2005 Jeep Hurricane Concept
Another Show Stealer from Chrysler Group
Why when some people walk into a room does the hubbub of chatter silence and all eyes focus in their direction? While such people inspire admiration from some and the envy of others, its not always easy to quantify why certain individuals command attention when others fade into the background.
If an automaker could be personified as the antitheses of a wallflower, Chrysler Group would be it. Its bold entries each year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and other major auto shows around the globe, are the envy of the auto industry, and admired by all in attendance.
And this years Detroit show was no different. Actually, in an auto show that overall was about as exciting as last weeks Magne-Cours F1 race in comparison to previous shows at Detroits Cobo Hall, the number three of Detroits big trio put on a show that wont soon be forgotten. While three concept cars were unveiled, it was the unique Jeep Hurricane that literally got onlookers imaginations up in a twist.
Other than whipping up a storm as it literally spun on a dime, what made it so exciting was the surprise element of its entrance. After all, prior to Sunday, January 9th, the Auburn Hills-based automaker hadnt even leaked any artists renderings.
But surprises arent anything new to Chrysler Group. Two years ago the automaker rolled out the outrageous Viper-powered Tomahawk motorcycle and literally stole the show, followed up last year by the sensational ME Twelve concept, theoretically one of the fastest supercars in the world.
DaimlerChrysler announced late last year that the 2004 NAIAS supercar prototype wont be getting the nod for production, amazingly something that the domestic brand was considering, but some of the concepts introduced in January may have a fighting chance, namely the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck, or something similar, plus the stunning Firepower grand touring car.
The big surprise of the event probably wont become part of Jeeps production lineup, mind you, but nevertheless much of the Hurricanes innovative drive system could end up underpinning a future model wearing the "original 7-slat grille", as DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche made a point of specifying (a knock to Hummer that had recently won a lawsuit allowing it to continue using its very similar seven-slat grille for its products).
Dubbed "T-Box" Zero Steer Functionality, the Hurricane has the capability of pointing its opposing wheels in opposite directions, which, when starting from standstill, rotates the vehicle in a near perfect circle by spinning the wheels on one side forward, and those on the other side in reverse.
A camera positioned directly above the Hurricane showed the SUV cum dune buggy spinning on a giant dime, the only vehicle ever made that actually lives up to the old car salesmans line.
As if this unique capability wasnt enough, Jeep made sure it was adequately powered via two 335-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8s with 370 lb-ft of torque each. To save you having to get out the calculator, thats 670-horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque, split between the front and rear axles. And to think that the Hurricane could have used two 6.1-liter SRT engines for a total of 850-horsepower and 840 lb-ft of torque. OK, thats just silly.
Power is divided via split axles after going through a central transfer case and a four-wheel torque distribution system.
But of course, while being all powerful, its also fuel conscious. OK, it doesnt exactly sip away at the petrol, but its engines Multi-Displacement System (MDS) cylinder deactivation architecture can work on 4, 8, 12 or 16 cylinders, depending on load.
Sixty miles per hour takes less than five seconds, so its probably a good idea to tread lightly, and go easy on the throttle when off-roading on narrow, treed logging roads.
That said it doesnt really need a road at all, due to 14.3 inches of ground clearance and an amazing 20.0 inches of suspension travel, managed by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs. The 37-inch tall tires are equally up to 4x4 duties.
The Hurricanes one-piece structural carbon fiber body also forms the chassis, so its an incredibly rigid machine. Whats more, similar to a practice popular among race replica motorcycles, the Jeep concepts suspension and powertrain are mounted directly to the body. Could there be a more capable off-road vehicle on the planet?
"Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," stated 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."
Its quite possible that some Hurricane styling details will find their way to the upcoming Wrangler replacement, such as the stylized seven-slat grille and classic circular headlamps, but these are a given for anything wearing the Wrangler designation. The new production model wont be as powerful or as competent off the beaten path, mind you, but expect it to be the most capable 4x4 in its class.
In reality, theres nothing at all real about the Hurricane, which is exactly what makes it such an important concept vehicle. It shows that Chrysler Group remains the leading dream car builder, one of few automakers still willing to throw convention, and money to the wind, and build something that can tempt anyones imagination to run free. Truly, theres very little in the automotive world thats so blatantly playful anymore, with most automakers content to play the politically correct game of touting their environmentally friendly mono-boxes ad nauseam, its all getting a little bit too serious and too, yawn, boring.
But the Auburn-Hills manufacturer gets it, when so many of its rivals just dont have a clue. Maybe this is why its on the upswing while its domestic competitors are struggling to even get noticed for anything more than declining market share, problems with junk bond ratings and pension plans that cant be funded.
Hopefully Chrysler Group will hold true to its fun-loving spirit as it tries to build on the sales success it is now enjoying, and bring more surprises to auto shows of the future.