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 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.

Here are some road car records  I compiled which you may find interesting. Sometimes it is rather shocking to see how amazingly well these man-made machines can perform.

Highest Top Speed: 248.5 mph; Bugatti Veyron; 7,993 cc (488 cu in) turbocharged W16, 987 hp

Fastest Sedan: 217.6 mph; Brabus E-Class; V12 Biturbo 6,700 cc (408 cu in) turbocharged V12, 640 hp

Fastest ‘Soft-Top’: 221.84 mph; Sportec 911 Turbo Cabriolet SP580; 3,600 cc (220 cu in) turbocharged V8, 580 hp

Fastest SUV: 191.66 mph; Sportec Cayenne Turbo SP600M; 4,511 cc (275 cu in) turbocharged V8, 600 hp

Quickest 0-62 mph: 2.46 seconds; Bugatti Veyron; 7,993 cc (488 cu in) turbocharged W16, 987 hp

Quickest 0-100-0 mph: 9.8 seconds; Ultima GTR640; 6,180 cc (377 cu in) V8, 641 hp

Highest Lateral G-Force: 1.4 g; Pagani Zonda F; 7,291 cc (445 cu in) V12, 602 hp

Highest Power Output: 1,046 hp; SSC Ultimate Aero; 387.2 cu in (6,348 cc) supercharged V8

Highest Power-to-Weight Ratio: 873.9 hp per ton; SSC Ultimate Aero; 387.2 cu in (6,348 cc) supercharged V8, 1,046 hp

Most Expensive: Bugatti Veyron; Retail Price: approx. $1,412,000 + local taxes

Fastest Lap of Nürburgring’s Nordschleife Circuit: 6 minutes 56 seconds; Radical SR8: 2,600 cc (159 cu in) V8, 363 hp

** These records accurate as of 2006

The Bentley Azure is the newest in the line of many Bentley convertibles revered for their magnificent comfort and luxury. It is certainly a very classy and gorgeous car, one that will never fail to make an impact. Since the resurrection model appeared in January of 2005, the Azure has only become more impressive with every year.

Several upgrades were made on the Azure from the 2005 to 2006 model, including 50 more bhp, a 13 mph top speed increase, a change from 17 in wheels to 19 in, bigger disk brakes, and it even became slightly larger. But more importantly, the Azure embodies the long and rich history of Bentley luxury sedans, and it truly looks like a vehicle only fit for the most wealthy and genteel.

As with all Bentleys, the new Azure is a symbol of money, respect, and class. It is truly an heir fit to take on the unparalleled Bentley legacy. And, as always, Bentley Motors will make personal modifications to any part of the car for its new owner, even if they aren’t part of the standard listed requirements.

Specs

Engine Type: V8, twin turbo

Displacement: 6,761 cc (412 cu in)

Power: 450 hp @ 4,100 rpm

Torque: 645 lb/ft @ 3,250 rpm

Transmission: four-speed auto

0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds

Top Speed: 168 mph

Price: $329,990

Video

Revealed in 2001, the Vanquish became the new flagship model for the world-renowned Aston Martin. This time, however, it combined high-end technology with the classic power and beauty of the former Aston Martins. It even put James Bond back in the seat of an Aston for the first time since the mid-60’s in the DB5.

Suited up with technologies adapted from the Formula One racing series, an advanced computer not only provides super-luxurious commodities on the inside, but super-performance on the outside. With the main body structure being composed of carbon-fiber, extruded aluminum and composite materials and new Brembo anti-lock brakes, the Vanquish is not only light, but it also has extreme stopping power.

With its swift steering, huge grip in corners, strong suspension, wonderful engine noise and, of course, its beautiful styling, the Vanquish is undoubtedly one of the world’s most premiere GTs.

Specs

Engine Type: V12

Displacement: 5,935 cc (362 cu in)

Power: 520 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Torque: 425 lb/ft @ 5,000 rpm

Transmission: six-speed manual with auto shift

0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds

Top Speed: 200 mph

Price: $255,000

Video

The Purpose of The Exotic Autos Club

Hi, I am Trevor, also known as eac19, the creator of this blog. I created this blog for other supercar enthusiasts and fanatics who wish to discuss, share, and learn about the world’s most exotic cars and automobiles.

Subscribe to The Exotic Autos Club

Please stay in touch with what The Exotic Autos Club is up to through one of our subscription methods.

Thank you for visiting The Exotic Autos Club – I hope you enjoy it, but, most importantly, I hope you likewise learn from it.