Detroit, Jan 09,
2005
“That Jeep Gotta HEMI®?”
“Yea ... TWO!”
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.
Specifications:
Weight (estimated): 3,850 lbs. (1,746 kg)
Length: 151.8 inches (3,856 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (2,746 mm)
Front Overhang: 25.0 inches (635 mm)
Rear Overhang: 18.7 inches (475mm)
Width: 80.0 inches (2,033 mm)
Height: 68.2 inches (1,732 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 67.5/67.5 inches (1,715/1,715 mm)
Engine: two 5.7-liter HEMI® engines
Transfer Case: Custom multi-mode with 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 ratios
Transmission: 5-Speed automatic
Front and Rear Suspension: Long-travel, short/long arm independent
Ground Clearance: 14.3 inches (363 mm)
Break-Over Angle: 31.5 degrees
Approach/Depart Angle: 64.0/86.7 degrees
Tire Size: 305/70R20
Wheel Size: 20x10 inches
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