Hummer News From New York

General Motors introduced the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha, which will pack the 295-horsepower aluminum 5.3-liter V-8 used in the Silverado. It sports 317 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm (versus 242 for the I-5), a 4L60 automatic, and 4.10:1 gears. The 4800-plus-pound Alpha is approved for flat-towing, and the crawler transfer case and locking rear also are offered with the V-8, yielding a crawl ratio of 50:1.

To accommodate the V-8, torsion-bar rates were raised, the H3 was given a cast-iron front differential case, and modifications were made to the frame, oil pan, engine compartment, and shock valving. Towing capacity has been raised to 6000 pounds (though max tongue weight remains 450), and GM claims 0-to-60 mph in about eight seconds (three to four better than the original 3.5). We'll be mighty impressed if it does 0-60 in eight seconds with a city/highway EPA of 14/20 mpg.

Not to be outdone, the H2 also gets seriously upgraded, with a 6.2-liter V-8, six-speed auto, and new interior. In addition, all 2008 Hummers received StabiliTrak, four-channel ABS/traction control, new steering system, side curtain airbags, OnStar, and an optional navigation/rearview camera system.

In the H2, the VVT engine is rated 393 horsepower and 415 pound-feet and is constructed of aluminum to help "reduce the vehicle's overall mass," up 214 pounds over the 2007 model. The 6.2 is tied to a 6L80 with tap shift, upgraded transfer case (crawl ratio is now 39:1), 3.73:1 gears, four-ton towing capacity, and, a first for a GM full-size truck, brake assist is standard.

A complete makeover has moved the H2 interior upscale, with new panel and instruments, seats, doors, ventilation, Bose audio with XM, OnStar, and a full (snug) two-person third row