This Quarter-Million-Dollar Hummer H1 was Built for Baja
If you’re not familiar with Mil-Spec Automotive, that’s understandable. It’s a relatively new company that sells custom-built Hummer H1s it claims to have improved in every way. And based on our first drive, we’re inclined to agree. The company’s restomodded H1s definitely aren’t cheap, but they’re definitely better. Now there’s a new version that MSA says was built for Baja.
Officially called the Launch Edition #004, this reimagined H1 gets a tan paint job, 40-inch tires, and a black leather-on-canvas interior. The body’s been widened 7 inches, while the track is now a full 8 inches wider than before. MSA also added a remote-controlled 12,000-pound winch, brush guard, steel-tube rear bumper, and spare tire rack.
Like other MSA-customized H1s, the engine’s been replaced with a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8 that makes 500 hp and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. That powerplant is paired with an Allison-sourced six-speed transmission, and the combo allows the H1 to hit 60 mph in about 6 seconds, according to MSA. It also gets aluminum body panels, a bed-liner-like body coating, independent front and rear suspension, a durable leather interior, an upgraded sound system, keyless entry, an improved HVAC system, and power windows.
As you can imagine, a Singer-quality makeover for a Hummer H1 isn’t cheap. After all, you’re paying not just for parts but also for a small team in the U.S. to build everything by hand. But still, this Baja-inspired build’s price is pretty shocking. It starts at $250,478 and gets even pricier if you want to add other options.
Then again, if all your friends already have Range Rovers and G-Wagens, why not one-up them with a hand-assembled, ridiculously cool H1?
Source: Mil-Spec Automotive
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Finally: Jaguar Land Rover Offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make life so much easier, we’re surprised that many luxury cars still don’t offer these features. Such is the case with Jaguar Land Rover’s entire lineup, until now. The automaker is bringing smartphone connectivity to select vehicles for the 2019 model year.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment on the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace as part of the Smartphone Pack. On other select vehicles, the package will be available as a port- or factory-installed option for around $300, depending on the model and trim level. Expect smartphone connectivity to pervade the lineup, because from 2019 on, all vehicles with Jaguar Land Rover’s new infotainment systems with navigation, InControl Apps, and Wi-Fi connectivity will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These infotainment systems include InControl Touch Pro and the dual-touchscreen version dubbed InControl Touch Pro Duo.
With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, users can access Spotify, WhatsApp, and now Waze on their vehicle’s touchscreen. Drivers can also use voice commands to interact with these apps behind the wheel.
Jaguar Land Rover isn’t the only automaker without smartphone connectivity. Infiniti is another major one that has neglected the feature. Even automakers that offer smartphone connectivity haven’t necessarily brought it to all of their models.
Source: Jaguar Land Rover
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