A changed look

The Hummer H2 2008 comes with an array of new features, including a new 6.2-litre, V8 engine, new seats, new controls, a totally redesigned instrument panel, a new traction control system plus enhanced safety features.

The iconic Hummer H2 enters 2008 with a raft of changes, delivering a more refined interior that combines luxury with Hummer's legendary ruggedness.

Also on tap are enhanced safety features and a more powerful engine that is coupled with a new, six-speed automatic transmission. The new powertrain combination improves efficiency when compared with previous models.

The new powertrain combination consists of a 6.2-litre all-aluminium small-block V8 engine, rated at 393 horsepower (net) – an increase of about 20 per cent over the previous engine – and a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission.

Performance-optimising engine technologies, such as Variable Valve Timing, and the six-speed's wide gear ratios, including a "tall" overdrive gear are keys to the improved performance and efficiency.

While drivers will feel the H2's awesome power-performance on the road, they'll appreciate it more while experiencing the all-new interior.

The H2 features a completely redesigned instrument panel, new seats – including a full third-row seat for two passengers – new door trim panels, new controls, new rear-seat heating/air conditioning system and new rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system. Also, a rear HVAC (heating, ventilation, and cooling) system is now standard.

I was very impressed with the interior comforts.
Seats in the H2 have a chiselled appearance and offer excellent comfort. In fact, Hummer engineers focused on every detail to improve interior comfort.

For example, the front seat safety belts are now mounted to the vehicle's B-pillars rather than to the seats themselves. This change enabled engineers to achieve uncompromised comfort tuning for the seats.

Front seat safety belt pretensioners are new, too, and are standard.Complementing the new seats are new door trim panels and an all-new instrument panel and six-gauge instrument cluster that features a more refined appearance and vastly improved tolerances.

The new interior is also designed with interior gap tolerances of one millimetre or less. That's quite an amazing feat for a 3-tonne heavy metal beast! Soft-touch materials and tactile controls enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.

A centre stack houses the climate controls and a new family of GM radios – including a standard AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible 6-disc in-dash CD changer, seek-and-scan, digital clock and auto-tone control.

A 9-speaker Bose performance-enhanced premium system with surround sound rounds out the audio range. The instrument panel also features new vents that enhance cooling comfort throughout the vehicle – particularly for the second- and third-row seats.

Numerous available comfort and convenience features are either new or carried over into the 2008 H2, such as a new rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system, a navigation system, a rear-view camera system and heated windshield washer fluid.

The 2008 H2 also offers a remote start system that enables the vehicle's interior to be heated or cooled before passengers get into the vehicle.

At the heart of the H2 is a new, 6.2-litre V8 engine that uses Variable Valve Timing technology to maximise performance and fuel efficiency.

It is rated at 393 horsepower (net) at 5,700 rpm, and 563 Nm of torque (net) at 4,300 rpm. That's a real monster!
A new six-speed Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmission backs the 6.2-litre engine.

The six-speed automatic has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and adequate fuel economy (considering the H2's girth).

The new powertrain combination helps the H2 deliver an additional 771 kg in towing capacity over its preceding model – an increase from 2,948 kg to 3,727 kg. A host of additional powertrain revisions also contribute to the H2's improved performance and efficiency, including a larger-capacity cooling system to support the larger, more powerful engine, furnished with electric engine cooling fans to reduce "drag" on the engine, thereby enabling more horsepower.

Off-road acumen has also been enhanced with the new powertrain system. The transmission's tap up/tap down feature provides more control on grades. It also improves the off-road crawl ratio to approximately 39:1 – an improvement of about 20 per cent.

The transfer case is improved in the 2008 H2; it is stronger with improved performance. A new traction control system also is standard as is GM's famed StabiliTrak. This helps ensure sure-footed traction in most driving conditions.

Driving performance off the road or on is enhanced by a revised steering gear that has a quicker ratio and improved on-centre return ability. The driving experience also is quieter and more refined, thanks to new, tuned air intake and exhaust systems.

However, I had to note that at speed on hard terrain, such as a dry wadi bed or sebkha, the weight of the H2 results in a soft, bouncy suspension feel; for this reason, it can be hard to control unless the track is both flat and straight.

At slow speeds, however, the H2 is unbeatable. Imagine coming upon a track where a rockfall has blocked off the entire road.

Choose any of the top 4x4s you can think of, and my two fils will be on the H2 to be the one truck to get up and over the rubble!

Complementing the H2's performance and comfort changes are enhancements to the safety system. They include several new standard features such as: roof rail head curtain side air bags for first, second and third-row passengers with rollover sensing system; safety belt pretensioners (first-row seats); electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology; new traction control system and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Also new is a panic brake assist feature – the first application for a full-size GM truck or SUV – which detects emergency braking situations and maintains maximum brake pressure to help stop the vehicle more quickly and with more control. It is a standard feature on all H2 models.
Additional optional features that contribute to a safer driving experience include Hummer's Rear Vision System – a rearview camera system – and a navigation system.

An off-road icon, highly capable, and surprisingly comfortable, the H2 is a dream come true for any avid off-roader.

Paolo Rossetti is a freelance writer based in Al Ain.