ilPistone.com: Hummer H3

Le foto ed i dati definitivi... mi sa che, oltre all'H2, vedremo anche questa in Italia.

H3: Authentic HUMMER Style And Capability In A Midsize

ANAHEIM, Calif. - The next chapter of the growing HUMMER legacy, 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 Susan Docherty, HUMMER general manager. "HUMMER has developed a passionate following because of its unmatched style and capability, and the H3 extends that appeal 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, the H3 is 16.9 inches shorter in length, 6 inches shorter in height and 6.5 inches narrower. Roughly the same length as a midsize family sedan, H3 comfortably navigates city traffic and delivers HUMMER's trademark incredible crawling and climbing capability.

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.

The H3 was engineered for off-road leadership among midsize SUVs. The heart of the truck's capability is its electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. That system is augmented with features such as a fully locking rear differential, traction control, underbody shielding and GM's StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system. H3 offers two tire packages, a Goodyear 32-inch all-terrain tire and Bridgestone 33-inch, both larger than any other midsize SUV.

In addition to its uncompromised off-road capabilities, the H3 also provides the refinement, comfort and convenience required for enjoyable on-road driving. It offers premium options such as heated leather seats, a large electric sliding sunroof, a DVD-based navigation radio and numerous customized accessories.

The H3 represents a significant step in the HUMMER brand's rapid growth, and an important product for its new network of dealers. It joins the H1, the cornerstone HUMMER that was based on the legendary military vehicle; the H2 SUV, the more modern and civilized full-size HUMMER; and the H2 SUT launched in 2004 that features an innovative reconfigurable cargo bed.

Capable

Specifically designed as a truck engine, the Vortec 3500 is a 3.5L inline five-cylinder offering an excellent combination of power and efficiency. The engine delivers 220 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800 rpm. In terms of performance, the Vortec 3500 provides the H3 with excellent power and control for off-roading, with comfortable and capable on-road characteristics, including acceleration that equals the V-8 powered H2 in most driving conditions. The Vortec 3500 brings premium features and advanced technologies ?- including dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control and low mass. The engine also features unique counter-rotating balance shafts to help minimize noise, vibration and harshness.

The Vortec 3500 is available in the H3 with either a standard, smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 4L60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission includes shift modes specific to low-range operation, which, combined with speed-based throttle progressions, help optimize driveability in low-range, off-highway operation.

The H3 also has a standard new Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time four-wheel-drive system with a 2.64:1 ratio low-range gear reduction for highly controlled off-road obstacle climbing. An optional version provides aggressive low range gearing ?- a 4.03:1 ratio ?- for ultimate obstacle-climbing control.

Both versions provide the choice of operating modes:

4High-range Open, for optimum highway performance and comfort under normal road conditions
4High-range Locked, which allows torque to be transferred to the front or rear wheels as needed
4Low-range Locked, for severe off-pavement use, such as crawling over large rocks or logs, or deep sand or snow.
4Low-range Locked plus driver-selectable electronic rear differential locked, with the optional 4.03:1 low-range transfer case gearing, providing crawling and climbing power every bit as capable as the legendary H1 and H2
Neutral, for flat-towing the H3.

H3's more maneuverable size provides advantages, such as a 37-ft. turning circle and 9.1-inch ground clearance, which contribute to maximum breakover angle of 25 degrees (with 33-inch tires). Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 40 degrees and maximum departure angle of 37 degrees. These approach and departure angles permit the H3 to drive right into a hole and back out again, without getting hung up in front or rear.

Among its off-road capabilities, the H3 can ford 16 inches of water at 20 mph or 24-inch streams at a 5-mph pace, climb 16-inch vertical steps and rocks, make its way through deep sand and race over sandy surfaces.

Control

H3 provides a surprisingly smooth, comfortable ride, along with the responsive handling and braking control that customers want for daily driving. Key chassis features that contribute to this combination of smoothness and control, both on- and off-road, include:

A fully welded ladder-type frame, with a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness.
An independent front SLA torsion bar suspension and "Hotchkiss" design multi-leaf, semi-elliptic, single-stage leaf spring rear suspension. The standard suspension provides excellent on-highway comfort and outstanding off-road capability, while the optional Off-Road Adventure package delivers more extreme off-road capability.
Underbody protection that includes four standard protective shields, including the front skid plate; an oil pan skid plate that also protects the front axle; and a transfer case shield and a fuel tank shield. Additional protection is also available from optional chassis-bolted rocker panel protectors.
A highly sophisticated standard power rack-and-pinion steering system, with a three-bushing design and a 17:1 ratio that contributes to a very maneuverable 37-foot curb-to-curb turning circle.
Electro-hydraulic four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Rear Proportioning, for quick, controlled stops.
Standard single-wheel, full-function traction control that uses a combination of engine intervention and brake management to allow as many as three wheels on a slippery surface and still provide impressive traction capability. It also interacts with the transfer case to provide additional off-road operating modes.
StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system, which enhances safety, stability and control on all roads.

Iconic Style

HUMMER design is iconic. H3's daring looks make it readily identifiable as a HUMMER. It's a matter of form following function. Features like its wide track width, short overhangs and huge tires provide stability, outstanding ground clearance and quick rock-climbing capability in off-road driving.

The H3's flat, chiseled surfaces; upright windshield and windows; signature seven-slot louvered grille; round headlamps housed inside square openings; and pronounced fender flares are all pure HUMMER. Power and strength emanate from its cube-like metal billet form.

Large tires are a staple of HUMMER style, clearly signaling the trucks' capability. H3's 32- and 33-inch tires carry that family trait strongly. Six-lug 16-by-7.5-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with chrome wheels available.

The large rear swing gate encompasses fixed glass, standard rear wiper, defogger and full-size spare tire. The swing gate-mounted spare, a HUMMER first, enhances interior cargo room.

Among other exterior design highlights are a highly protective aluminum front skid plate; hefty, stamped-steel front and rear bumper bars; a composite front fascia, with "HUMMER" molded into the driver's side; standard front tow hooks; and a welded-on rear bumper recovery hook.