“Although H1 still has all of the capabilities that made it a huge hit with our service men and women, it’s really a new kind of luxury vehicle. In fact, many H1 owners purchase this vehicle in lieu of an exotic vacation or home addition. As such, we felt it was imperative to raise the level of the vehicle’s refinement—bringing it more in line with today’s luxury vehicles,” said Jon Albert, HUMMER interior designer.

A higher level of refinement can be found from the instrument panel to the cargo area, and from door panel to door panel. The result is a more luxurious, more inviting, more accommodating and more spacious interior.

New, high-quality leather seats that feature a more pronounced bucket design for enhanced support and greater comfort and new seatbacks that enhance forward visibility for rear passengers are just the beginning of H1’s new interior improvements.

“The aniline leather on the seat inserts, the new color themes, all of H1’s standard features—as well as H1’s interior roominess—result in a vehicle that has all the comforts of an upscale home,” Albert added.

That interior roominess is actually enhanced for 2004, thanks to redesigned overhead and center consoles.

“We looked at the interior design of the previous H1 and realized that we could repackage some elements to create a vehicle that feels even larger on the inside,” Albert explained. “For example, by using an integrated six-disc CD changer in place of the 12-disc changer, we were able to give the upper area of the center console a cleaner, sleeker look, while also providing a more integrated look for the glove box.”

A quieter cabin
Also improved for 2004 are H1’s interior noise levels, thanks to additional insulation and a refined powertrain. The result is a cabin environment that is perceptibly quieter to the human ear.

More power and plenty of poise
There’s also more power for 2004, thanks to a retuning of the 6.5L, turbo-diesel V-8 engine. As a result of the improvement, the 6500 now delivers 205 horsepower at 3400 rpm and an impressive 440 lb.-ft. of torque at 1800 rpm. That’s 10 horsepower and 10 lb.-ft. of torque more than the 2003 powerplant.

Yet enhanced performance is only part of the engine’s story. The retuning also enables the 6500 to meet the more stringent emission requirements starting in 2004. It’s mated to GM’s Hydra-Matic 4L80-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Over time, this transmission monitors the customer’s driving technique and adjusts for driving style.

Four-wheel drive is standard on every H1 and features TorqTrac 4 technology, automatically reducing tire spin on severe terrain or slippery surfaces by applying the brake to the spinning wheel. An Off-Road Adventure Package is available and includes front and rear Eaton ELocker locking differentials for optimum slow-speed capability in climbing over large rocks or long, steep grades.

For 2004, H1 continues to offer those features that make it a standout among SUVs, including a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and a Runflat Tire System. CTIS enables H1 owners to adjust tire pressure on the move to adapt to varying terrain, while the Runflat Tire System enables drivers to continue driving on a deflated tire for up to 20 miles at 30 mph.

Further adding to peace of mind while off road are H1’s low center of gravity, long wheelbase (130 inches) and nearly 72-inch track width. The result is a vehicle that is extremely stable—on and off road.

It’s off road, however, that H1 really shines. That’s because the H1 was engineered to tackle the most difficult conditions—from blazing tropic heat to the most frigid arctic, and from the dry and dusty atmosphere of a desert to the muggy tropics.

The secret behind HUMMER H1’s awesome capability is in its DNA. It was originally engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the U.S. armed forces that needed a vehicle with power, agility and durability like nothing in existence. Strip away some refinements and creature comforts, and the HUMMER H1 is still the “HUMVEE” trusted and respected by our military.

Where does one start in describing H1’s off-road superiority? How about its 16-inch vertical ground clearance—almost double that of any other 4x4. Let’s not overlook H1’s dramatic approach and departure angles of 72 degrees and 37.5 degrees, respectively, or the 17-inch aluminum wheels shod with 37-inch tires. You may never encounter it, but there’s a degree of comfort in knowing this vehicle can ford a 30-inch deep body of water.

“The powertrain refinement, the quieter cabin, as well as the luxurious new interior are a great example of what AM General and General Motors can accomplish together,” DiGiovanni said. “These are just the latest concrete examples of the benefits derived from maximizing the strengths of both companies.”