It Really Needed a V-8: 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

In one of those rare instances of automotive journalism harmony, almost every story ever written about the Hummer H3 has pointed to its somewhat anemic powertrain. For 2007, the H3’s base five-cylinder engine got a slight power bump, but today we learn that Hummer wants to make a big dog out of its littlest SUV.

The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha gets the full V-8 treatment, with 295 hp and 317 pounds-feet of torque, allowing for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with a four-speed automatic transmission. There’s no word on fuel economy, but the H3 Alpha does reach 60 mph in eight seconds, compared to the base model’s 11-second time.

The Alpha name is given to high-performance models in the Hummer lineup, and the H3 Alpha can be ordered with the cosmetic H3X package. All 2008 Hummer H3s also get new standard equipment, including an electronic stability system, antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Hummer H3 Alpha goes on sale this summer. Check out the photos below.

Comments

I'm not sure "high-performance" and "Hummer" should be used in the same sentence. And I still can't figure out how they were able to get away with using a 7 slot grill and not infringe on Jeep's trademark.

Well I still could care less about 'em but at least a V8 makes it a legitimate truck and not a fasion statement.

Its not a "truck" it is a offroad SUV, kinda different-this is for the whining automotive writers that want more power but will complain when fuel economy will go down a few miles.

It still has a four speed auto, sad.

Keep in mind that the Hummer and the Jeep come from a common heritage before they were sold to civilians and the designs for the Humvee and the military Jeeps shared the 7 slot grill.

Jeep sued Hummer when the H2 first arrived and Jeep lost the lawsuit. The lawsuit concerned the grill.

Isn't the H3 based on the mechanicals of the Chevy Colorado pickup? Could a V8 Colorado come next? That would surely be worth an SS badge.

I second that V8 Colorado comment. That would be a real performance 4x4 indeed.

Xmm outwardly is good but what about other details? I head many interesting things about this car. But i don't think so!
But lets hope that i made mistake.

If you notice the New Jeep Wrangler JK's have the name Jeep on the grille.I know what's a Jeep and what's a Hummer but most people don't.
This is why it now says Jeep on the grille.
The WW2 Jeeps had 9 slots it was a FORD design.
When Jeep went to bigger headlights they took out 2 slots and now own the design of the 7 slot grille.When AMC sold it's military side
it turned into AM general. AM General made the
Hummer H1.

looks like someone has a colorado ss. www.colorado_ss.com