2009 HUMMER H2 ADDS FLEXFUEL CAPABILITY AND EXCLUSIVE 'BLACK CHROME' LIMITE
06/09/2008
Hummer
The incomparable HUMMER H2 enters 2009 with new technologies - including Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation - new interior amenities, a Black Chrome limited edition model and standard E85 FlexFuel capability. The enhancements give customers more choices on a model line that delivers an uncompromising balance of capability and comfort.
"For customers who seek the ultimate in off-road prowess and on-road style, there's nothing else like the H2," said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "It is in a class by itself, delivering unmatched utility."
The H2 also comes with a race-winning pedigree that includes three production class wins at the infamous Baja 1000. The racing vehicles are based on regular-production H2s, with only regulatory safety equipment and other minor differences separating them from examples found in HUMMER dealerships.
Just like the racing vehicles, the 2009 production lineup - H2 SUV and H2 SUT - is powered by a 6.2L all-aluminum small-block V-8 engine. It is rated at 393 horsepower (293 kW)* and paired with a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission. Performance-optimizing engine technologies, such as variable valve timing, and the six-speed's wide gear ratios, including a "tall" overdrive gear, optimize the powertrain's efficiency.
New for '09, the 6.2L engine is calibrated for FlexFuel capability, meaning it can run on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two fuels.
New for 2009
The H2 and H2 SUT's changes for 2009 increase the model line's choices of amenities to enhance comfort and convenience. They complement a luxury-appointed interior that was redesigned for 2008. The new features include:
Available second-row captains chairs that deliver a more personal and luxurious seating choice
Third-row seat storage that frees up more storage space in the H2 SUV's interior
Heated steering wheel (interim availability)
Power-tilting steering wheel (interim availability)
Additionally, several technology enhancements are added to the H2 lineup:
Bluetooth phone connectivity
OnStar Destination Download that sends driving directions directly to the navigation system
XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic real-time traffic advisement
Rear vision "display on demand" on the inside rearview mirror for models not equipped with the navigation system - this replaces the previous "slide out" display (models with the navigation system feature rear vision displays on the navigation screen)
Black Chrome edition details
The Black Chrome limited edition model will be available later in the '09 model year. Only 1,300 will be offered worldwide. These special H2 SUV and SUT models are distinguished on the outside with black chrome details, including:
Twenty-inch chrome-clad wheels
Grille
Hood latches and handles
Fuel filler door
Door handles
Mirror caps
"H2" badges
Side air vents
Spare tire cover emblem
Body-color wheel flares, rocker moldings and hood louver
Three exterior colors are available with the Black Chrome edition: the new-for-2009 Silver Ice Metallic, Sedona Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic. Silver Ice Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic are offered with the Ebony/Shale interior combination, while the Sedona Metallic color is exclusive to the Black Chrome edition and is offered only with the Sedona interior.
Specific interior trim is included with the special model, as well as a heated and power-tilting steering wheel.
Luxury-appointed interior
Completely redesigned in '08, the H2 lineup's luxury-appointed interior features a detailed instrument panel, three seating rows, a rear climate control system, a rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system and a family of premium radios.
The seats have a chiseled appearance and offer excellent comfort; front-seat safety belt pretensioners are standard. Complementing the new seats are upscale door trim panels and an instrument panel with a six-gauge instrument cluster. These features have a detailed, refined appearance with minimal gaps - often 1 mm or less. Soft-touch materials and tactile controls enhance the feeling of craftsmanship.
A prominent center stack houses the climate controls and radio, including a standard premium Bose audio system and an available surround sound system. XM Satellite Radio is standard and it is now available with NavTraffic, a real-time traffic advising feature.
The H2 also offers a standard remote starting system that enables the vehicle's interior to be heated or cooled prior to driving.
Powertrain
The pulling power of the H2 comes from its 6.2L V-8 engine that uses variable valve timing technology to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. It is rated at 393 horsepower (293 kW)* and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (563 Nm)*. The engine also features lightweight materials, including an aluminum cylinder block. New for '09, the 6.2L engine is calibrated to run on E85 ethanol.
A six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic transmission backs the 6.2L engine. It has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio - including two overdrive gears - that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Also, the 6L80 has a "tap up/tap down" capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts with buttons on the steering wheel. It provides an off-road crawl ratio of approximately 39:1.
A 3.73 axle ratio and features such as regulated voltage control that charges electrical components only when necessary help maximize the H2's efficiency, while the powertrain enables a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds (3,727 kg).
Safety features
A robust safety system complements the H2 lineup's performance and comfort amenities, and includes several standard features:
Roof rail head curtain side air bags for first-, second- and third-row passengers (if equipped) with rollover sensing system
Safety belt pretensioners (first-row seats)
Electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
New traction control system
Tire pressure monitoring system
A panic brake assist feature (standard) detects emergency braking situations and maintains maximum brake pressure to help stop the vehicle more quickly and with more control.
The standard OnStar system offers the optional Turn-By-Turn navigation system. Additional optional features that contribute to a safer driving experience include HUMMER's Rear Vision System - a rearview camera system - and a navigation system.
Chassis details
The H2's foundation is a fully welded, ladder-type frame that features a modular, three-piece design incorporating a number of hydroformed components. This design delivers outstanding strength, stiffness and dimensional accuracy.
Short overhangs allow radical approach and departure angles, as well as exceptional ground clearance for minimal impact on trails. Standard 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty independent front suspension and a five-link rear suspension provide superior handling, carrying and towing capability.
A solid rear axle ensures durable sure-footedness, particularly in tight, off-road situations. Also standard is underbody protection and rocker protection. These elements help the H2 deliver on HUMMER's mantra of capability, including traveling through streams 24 inches (508 mm) deep, climbing 16-inch (406-mm) steps and rocks and paddling through deep sand or snow.
The H2 features a four-channel anti-lock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS) that 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 new traction system allows the driver to use a two-foot driving technique (one foot the brake, the other on the gas pedal), which is the best driving style for negotiating a steep, rocky trail. The TCS also includes the ability to gain traction through a single wheel.
A self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is available for extreme off-road and towing requirements.
H2 SUT - maximum utility and fun
Like the H2, the H2 SUT carries passengers and cargo, but does so with a twist: an open cargo bed enables convenient storage of larger items. When cargo requires more space, a 4-foot by 6-foot (122-cm by 244-cm) pickup bed can be created by powering the rear window into the Midgate, then folding forward the Midgate and rear seat. With four passengers on board, the bulkhead at the rear of the SUT's passenger compartment remains upright, still providing ample cargo-carrying capacity.
Practicality aside, the H2 SUT also offers an open, invigorating driving experience. At the push of a single button, the driver can lower all four side windows and the rear window. Using a separate switch, the standard sunroof can also be opened, giving the SUT a truly open-air feeling.
*SAE certified.