-burner for its Commodore range. The Australian designed and built sedan is a crucial model in the GM Empire, its Zeta platform and RWD architecture destined to spawn several new global RWD models, and if the Commodore is to be truly successful on a global level then it needs a diesel option.

Australian media are now claiming the VE Commodore range and its long wheelbase Statesman/Caprice line will be getting the VM Motori 2.9L... Diesels have proven to be much more economical than similar sized petrol engines and even rate better than petrol-electric hybrid vehicles in some circumstances, so it comes as no surprise that GM Holden wants an oil-burner for its Commodore range. The Australian designed and built sedan is a crucial model in the GM Empire, its Zeta platform and RWD architecture destined to spawn several new global RWD models, and if the Commodore is to be truly successful on a global level then it needs a diesel option. Australian media are now claiming the VE Commodore range and its long wheelbase Statesman/Caprice line will be getting the VM Motori 2.9L turbodiesel that was codeveloped with GM. This is the same engine destined for the Cadillac CTS and it’s also due to make an appearance in the Hummer H3 (limited to versions sold outside North America), reports GoAuto. The new engine develops a generous 250hp (184kW) and a massive 550Nm (406 lb.-ft.) from as low as 2,000rpm and first applications in the Commodore should appear in about 18 months. GM also has a new 4.5L turbodiesel V8 but this is only planned for use by GMC and Hummer for now. Having a diesel option for the Commodore range would definitely increase the car’s chances of being exported to Europe and it may also mean that Americans could get it in the Pontiac G8. Read More

European Hummer fans will be able to sign up for a limited edition Hummer H3 finished completely in black and packed with €5,000 worth of extras as standard. Just 50 examples will be offered and will go on sale by the end of this year.

The H3 Black Edition is based on the premium H3 Adventure automatic model and combines a full black exterior and plush black leather interior with a set of matt black accessories, including a matt black grille, tubular assist steps, roof crossbars, lockable fuel door, door handles, mirrors and black powder-coated wheels.

Twenty five of the H3 Black Edition models will additionally feature a large... European Hummer fans will be able to sign up for a limited edition Hummer H3 finished completely in black and packed with €5,000 worth of extras as standard. Just 50 examples will be offered and will go on sale by the end of this year. The H3 Black Edition is based on the premium H3 Adventure automatic model and combines a full black exterior and plush black leather interior with a set of matt black accessories, including a matt black grille, tubular assist steps, roof crossbars, lockable fuel door, door handles, mirrors and black powder-coated wheels. Twenty five of the H3 Black Edition models will additionally feature a large electric sliding sunroof. Among the array of standard interior fittings is a fully integrated satnav system. Read More