HUMMER announces that the new 2006 H1 Alpha is now available at dealerships. The original HUMMER, the H1, is the foundation of the brand's legendary design and off-road capability. The Alpha version represents H1's greatest performance advance since its debut as a civilian vehicle in 1992.

H1 Alpha marks the beginning of HUMMER's Alpha performance series, taking the brand's legendary off-road capabilities to an even higher level. The H1 Alpha features GM's award-winning Duramax 6600 (6.6-litre) V-8 turbo-diesel engine and Allison 1000 five-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax 6600 delivers 300 horsepower at 3000 rpm, a 46-percent increase over previous H1s equipped with the 6.5-litre Optimizer Turbo-Diesel. Peak torque is a massive 520 lb.-ft. at 1500 rpm, an increase of 18 percent.

"The H1 is the foundation of the HUMMER brand, making it the natural starting point for our Alpha series," said Susan Docherty, HUMMER general manager. "The Alpha adds more driving comfort to the H1, while extending its already-unmatched off-road capability."

H1 Alpha will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $126,185 (US dollars) for the base open-top model (includes a dealer freight charge of $US1,025); H1 hard-top models carry an MSRP of $US137,508. All 2006 models will be H1 Alpha models.

The Off-Road Adventure Package adds $US5,726 and includes a 12,000-pound winch kit, 17-inch two-piece aluminum wheels with dual beadlocks, Goodyear GSA tyres and front and rear Eaton ELocker locking differential. Activated instantly at the push of a button, the front and rear differentials can be locked for optimum slow-speed capability in climbing over large rocks or up long, steep grades.

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 2006 H3, packing authentic HUMMER design and capability into a smaller and more fuel-efficient midsize SUV, arrives at dealerships later this (northern) spring.

Standard equipment for the H1 Alpha includes features such as air conditioning, power locks, power windows with driver-side express down, electronically controlled outside mirrors, remote keyless entry, premium two-tone leather seats, heated front seats and a Monsoon AM/FM audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

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.

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 2006 model also features restyled wheels.

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.

The HUMMER H1 is built at the AM General assembly plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.