Hummer's new H3 is a V8, mate

Hummer used the New York Auto Show to unveil a beefed-up variant of its H3 -- dubbed the Alpha -- with a brawny V8 supplanting the in-line five-cylinder engine that has provided propulsion until now.

It's significant news for us, too, as the (five-cylinder) H3 goes on sale locally in July, and the newly released V8 is expected to follow in due course.

The H3 Alpha's 5.3-litre V8 kicks out 224kW and 438 Nm, outputs that represent a healthy increment over the 3.7-litre five-cylinder engine's tallies of 180kW and 328Nm. Drive is relayed to the wheels via GM's Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed electronically controlled full-time 4WD system.

The stronger powertrain means towing capacity is bumped up to 2721 kg -- an increase of more than 33 per cent over other H3 models -- so it should find a following among owners of large boats and caravans. GM quotes an 8sec split for the 0-100km/h dash, which is quite reasonable for a vehicle of its bulk.

Slotting in the V8 required the H3's engine bay, engine mounts, ladder-frame chassis and front differential casing to be modified, and the suspension's torsion bar rates and shock absorber rates have also been tweaked accordingly.

Hummer's boffins designed a special oil pan to ensure constant oil pressure when driving on steep inclines and there's a new steering system that's claimed to deliver better on-center feel and even more improved off-road reliability.

To support the torque output of the 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 are unique to the V8-powered model.

Also new for the H3 Alpha and the entire 2008 H3 line-up in the US are standard head curtain side airbags (they were previously optional).

Additional safety features now standard on all H3 models include the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, anti-lock brakes, traction control, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and "vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility".

Like its big-brother H2, the 2008 H3 gets a silver-painted lower front bumper, as well as 16-inch chrome wheels, a 4.10 rear axle ratio and special Alpha identification, including a prominent tailgate badge and embroidered front headrests with the Alpha insignia.

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