- Newest model in the performance-bred
Alpha series
- Powerful 5.3L V-8 powertrain offers
295 hp (224 kW)*
- Maximum towing increased to 6,000
pounds (2,721 kg) – a 33-percent increase
- Unique exterior and interior features,
including Alpha badging
Offering the towing capability that
only a V-8 can, the 2008 H3 Alpha broadens HUMMER's range of versatile,
do-anything and go-anywhere vehicles. HUMMER announced the H3 Alpha
at the New York Auto Show; it goes on sale this summer.
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 new, 5.3L V-8 engine
that delivers 295 horsepower (224 kW)* and 317 lb.-ft. of torque
(438 Nm)*. It is partnered with a four-speed automatic transmission
and enables a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg)
– an increase of more than 33 percent over other H3 models
"H3 Alpha is, simply, the ultimate
HUMMER H3," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "It
delivers all of H3's renowned off-road capability, but with enhanced
performance that is suited to a variety of lifestyles."
In addition to the V-8 engine, the
H3 Alpha also includes the popular "Luxury" equipment
package, the Chrome Appearance package, 16-inch chrome wheels, a
4.10 rear axle ratio and special Alpha identification, including
a prominent tailgate badge, horn pad badge and embroidered front
headrests with the "Alpha" insignia.
For customers who want a more accessorized
appearance straight from the factory, the Alpha model can be combined
with the H3X content, which includes bright roof crossbows, chrome
fuel door, a body-color grille and unique spare tire cover, tires,
wheels and center cap, and a brush guard. Additionally, HUMMER Accessories
offers an exclusive line of GM-designed, manufactured and validated
accessories that are engineered and tested for no-compromises fit,
finish and performance.
"Because HUMMER stands for more
than just off-road performance, the H3 Alpha builds on the style
and refinement of the H3 lineup and offers a unique, instantly recognizable
statement on the road," said Walsh. "In short, the H3
Alpha matches HUMMER's off-road expectations with on-road attitude."

Alpha – the ultimate
HUMMER
HUMMER Alpha models represent the top in performance, capability
and comfort. The H1 Alpha was the first of these ultimate HUMMERs,
and like the H3 Alpha, it offered a more powerful engine as well
as unique styling and comfort features.
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.
Award-winning interior and safety enhancements
The H3 Alpha shares the same widely admired interior as all H3 models,
including detail revisions and enhancements that have been implemented
across the lineup. New child safety locks for the rear doors and
easier-to-use power window switches were introduced during the '07
model year and reflect customers' input.
"Details matter, and our customers
told us these details were particularly important, so we updated
the H3 lineup to address them," said Walsh.
Also new for the H3 Alpha and the entire
2008 H3 lineup are standard head curtain side air bags; they were
previously optional. Additional standard safety features now found
on all H3 models include:
- StabiliTrak electronic stability
control system
- Four-wheel antilock brakes with
traction control
- Dual front air bags with Passenger
Sensing System
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility
- LATCH rear child seat anchors
HUMMER's Rear Vision system and a navigation
system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted
near the rear bumper to provide a view of objects directly behind
the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard,
and its new Turn-By-Turn Navigation feature is available.
Powertrain details
The H3 Alpha's 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of
GM's legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 295 horsepower
(224 kW)* and 317 lb.-ft. of torque (438 Nm)*; and is similar to
the small-block V-8 found in the Chevy Silverado, which was named
the 2007 Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto
Show.
"For jobs such as towing personal
watercraft up a mountain to the lake, the small-block V-8's torque
performs with effortless ease and little impact on fuel mileage,"
said Christopher Meagher, assistant chief engineer of small-block
V-8 truck engines. "The 5.3L engine greatly broadens the H3's
towing capability."

Effortless highway driving also is
an attribute of the 5.3L V-8, which enables 0-60 mph performance
of approximately eight seconds.
"All of the powertrain options
in the H3 lineup deliver performance suited to different driving
styles and needs," said Meagher. "But when it comes to
certain tasks such as towing, there is sometimes no substitute for
a V-8 engine."
An aluminum cylinder block is used
with the H3 Alpha's engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains
a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance. Like all of GM's
small-block V-8 engines, highlights include:
- 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
- Low-restriction air intake system
GM's small-block V-8 engines are engineered
to meet today's more stringent emissions standards. In fact, the
H3 Alpha's V-8 engine beats the deadline for new, U.S. federal emissions
standards by a year. And compared to truck engines of a decade ago,
the small-block engine family is approximately 90 percent cleaner.
Cast iron exhaust manifolds matched with four close-coupled catalytic
converters help reduce cold-start emissions, which is the largest
source of vehicle emissions.
A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled
four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the H3 Alpha's
V-8 engine. And, as with all H3 models, flat-towing is enabled.

New V-8 drives vehicle-wide
enhancements
HUMMER H3 and GM Performance Division engineers did more than simply
shoehorn a V-8 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 V-8 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 dash was modified to accommodate the V-8, 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 V-8, 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 V-8-powered model, ensuring
it continues to deliver the unparalleled ride quality – both
on- and off-road – that customers expect.
All of the chassis and suspension changes
were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab,
Utah, the Rubicon Trail and other challenging off-road venues.
"Our engineers live, breathe and
eat off-road driving," said Walsh. "To say they sweat
the details is an understatement."
A HUMMER by any measure
All H3 models pack HUMMER's trademark capability into a midsize
package. Compared to the H2, the H3 is 16.9 inches (429 mm) shorter
in length, six inches (152 mm) shorter in height and 6.5 inches
(165 mm) narrower. Roughly the same length as a midsize family sedan,
H3 comfortably navigates city traffic and fits nicely in parking
garages.
The H3 lineup also delivers exceptional
rock crawling and climbing performance; it was engineered for off-road
leadership among midsize SUVs. The heart of this capability is its
electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system and suspension
tuning tailored for off-road performance. In addition, the H3 features
standard underbody shielding, brake traction control, and an optional
4.03:1 transfer case with rear locking differential.
Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 24-inch (610 mm)
streams at a 5-mph pace, climb 16-inch (407 mm) vertical steps and
rocks, make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy
surfaces.
H3's more maneuverable size provides
advantages, such as a 37-foot turning circle that is about the same
as a typical compact car, making easy work of parking lot maneuvers
and tight turns when off-roading. The 9.1-inch (231 mm) ground clearance
and maximum breakover angle of 25 degrees (with 33-inch tires) both
make 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. These approach
and departure angles permit the H3 to drive into a hole and back
out again, without getting hung up in the front or rear.
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