General Motors appears to have landed a big hit with the forthcoming all-electric Hummer revival. From the early LeBron James advertisements to big mechanical reveals like the nifty "crab walk" feature that allows all four wheels to turn in the same direction, the six-figure SUV looks built for serious trail fun. And yet, it's easy to forget that the newest Hummer will still be an EV—meaning it needs to be charged—and that the last two generations, H2 and H3, were both parts-bin specials allowing General Motors to capitalize on the original Hummer's legendary name.
For those discerning buyers who recognize the original's true military-derived utility but want more in the way of both power and creature comfort, Michigan-based Mil-Spec Automotive offers the M1 and now, has unveiled a one-off design for an even more radical program called the M1-R.
The Only M1-R That Will Be Built
The M1-R serves as a sort of vision of the future for Mil-Spec, with a laundry list of upgrades bolted onto the Hummer's rugged frame. The build will allow customers to daydream about the exact specs of their own personal second-gen Mil-Spec Hummer, though few will probably get up into the same range as the fully trimmed M1-R itself.
6.6-Liter Duramax Diesel & Allison Transmission
The second-gen Hummer from Mil-Spec will be available with, at minimum, a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine built by HSP Diesel and pumping 500 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque through an Allison 1000 T6 gearbox also built by HSP Diesel. The M1-R, however, produces 800 horses and 1,300 lb-ft of twist (though Mil-Spec doesn't reveal what goes into that difference). Complementary mechanical enhancements include a transmission cooling system, Wilwood brakes, Rod Hall Racing suspension, and an on-board ARB air compressor for locking the differential.
Fully Custom Interior With Billet Everything
On the interior, custom touches abound from the diamond-stitched upholstery to billet and machined parts at every surface, including the climate control knobs, steering wheel, and even the cupholders. Mil-Spec has set pricing starting at $299,500 including the donor Hummer for build slots, though the full price of the M1-R itself remains a mystery. Because Mil-Spec sources Hummers from civilian models, rather than military surplus, the trucks will remain 50-state compliant—which could end up being a brilliant business decision if confirmed Hummer nut Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to bring one home to California.
Sources: milspecauto.com and gmc.com.