Automotive

HUMMER H2 sports utility to enter production in 2004

HUMMER H2 sports utility to enter production in 2004
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Wednesday November 12, 2003

The highly reconfigurable HUMMER H2 SUT (sport utility truck) was unveiled by GM at the 2003 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) exhibition. Set to enter production in late 2004, the new HUMMER can carry four passengers with the bulkhead at the rear of the passenger compartment upright, or transform into a 4-foot by 6-foot pickup tray at the push of a button.

The load carrying versatility is made possible by a reconfigurable midgate that folds forward along with the backseat to create the huge tray space.

The H2 SUT can also provide an open air driving experience - all four side windows and the rear window can be retracted and using a separate switch, the standard sunroof can also be opened.

"Like its brother the H2 SUV, the SUT draws from its military heritage as the next evolution of the HUMMER brand. The H2 SUT is functional, versatile and almost endlessly reconfigurable, exceeding even the most demanding consumer's standards," said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager.

The interior features medium wheat leather seats as standard or an optional Ebony leather interior. Both front seats also feature three heat settings for the seat cushions and seatbacks. Heated seat cushions for the rear passengers are included with either leather package.

The H2 SUT continues the "go anywhere, do anything" tradition of HUMMER and incorporates a 5.8-inch touch-screen Navigation Radio with mapping in 2-D and 3-D to ensure that you get there. The navigation system uses audio prompts to point out turns and alerts the driver if they stray from the route.

The flat, chiselled HUMMER style is retained in the exterior. The rear bumper includes large, military, HUMMER-style retrieval loops and the front bumper includes tow loops. Both bumpers have access holes for the hitch receivers attached to the chassis that can accommodate a winch.

Because it is based on the H2 SUV, the SUT enjoys short overhangs, for radical approach and departure angles and exceptional ground clearance for minimal impact on trails. The 17-inch wheels and heavy-duty independent front suspension and five-link rear suspension provide superior handling, carrying and towing capability.

The powerplant is GM's 6.0-liter, Vortec 6000 V-8, which delivers 316 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 360 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The Vortec 6000 is mounted longitudinally and mated to a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission with full-time all-wheel drive.

The H2 SUT was first introduced as a concept vehicle in 2001 at the New York Auto Show and it will go on sale in the second quarter of 2004.

HUMMER also debuted a new concept at SEMA 2003 - the H2 SUT Dirt Sports concept which includes off-road dirt bike, camping and hard tonneau packages.

More than 40 production, concept and brand-directed vehicles were be exhibited by GM for the first time at SEMA, which took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 4-7 November.

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