H2 Paints Chicago ‘Victory Red’H2 Paints Chicago ‘Victory Red’

Before Hummer downsizes with the anticipated H4 addition to the lineup, General Motors Corp.’s off-road standard-bearer has more bling to bring to market.

Hummer next week unveils the “Victory Red” limited edition H2 at the Chicago Auto Show. The fire engine-hued special edition joins the lineup in SUV and SUT versions.

Hummer H2

Expected to arrive at dealerships in February, the SUV starts at $66,030, while the SUT bases at $65,575 – a premium of between $11,730 and $11,275 over the base H2.

Most H2 features carry over to the Victory Red, including the 6.0L V-8 powerplant and automatic 4-speed transmission.

The special edition model has special touches, such as body-color fender moldings and rocker moldings with an integrated step assist. Other add-ons include a lower-profile, roof-mounted light bar with integral lamps, chrome hood handles, hood latches, hood louver, exterior side vents and 17-in. chrome wheels.

A rear-mounted camera system features a 3.5-in. (8.9-cm) full-color display housed in the rearview mirror that automatically extends when the H2 shifts into reverse.

Hummer says the slide-out display is in the driver’s natural line of sight and won’t compromise a driver’s field of view or create distracting glare. When the H2 is taken out of reverse, the screen retracts back into the mirror.

Other perks include a heated windshield wiper system and a rear-seat DVD system integrated with dual headrest-mounted screens and wireless headphones.

Hummer typically turns out two special edition H2s a year.

H2 sales fell 25.1% in 2006 vs. 2005, Ward’s data shows. Still, the brand increased annual deliveries 26.1% on the back of the smaller-sized H3, which saw sales soar 63.1%.

GM continues to work on an even smaller H4, expected to debut next year.

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