Jeep® Hurricane: The Most Powerful,
Capable Jeep 4x4 Ever
Detroit,
Jan 09, 2005
- 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