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Motor Trend Humvee challenge is a brawl in the desert



Here's a fun fact: the AM General Humvee vehicles currently used in the military weigh 14,300 pounds, with three tons of armor plating attached. Another fact, which isn't so fun: they come equipped with a 6.5-liter diesel V8 with just 190 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque. Motor Trend's latest Head 2 Head episode involves the stock Humvee just described and pits it against a modified version, the Banks Power Sidewinder Humvee (check out our Quick Spin review), which aims to solve the vehicle's power deficit, improve its handling and extend its military service - all while saving taxpayer money that otherwise would be spent on new vehicles with much higher price tags.

The Banks Power Humvee comes equipped with the same turbo-diesel V8, but with an upgraded turbocharging system for a more robust 255 hp and 465 lb-ft, which still seems a bit meek for its hefty weight. But more importantly, it's also equipped with an active suspension system that Banks Power claims vastly improves its handling off-road.

You'll have to watch the video below to find out which Humvee wins (and see a short clip of Jonny Lieberman driving a Rambo Lambo) - and by how much - just make sure you have a spare 20 minutes before clicking play.


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