Updated: April 13, 2004
HUMMER H2 SUT REDEFINES 'CAPABLE'
“Capable” and “HUMMER” are synonymous.
After all, how many other vehicles can ford a stream 20 or 30
inches deep (H2 and H1, respectively) or climb 16-inch vertical
steps? H2 SUT is all of that, of course, while also adding a higher
level of versatility and fun to any excursion.
“The reconfiguration aspect of the H2 SUT greatly enhances
its versatility. SUT can be a fun and luxurious family hauler,
a practical truck or a little of both. And because it’s
a HUMMER, it can traverse the toughest terrain easily and comfortably,”
said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager.
Capable = Versatile
H2 SUT can comfortably accommodate up to five people. It also
has 60/40 folding rear seats, allowing drivers to conveniently
carry a combination of passengers and cargo inside the vehicle.
Where SUT really shines, however, is during those times when cargo
requirements increase.
“The SUT features an open-back cargo bed. The open feature
means that tall items can be more easily transported,” explained
Roger McCormack, HUMMER product director. “What’s
more is that the cargo area is expandable.”
With the Midgate closed, the SUT offers more than 30 cubic feet
of space inside the cab. When even larger items must be accommodated,
SUT is up to the challenge.
“Extending cargo-carrying capacity is a very simple process
in the SUT. Fold the rear seats and fold the Midgate, and you
have a 4-foot by 6-foot cargo bed and you increase your cargo-carrying
capacity to more than 52 cubic feet,” said McCormack.
For securing cargo, the bed has four tie-down provisions, each
capable of holding 500 pounds. Cargo security, meanwhile, can
be ensured with the available locking hard tonneau cover or the
locking cargo box.
“We envision SUT owners will take their vehicle off-road,
maybe camping or mountain biking. For easy cleanup once back home,
the SUT features cargo bed drain holes and rubber bed mats, allowing
owners to clean the cargo area with a garden hose,” McCormack
said.
Another feature that will likely come in handy during such excursions
is the SUT’s optional air suspension. In addition to improving
ride quality and increasing ground clearance, the air suspension
adds an auxiliary air outlet in the cargo area, allowing owners
to inflate tires, camping equipment, beach toys or what have you.
Capable = Powerful
When it comes to performance, the H2 SUT is unmatched. Its 6.0-liter,
Vortec 6000 V-8 delivers 325 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 365 lb.-ft.
of torque at 4000 rpm. The Vortec 6000 is mounted longitudinally
and mated to a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic
overdrive transmission with full-time four-wheel drive.
The four-wheel-drive system is perhaps the most advanced ever
offered on a consumer vehicle. With its five operational modes
and two-speed planetary gearset, the SUT is capable of adapting
to many different road conditions at the touch of a button. Selections
include:
- 4 HI Open for normal, everyday driving on dry road surfaces
at any speeds.
- 4 HI Locked for semi-slippery surfaces like snow, light sand
or wet areas, such as those around a boat launch.
- 4 LO Locked for severe off-pavement use, such as crawling
over large rocks or logs.
- 4 LO Locked + Rear Diff Locked, available only when the transfer
case is in Low Lock position. It permits locking up the rear
differential for optimum slow-speed capability in climbing over
large rocks or up long, steep grades.
- Neutral, obtained by simultaneously pressing the “4
LO Locked” and “4 HI Open” buttons and holding
them down for 10 seconds. It permits flat-towing the H2 SUT
behind another vehicle.
Adding to the overall sense of control is a highly developed
Bosch four-channel anti-lock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS).
In addition to providing optimum control on slippery surfaces,
the ABS can detect and adjust its braking capabilities to rough
off-road surfaces, such as gravel and potholes.
The TCS also provides the ability to gain traction through a single
wheel, if necessary. A second mode of the TCS system, “TC2,”
used in conjunction with the transfer case’s selections,
provides three additional operating modes: “4 HI Locked
+ TC2,” “4 LO Locked + TC2” and “4 LO
Locked + Rear Diff Locked + TC2.” This provides distinct
advantages in different driving conditions, such as loose sand
or gravel in the desert or mud or slippery conditions.
With three transfer case selections, two rear axle differential
selections and two modes provided by the TCS mode switch, the
driver actually has a total of seven driving mode selections,
providing unprecedented versatility to tailor H2 performance to
match driving conditions.
On and off road, SUT drivers will appreciate the independent torsion
bar front suspension, which features 46-mm monotube gas-charged
shock absorbers and a 36-mm front stabilizer bar.
The rear suspension, meanwhile, features a five-link trailing
arm, air springs and a 32-mm stabilizer bar. The spring rate is
variable, from a soft on-road rate, to a transitional rate, to
a stiff off-road rate, which helps prevent bump impact input forces
from entering the vehicle’s body. A coil spring version
will be available in June 2004.
The result is smooth cornering on pavement and a less jarring
ride off road. The standard air suspension also aids the off-road
capability of the SUT. It helps keep the vehicle level under load
and, with its extended ride height feature, makes for a steeper
departure angle when conditions call for it.
Contact:
Keith Donovan
HUMMER Communications
Phone: (313) 665-9292
E-mail: keith.donovan@gm.com
Sharon Basel
Product Communications
Phone: (586) 492-0734
E-mail: sharon.basel@gm.com
