2008 Hummer H3 Alpha
The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha adds a V-8 to Hummer's smallest SUV.
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Consumer Guide's Impressions of the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

It's relatively refined and seriously off-road capable, but the Hummer H3 has been hobbled by an under-performing, image-compromising five-cylinder engine. Now, a V-8 finally gives Hummer's smallest SUV the muscle to match its macho.

What We Know About the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

All the news that matters for the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha is under the hood. With a V-8 borrowed from Hummer's General Motors cousin division Chevrolet, H3 now literally has an Alpha dog in its lineup.

The 5.3-liter V-8 will mate to a four-speed automatic transmission and produce 295 horsepower. With the bump in power comes a 1,500-pound increase in towing capacity, to 6,000 pounds.

Still available for '08 is the base H3 with its 242-horsepower 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine.

All 2008 H3s will have standard curtain side airbags and stability control.

2008 Hummer H3 Alpha
The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha gets a beefed-up suspension along with its V-8.


A Notable Feature of the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

Upgraded suspension and chassis pieces were needed to accommodate Alpha's V-8 engine. Pieces unique to Alpha versions of the H3 include a heavy-duty front differential and beefier springs.

Buying Advice for the 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

Skip the underpowered five-cylinder models and head straight for the Alpha. Compared to the overworked five, the brawny V-8 will consume only slightly more fuel in real-world driving.

2008 Hummer H3 Alpha Release Date: The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha will arrive in showrooms this fall.

First Test Drive: Check back for more information.

2008 Hummer H3 Alpha Prices: Expect the line-topping Alpha to start around $35,000.

2008 Hummer H3 Alpha
The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha retains the styling of the basic five-cylinder H3.


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