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2006 Hummer H1 Alpha |
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| Official Press Release: |
| The 2006 H1 Alpha, featuring
GM’s Duramax 6600 diesel engine, takes HUMMER performance to
its ultimate extension and represents the single greatest advance
in the 14-year history of the original HUMMER. |
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| Arriving in dealerships
in early 2005, the H1 Alpha delivers more power, more torque, and
enhanced on- and off-road capability, with significantly improved
fuel economy. GM’s award-winning Duramax 6600 (6.6-liter) turbo-diesel
engine and Allison 1000 five-speed automatic transmission give the
H1 Alpha dramatic performance improvements and add to the H1’s
legendary off-road capabilities. |
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| H1 Alpha is the first in
HUMMER’s new performance series. “Alpha represents HUMMER
performance taken to its ultimate extension,” said Susan Docherty,
HUMMER general manager. “That means improving HUMMER’s
already-unmatched off-road capability, along with enhancements to
fuel efficiency and driving comfort on the road. As the original HUMMER,
the H1 is the perfect vehicle to mark the start of the Alpha series.”
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| As was the case for previous
H1s, the 2006 H1 Alpha will be offered in both Open Top and Wagon
models. The Duramax 6600 replaces the previous 6.5-liter Optimizer
Turbo-Diesel, which will continue on as the power plant for the military
HUMVEE, the vehicle on which the H1 is based. All commercial H1s produced
for the 2006 model year will be H1 Alpha models. H1s used for fleet
sales will use the Optimizer engine. |
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| H1 Alpha marks another important
aspect of HUMMER’s ongoing growth, as the brand introduces new
models and makes significant improvements to existing models. The
H2 SUT, a new version of the H2 featuring a pickup-style cargo bed,
began sales in the summer of 2004. The all-new H3, packing authentic
HUMMER design and capability into a smaller and more fuel-efficient
vehicle, arrives at dealerships in the spring of 2005. |
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| Alpha performance: |
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| H1 Alpha is the highest performing
H1 ever, with more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy.
The Duramax 6600 delivers 300 horsepower at 3000 rpm, a 46 percent
increase over previous H1s equipped with the 6.5-liter Optimizer Turbo-Diesel.
Peak torque is a massive 520 lb.-ft. at 1500 rpm, an increase of 18
percent. |
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| The H1 Alpha’s increased
power makes its already-extreme off-road crawling and climbing ability
more potent. On the road, the new powertrain provides smoother, quieter
and more comfortable operation, with better acceleration. Zero-to-60
acceleration improves by a full three seconds to 13.5 seconds, respectable
for a truck that is an off-road performer without peer. |
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| At the same time, fuel economy
of the H1 also improves. Preliminary testing indicates significantly
improved fuel economy. A revised fuel system also increases capacity
of the H1’s two on-board tanks to 51.5 gallons, 9.5 gallons
more than previous H1s. The increased tank capacity combines with
the efficiency of the Duramax to raise cruising range from 400 miles
to an estimated 570 miles between fill-ups. |
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| The Allison 1000 transmission
is an important aspect of the H1 Alpha’s comprehensive performance
improvements. This five-speed automatic from Allison Transmission
is extremely stout and durable as it is utilized in medium- and heavy-duty
commercial trucks. The Allison 1000 features a Tow/Haul mode that
adjusts shift patterns for optimal performance when the vehicle is
towing or carrying heavy loads. The Allison unit aids the H1 in severe
maneuvers with features such as improved drivetrain braking and a
crawl ratio of 45:1, an increase of 22 percent. |
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| With the improved power and
efficiency of the H1 Alpha comes an increase in towing capacity. Gross
Combined Weight Rating (the sum of vehicle, maximum cargo and towing
capacities) increases 2,000 pounds, to 17,300 pounds. |
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| Several other areas of the
H1 Alpha also have been enhanced, in addition to the drivetrain. Brake
rotors are larger, going from 10.7 inches to 12 inches in diameter.
The half-shafts on each axle and the steering gear have all been bolstered
to better manage the Alpha’s increased capabilities. One of
the H1’s unique suspension features from its outset are the
geared hubs at each wheel that contribute to the truck’s incredible
crawling and climbing ability. These have been redesigned for the
H1 Alpha and feature a helical-cut gear set. This new design improves
gear engagement, which reduces both the noise and rocking motion during
deceleration and stopping maneuvers. |
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| To accommodate the new dimensions
of the Duramax 6600 and Allison 1000, the body of the H1 Alpha is
positioned 2 inches higher than the previous H1. This provides slightly
more clearance for the body panels from the wheels and from potential
obstacles on trails. |
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| Alpha is about performance,
more than style. However, there are a few visual enhancements to the
H1 Alpha. The new Alpha shield logo appears on a badge just above
the rear bumper. A Duramax badge adorns the front driver’s side
corner of the body, surrounded by a redesigned brush guard. The wheels
have also been freshened, featuring a new, brighter finish. |
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| On the inside, the H1 Alpha
features the new interior that debuted on the 2004 H1. Those improvements
included aniline leather seats, revised controls, and more luxurious
surfaces throughout. |
| more news on the way... |
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