HUMMER Product Director Discusses Future Plans

Although it hasn’t been made official, some new statements from HUMMER’s product director Ross Hendrix have made their way into the June issue of Automobile Magazine. We brought you the speculation about the H3’s new V6 engine H3 back in March, and the newly published material helps confirm that speculation — and adds some new interesting information to the mix!

According to the article, the 2010 HUMMER H3 and H3T will receive a direct-injected, E85 capable 3.6 liter V6, they will also receive a new six-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission will be standard in both on the V6 and the V8 Alpha configurations.

We also knew that HUMMER is seriously looking at a diesel option for the H3 – and now we know that H3s outside North America will be getting a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel. Currently, that engine will not pass stricter US emission regulations. According to Automobile Magazine, GM is adding a V6 diesel to overseas versions of the Cadillac CTS and Saab 9-5, and will look at adding that to the American HUMMER H3 if all goes well.

One last tidbit we found interesting is that a HUMMER’s engineer suggested the use hybrid technology in the HUMMER lineup. The engineer suggested pairing a small diesel engine with electric motor technology from the upcoming Chevy Volt vehicle, creating an impressive off-roader with plenty of torque. It’s unlikely, but nice to hear there are some ‘outside the box’ ideas swirling around the HUMMER brand.

Source: Automobile Magazine