(Source: Daimler Chrysler) 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, 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.
|
Specifications |
|
Engine |
|
Two
5.7 liter HEMI engines |
|
HP |
670
bhp |
|
Displacement |
695.5
CI / 11400 CC |
|
Torque |
740 FT LBS |
|
Weight |
3850 lbs/1746 kg |
|
Acceleration 0-60 mph |
4.9 sec. |
|
Top speed |
130 mph |
|
Driveline |
-- |
|
Price (approx) |
-- |
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 and 370 lb-ft of torque – a total
of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.
Can you
have responsible excess? To test the theory, we 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 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 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks
with remote reservoirs.
The vehicle has 14.3 inches 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.
|
|
