Will the I-5 be dropped?

[XM DUDE]

I predict that in the coming years the V8 will become the standard engine in the H3 as besides exploding front differentials the lack of power seems to be a complaint. I have always thought the H3 needed a V-8.

[H3 Builder]

Originally Posted by XM DUDE

I predict that in the coming years the V8 will become the standard engine in the H3 as besides exploding front differentials the lack of power seems to be a complaint. I have always thought the H3 needed a V-8.

No plans under the current platform to do away with the I-5.

[Dave92270]

while H3 seems to be propelled adequately by the I-5, V8 would be nice to have. I drive usually with empty vehicle (no junk inside) and alone so I don't feel lack of horsepower much - actually H3 feels quite agile, but I can imagine that with 4 passengers and full cargo area of stuff performance would degrade proportionally. Ideally, I'd like to see V8 + 5 speed manual ...then I'll go to trade in.

If the cost of I-5 is significantly less then V8, then they may not drop it but possibly offer alongside the V8, as base/intro model option. If the manufacturing cost of engines would be somewhat comparable, they'll probably drop it. Just my guess.

[D-MAX]

what they need is the inline 6cyl. like the envoy. think it's 280hp

[Big Dad]

I actually like the I-5, it makes for a great Alaska commuting vehicle. The real offroad deal is when the bases start auctioning off the military specification H1. I'm thinking that'll be the 4 door, hunting, fishing whore!

[Dave92270]

Originally Posted by D-MAX

what they need is the inline 6cyl. like the envoy. think it's 280hp

...I've been reading somewhere (I think in 2006 H3 book by Edsall) that if they would've added the extra cylinder, it would've compromised the approach angle; the I-5 was just the correct fit, without decreasing either off-road capability or cabin comfort... but that current V8 is all what we really need.

[XM DUDE]

Originally Posted by Dave92270

...I've been reading somewhere (I think in 2006 H3 book by Edsall) that if they would've added the extra cylinder, it would've compromised the approach angle; the I-5 was just the correct fit, without decreasing either off-road capability or cabin comfort... but that current V8 is all what we really need.

I have the same book. I think for the Alpha they had to relocate the fire wall.

Everything in due time.
As with all things, you build it, and find something that will work better. Technology gets more dynamic, and allows for more variations in the design.

If they shelved the H3, and continued to refine it's design, it would be an unbelieveably well built, agile, offroad vehicle.
But no one would have it yet.

The company put together the best they could for the price tag, and it works relly well.
Spend more money on design, and modifications, increase the price, and pass it along to the consumer. A better vehicle? you bet!

At some point you need to put a design into production to make money.

[3Hummer]

I don't think theyll do away with it for two reasons, one the price is significantly less as of now ane people are buying the vehicle for a price point they can own a Hummer relativly inexpensivly compared to the H2 and H1 and also people want a Hummer just dont want to spend the gas money and with the I-5 getting 14-19 and the Alpha getting 13-16 that makes a big difference with a lot of people. I dont feel the power as really lacking, while it would be nice to have a bit more horsepower i dont know if i would want the heavier driving feel of the V-8

[H3 Builder]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

Can anyone confirm or disconfirm this?

The main reason for the I5 is that it was already being used on the Colorado.

But the I6 is of course a bit longer.

The V8 should take up less length than the I5, and be lower as well. Manufacturing cost is probably about the same, and the V8 might be even be cheaper to make. Higher volumes, and no DOHC.

The I6 might be going away, since the TrailBlazer will be discontinued in a couple of years.

At a minimum they should offer the V8 in the regular H3 as an option, and I suspect this will happen. If they want to distinguish the Alpha, there's a 6.0 in the corporate bin...

They changed the shape of the fire wall.

[stagger_lee]

Originally Posted by XM DUDE

I predict that in the coming years the V8 will become the standard engine in the H3 as besides exploding front differentials the lack of power seems to be a complaint. I have always thought the H3 needed a V-8.

Not directed entirely toward you XM Dude, but its pretty lame to complain about something you made the decision to buy. Usually when you invest in something of that value you want to research a little bit. Hell, how about that cool new thing there doing at dealerships nowadays called a test drive?

[Agriv8r]

frankly, i think the h3 (3.7) has plenty of power and pick up...i have yet to be in a situation that i thought i needed more power...pulls the boat out of the water on a slippery ramp just fine...no issue in the sand, straight up/down.....

[XM DUDE]

Originally Posted by stagger_lee

Not directed entirely toward you XM Dude, but its pretty lame to complain about something you made the decision to buy. Usually when you invest in something of that value you want to research a little bit. Hell, how about that cool new thing there doing at dealerships nowadays called a test drive?

I haven't bought an H3 yet, as I am an enthusiast. I would like to see the steering wheel controls like in my 07 Tahoe, that is one of my critiques, but other than that it is an awesome vehicle.

[stagger_lee]

Originally Posted by XM DUDE

I haven't bought an H3 yet, as I am an enthusiast. I would like to see the steering wheel controls like in my 07 Tahoe, that is one of my critiques, but other than that it is an awesome vehicle.

Agreed on the steering wheel controls. That would be a huge plus. 25k miles on mine since January 07, and no complaints. Still love it.