"The H1 is what started it all," said Michael C. DiGiovanni, HUMMER general manager. "It's the vehicle that drew the interest of adventurous consumers across the nation, as well as the interest of GM. It offers superior off-road capabilities and terrific highway performance as well." New rear differential locker for 2003 HUMMER H1 has some content and feature upgrades for the 2003 model year, most notably the availability of a rear ELocker locking differential from Eaton, which also appears on H1's new stable mate, the H2. The rear differential lock operates at the push of a button. Activated instantaneously, it locks the rear differential for optimum slow-speed capability in climbing over large rocks or up long, steep grades. The two rear axle shafts rotate together at the same speed (this mode can only be accessed when the transfer case is in Low Lock, locking the center differential). The dash-mounted switch to activate the system allows an electrical signal to go by wire through the differential housing and into the locker. In normal circumstances, the locker is "open" and is invisible to the driver. The rear end has full differentiation between the left and right wheels. Upon detecting the signal, the locker connects the right and left axle shafts and is fully "locked," providing superior low-speed off-road performance. The rear axles do not differentiate at all. They act as if they were one single shaft because they are electronically locked together. Other new features The 2003 H1 sports some new interior upgrades, including a new, larger radio face with cassette and single CD slot and an in-dash 12-disc CD changer. The exterior of H1 features a new heavy-duty brush guard replacing last year's lighter standard one. Also, the exterior badge that formerly read "TT4/ABS" now reads "Torque Track 4" or "Torque Track 4 - ELocker," if the model is equipped with the optional ELocker described above. For the 2003 model year, H1 adds two colors to its palette of seven: Summit Silver and Black Diamond Metallic. Those complement the existing colors of Competition Yellow, Black, Bright White, Ocean Blue Metallic, Metallic Pewter, Firehouse Red and Woodland Green. Two models offered HUMMER H1 models come in two model offerings: 4-Door Wagon and 4-Door Open Top. As in years past, H1 is world-renowned for its intimidating presence. It has an impressive width of 86.5 inches and an overall length of 184.5 inches. The truck's low center of gravity, long wheelbase (130 inches) and 72-inch track make it extremely stable in varied road conditions and surfaces. Its 16-inch vertical ground clearance is almost double that of any other 4x4. Approach and departure angles of 72 degrees and 37.5 degrees respectively, enable ascent and descent of steep grades without vertical interference. The H1 is powered by a 6.5L, 195-horsepower General Engine Products turbodiesel engine, which generates 430 lb-ft of torque. Its near-midship location provides excellent weight distribution. GM's 4L80-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission allows smooth transition of power for improved mobility off-road. Over time, it monitors the customer's driving technique and adjusts for driving style. The New Venture Gear Model 242 transfer case enables the driver to customize the drivetrain configurations to match virtually any terrain. H1 has a four-wheel fully independent suspension system and variable-rate heavy-duty coil springs. The front suspension incorporates a large stabilizer bar to improve handling and reduce sway when cornering. The truck's four-channel ABS four-wheel power disc brakes are mounted inboard as a component of the axle assembly, making them less vulnerable to damage than conventional wheel-mounted components. H1's Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) enables the customer to adjust tire pressure on the move and adapt to varying terrain. When the H1's tires are deflated, the size of the tire footprint is increased, providing better traction in snow, loose sand and mud. |