Power & Control

The new H2 uses the Vortec 6000 V8 engine (similar to the Chevrolet HD Silverado's) with a 4-speed auto transmission, an estimated 316 horsepower (@5200 rpm) and estimated 360 lbs./ft (@4000 rpm) of torque, this is the kind of power most 4wd's can only dream about. The V8 uses a Hitachi throttle body as a part of the precise electronic throttle control (ETC) system, so the H2 provides two different throttle progressions, depending on whether it is operating on the road or off. Out in the rough stuff, a touchy gas pedal would make for some very jerky off-road driving. So in the H2 has taken throttle control to the next level. With the transfer case either in the High Open or High Lock mode, the driver gets normal acceleration for everyday city and highway requirements. However, off-road operation in the low open or low locked mode, allows for a slower, more controlled throttle response.
 

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Adding to the overall sense of control in the H2 is a four-channel antilock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS). In addition to providing optimum control on slippery surfaces, the ABS can detect and adjust its braking capabilities to rough off-road surfaces like gravel and potholes.

The H2's ABS is uniquely designed to detect rough road surfaces and respond accordingly. As a result you may not even be aware that the ABS system is engaged, you'll just come to a smooth responsive stop.

The brakes also include GM's standard dynamic rear proportioning feature, which monitors wheel speed and, as needed, automatically modulates the pressure applied to the rear brakes to help ensure that braking loads are balanced between the front and rear brakes.

The brake design itself also includes large organic brake pads and twin piston cast iron calipers for the front and rear (57 mm-sized calipers for the front; 51 mm-sized calipers for the rear).
 

4-wheel Drive

H2's standard powertrain-integrated, two-speed, full-time 4-wheel drive system is highly advanced and extremely capable, with an electronically controlled transfer case providing five different operational modes it creates optimal performance under any driving condition.
 

Front Suspension

The independent front torsion bar has a 46mm diameter tubular front stabilizer bar with unique tuning and a 4000 lb. capacity axle.

The front shocks have a large, high-strength 40mm center tube as well as a secondary integral bump stop feature. This allows them to absorb jolts at two junctures.
 

Rear Suspension
The optional rear air spring suspension system has several features making it smoother on-road and even more capable off. With a longer suspension stroke it can handle bigger bumps and jolts while off-road. Longer, 719mm length shocks are used to provide an additional 20mm of rebound travel over that of the coil spring suspension. This improves traction by helping to maintain wheel contact with the ground over undulating terrain. And the shock absorbers, although having the same 46mm diameter as those with the coil spring suspension, also feature a larger-diameter size rod for increased durability.

The rear air suspension also has an automatic load leveling system and rear height elevation system. If you load up the rear of the H2 the load leveling system will detect the drop in ride height and will pump more air into the springs to restore a level condition. And if you need just a couple more inches of clearance the rear height elevation system will increase the rear height by 50mm and increase the rear departure angle from 35.9 to 41 degrees.
 

TCS/TC2

The Single Wheel traction control system gives you traction when you need it most. The system detects a slipping wheel and applies brake pressure to slow it down, it then takes the energy that would have otherwise gone to the slipping wheel and transfers it to a wheel that's not slipping. With this system, you could have as many as three wheels on a slippery surface (virtually no traction) and still get enough torque out of the fourth wheel to move the truck up a 10% grade.

The H2's base TCS mode is great for normal hard surface traction needs, like on-road use, off-road rock crawling or ice and snow. But once you hit a variable surface like deep mud, sand or gravel the TC2 takes over. The TC2 works just like TCS but allows limited wheel spin to help gain even more traction.

So with three transfer case selections, two rear axle differential selections and two modes provided by the TCS mode switch, you actually have a total of seven driving mode selections in the H2, providing you with the ability to match the performance of the H2 with almost any driving condition.

 
 

> The H2
> Power & Control
> Form & Dimentions
> Strength & Protection
> Safety & Security
> Interior Refinements
 
 
 
 
 
 
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