Hummer H1 Alpha
In 2002, AM General CEO Jim Armour proposed a re-engineering of the H1 to Bob Lutz and the GM Luxury Vehicle committee, involving the installation of GM's Duramax Diesel and 5-speed Allison transmission. The change was meant to fix the lack of power that had caused customer resistance; and allow the vehicle to meet 2004 heavy duty EPA emissions requirements.
To carry out the update, the engineering team chose the engine variant out of the GMT560 truck (the C4500) and modified 23 engine components, as well as lifted the body by 2.0 inches to accommodate the taller engine. The GMT560 engine calibration was used with minimal modification, resulting in an engine output of 300 hp (220 kW) and 520 lb·ft (705 N·m) of torque. Several cooling system modifications were also required, such as the re-engineering of the fan system with the fan placed directly under the coolpack, along with the alteration of the high-strength steel in the chassis frame, and the redesign of the geared hubs.
Off-road, the increased torque and lowered gearing ratio made the truck much more powerful. Additionally, the new torque profile coupled with centralized tire inflation and AM General's new interior resulted in the complete re-engineering of everything except the carryover body.
Production launch was in early 2005, until production ceased in mid-2006. All vehicles built during this time are classified as model year 2006 (10th digit in VIN is a 6). The program was cancelled on May 12, 2006 due to GM withdrawing technical and financial support for future engineering and recertification.
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