HUMMER FOCUSES ON OUTDOOR RECREATION AND OFF-ROAD RACING AT THE 2009 SEMA SHOW

LAS VEGAS – With a renewed focus on recreation and off-road racing performance, HUMMER comes to Las Vegas and the 2009 SEMA Show with a group of four special trucks and SUVs demonstrating the purpose-built nature of HUMMER vehicles.

HUMMER introduces two concepts, the H3 Moab, outfitted with a host of off-road performance accessories inspired by its namesake, and the H3T Sportsman – a proposal for the ultimate outdoorsman’s truck. In addition, Rod Hall Racing’s two-time Baja 1000 full stock-class winning H3 Alpha and Robby Gordon Off-Road’s Dakar-proven HUMMER round-out HUMMER’s 2009 SEMA Show display.

“HUMMER is refocusing on what made the brand successful, which is building rugged, all-terrain vehicles with capabilities that meet the needs of our customers,” said James Taylor, HUMMER CEO. “These concepts not only highlight the off-road performance technology built into our models from the factory, they are inspiration for enthusiasts who want to express themselves via their H3 or H3T.”

While none of these specialized HUMMERs are currently targeted for production, they incorporate Genuine HUMMER Accessories and other aftermarket parts available today, allowing owners and enthusiasts to replicate much the concept vehicles’ enhanced capability and performance.

H3 Moab
HUMMER is the ultimate vehicle for the independent spirit, and the H3 Moab is no exception. Inspired by trails like Steel Bender, Moab Rim, and Poison Spyder, the H3 Moab pays homage to one of the world’s greatest landscapes and off-road enthusiasts’ playground.

Beginning with the solid off-road foundation of a 300-horsepower, V8-powered H3 Alpha with factory-installed front- and rear- locking differentials, the H3 Moab features a combination of production equipment, available aftermarket components and specialized modifications.

At the heart of the H3 Moab’s design is the combination of a Rancho four-inch front suspension lift and a custom rear spring-over conversion inspired by current HUMMER engineering test vehicles. The suspension modifications are supported by Rancho shocks and sure-footed performance is provided by its 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires mounted on custom 17-inch 2-piece Monster Black Competition Beadlock Raceline Wheels by Allied.

The H3’s standard underbody protection has been augmented with additional custom shielding and a HUMMER Genuine Accessory brushguard and rocker protection provide the Canyon Metallic exterior paint with defense against the elements. Mounted atop the H3 is a Gobi Ranger roof basket to increase cargo carrying capacity for long overland journeys. The H3 Moab also features HUMMER Genuine Accessory lower grille mounted lamps and six Delta Xenon roof basket-mounted off-road lamps to provide lighting in all conditions.

Rounding out the exterior enhancements are a Predator Motorsports H3 winch mount system with a Warn XD9000 winch and Viking Off-Road synthetic winchline to deliver an integrated recovery solution for any situation encountered on the trail.

Functional additions to the H3 Moab continue into the vehicle’s interior with the addition of custom all-weather flooring, HUMMER Genuine Accessory all-weather floor mats and cargo area mat. To aid in trail visibility, front- and rear-facing cameras have been integrated into the vehicle bumpers and display the terrain fore and aft on the navigation radio screen. Integrated into the rear cargo area of the vehicle is a Warn Air-Power SPI, ideal for airing-up tires for the trip home after a long weekend on the trail.

Restoration for Recreation
HUMMER engineers have used the natural proving grounds surrounding Moab, UT since the introduction of HUMMER vehicles. As such, the brand and its owners have been an ongoing partner of Tread Lightly to promote responsible recreation to ensure open access for future generations. To continue this relationship and in conjunction with the introduction of the H3 Moab, HUMMER will make a donation to Tread Lightly for every photo of HUMMER vehicles in Moab posted to its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hummer. These funds will be directed towards projects in Moab under the Tread Lightly Restoration for Recreation grant program.

H3T Sportsman
The H3T Sportsman concept demonstrates the ideal midsize truck for the outdoor enthusiast whose weekends are spent in the field or stream. HUMMER designers enhanced the H3T Alpha’s inherent functionality with a combination of powertrain modifications, suspension enhancements and a balanced selection of Genuine HUMMER Accessories and aftermarket components.

