H3 to Debut @ LA Auto Show

[kmacleod]

USA: Smaller Hummer intended to make brand "more approachable"
21 Oct 2004
Source: just-auto.com editorial team

The manager of General Motors Corp.'s hulking Hummer lineup has told the Associated Press (AP) she hopes to make the brand "more approachable" with a new midsize sport utility vehicle scheduled to go on sale next spring.

The Hummer H3 is slated to make its international debut next Wednesday at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim.

By entering the midsize SUV segment, Hummer makes itself a player in a vehicle category that accounts for 1.7 million sales annually, Hummer general manager Susan Docherty told AP.

For now, she said, the brand's bread-and-butter vehicle, the larger H2, competes in a segment with about 160,000 annual sales.

"Up to this point, as a brand, we've been about $US50,000-plus trucks," said Docherty, who helped launch the luxury Escalade SUV at Cadillac before joining Hummer. "In the mid-size utility segment, customers want a smaller package, something that's more fuel efficient, something that's easier to park and that's a little bit more approachable - thus the H3."


Full article Here (just-auto.com)

http://www.just-auto.com/news_detail...t=46062&dm=yes

Ken

Personal Rant */The Pricing should be $25,000.00 to start. 20MPG on GAS?
Where are the OPEL or ISUZU TDI V-6 Diesels? Just do it. Figure out how to meet todays CA & NY diesel emission standards. You've already met the EU-4 standards in Europe. Diesel fuel sulfer content is decreasing in the US. Gee GM, Don't drop the ball here......./*

[HEVguy]

I think GM is going at it the right way with the statement: "In the mid-size utility segment, customers want a smaller package, something that's more fuel efficient, something that's easier to park and that's a little bit more approachable - thus the H3."

However, those are some very good points Ken. A stripped 4x4 entry option @ $25k would be great, and Diesel would fit the bill really well also.

[Z28x]

Diesel option would be great for the H3 and Colorado. I think the Diesel Liberty will do good and once again GM will be late to the game.

[HEMI300C]

I'm new, so I don't want to go against the grain here, but here it goes.

For about $35,000--$35,935 to be exact, you can get a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the Hemi. That's got 330hp. According to the EPA website, the Hemi V8 equipped 4x4 Jeep gets 14/19. So, GM squeezing out "about 20mpg highway" from a 5 cylinder isn't all too impressive. (For a closer comparison, the 6 cylinder Grand Cherokee 4wd gets 17/21--so you see how MDS really helps.)

Now, it's also got Quadra-Drive II, and it is able to cross the same Rubicon Trail that the H3 can. So in comparison, the H3 just seems to be banking on the Hummer name and rugged appearance. Which is fine, but it doesn't seem to have all that much else going for it. The interior is the same design from the Colorado with more fancy trim. And even based on a midsize pickup platform, it still manages to be portly. The engine seems overmatched (but I'll wait for testing) and, again, at 20mpg highway...they could have done better.

But, I guess they are different vehicles for different buyers. But if someone was looking for a capable offroad vehicle with decent gas mileage, power, and prestige, well....chances are they'll be looking at both vehicles. And two V8s, a 5-speed auto and a plusher interior are definitely plusses for the Grand Cherokee.

[91z4me]

I would expect to see the H3 alpha next year with the turbo 5 cyl. I think we may see the Turbo 5 in the Colorado SS this year at NAIAS.

[GM_Guy81]

I agree it needs more power. GM has NEVER been the company that was at a disadvantage with engine power, but they have fallen into that some how. (minus the LS family)

[Buick61]

Are the H3 and Grand Cherokee the same size?? I would think the H3 is a little bigger, but I haven't looked up the specs. But, you're right, they are both around the same price, and have more offroad capability than most would ever need. Hemi or I5?? That really is an interesting comparison. I think it all comes down to image.

[mrfunji]

Originally Posted by HEMI300C

For about $35,000--$35,935 to be exact, you can get a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the Hemi. That's got 330hp. According to the EPA website, the Hemi V8 equipped 4x4 Jeep gets 14/19. So, GM squeezing out "about 20mpg highway" from a 5 cylinder isn't all too impressive. (For a closer comparison, the 6 cylinder Grand Cherokee 4wd gets 17/21--so you see how MDS really helps.)

Yes, but the 6 cylinder Wrangler gets worse gas mileage than the 6 cyl cheroke (when the 4.0 L were both used.) Just like the H3 gets worse gas mileage than the trucks. Reason? Aerodynamically, the Wrangler is a brick on wheels. So is the H3.

And to most the H3 will probalby be overpriced at 30k but it's supposed to be a 'status symbol' and as the article suggests, the H3 will have it's following. But then again, people look at the Wrangler Sahara as overpriced. $26k for a box on wheels? Anyone whose driven a Wrangler knows there isn't much to those cars.

