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Detroit - Show-stopping concepts and extreme expressions of the
Chrysler Group brands aren’t new: Dodge had its Tomahawk and Chrysler, the ME
Four-Twelve. But when the Jeep® Hurricane blew onto the 2005 North American
International Auto Show stage yesterday it raised the bar for the Jeep brand.
“Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most
powerful 4x4 ever built,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler
Group Design. “It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts’ Jeep vehicles in form
and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply
stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand.”
Hurricane represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the
brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group’s creative and mechanical
expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement
considering the Hurricane is not just HEMI®-equipped, but HEMI squared. There
are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the
back. Both engines deliver 335 horsepower (246 kW) and 370 lb-ft (502 Nm) of
torque – a total of 670 hp (493 kW) and 740 lb-ft (1,003 Nm) of torque.
Can you have responsible excess? To test the theory, the Chrysler Group
equipped both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane with the Chrysler Group
Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Depending on the driver’s needs, the Hurricane
can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders. All of that translates into
buckets of torque for climbing obstacles other 4x4 vehicles can’t even
comprehend. In addition, it has the power and traction to move from 0-60 mph in
less than five seconds.
The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a
mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and
rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 508 mm of suspension travel,
controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.
The vehicle has 363 mm of ground clearance, and incredible approach/departure
angles of 64.0 /86.7 degrees. These are nearly vertical angles – combined with
37-inch tall tires, so the Hurricane won’t meet much that it can’t climb.
The Jeep Hurricane is the only vehicle on the auto-show circuit that provides
its own turnable feature. The vehicle features a turn radius of absolutely zero,
thanks to skid steer capability and toe steer: the ability to turn both front
and rear tires inward. In addition, the vehicle features two modes of automated
four-wheel steering. The first is traditional with the rear tires turning in the
opposite direction of the front to reduce the turning circle. The second mode is
an innovation targeted to off-road drivers: the vehicle can turn all four wheels
in the same direction for nimble crab steering. This allows the vehicle to move
sideways without changing the direction the vehicle is pointing.
“Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the
difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the
trailhead,” Creed said. “The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep
Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and
unexpected maneuverability.”
The one-piece body is shaped of structural carbon fiber, and forms the
chassis that would be offered through a traditional frame. The suspension and
powertrain are mounted directly to the body. An aluminum spine runs under the
body to both connect the underside and to function as a complete skid plate
system.
The design is lightweight with high strength, and it boasts functional
appearance. Jeep Hurricane is an honest, minimalist approach to its design
augmented with the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. On
the inside, occupants will be surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished
aluminum with black thunder and tiluminum accents.
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