Starting with a new H3T Alpha, engineers added nearly 70 horsepower to its 5.3L V-8 via components available in the aftermarket. They include LS2 cylinder heads, a higher-lift camshaft and supporting components. Also enhancing performance is a custom, 3.5-inch exhaust system.

Taking a note from playbook of the HUMMER stock-class race program, the H3T rides on 35-inch-tall BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires mounted on HUMMER Accessory 20-inch wheels. The concept also uses racing-proven stock and aftermarket suspension components, including Light Racing JounceShocks and 2-inch-diameter Rod Hall Racing piggyback reservoir-type performance shocks. The modified suspension improves the H3T’s inherent off-road capability for traversing all forms of terrain.

To enhance the storage flexibility of the H3T’s 5-foot bed and standard bed-rail system, the Sportsman includes right- and left- side lockable storage boxes from HUMMER Genuine Accessories, perfect for securing valuable hunting and fishing gear.

Additionally, the Wildrye Matte custom paint is highlighted by functional HUMMER accessories, including grille-mounted and custom low-profile front- and rear-facing roof-rail mounted Delta off-road lamps, a body-color upper grille and a matte finish fuel door.

A Predator Motorsports H3 winch mount system with a Warn XD9000 winch and Viking Off-Road synthetic winchline and Expert Recovery Kit provide the necessary recovery tools for any situation. On the interior, added HUMMER Genuine Accessories all-weather floor mats and seat covers protect the crew cab’s interior from elements.

Robby Gordon Off-Road Dakar HUMMER
HUMMER and Robby Gordon Off-road have joined together again to take on the 2010 Dakar Rally, widely considered to be the most grueling off-road race in the world due to its brutal terrain and extreme environmental conditions. Gordon will lead Team HUMMER from behind the wheel of his HUMMER H3 race truck.

Gordon was the first American to win a stage at Dakar, and he has been passionate about the program ever since. Since forming the relationship and building his Dakar HUMMER for the 2006 Rally, Gordon and Team HUMMER have proven a formidable Dakar challenger. In 2007, he finished first in the OP class and 8th overall. In 2008, Gordon’s elite off-road team entered two Robby Gordon Off-Road HUMMERS in the Central Europe Rally. Gordon won two stages and finished tenth overall while the second HUMMER piloted by BJ Baldwin went on to finish seventh overall. Gordon finished the 2009 Dakar Rally in third place overall, an impressive feat in the highly competitive rally race.

Gordon’s H3 consists of a custom HUMMER body paired with a specially developed chassis featuring a suspension designed by him and his Off-Road team. The H3 is a tube-chassis vehicle similar to Trophy Trucks raced in the famed Baja 1000, except that it has a fully enclosed air-conditioned cockpit, including windshield and side windows. It is powered by a production-based General Motors V8 engine.

Rod Hall Racing H3 Alpha
The Rod Hall Racing HUMMER H3 Alpha represents the ultimate HUMMER stock-class desert racing machine. Piloted by Chad Hall, the H3 Alpha prepares to enter the 2009 SCORE International Baja 1000 in the hyper-competitive full-size stock class. The H3 Alpha was the first stock class vehicle to finish in the 2007 and 2008 Baja 1000 and 2008 Baja 500.

In addition to entering the H3 Alpha in the 2009 Baja 1000, team founder and namesake, Rod Hall will enter his mid-size stock H3. Rod will partner with his eldest son and 2007 Baja 1000 mini-stock class winner Josh Hall.

Rod Hall Racing Team HUMMER competes in the stock class, which features production-based vehicles with stock frames, stock suspension designs and production-based engines. The Team HUMMER H3 Alpha and H3 were built by HUMMER engineers at the Desert Proving Grounds in Arizona. Engineering participation in racing has resulted in various improvements to production components, including suspension bushings, exhaust systems, and wiring harness routing and configuration

Team HUMMER won every stock class season championship in the Best in the Desert and SCORE International racing series in 2008.

