It Really Needed a V-8: 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha

In one of those rare instances of automotive journalism harmony, almost every story ever written about the Hummer H3 has pointed to its somewhat anemic powertrain. For 2007, the H3’s base five-cylinder engine got a slight power bump, but today we learn that Hummer wants to make a big dog out of its littlest SUV.

The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha gets the full V-8 treatment, with 295 hp and 317 pounds-feet of torque, allowing for a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds with a four-speed automatic transmission. There’s no word on fuel economy, but the H3 Alpha does reach 60 mph in eight seconds, compared to the base model’s 11-second time.

The Alpha name is given to high-performance models in the Hummer lineup, and the H3 Alpha can be ordered with the cosmetic H3X package. All 2008 Hummer H3s also get new standard equipment, including an electronic stability system, antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Hummer H3 Alpha goes on sale this summer. Check out the photos below.