Hummer H1 Alpha

AM General began designing the Humvee in 1979. In 1985, they were commissioned for 55,000 vehicles. Four years later 33,331 more Humvees were ordered, one year before they would take the spotlight and become famous in the Gulf War. Soon after this second order, AM General began the design for the civilian Hummer. In 1992, the first civilian Hummer was delivered, and since, business has only taken off.

In 1999, AM General sold the Hummer name and marketing and distribution rights to Hummer. In 2006, the H1 Alpha model became available. Compared to the standard model Hummer/H1, the H1 Alpha enjoys nearly 20% improvement in torque, faster acceleration, and greater towing capacity. But most importantly, the new engine delivers 46% more horsepower, enhanced off-road crawling and climbing power and the fuel range of almost 600 miles.

Simply put, the H1 Alpha is a beast. It can accomplish feats no other vehicle can. What other SUV can scale 22-inch rock ledges, ford 30 inches in water, and climb at a 60% grade? It goes without saying – none. The H1 Alpha is the true off-roader of the wealthy.

Specs

Engine Type: V8 diesel

Displacement: 403 cu in (6,599 cc)

Power: 300 hp @ 3,000 rpm

Torque: 520 lb/ft @ 1,500 rpm

Transmission: five-speed auto, 4WD

0-60 mph: 13.5 seconds

Top Speed: approx. 90 mph

Price: $139,771 (closed wagon)

Video

The New Rolls Royce: “RR4″

The new prototype sketches and spy photos of the new entry-level Rolls Royce have now been released. It is set to debut in 2010, and for now it is being referred to as “RR4″. At first it will only be sold as a sedan, but many suspect it will later be offered as a coupe and convertible.

The popular car magazine Motor Trend estimates an output of approximately 1,000 RR4s per year, which does not compare well with the Bentley Continental production (about 8000 Continentals are produced in one year). However, Rolls Royce CEO Ian Robertson comments that “it will be significantly more expensive than the Bentley.” Pricing is expected to start somewhere in the neighborhood of $350,000.

Taking the basic styling model from the Phantom and the underbody from the next-generation BMW 7 Series, it will be smaller than the Phantom and have much different proportions than the new 7 Series. The car is still very impacting, but more swept back and less imposing than the Phantom. Just as usual, the wheels are half the height of the entire vehicle, which help create the grand, elevated style of all the Rolls Royce models.

Originally it was thought that RR4 would be fitted with a V8 engine as featured in the new X6. Now it is near certain the RR4 will boast BMW’s all new V12 engine, which will also be the power behind the new 7 Series. Providing more torque and only a little less hp than the V12, the V8 seems to overshadow it and make it seem puny. However, you can expect an improved version of the V12 giving more than 470 hp. Regardless, the new RR4 will pack far more punch than necessary.

It is hard to say whether the future of the RR4 will pay off or not. While it may offer more diversity in the Rolls Royce lineup, it may also steal sales away from the more expensive, flagship Phantom. Obviously those at Rolls Royce are inclined to think more positively. Of one thing we can be sure: it sure will be exciting.