(from General Motors Press Release)  Thanks primarily to the efforts of the Team HUMMER racing team, led by Rod Hall, the HUMMER H3 has quickly proved to be a formidable off-road competitor. It runs and wins in stock-class off-road races, where racers must rely on production chassis and powertrains. The H3R pays homage to the racing SUV while pushing the envelope on what could be considered stock supposing the factory decided to drop in the 505-horsepower, 7.0L V-8 from the Corvette Z06. In addition to the high-powered engine, the H3R also sports a number of racing-inspired exterior modifications and an interior that blends racing functionality with boulevard comfort and convenience. No, a production H3 equipped with an LS7 engine isnt in the cards, but for 2008, HUMMER offers the H3 Alpha, which is powered by a new, 300-hp 5.3L all-aluminum V-8.

Vehicle highlights:

• H3R concept

• LS7 7.0L V-8 with 505 horsepower and Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed transmission

• Custom valve covers and ignition coil covers

• New, forward-tilting hood with Lexan see-through insert

• Power-operated hood hinges

• Custom air induction system with dual air boxes

• Racing-inspired paint scheme with custom badging

• Off-road lighting package with unique light bar

• Custom rear dual exhaust system with four outlets

• Wheel flares with quick-remove fasteners

• HID headlamps from Starr Lighting

• Clear front corner lamp lenses

• Front bull bar

• Body-color Jerry can mounted on the spare tire carrier

• Twenty-inch wheels

• Mickey Thompson Bear Claw 35-inch off-road tires

• Rotora high-performance brake package

• Fixed quarter window inserts

• Eaton front locking differential

• Enhanced cooling system with larger radiator

• Modified suspension with Tenneco/Rancho four-inch lift package and Rancho reservoir shocks

• Re-trimmed interior with brushed metal accents and trim

• Front racing seats with five-point safety harnesses and weather-resistant seat material

• Simpson window safety net

• Washable rubber floor covering replaces carpeting

• Navigation radio system

• Off-road integrated display gauge package with compass, inclinometer, altimeter and timer

• Auxiliary performance gauges

• Auxiliary 20-gallon fuel tank

• Second-row seats deleted

• Cargo-area spare tire mount

GM Accessories (production and concept)

• Rocker protectors

• Underbody shield

• Side-window weather deflector

• Roadside assistance package

• First-aid kit

• Hitch receiver cover

• Body-color grille