July 29, 2004

Hummer Expands Lineup with H3 and Alpha Performance Series

Andrew Charles
AutoReport

Detroit … General Motors has been previewing its full 2005 moidel year lineup for journalists this week and outlining further new models due in the next 12-18 months. On Tuesday the company provided the first official information on two extensions to the Hummer lineup due next year — the GMT 345 Hummer H3 SUV based on GM's mid-size pickups and the debut of the brand's off-road performance series with the 2006 H1 Alpha.

The all-new midsize H3
The 2006 HUMMER H3, due in dealers in the first half of 2005, will offer HUMMER performance and style in a midsize SUV package. With a wider track and shorter overhangs than the new Colorado and Canyon pickups the H3 is designed to offer class-leading off-road capability. The H3 will be shown to the public on the global auto show circuit beginning in the fourth quarter of 2004.

The H3 is being extensively developed to achieve the extraordinary off-road capability synonymous with HUMMER, along with surprisingly civilized daily driving attributes and improved fuel economy. Development testing has been conducted in the most demanding off-road environments.

The H3 will be both powerful and efficient, debuting with the 220 hp 3.5 L Vortec 3500 I-5 and a choice of a manual or automatic transmission. More powerful 6-cylinder and V8 engines are expected in future versions. In addition, the H3 will include systems specifically engineered for HUMMER's trademark off-road capability. Among the available equipment will be an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system with a fully locking rear differential, traction control, underbody shielding and GM's StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system.

Alpha — The HUMMER performance series
General Motors

HUMMER will introduce its Alpha performance series with the 2006 H1 Alpha, launching in early 2005. Featuring GM's 6.6 L Duramax V8 diesel mated to the Allison 1000 transmission, the Alpha will bring more power, improved emissions performance, and an unexpected fuel economy gain to the H1, adding to its unmatched off-road capabilities.

HUMMER's growth strategy began with the introduction of the H2 in 2002. The H2 SUT, featuring a unique rear cargo bed, debuted in June of 2004 and is in high demand at HUMMER dealers with strong initial sales.

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