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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.”
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.
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