Press Release
Engine and Transmission
The new HUMMER H3 is powered by the inline five-cylinder Vortec 3.7-litre engine, fitted with dual overhead cams, electronic throttle control and variable valve timing. Specifically designed for this type of vehicle, it delivers 180 kW (244 horsepower) at 5600 rpm and 328 Nm of torque at 4600 rpm. 90% of the engine’s torque available between 2000 rpm and 6000 rpm. The H3 reaches a peak fuel economy of up to 11.0 l/100km.
The Vortec engine provides the H3 with excellent power and control for off-roading, with comfortable and capable on-road characteristics, including acceleration that equals the V-8 powered H2 in most driving conditions. The Vortec engine’s advanced technologies, including counter-rotating balance shafts, help minimize noise, vibration and harshness.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) with Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) eliminates throttle cable and provides outstanding throttle response both on- and off-road. Coil-on-Plug ignition provides high energy, a precise spark for low emissions and also eliminates spark plug wires. An Oil Life Monitoring System calculates oil life based on a number of variables, including engine speed, operating temperature, load or rpm variance and period of operation at any given load and temperature to extend service intervals.
H3 is the first HUMMER to offer the choice of a manual or an automatic transmission. In addition to the Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, a five-speed manual transmission, the first-ever for HUMMER, is a fun option for the serious off-road performance crowd, as it offers the ultimate driver control.
At the heart of the HUMMER H3’s capability is its electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system which augments both the manual or automatic gearboxes. The Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time 4WD system has a robust 2.64:1 low-range gear reduction for highly controlled, off-road obstacle climbing. It can also be optionally specified with an ultra-low 4.03:1 ratio for ultimate obstacle-climbing control. This is the most aggressive transfer ratio that GM has ever put on a production vehicle.
The four-wheel drive system has four choices of operating modes: 4High-range Open is used for optimum highway performance and comfort under normal road conditions. 4High-range Locked, allows torque to be transferred to the front or rear wheels as needed. 4Low-range Locked, is used for severe off-pavement use, such as crawling over large rocks or logs, or deep sand or snow, and there is a neutral setting that is used for flat-towing if required.
A fifth operating mode is available with the optional, electronic, driver-selectable full-locking rear differential. With the differential locked, and the optional 4.03:1 low-range transfer case gearing, the H3 is capable of crawling and climbing power every bit as capable as the legendary HUMMER H1 and H2. Meanwhile on-road performance is enhanced by the standard StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system, which enhances safety, stability and control on all roads.
