Chrysler Group Surprises Detroit Auto Show Attendees with Three New Concepts

Photos

Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development for Chrysler Group, poses with the 2005 Chrysler 300, the North American Car of the Year. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Much of the Hurricanes innovative drive system could end up underpinning a future model wearing the "original 7-slat grille". (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Jeep made sure the Hurricane was adequately powered via two 335 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8s with 370 lb-ft of torque each. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Thanks to its 14 inches of ground clearance and an amazing 20 inches of suspension travel, the Hurricane can go almost anywhere. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

DaimlerChrysler has made it no secret that the Jeep lineup will soon be expanding, and the new Gladiator is the main contender. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

"Jeep Gladiator is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage that explores what shape and features a modern Jeep pickup might have." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Chrysler 300 Wins North American Car of the Year

On the day that Chryslers 300 took North American Car of the Year honors, Sunday, January 9, the Auburn Hills-based automaker debuted three exciting new concepts at the Detroit auto show, two which were expected, being that early artists renderings were released way back in November, and one that was a complete surprise.

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 recently announced that the 2004 NAIAS prototype wont be getting the nod for production, amazingly something that the domestic brand was considering, but some of yesterdays concepts may have a fighting chance.

The big surprise probably wont become part of Jeeps production lineup, 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. 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 850 horsepower and and 850 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.

One hundred 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 inches of ground clearance and an amazing 20 inches of suspension travel, managed by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

“Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4×4 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.”

A Jeep More Likely to Make Production

Jeep offered up another concept for showgoers consideration yesterday too, this one looking ready for the showroom floor. Could that be true? DaimlerChrysler has made it no secret that the Jeep lineup will soon be expanding in an effort to optimize its brand equity, and the new Gladiator might make the best use of its familiar face than anything since the TJ.

Painted in an army-like olive drab green, and featuring black matte fender flares and massive knobby mud and dirt off-road tires, one of which is a side-mounted spare, a long past Jeep tradition, the Gladiator looks ready to carry the troops into action.

Jeeps “Flexible Utility Truck,” lucky they didnt call it the Flexible Activity Truck, sports an open-air canvass top just like Dodge Dakotas of yore, removable doors, fold-down windshield, an expandable truck bed and a stow-away rear-seat cushion.

“Jeep Gladiator is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage that explores what shape and features a modern Jeep pickup might have,” commented Creed.

Those extremely familiar with the brand will recognize the new concepts name from the full-size pickup model from 1962. Yes, you may not remember, or have even known Jeep once made a pickup truck, the last two being the J-series full-size models with the final vehicle in this class being the compact mid-80s Comanche.

And building a Jeep pickup doesnt only make sense because the brand has a history of producing light trucks, but also because its Dodge cousin already builds two, one of which would make a great donor.

But while the Gladiator looks as if it could be built off of the new Dakota platform, which would give it V6 and V8 power, dynamic handling and serious off-road capabilities, its not. Instead it rides on a unique body-on-frame architecture, and rather than being powered by one of DaimlerChryslers gasoline engines, under the hood is the Italian-built 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder turbodiesel that currently motivates the diesel-powered Jeep Liberty CDI. Shifting gears is a 6-speed manual transmission, hooked up to a part-time transfer case. Trail rated? No doubt, the Gladiator looks as if it could climb over anything that dared get in its way.

So why should the Gladiator be important to Jeep to build? For the same reason it needs to produce last years Rescue concept. The famed brand is under direct threat by the 7-slat
grilled monster it created while under AMC rule, Hummer. The “baddest” SUV nameplate just unveiled its midsize H3, targeting Grand Cherokee customers, while an H3 based pickup truck that showed up in concept form earlier this year is expected shortly thereafter.

DaimlerChrysler, caught napping with one of the most recognizable brands in the history of automobiles, needs to pick up its game and hit the market with a barrage of new products, if only to keep up with its General Motors built rival Hummer. Of course, by doing so it just might open up new opportunities, garner greater market share and, low and behold, make more money. Look for something like the Jeep Gladiator in the near future.

Chrysler Super GT Teases Sports Car Enthusiasts

Is Chrysler attempting to reinvent its image or what? Reinstating the elegant, refined, yet powerful brand standard of days gone by, the Firepower looks as fast as its 425 horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI V8 is. This new “grand tourer” concept is based on Viper architecture, in a similar fashion to how Ford has developed its new GR-1 concept off of the back of its GT supercar.

The Firepower is a “Corvette fighter”, commented Chrysler group senior vice president of design Trevor Creed to journalists when the conceptual drawing was released back in November. Zero to 60 mph takes less than 4.5 seconds while its estimated top speed is no less than 175 mph, but its Viper suspension has been softened to create a ride similar to that of an Aston Martin, added Creed.

Similar to Mercedes-Benz top-tier AMG supercar lineup, the Firepower uses a variation of the same 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-mode actuation.

Suitably, Chryslers supercar is not only performance oriented but replete with luxurious touches. Strictly a two-seater, the Chrysler concept boasts a tinted glass roof that extends to the rear liftgate, giving occupants an airy, spacious cabin.

While Creed originally stated that Chryslers Corvette fighter was “purely a concept vehicle”, back in November, he was quite clear during its introduction that something very similar could be built if reaction was positive.

Yesterdays trio of stylish concepts point DaimlerChryslers Jeep and Chrysler brands in exciting new directions, both in design and technology, and in the process the bold automaker once again managed to stir up the emotions of all present in the Cobo hall crowd, and no doubt will be the benefactor of a lot of positive press today.

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