By Guest Writer Lisa Ziegler
It is almost two consecutive years that the automotive industry haven’t heard about the production model of Chrysler Group’s off-road concept called the Jeep Hurricane since it was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
During its unveiling at the NAIAS two years ago, Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design said: “Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4×4 ever built. 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.”
“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. The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability,” he further explained.
One interesting feature of the Jeep Hurricane is that it does not have roof or even a side door. The concept has only two seats for occupants and equipped with body architecture exclusively for an enhanced off-road performance. In fact, the Jeep Hurricane concept was chosen by Autoweek as the winner of their “Most Fun†Concept vehicle award at the show.
Although many patented technologies were secured in the Hurricane’s development, some automotive experts as well as DCX said that the concept vehicle is not expected to be a production vehicle in the near future. Instead, the vehicle technologies, designs cues, and technical specs found on the Jeep Hurricane concept are expected to be featured in future Jeep models, as the company believed that the concept vehicle raised the bar for the Jeep brand. Take a look at some of these specs and features.
The Jeep Hurricane concept has a one-piece body styling made of carbon fiber, accented by the signature 7-slot grille design with Jeep header panel on the front fascia. As expected for a Jeep model, the Jeep Hurricane concept embodies the brand’s creative and mechanical expertise in terms of off-road vehicle handling and performance.
The Jeep Hurricane concept was the first Chrysler Group vehicle to have two monstrous 5.7-liter HEMI engines, one in the front and one at the back. Both engines deliver 335 hp and produce 370 lb.-ft. amount of peak torque, providing a total of 670 hp and 740 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is also equipped with Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which allows the Jeep Hurricane to run on different engine displacements including 4, 8, 12, or 16 cylinders. A 5-speed automatic gearbox delivers power through the custom multi mode central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four wheel torque distribution system. The Jeep Hurricane concept also features a skid steer capability and toe steer that enables the vehicle to turn the front and rear tires inwards.
Expect to see these features of the Jeep Hurricane on future Jeep models anytime soon.
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Lisa Ziegler is a 29-year old native of Waldport, Oregon and is currently working as a senior research analyst in a top Automotive Research Consultancy firm.
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