[mjd1001]

Has GM made any specs on this available yet? If it is going to get close to 20 mpg on the highway, it sounds like it's going to simply have teh 220hp I5. Considering the colorado gets only one or two more than that and the H3 is undoubtedly going to be less aerodynamic and weigh more.

If that is the case, I see another problem. For $30,000+ you are going to get a vehicle that is vastly underpowered. This thing is probably going to weigh about 4,000 lbs, if not more (considering a 4wd colorado approaches that in extended cab configuration). 220 hp on a vehicle that large is going to be rather sluggish.

I guess we'll find out more when some official specs are released.

[MelvinJ]

It sounds like the H3 will definitely be smaller than the Grand Cherokee. I wouldn't think it would weigh any more than 4400 lbs., since the heaviest Colorado weighs a little over 4000. The I5 isn't going to move it with much authority. I hope they make 4.10 axles the tallest available. With 33 inch tires, 4.56 gears might be advisable.

While I'm sure the new Grand Cherokee is very capable off-road, I'd wager that the H3 will be considerably better. There's just no substitute for tall tires and very short overhangs. The I5 will be just fine for rock crawling where low range gearing and low speeds don't require a lot of power.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by MelvinJ

It sounds like the H3 will definitely be smaller than the Grand Cherokee. I wouldn't think it would weigh any more than 4400 lbs., since the heaviest Colorado weighs a little over 4000. The I5 isn't going to move it with much authority. I hope they make 4.10 axles the tallest available. With 33 inch tires, 4.56 gears might be advisable.

While I'm sure the new Grand Cherokee is very capable off-road, I'd wager that the H3 will be considerably better. There's just no substitute for tall tires and very short overhangs. The I5 will be just fine for rock crawling where low range gearing and low speeds don't require a lot of power.

For rock crawls, yes it should do great. But most people that do go off road are more likely to encounter sand, mud, and snow. All of which need the tires to be spinning pretty hard sometimes. You're going to need power/torque.

From Car and Driver:

H3:

Engine:

220-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC 20-valve all-aluminum inline five-cylinder Vortec engine (the only engine offered).

Dimensions:

Length/width/height: 186.7/85.5/74.5 in
W/B: 111.9 inches
Curb weight: 4800 lb

Grand Cherokee (highly optioned 4wd Limited w/Hemi):

Engine:

V-8, iron block and aluminum heads & MDS
Power (SAE net): 330 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 375 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Dimensions:

Length/width/height: 186.6/84.3/67.7 in
Wheelbase: 109.5 in
Curb weight: 4860 lb
Curb weight per horsepower: 14.7 lb


The H3 is .1 inch longer than the Grand Cherokee (basically the same) and has a 2.4 inch longer wheel base. It's also a little wider and taller. And it weighs about the same.

Quite an interesting comparison.

I think as a second vehicle, the H3 would be the choice. But as a primary means of transportation, you'd probably want the Grand Cherokee for ride/handling/power/economy reasons.

[awalbert88]

The H3 needs to be the most off-road capable light SUV on the planet. The I5 engine will not suffice for that task. It's as simple as that.

I'd take a Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ the Hemi over this.

[cainsw]

Hemi cherokees will be shaking in their boots a few months after the H3 is released. GM has their "other" motor ready for it and the next year the Colorado will be getting it. And I'm not talking about some sissy I5 with a huffer bolted to it. This is according to a few of the big shots at the plant. FWIW, H3 will start around 25-28K. They are bigger than you think they'd be when you consider the chassis it is built on. The interor is based on the Colorado but it is prettied up quite a bit. The leather seats are kick ass. It will be offered with an optional sun roof. This is just a few of the things I've noticed. We built the two LA Show H3's about 2 weeks ago. 1 red and 1 pewter/silver. I did notice one thing that made me wonder though. The H3's have a 6500rpm redline vs. the Colorados 6000. I haven't figured that out yet!

[paul3230]

The H3 will be pefect for those who seek the H2 but without the price and the dismal fuel econ. I think anyone who wishes to buy Hummers are a pretty select breed.

[SUPERBADD75]

Originally Posted by awalbert88

The H3 needs to be the most off-road capable light SUV on the planet. The I5 engine will not suffice for that task. It's as simple as that.

I'd take a Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ the Hemi over this.

the H3 will be the most capable off-roader in its segment. period. that's what Hummer is about, off-road vehicles. Jeeps are supposed to be "trail rated", but with Hummer, there is no need for a trail at all. the power isn't that big of a deal for off-roading, it's all about gearing and maneuverability, which the H3 will have. the H3 and Grand Cherokee are actually not going to be cross shopped as much as many of you think. the H3 is for people who want a Hummer. the Jeep is for someone who wants a prettier, quieter SUV. i love what i've seen of the H3, even though it may be underpowered. it will be fine. there are people who don't understand the Hummer brand, and it's not for those people. the people who get it appreciate it, and they will like the H3 just fine.