About HUMMER

HUMMER is premium all-terrain vehicle manufacturer, with a product line-up that consists of the H2, H2 SUT, H3, H3 Alpha and award-winning H3T. HUMMER models are available today in 38 countries around the globe.

Josh Hall to debut Hummer in Australasian Safari

Wednesday, 01 July 2009
One of the United States’ best endurance racers, Josh Hall, has confirmed his participation in this year’s Australasian Safari in one of the world’s iconic off-road vehicles.

The likeable US driver is set to make huge impact as he tackles the gruelling 3,600 kilometre course in the West Australian outback in his massive Hummer H2 SUT. It is the first time that the legendary American four-wheel drive brand will have taken part in the event.

Hall heads up a strong field of international competitors for the rally that gets underway in Western Australia on August 1.

A four-time winner of the acclaimed Baja 1000 event, held on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Hall is a big name in off-road racing in the US.

The son of off-road racing legend Rod Hall, he won five races in the USA in 2008 and took home the BITD class championships in his Hummer H2 SUT. He now has his sights set on Australasia’s biggest off-road event.

“At the top of my expectation list is to learn what it takes in order to be competitive in this event in the future,” Hall said.

“As a rookie, I firmly understand the challenge of just finishing such a crew/vehicle/driver and navigator taxing motorsport event. Our goals are to finish, learn, and be a part of the community of Australian off-road racing.”

The American has heard a lot about the Safari, and can’t wait for the event to get underway.

“I started looking at participating in an international endurance event about nine months ago. But I kept coming back to the Safari. It’s run in a country that doesn’t have land mines lining the race course, the citizenry speaks English and the event organisers have a first class reputation.

“Add to that my genuine desire to be there and I knew this would be the event for me.”

Hall’s 6.2 litre Hummer is not eligible to run for outright honours in the event, as event regulations limit the engine capacity to 6 litres. However, the big Hummer will run in a special International Promotional Category, with an official assault on the event planned for 2010.

“CAMS regulations limit the engine size to 6.0 litres, but next year’s Hummer will be 5.7 litres, so the Americans plan on for a real crack at the title in 2010,” Event Director, Justin Hunt, said.

“It’s fantastic to have Josh Hall and his Hummer at the event, and with the car having been purchased by Western Australian Greg Knowles, it will stay in Australia after the Safari, which is great news for off-road racing in this country.”

While this will be Hall’s first event in Australia, his father, Rod, contested the 1979 Repco Reliability Trial will fellow American Steve Mizel. Driving a Chevy Blazer, the pair finished the three-week event in 12th place.

Nevertheless, he believes his Hummer will be up to the challenge of some of Australia’s toughest, and roughest, tracks.

“Not knowing what the Australian conditions really are – my only source of information is last year’s event DVD – I am going to ignorantly say that our H2SUT should be well suited for this type of event,” Hall adds.

“The race truck is a proven winner in the States. It is extremely reliable, comfortable to be in, and works very well in all types of terrain.”

After four Baja 1000 victories, he’s confident that the experience of the tough Mexican event will stand him in good stead in the WA outback.

“In Baja, the course its self is the great equaliser. It favors no one – except those that make the fewest mistakes. That race has taught me patience, persistence, tenacity and to expect the unexpected. I have also learned when to hold back and when to move to the front.

“Of course it is also a very physically and mentally demanding race, so that experience won’t hurt at all. While Baja is not the Safari, it is an experience I will draw from in the decision making during this event.”

This year’s Australasian Safari begins in the Western Australian capital, Perth, with a prologue on Saturday, August 1. The event proper starts the following day.

Auto, motorbike and quad bike competitors then face over 3,600 kilometres of competition over seven days. The Safari will have overnight stops in Geraldton, Mt Magnet, Leonora and Laverton, before finishing in the gold mining city of Kalgoorlie on Saturday, August 8.

International entries have already been received from the USA, China, Sweden, South Africa, Japan, New Zealand and the Czech Republic, enhancing the event’s reputation as one of the world’s toughest, and most respected, motorsport events.

For further information on the event, visit the Australasian Safari website at: www.australasiansafari.com.au