ANAHEIM, Calif. - Icons of masculinity. Success symbols of the nouveau riche. Conveyance of choice for our nation's military. It's no wonder that men have always longed for Hummers, and it comes as no surprise that the majority of Hummer buyers are male. Just 25 percent of Hummer H2 buyers are women, and the number is much lower for the rugged original, the nasty Hummer H1. But that's about to change with the introduction of the right-sized 2006 Hummer H3, which made its world debut at the 2004 California Auto Show this week. The Hummer H3 might be the first in history to appeal as much to women as it does to men. Looking like a junior version of the massive Hummer H2 (we won't call it a Baby Hummer, though that nickname is likely inevitable), the 2006 Hummer H3 is based upon the rugged ladder-frame architecture of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups. Compared to the H2, the H3 is 16.9 inches shorter in length, six inches shorter in height and 6.5 inches narrower. This translates to a vehicle much better sized for urban warfare.
37-foot turning circleThe 2006 Hummer H3 also possesses a 37-foot turning circle, fully 6.5 feet tighter than the H2, making it far more maneuverable in both the most remote countryside and the Trader Joe's parking lot. But don't go thinking this is some kind of sissy truck for city types, because the Hummer H3 boasts:9.1-inches of ground clearance
A 25-degree breakover angle with the optional 33-inch tires
A 40-degree approach angle
A 37-degree departure angle
Ability to ford 16 inches of water at 20 mph
Ability to ford 24 inches of water at 5 mph
Ability to climb a 16-inch vertical step or rock
These capabilities ensure that manly men, and manly women, who dare take their new Hummer H3 off-road can enjoy the same capabilities as the industrial-strength H1 and brutish H2.
Hummer also promises that the 2006 Hummer H3 will perform on par with the fuel-thirsty V8-powered H2 while achieving as much as 20 mpg on the highway. Under the H3's squared-off hood resides a Vortec 3500 engine with dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and drive-by-wire throttle control. This is the same 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine from the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon that has underwhelmed critics who complain that the motor delivers sluggish response off the line. Making 220 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm, the engine is expected to equal the H2's V8 performance under most conditions.
Power is delivered to all four wheels through a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The Borg-Warner two-speed full-time 4WD transfer case includes 2.64:1 low range gearing, but an optional 4.03:1 low range ratio is available for optimum rock hopping capability.
Four modes of 4WDFour modes of 4WD operation are available on the 2006 Hummer H3. Most common is the 4-High Open setting for normal driving. 4-High Locked automatically transfers power to the front or rear wheels as needed, 4-Low Locked is reserved for serious off-road operation, and Neutral allows the Hummer H3 to be flat-towed. Combine 4-Low Locked with the driver-selectable locking rear differential and the available 4.03:1 low range gearing, and Hummer says the H3 is just as capable as any H1 or H2 model. But if you do manage to get in over your head, the Hummer H3 comes with standard front tow hooks and a rear recovery hookFurther ensuring the 2006 Hummer H3's bushwhacking ability is a sturdy independent front torsion bar short-long arm (SLA) suspension and a tough Hotchkiss-design leaf spring rear suspension. Standard underbody protection includes skid plates for the front suspension, oil pan, transfer case, and fuel tank. Buyers can opt to install rocker panel protection if they wish, and an optional Off-Road Adventure package includes heavier-duty underpinnings for those who plan to venture further than valet parking at Nordstroms. Goodyear 32-inch all-terrain tires are wrapped around six-lug, 16 x 7.5-inch aluminum wheels that can be optionally finished in chrome. Larger Bridgestone 33-inch all-terrain rubber is available at extra cost.
Traction control and stability control come standard on the 2006 Hummer H3. The traction system works even if just one tire has grip and three are spinning helplessly on a slippery surface, and the stability control system helps to correct skids when the sensors detect that the H3 is heading in a direction other than what the driver intends. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with Dynamic Rear Proportioning (DRP) supply stopping power.
WrapIn addition to technology designed to prevent accidents, the 2006 Hummer H3's occupants benefit from a dual-stage front airbag system with occupant sensing technology, side-curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows, and a tire pressure monitor. In the event of a wreck, a next-generation hands-free OnStar telematics system can help rescuers find you faster.Nicely equipped in standard form, the 2006 Hummer H3 includes cloth upholstery, leather wrapping the steering wheel and gearshift, interior trim with a brushed and machined appearance, and chrome accents. Those familiar with the interior of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon will recognize the Hummer H3's dashboard - it's a lightly modified version of the one in the
pickup trucks. Power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power side mirrors, and an electrochromic rearview mirror with a compass and exterior temperature display are standard. The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split to create more cargo space, and a 12-volt outlet is provided in the rear. Key options include heated leather seats, an oversized power sunroof with express open and close, a DVD-based navigation radio with touch screen, and XM satellite radio. Dealers will offer plenty of accessories to customize the appearance and functionality of the 2006 Hummer H3.
Prices have not been formally announced, but we'd guess that the 2006 Hummer H3 will straddle the $35,000 price point depending on equipment. With its improved fuel economy, lower price tag, sanely sized dimensions, classic exterior design, and authentic off-roading credentials, we'd bet that the 2006 Hummer H3 will not only restore some of the showroom traffic that Hummer dealers lost when the price of crude blasted to record highs, but also will spark interest in the women who control the vast majority of vehicle purchases in North America.
Hummers: Now bad-ass toys for more than just bad-ass boys.
Photos Courtesy of General Motors
