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.jpg "Hummer H3 Alpha")
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Introduction
2008 Hummer H3 Alpha Preview - New York Auto Show: Finally, GM gives the H3 a little of the growl to go with the big dog style that has made Hummer such an iconic brand. Thanks to a new 5.3-liter V8 engine that reportedly makes 295 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft of torque, the H3 will do more than just glower at those simpering little Prius cars and econoboxes: they can now make the very ground shake with power and speed. Okay, so maybe not, but it sure beats that puny little inline-five cylinder engine. Dubbed the H3 Alpha, it'll likely be one dog that stays close to the water bowl, so to speak. Also included in the Alpha trim will be slight exterior and interior badge upgrades.
Why It Matters
Part of the allure of capable four-wheel-drive vehicles is their ability to take people off the beaten path, to areas not readily accessible by regular, everyday transportation. Unfortunately, most vehicles are closed boxes, and fail to let in any of the outdoors you've made a special trip to enjoy. That's not a problem with the Hummer H3 Open Top Concept, a rugged four-wheeler with a huge, retractable sunroof. Engineered by ASC (the same company that creates convertible versions of some of the market's most popular hardtops), the safari-style top is designed to be durable and weatherproof.
What it Looks Like
In addition to the expansive soft sunroof, the Hummer H3 Open Top Concept features a number of parts currently available from your local Hummer dealer, most done up in black chrome for this one-off vehicle. Those items include a brush guard, DVD players in the headrests, tube steps, a cat-back exhaust system, noise-canceling headphones, and OnStar Turn-By-Turn navigation. The H3 Open Top Concept also features special Silver Spectra tri-coat paint, 20-inch Rozzi EGO rims rolling on 325/50R-20 Mickey Thompson rubber, and lambskin leather upholstery for the seats.
By Thom Blackett, Brian Chee
Photo credit: Thom Blackett, General Motors
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