A very special 2008 Hummer H3 SEMA concept is headed to the Mecum auction block. It’s a Hummer H3R, which is outlandish even by SEMA standards. It’s decked out in Hummer Racing branding, packs a 7.0L LS7 V8 under the hood, and has almost too many performance and aesthetic modifications to list.
For starters, yes, Hummer Racing used to be a real motorsports division of GM. In its day, Hummer H3 models competed in the Baja 1000 with 11 production-class wins and competed in the Dakar Rally with mixed success. This Hummer H3R somewhat resembles the race truck that competed in the Baja 1000 but with a distinctly SEMA vibe.
Let’s start with the engine. The LS7 under the hood is the huge, naturally aspirated V8 that powered the C6 Z06 and the fifth-generation Camaro Z/28. The Mecum listing says it makes 505 horsepower, which would be the same as in the C6 Z06, which produced 470 pound-feet of torque. Output is sent to all four wheels via a 4L60 automatic transmission.
Other mechanical mods include a custom air induction system with dual air boxes, 20-inch wheels with Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tires, an enhanced cooling system, and an Eaton locking front differential.
Where to begin with aesthetic mods? For starters, there’s the orange wrap with Hummer Racing branding, which is sure to command attention. There’s also a front bull bar and light bar with off-road lighting, a jerrycan mounted on the back, a transparent insert in the hood, and HID lighting.
On the inside, the orange Hummer Racing theme continues, plus auxiliary gauges, a Hummer-branded MagLite where the airbag is supposed to go, racing seats with Sparco harnesses, and a spare tire in the cargo hold that appears to be so big that the back seats were removed.
This Hummer H3R SEMA concept is being offered with no reserve at the Mecum Houston auction on April 5th. The Hummer H3 has grown something of a cult following of off-road enthusiasts who love its personality and off-road chops. If you’re in the club, here’s a chance to own one with a little more guts than the old 5-cylinder.
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