Pursuit - Test Drives

HUMMER H3T

Hummer has attempted to bring their designs to a new multi-functional level with the H3T, a Hummer that’s touted as having more truck capabilities than those that came before it. And there’s no mistaking it—this is one hardcore truck. While the traditional Hummer has become a status symbol, often rarely leaving city streets, you couldn’t own an H3T without giving it a bit of a beating once in awhile purely for the fun of it.

Offering a ton of storage, the H3T is probably best suited to someone who likes the interior space, luxury and prominence of the Hummer for day-to-day, but also wants storage and off-road capability. The H3T has a lot of storage and tie-down options that are built into the truck bed (bonus) plus you have the option of attaching more gear onto the roof.

The H3T is somewhat in line with some of the bigger crew-cab trucks that have become popular over the last few years, but most of the trucks can’t compete with the space and luxury of the Hummer interior. Also while the H3T is available with the “Alpha” version engine (5.3L, V-8), it’s also available in a five-cylinder version which is bound to be a bit nicer to your wallet. The price is also tolerable starting at about $31,000 MSRP for the base model.

The H3T runs about two-feet longer than the H3 because of the five-foot truck bed. While the length of the truck overall is comparable to trucks like the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, though the Trac actually has a shorter pick-up box and the H3T offers up more ground clearance. The H3T is obviously off-road capable and despite appearances (the thing tends to look huge) it handles city driving beautifully with easy turning and parking and exceptional performance in winter weather.

All in all the H3T was executed beautifully and is bound to be serious competition in its class.

Performance Chart:
Models: H3T, H3T Alpha
Price: Starting at $31,000
Engine: 3.7L, 239hp, 241-lbs/foot torque; 5.3L, 300 hp, 320-lbs/foot torque;
Mileage: Automatic H3T - 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway; Automatic H3T Alpha - 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
Standard: Bedliner, 16” x 7.5” steel wheels and tires, roof rack, CD player & six-speaker system, Bluetooth capable

Options:
• Rearview camera system
• Sunroof
• Luxury, X, Adventure and Alpha
  packages
• 32” and 33” wheels
• Six-disc changer & Monsoon sound
   system
• Integrated DVD navigation system

Comparison Vehicles:
Suzuki Equator Sport, Honda Ridgeline RT, and the Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited.

PORSCHE CAYENNE

his luxury midsize SUV is definitely that—luxurious. The sleek interior reflects all that Porsche is known for and the performance of the Cayenne lives up to their powerful reputation.

The six-cylinder Cayenne packs pretty great performance despite its four-door, family friendly appearance. The Cayenne is crafted for a car enthusiast who wants the performance, luxury and name of Porsche, but the space and function of a sport utility vehicle. But for that name, luxury and performance you will have to spend a bit of money, more than you might for other SUVs in the same category. The Cayenne starts at about $60,000 for the basic six-cylinder automatic.

For those wanting a bit more power behind the pedal, bumping up to the Turbo version of Cayenne gives you 500 horsepower and a ton of torque. The GTS and S both have around 400 horsepower while the Cayenne gives you 290. Top tracks speeds are 141 mph for the Cayenne and upwards of 171 for the Turbo.

There’s not much new between the ’08 and ’09 versions, apart from some subtle body contour differences. When Winnipeg Men Magazine got behind the wheel of the Cayenne, we were hit with a blustery, snowy day. The Cayenne’s performance shined through several centimeters of wet, slippery snow beautifully, proving to be perfectly capable of handling our unpredictable Manitoban weather.

Every version of the Cayenne has distinct upgrades, but there are a lot of cool gadgets and slick options for you to construct a Cayenne to suit your needs. For anyone new to this SUV, one of the cool options is a six-level air suspension system you can adjust if you want more ground clearance, reaching up to 10.67 inches in the “Special Off-road Level.” There’s also packages like the “Rear Entertainment System” for the backseat which includes two movable, seven-inch LCD screens and media player all built-in to match your interior. Also cool is the panoramic roof system available as an option on all models. Consisting of four panels, this moon roof is about four times the traditional size, allowing for all passengers to get an amazing view of the great outdoors.

Performance Chart:
Models: Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo.
Engine: 3.6L, 290 hp, 273 lbs/foot torque; 4.8L, 385 hp, 369 lbs/foot torque; 405 hp, 369 lbs/foot torque;
500 hp, 516 lbs/foot torque
Mileage: All the models are fairly similar averaging 13-mpg city and 19-mpg highway
Standard: All-wheel drive, CD, radio,
12 speakers, Towing capacity 7,716 lbs,

Options:
• Six-speed manual, six-speed Tiptronic S
• 18, 19, 20 and 21” wheel options
• Sport design package
• Off-road technology package
• Bose surround sound
• XM Satellite Radio
• Porsche Communication Management
• Seat heating, trailer hitch, moon roof

Comparison Vehicles:
Lexus RX400h, Acura MDX, and the Volvo XC90 3.2.

Check out the test drive online at
www.winnipegmen.com.