Overall I really liked driving the truck around town. On the highway, I wanted it to downshift for passing a few times, but the tranny wouldn't, whether or not in tow-haul mode. I think that could be programmed into it, no biggy. The steering is tight and gave the truck a heavy, but welcome feel. Major changes to the frame and steering box to improve strength. I think that is why it felt so nice. Did not get into any rocks to see how the steering worked in an off-road situation. My guess is it would be much improved. The only major difference I noticed off-road is slower crawling in LL1 (nice). The Lockers are very nice, but I thought the traction control worked really well anyway. For most slow off-road work, there is no siginificant difference other than more clearance off the Rockers from the body lift, and a really touchy throttle. It would look KILLER with 40's on it! This truck would be absolutely BAD-ASS in Sand Dunes!

I too feel that with as much reworking that went into this truck, an improved suspension (to handle high-speed off-road work) would have been icing on the cake. $$$

It is getting farther and farther from the military Humvee and Hummer that we all know. I don't think that is a terrribly horrible thing, but I guess it depends on how much of a purist you want to be! Things gotta change sometimes... hopefully for the better. Seems like if your going to want a Hummer in the future, your going to have to buy all the whistles and bells... and a Dmax. We were told the intention is to have only Dmax available for consumers, and 6.5's as Fleet trucks exclusively. Also, if you want Lockers, 2 piece rims, and a winch, you'll have to spring for the "Adventure" package on top of the price. Pricing has not been set in stone yet either.

If I were a new buyer, and knew nothing about Hummers, driving the 6.5 would be a HUGE disappointment from a street perspective. We drove the Dmaxs first, then got into the 04's with the 6.5's. BLAH! My 2000 (with all the mods) has more power than the '04. They've gone in the right direction with the changes.... except for that stupid H2 intake. Sheesh. You'd have to know your Hummers to disitinquish it from the older trucks, for the body is the same.

Overall, I was REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, impressed with the on-road improvement. I think it is a nice evolution into making this a better truck. AMG is smart to be getting input from all the drivers. After all, a LOT of us have been pining for a Dmax in this thing for quite some time...... guess somebody was listening! Nice Job AMG. Thanks for the look!

Franco 2000 Silver Met Wagon (Intercooled) 1992 4DHT LE

I would like to weigh in on the 2006 Alpha. To me this is a accumulation of the last several years of significant engineering advancements for AMG. It has the 2003 e-lockers, the 2004 interior and now an Allison, Duramax, 12 inch brake rotors and 50% larger calipers and pads, 2 inch lift, significantly strengthened steering box and frame mount, significantly re-engineered motor fan, strengthened 1/2 shafts, geared hubs with beveled gears and etc.

From a driving perspective: I could pass anyone at will from a 60 mph roll to 85+ mph in seconds. I could go 0 to 60 in lightening speed (about a 2 second delay from pedal to metal to takeoff). I could go from 60 to 0 in the shortest distance that I have ever seen a Hummer stop with tires squealing the whole 60 feet or so then repeat this two more times with the same results ... NO brake fade what so ever. I broke the rules a little bit, swerved into a flat asphalt area and turned the steering wheel then floored it, then zig zagged --- I have not seen steering handle like this except in a friends Ferrari. I climbed up the forbidden cement rocky infield hill where my truck usually barks the tires and requires some rpm ... no tire bark and minimal rpm. I went down the 60% grade with the trailer transmission settings engaged ... it almost stopped on this descent angle with engine braking alone. When you panic stop, there is no rocking and rolling! When it starts ... it sounds like a Harley, not a vacuum cleaner. It is solid....it is awe inspiring. I want one.

Now, to the reality. Several folks with Duramax engines told me that their trucks do blow the injectors which are subjected to 30,000 psi. I was told that a single injector parts price alone is between $1,400 to $1,800. To get to the injectors in this truck would probably require lifting the body or hiring a double jointed midget mechanic with three fingers. To remove or reinstall the console and doghouse now takes several hours each. In other words you better have a good warranty.

The only way this truck will not eclipse the market will be:

1. Pricing
2. Inclusion of warranty coverage for proper length of time at reasonable cost
3. Quality of local service to keep it on the road
4. No where left in the USA to off road it

Another aspect, is that AMG intends to make this truck to order. It will probably hold sticker price and it will probably hold its value at resale. I seriously doubt that there will be below sticker dealer shootouts. If you want it, can afford it, then you will have it. Just like owning a Bentley or Rolls Royce. I would love to own one, now I just have to convince my wife, win in the stock market and keep healthy for 6 or 7 years while I am paying it off.

Gil