2003 Hummer Models

The hour is finally at hand. HUMMER has introduced the long-awaited H2, expanding its product offerings and making the brand accessible to more buyers with a slightly scaled down, more civilized version of the H1 that's every bit as rugged and every inch a HUMMER.

"H2 is an exhilarating, uncompromising off-road vehicle," said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager, "with the comforts of home included. Like the H1, H2 will offer customers vehicles to suit their taste and style."

Refined yet rugged

H2 makes its debut in the truck world as the more "civilized" family member. Its on-pavement manners, including ride comfort, are extremely refined. And it provides all the features and amenities that a premium SUV customer might want. Yet, off-road, it is almost as fiercely utilitarian as its famous progenitors - capable of traveling through streams 20 inches deep, climbing 16-inch steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in high-speed desert runs.

Customization accessories and packages will satisfy the strong desire of HUMMER owners to personalize their vehicles. General Motors Service and Parts Operations will supply a range of accessories for H2, some of which will be available as regular production options. Dealers will be able to install many of them in the seamless fashion of regular factory options, prior to customer delivery.

A HUMMER through and through

Its design is extremely daring and attention getting. It's instantly recognizable as belonging to a highly exclusive brand, at the top of its class in off-road performance. Its look and feel conveys the sense of power, authority and complete control that these buyers seek.

"In practical terms, the rugged individualist will be more likely to take it off-road and exploit all capabilities," said Marc Hernandez, H2 marketing director. "The successful achiever is more likely to drive it on-road as a symbol of his daring and success."

H2 is powered by a standard Vortec 6000 V8 mated to a new heavy-duty 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission with best-in-class power and performance. The Vortec 6000 generates 315 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque (preliminary ratings). The 4L65-E provides GM's driver-selectable Tow-Haul mode when the transfer case is in the "4 HI" modes. H2 also features a standard, powertrain-integrated Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time 4WD system. It is capable of further reducing the vehicle's gear ratios by 2.64:1 when necessary, for highly controlled obstacle climbing. It provides a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split in "High Open" or when the differentials are unlocked and a 50/50 front-to-rear power split when the transfer case differential is locked. The transfer case electronic control provides five mode selections, including rear axle differential lock, to provide optimum performance under all types of driving conditions.

A highly developed Bosch four-channel antilock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS) provides optimum control on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ABS can detect and adjust its braking capabilities to rough off-road surfaces like gravel and potholes. The TCS also provides new-for-GM capabilities, including the ability to gain traction through a single wheel, if necessary. A new feature controlled through a separate driver control switch is the TC2 function. This provides for more wheel slip in the traction control mode for sand and desert racing conditions.

H2's 122.8-inch wheelbase helps smooth out the ride on freeway cruises; off-road, it helps prevent pitching in rough terrain. H2's 69.4-inch tread, with wheels truly positioned at the extreme corners, provides extra stability on-road and helps prevent lateral tipping off-road. Its extremely short overhangs, including a 32.6-inch front overhang and 34.6-inch rear overhang provide high approach and departure angles, allowing H2 to drive right into a hole and out again without getting hung up in front or rear. These approach and departure angles are the highest of any GM full-size truck.

A fully welded ladder-type frame, with a modular, three-piece design that incorporates a number of hydroformed (formed with water under high pressure, which allows steel to retain more of its strength through the manufacturing process) components offers outstanding strength, stiffness and dimensional accuracy. A standard independent front torsion bar and five-link coil spring rear suspension provides excellent on-road ride comfort and control and a high degree of strength, control and rear-axle articulation off-road. Its solid rear axle ensures durable sure-footedness, particularly in tight off-road situations. A new optional self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is tuned to H2's severe off-road requirements.

Interior creature comforts

The H2 interior features comfortable seats with standard eight-way power adjustment for the front seat cushions and backs, and a standard memory feature for the driver's seat that allows two drivers to select and set their preferred positions, using key fob buttons or controls in the driver's door panel. Cloth covering is standard and leather optional. With the leather seats, front occupants also get heated seat backs and cushions with three temperature settings and second-row occupants get heated cushions.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system provides fast warm-ups and cool-downs and an amazing degree of individualized front-seat comfort. The standard dual-zone front controls, for example, allow the driver and front passenger to set individualized temperatures with as much as a 25-degree Fahrenheit difference. Audio choices include a selection of premium, high quality sound systems and standard nine-speaker Bose system. All sound systems provide next-generation audio configurations and include Radio Data System (RDS) technology. A driver information center provides up to 28 warnings for specific vehicle functions and allows two drivers to personalize their driving environment, taking advantage of separate driver memory settings.

H2 safety features include standard front air bags; four-way adjustable headrests, arm rests and seat-mounted lap-shoulder belts for front passengers; lap and B pillar-mounted shoulder belts for second row outboard passengers and a lap belt for the center passenger; a seat-mounted lap-shoulder belt and adjustable headrest for the optional third-row seat; and a standard OnStar system.

OnStar is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology. OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor gives subscribers access to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays.

The wide range of civilizing and also rugged features makes H2 a full-sized SUV with unprecedented versatility. "H2 has immediate brand recognition as a HUMMER, which was one of our mandates from the start," DiGiovanni said. "It's a HUMMER through and true, particularly in terms of its capabilities on rough terrain, but with an air of civility and refinement previously unheard of in a vehicle with such capabilities."