10.3.2003
GME at Geneva: HUMMER H2 coming to Europe

Following its huge success on the domestic US market, the H2 enjoys a lot of attention in Europe.

From Alaska to Wyoming, there is currently no vehicle with a higher trend factor. Although it only went on the market in the fall of 2002, the HUMMER H2 - the civilized brother of the original HUMMER H1 - already enjoys a loyal following in its home country. Last year, almost 19,000 US car buyers were won over by the cult luxury SUV with its superior off-road abilities, power in abundance and unmistakable design.

A successful start, indeed, for the 4 x 4, named "Truck of the Year" by the Detroit News at the end of 2002. Soon the H2 will also be coming to Europe. This year, the HUMMER H2 is on the way to Europe; the first official licensees will include Passion Auto in France, Bergheim Auto Salg in Norway, AB Rindab in Sweden and AAA-Frey in Switzerland. Negotiations in Germany, Iceland, Italy, and the UK meanwhile, are almost complete.

A beefy 6.0-liter V8 engine with 235 kW/316 hp and a peak torque of 490 Nm ensure commanding performance figures for the strapping off-road (length x width x height 4820 x 2063 x 1977 mm). This sees the H2, with a curb weight of 2909 kg, make the dash from 0 to 100 kph in under ten seconds and boast a maximum trailer capacity of over 3.1 tons.

Off-road, the HUMMER H2 profits not only from the beefy power reserves (grade capability 60%) and the wide track (side slope capability 40%), but also from its sophisticated permanent all-wheel-drive system and the short overhangs and substantial ground clearance (255 mm), which can be raised to 267 mm with the optional air suspension. In addition to differential locks and low-range gear reduction, the special powertrain also boasts a new feature; for charging over gravel or through desert stretches, more wheel slip can be programmed via a driver control switch that engages the highly developed combined ABS / traction control system from Bosch.

The high-quality performance of the H2, which is aimed at the booming luxury off-road segment, is matched by the interior; it boasts remarkable legroom and ample space for five people, with an optional sixth seat available for the large cargo area (maximum capacity: 2,452 liters). The comprehensive instrument cluster incorporates the body's refined but rugged design theme, while the equipment package leaves practically nothing to be desired.