For Release: Aug. 1, 2004

HUMMER EXPANDS IN 2005 WITH NEW H2 SUT

The 2005 model year brings yet another expansion to the powerful HUMMER lineup with the addition of the new H2 SUT. The SUT – or Sport Utility Truck – is an innovative new body style for the H2 featuring a cargo bed in the rear that is adaptable and expandable at the touch of a button. 

Quickly following the success of the original H2 SUV, the SUT marks the continuation of a growth strategy that includes the introduction of the H3 next year.

"The H2 SUT is the latest example of how we plan to expand the brand with uncompromising premium off-road vehicles," said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager. "Our goal is to exceed the most demanding customer standards for what a HUMMER should be."

H1 is the original HUMMER, offering unparalleled capability. H2 takes the rugged heritage of H1 and refines it by adding more creature comforts while maintaining off-road leadership. It’s a bold and youthful interpretation of what HUMMER means, in a more civilized package. Its extreme design makes sure that H2 has the eye-catching appearance – and brand recognition – of H1.

Now comes the H2 SUT, which offers more functionality and versatility. The passenger and cargo areas of the SUT can be configured for a variety of needs.  When the vehicle needs to carry passengers in the rear seat as a conventional SUV would, the bulkhead (called the Midgate) at the rear of the passenger compartment remains upright, still providing a rear bed with more than 30 cubic feet (850L) of cargo space. However, when more cargo space is desired, the rear window can be powered into the Midgate, and the Midgate and rear seat can be folded forward to allow access into the now-expanded 4-foot by 6-foot (122-cm by 244-cm) pickup bed.  

In addition, the H2 gets more power from its Vortec 6.0-L V-8 engine for 2005. Both the original H2 and the new H2 SUT will have peak power levels of 325 hp (242 kw) at 5200 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. (495 Nm) of torque at 4000 rpm.

Although a carryover 2004 model, the H1 remains fresh because it received major changes late in the 2004 model year. The most noticeable change was the all-new, luxurious interior.

The H1 interior was refined from the instrument panel to the cargo area and from door panel to door panel. The result is a more inviting, accommodating and spacious interior. High-quality aircraft leather seats feature a more pronounced bucket design for enhanced support and greater comfort, and new seatbacks improve forward visibility for rear passengers. New color themes and greater roominess add to the luxury appointments. Additional insulation and a more refined powertrain help make the interior quieter.

There’s also more power in the 2004 H1, thanks to the retuning of the 6.5L, turbo-diesel V-8 engine. As a result, the 6500 now delivers 205 horsepower (153 kw) at 3200 rpm and an impressive 440 lb.-ft. of torque (597 Nm) at 1800 rpm. That’s 10 horsepower (7 kw) and 10 lb.-ft. of torque (14 Nm) more than the 2003 powerplant.

HUMMERS for 2005

Here are the highlights of the 2005 lineup:

H2 SUT: A global express-down feature drops all vertical side windows and rear glass. Then, power open the expansive sunroof and the SUT gives passengers an open air feel. OnStar Gen 6 hardware with analog/digital coverage and upgraded hands-free capabilities is standard. The SUT brings a new uplevel interior to the H2 line and, like its brother, the SUT carries passengers and cargo with comfort and ease. With the bulkhead upright, the rear bed provides more than 30 cubic feet (850L) of cargo-carrying capacity. When cargo requires more space, a 4-foot by 6-foot (122-cm by 244-cm) pickup bed can be created by powering the rear window into the Midgate, then folding forward the Midgate and rear seat.

H2 SUV: Capable of traveling through streams 20 inches (508 mm) deep, climbing 16-inch (406-mm) steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand and outdistancing competitors in high-speed desert runs (in the “Best in the Desert” race series), the H2 can do just about anything. For 2005, horsepower and torque both have been increased, Medium Wheat leather seating is now standard, and a luxury interior (common with the SUT) with black leather seating and chrome trim is available. There also are two new exterior colors – Stealth Gray and Desert Sand – and OnStar Gen 6 hardware with analog/digital coverage and upgraded hands-free capabilities is standard. A new navigation radio with touch screen controls is now available, as is a chrome stainless steel brushguard.