Alpha information

[f5fstop]

Some of this may be duplicate, all if may be duplicate. But don't have time to review.

V-8-POWERED H3 ALPHA EXPANDS HUMMER?S RANGE OF VERSATILE SUVS
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 H3 X 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.

[evldave]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Some of this may be duplicate, all if may be duplicate. But don't have time to review.

Probably available by scouring the internet for hours, but the first time I've seen it all in one place. THANKS FOR THE INFO!!

Agreed, lot's of good info in one place. Thanks.

[fourfourto]

Serious off-road performance is also aided by the maximum approach angle of 39 degrees and maximum departure angle of 37 degrees.


I thought that was what you could climb.
A + D angles are 60 degrees
Is that a misprint or do I remember wrong

[HummBebe]

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.

Hey Martin,

Did they break anything?

[Hal]

All the same info and more (specs and dimensions etc) can be found in the http://rockcrawler.com/ link in the first post of the following thread: http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=25782

from http://rockcrawler.com/ click on "home", and then scroll down to "New Truck and SUV News" to find the 2008 HUMMER article

(not trying to cut in on F5, just wanted to prove to some others that I do pay attention, even if I haven't been reading the forum regularly for a few months)

...and I still don't like GM trying to ram chrome down everybody's throat (take that and run with it). Offroad performance should be the pinnacle of Hummer Alpha, not more chrome with no option to leave it off. I thought thats what the "H3-X" was there for, to satisfy the bling heads.

so far what I see is this: if you want the best H3 for off road performance the Alpha is not going to be it! The lighter weight I-5 with manual 5-speed and adventure package would still be a better choice. More power, cast iron front diff and extra chrome are going to somehow do better than a nimble 5-speed with an awsome crawl ratio? sorry, I'm not sold on this one yet.

[evldave]

Originally Posted by Hal

More power, cast iron front diff and extra chrome are going to somehow do better than a nimble 5-speed with an awsome crawl ratio? sorry, I'm not sold on this one yet.

...until you blow up your front dif

My ideal would be what I have now (Adventure, Auto, no Lux/Chrome) but with the V8 and cast iron dif (not that I'm as extreme as Bebe, Neo, and others), just prefer some overkill, without all the bling/leather/chrome (and $$ along with it).

I used to be a stick guy (had one in my XJ), but really I like having an auto for a daily driver that I can drive in comfort to wherever, then go offroad wherever. The low crawl ratio and stout tranny in my H3 have converted me to a two-pedal slacker

[HummBebe]

K, I don't see where it says the Alpha comes with the offroad package......

[evldave]

Originally Posted by HummBebe

K, I don't see where it says the Alpha comes with the offroad package......

Originally Posted by Somewhere in the article

...and an optional 4.03:1 transfer case with rear locking differential

Locker & t-case only available in off-road package. They don't say anything about 285 tires, but that's the off-road package in a nutshell pretty much. Interesting (and frustrating) how they are downplaying the offroad capabilities, maybe just started w/the bling marketing first and are seeing how much bishing and complaining we do here on the forums before they change over the marketing campaign to the off-roaders...

[ChevyHighPerformance]

I had an opportuninty to ride in (and briefly drive) a 280 HP 06 H3. It felt pretty sweet. This H3 was tested at 8.5 seconds 0 - 60 MPH. Hammering the gas from a standstill with the wheels slightly turned would get a chirp from one front wheel, the traction control would kick in, and then get a short chirp from one rear wheel. Exhaust was noticably louder and the person said their MPG actually increased by about 1.5 - 2 MPG in the city after all the modifications.

I imagine the alpha would be even quicker and should shut up the magazine critics that said the H3 lacked power. Now what are they going to complain about.

[evldave]

Originally Posted by ChevyHighPerformance

I imagine the alpha would be even quicker and should shut up the magazine critics that said the H3 lacked power. Now what are they going to complain about.

a lack of a CVT
no 12-speed auto tranny option
not enough/too much chrome
no manual tranny in a true 'off-road' vehicle
limited aftermarket support
and the list goes on and on...

seems like everyone can find anything to gripe about nowadays. I'm a little worried about the valves, I've got a wire rattling above my head in the headliner , i can only pull a trailer at 70 mph on the freeway (speed limit regulated ), I can't find a good camo seat cover that doesn't cost me $250 , the rear seats don't fold down flat , there isn't a backup radar thing , my XM radio subscription ran out because I forgot to pay them , it doesn't get 45 mpg like my vespa , i hurt my back every time i have sex in the rear seat , the glove box isn't big enough for a 40oz'er without turning it sideways an spilling , the list goes on...

[NEOCON1]

Originally Posted by HummBebe

K, I don't see where it says the Alpha comes with the offroad package......

x2 scary huh ?

[NEOCON1]

Vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility

that does not sound good either

[usetosellhummer]

We are the few, the proud, the H3 owners who off road. most never will..
I don't need a v-8 i get my veggies evey day with my I-5

[NEOCON1]

Originally Posted by evldave

... The low crawl ratio and stout tranny in my H3 have converted me to a two-pedal slacker

welcome to the two-pedal slacker club

[NEOCON1]

Originally Posted by usetosellhummer

We are the few, the proud, the H3 owners who off road. most never will..
I don't need a v-8 i get my veggies evey day with my I-5

X2 just hope if i need a 3rd or 4th front diff they will give me that new one

[evldave]

Originally Posted by NEOCON1

welcome to the two-pedal slacker club

Do we get free t-shirts and drinks at the local brewpub????? If so I'M IN!!

[Huck BB62]

Originally Posted by Hal

if you want the best H3 for off road performance the Alpha is not going to be it! The lighter weight I-5 with manual 5-speed and adventure package would still be a better choice. More power, cast iron front diff and extra chrome are going to somehow do better than a nimble 5-speed with an awsome crawl ratio? sorry, I'm not sold on this one yet.

Just to play devil's advocate: Aside from the chrome worries (I could take or leave it), the Alpha will be superior.

Yeah, the cast iron front diff is necessary.

Figure in the torque converter and the 5 speed's crawl ratio isn't any better than the auto. The V8 may even have better engine braking. As it stands, the little 5 cylinder hardly engine brakes the heavy H3 at all. The superior torque of the V8 will more than make up the slight difference in gearing.

If that argument be the case, why not slip in the little I-4 from the Colorado, wouldn't that be better than the I-5 (being as how it's lighter and more nimble and all that... )

About engine weights.... there's hardly a difference. People on here put more crap on the front end than that like winches, steel bumpers, brush guards, hi-lift jacks, compressors under the hood. The H3's heavy already, a hundred pounds isn't worth whistling about.

I towed home my new trailer with the brush hog in the back. I had to flog the crap out of the poor thing just to get it up the mountain. The way the fuel needle was dropping because of the wound out 2nd gear driving, I bet it's just going to be lovely at the pump.

[timgco]

Damn! If there is no off road package with the ALPHA, it's going to be a ZERO in my book.

...and no more green colors?

[Urban Ops]

Come on GM, pull your head out!
Offer us a "Real Adventure" package on the Alpha.
4:1
33's
locker
Underbody protection
Cast Iron front diff and
"The Rock Crawler Appearence Package"
Black wheels,
Body color grille, and NO CHROME!!!!!!!!!!


Save the "X" version for the drug dealers.

It's funny how they call these the "Ultimate Off-Road Vehicle" but they set them up as if they DON'T want us to take them off road. What are they afraid of?