The new Hummer

[foulshot]

Here is a preview page of the new Hummer H2. ###From all the reviews that I've read its just as nice as the original, but smaller. The new H2 (http://www.truckworld.com/Sport-Utility/02-H2_preview/02-H2.html).
http://www.truckworld.com/Sport-Utility/02-H2_preview/02_hummer_head.jpg
Now if I could only afford this one!

[Shane]

"It's not a Hummer and it's not a Suburban."

Hey, Foulshot - just a quick note. The H2 really isn't the shrunken version of the H1 at all. It will have some nice features, no doubt. But market acceptance will determine if this mini-Hummer is "worth" it's $50K+ price tag.

Most of the goodies will probably lead to creature comforts that should add (at least) the novelty that will attract many consumers - 320 HP, killer interior, Hummer emblems, ugly as its big brother, etc. But, I have doubts about its 4-wheel prowess placing it amongst the ranks of the Hummer H1 and Range Rover - with its coil spring solid/straight axle rear-end. The've just gotta use those GM parts somewhere!

High dollar experiment?

I really like what the Hummer has done for us. And I can appreciate trying to fill the "Hummer wanting" market niche that has quickly gone bye-bye as the price of the H1 has gone from $46K to $160K. But, I have a feeling this H2 will be the "Part II" sequel to a good movie.

Just my opinion.

### ###More info on the H2 (and H1)
### ### ### ### ### ### ### ###http://www.hummer.com/flash.html

[OC hunter]

I feel just the opposite. ###The H1 has become a joke. ###They don't even sell 1,000 a year. ###I think they sold 879 last year. ###High price, no creature comforts, too wide, the H2 is the ###"more civilized" version that will not perform as well off road as the H1, but easily out performs any other SUV, including the Range Rover. ###Capacity at the new H2 plant will be 40,000 per year. ###The H2 seems more like a civilian version and H1 still looks like a military vehicle.

[Shane]

I understand the H1 is too pricey. There is a lot of heavy-duty and "product exclusive" equipment in an H1. It was built for military use to withstand heavy daily use for 12 years with minor/typical maintenance. Most vehicles won't take it for 12 hours. ###

Width - the H1 is as wide as a dually pickup (100 in). True!

Performance - I am nearly sure that your statement regarding the H2 out-performing the Range Rover is false. Not with the functionality and hardware it will launch with. I own a 1998 Range Rover 4.6 HSE and have taken it on desert trips that require simply amazing feats of agility and hardware cooperation. I have also driven the H1 (1995 4-door) off-road and find it in its own class of vehicle - awesome! A joke, in what respect?

More like a civilian version of the H1? Fine. A smaller version of the H1 with it's off-road prowess (which was my original point to Foulshot)? No way.

Look, I'm just a skeptic of marketing. Time and consumer testing will tell us what this hybrid is worth and where it stands amongst the rest of the pack.

Just for grins - drive your (or a friend of yours) favorite bad-ass 4X4 on a snowy, icy day. Locked front and rear axles, the whole nine yards. Then cruise down to your Land Rover dealer and take a new (post 96) Range Rover (4.0 or 4.6) for a spin. It's the only way to experience the difference.
I have a pretty killer 400 HP 1990 Suburban with locked axles, low gears, etc. The handling is very different. It's night and day when you have a vehicle with a "thinking" drive-train. 4-wheel, independent, traction control, self adjusting air actuated suspension, etc. You can hear the vehicle adjusting for road conditions. Anyway, nuff from me.

Best

[foulshot]

Shane, its nice to see you getting in the mix. ###Its always nice to have a good debate about the products.
As far as he H2 goes, it seems to me that it will try to compete, as far as price, with the lexus,mercedes,cadillac,...etc, type vehicles. ###Any time you produce a vehicle of this nature, it seems to be for a small market. ###I have only driven the H1 in a test forum put on by GM. ###Small off road track where you could only go about 25 mph. ###No real test for any type of 4x4. ###Unfortunately they did not have a Land Rover, probably for obvious reasons. ###Down here in SoCal they will probably do ok on sales, I see several of the H1s at the indian reservations around here in San Diego.
My point was just to show the new product. ###I would probably never buy either a Hummer or RangeRover. ###I personally need more space than either one of those offer, at least for the next 18-20 years, unless my kids decide to live at home longer. ###Thinking about that is giving me a headache. ###Look forward to hearing more input on this subject and future ones.

[Shane]

Thanks Foulshot - Just thought I'd chime in. Not trying to butt heads. I enjoy shootin the breeze.

I'm pretty sure AM General is looking at this as an opportunity to gain market share, grow the business and offer another option in this "no-end-in-sight" SUV market. I say go get 'em. It's just a pretty good sized set of tracks to fill.

Range Rover - '98 was the first time I let myself even consider looking at this euro-SUV. I had always known of their general capabilities. It wasn't until we drove one through the dealership course that I became a big fan. It really is a gas to play around with. I should note, it's also my wife's car. She's not big on trucks, but I just don't care for most cars and mini vans.

[Marty]

I don't see this H2 doing anything my Suburban cannot already do. ###And if the price comes in over 50, then the Sub is more cheaper to outfit and run.

The Rovers are a great, proven product. ###I looked at them as well, when I was looking to replace my Trooper as the family hauler. ###Went with the Sub for size and comfort.

The early Rovers did have a black mark for their old iron blocks. ###Same could be said about many truck engines in the 70s & 80s.

Some day I am going to stop by that Land Rover dealer and drive my Sub through their obstacle course. ###:0) ###Sidehilling has to be the worst feeling; especially with the drivers side down. ###Although, the worst feeling I had was when I stopped on a steep slope, consisting of sandstone, and the truck started sliding backward. ###

[Shane]

The Rover course would be fun! It would be a bit freaky though. I kept saying to my wife..."I don't know if I would do this in the Sub or the Dodge."

What I am just dieing to do though, is to drive through our local Chrysler dealerships with my McKenzie 3D deer target strapped to the hood of my Rover. Better yet, to the hood of my Dodge Ram! F---in morons.

[karstic]

That almost looks like a Nissan Crewcab Hardbody. ###No not the new Frontier body style.