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CLIFF HANGER

If the team at Hummer expect us to climb cliffs in their H2 vehicle, then they’re going to have to endorse their product with some reassuring features. Their revolutionary traction control system therefore could just clinch the sale.

The main requirement for 4X4’s is control so if you’re vehicle has about as much restraint as Stallone has to action films then you’d be better advised to resist the temptation of taking it off-road. The Hummer however, is not just made for show; it can perform stunts for real and has all the right composure and resistance in the face of danger. It may not dazzle you with its looks and charm but it will take you to the edge and back.

The H2’s traction control system ensures that if one wheel starts to spin, it will be immobilised while it regains control. Simultaneously the other wheels that have the traction will be delivered all the torque.

The Hummer can also plough through moderate amounts of snow or sand and it also excels when it comes to driving on mundane concrete. It has a 40/60 front wheel split and each axel can move at different speeds.
Rough terrain, steep inclines and rocks were all accounted for when the H2 was put through its paces in testing. The skid plate underneath the vehicle should adequately safeguard your transmission from boulders. Then there’s the Hummers 6.0 litre V8 engine which produces a hefty 325bhp which should be enough thrust to pull you out of any sticky situations.

Also for those amateur adventurers, there is plenty of safety features should we get carried away. The chassis is very durable with precise dimensions and the bumpers offer a great deal of protection without too much excess weight.
The suspension has also been upgraded should the great outdoors inspire us to be a little more adventurous than usual. The H2 is equipped with 5-link rear suspension with trailing arm coil springs and stabilizer bar, rear air suspension is also optional. This means we can bump and grind all we like while still enjoying the ride.

Talking of bumping and grinding, the Hummer has inspired the lyrics of hip-hop tunes sung by R.kelly, the late rapper Tupac also owned one which was auctioned for charity on E-Bay.

Over all it’s a feisty bit of equipment set to tackle the real-life adventures that most people only fantasise about.

Verdict

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Spec

ENGINE: Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8
POWER: 316bhp @ 5200rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 488Nm @ 4000
TRANSMISSION: 4 speed automatic
SUSPENSION: Front: independent with torsion bars; 46-mm monotube gas shocks; 36-mm front stabilizer barRear: 5-link variable-rate coil spring; optional self-leveling air spring (w/ RPO ZM6); 46-mm monotube gas shocks, 30-mm stabilizer bar (coil) or 32-mm (air)
BRAKES: 4-wheel disc, 4-wheel/4-channel ABS, dual piston calipers with Dynamic Rear Proportioning
WHEELS: 17″ cast aluminium
TYRES: LT315/70R17 all-terrain
WEIGHT: 6400lb
RIVALS: Range Rover, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator