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2003 Hummer H2 Full-Size Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle
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For motivation, H2 employs a Vortec 6,000 V8 and a heavy-duty 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission that includes GM's driver-selectable "Tow-Haul" mode when the transfer case is in the "4 HI" modes. Also standard is a new, powertrain-integrated Borg-Warner two-speed electronically controlled full-time 4WD system. It is capable of further reducing the vehicle's gear ratios when necessary for obstacle climbing. The system provides a 40/60 percent front-to-rear torque split in "High Open" or when the differentials are unlocked, and a 50/50 percent front-to-rear power split when the transfer case differential is locked. The transfer case electronic control provides five mode selections to provide optimum performance under all types of driving.
H2 also has a highly developed Bosch four-channel antilock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS). In addition to providing control on slippery surfaces, this ABS can detect and adjust braking capabilities to rough off-road surfaces like gravel and potholes. The TCS also provides the ability to gain traction through a single wheel, if necessary. The TC2 function allows for more wheel slip in the traction control mode for sand and desert running conditions.
By adding a TC2 mode, GM's traction control system does not have to make "one tuning fits all" compromises. Its base TCS mode is specifically tuned for hard surfaces, like on-road use, off-road rock crawling or normal traction needs such as on snow or ice; its TC2 selection is specifically tuned for deformable surfaces, like deep mud, gravel and sand.
A Duramax diesel is under consideration for the civil H2.
H2 has a long 122.8 inch wheelbase, almost seven inches longer than a Chevrolet Tahoe's, while its body is nine inches shorter than the Tahoe. With a wide 69.4-inch tread, the wheels are positioned at the extreme corners, providing extra stability on-road and helping to prevent tipping off-road. Trailering capability of up to 7,000 pounds and a payload maximum of 2,200 lb are added benefits.
A new optional self-leveling rear air-spring suspension system tuned to H2's severe off-road requirements is included in the off-road suspension package.
Still, probably more suburban users than wilderness drivers will be seduced by the image of the Hummer2, but with a curb weight of 6,400-lb the fuel economy will make the EPA blanch. But it does have a 32 gallon tank.
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