World's Best (& Fastest) Offroader? Jeep Hurricane Conc

[ikon2003]

Jeep (part of the Chrysler group) has taken advantage of the new hemi-engine hype and installed not one, but TWO hemis in its new Hurricane concept.

Here's the word from Chrysler, via supercars.net (links to pics at bottom)

2005 Jeep Hurricane

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 of 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 doubled. 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.

Story by DaimlerChrysler



Soo, how sick is that? Two hemis, 600+ bhp, 700+lbft...
Is that the world's best offroading car ever? And who can argue w/ 0 turning radius, and "crab-walking" on a car? And Carbon Fibre work?

Two caveats: One, only a concept - but i really hope they come out w/ something like this. Two - only offered/designed with 5 spd manual tranny.

supercars.net has some nice images. if someone wants to copy their images and host them, they're pretty cool pics (esp of the wheels working) - i would but i can't get imageshack to work on my comp. or if you just want a look at the pics:
http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pi...urricane-1.jpg
http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pi...urricane-2.jpg
http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pi...urricane-3.jpg

[BADMIHAI]

I don't have confidence in twin-engined cars. I've never seen one work properly without blowing up (see MTM Audi TT). But the concept is quite nice and it looks very muscular. I like it. 8)

[bmwmpower]

are you sure about fastest offroader?

it seems to be very heavy, with 2 hemis,
some peformance data?

I think Gemballa cayenne is muc faster, but thas not real offroader

[mv]

That's just mad...Gemballa might be faster, however, gemballas usually break down after 2000 miles hence it's not a considerable rival for this one.

[mv]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas I don't like it... may be the Cayenne Turbo is not as good offroad as this one... but it's way more beautiful!

Well, the cayenne is also not an eye candy but definitely more handsome than this.

[ikon2003]

-twin engined cars: i'm semi familliar w/ that MTM Bimoto TT - i've read a few articles on it, and the main reason it had engine trouble is cuz the TT was never designed to have two engines, and hence the rear engine always ran 100+ degrees hotter than the front one, in spite of modified cooling. It's definitely technologically feasable though

-no data on this car yet for top speed though - it's a concept which juust came out. but the quoted 4.9 seconds to 60mph on those pizza-slicer thin tyres - that's mad quick.

-prolly rather heavy w/ two engines, but small (only 2 seater) and w/ carbon fiber construction, that saves some weight.

[findleybeast]

The Jeep Hurricane concepts is pretty nuts. I like the fact that the crazy transfer case completely eliminates torque steer and lift. It's more of a showcase for crazy technology than it is for viable production, but sweet technology it is. The quoted sub 5second 0-100kmh is pretty sick too.

More Images (Courtesy of Gizmo.com.au)

[findleybeast]

More detailed stats, including the weight. Not particularly too heavy compared to other suvs. You see the approach and departure angles? 64.0 /86.7 degrees is the closest I've seen to completely vertical in any car... nuts. Despite the form follows function appearance, I like it. I would be very happy with 11.4 Litres, 16 cylinders, 0-62mph in 4.9, and displacement on demand...

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

[bmwmpower]

1740kg? i was expecting more, much more, abot 2000 kg, thats not bad

[mrpushrod]

That's a bit mad, would love to see video of it in action to see if it can live up to the claims.

[neilo63]

That thing is insane man i'd love to get my hands on one

[ikon2003]

Very nice extra images and extra information.

One edit: Jeep's cited 0-62mph is 4.9sec, not 5.9sec. (with over 600bhp, i hope it would break 5! )

[5vz-fe]

Wait for until next month, Toyota is gonna reveal a FJ Jeep....that is suppose to be an affordable off-roader

Very cool concept. Haha, reminds me of the 4 wheel steering monster truck you get in GTA4.

[findleybeast]

Originally Posted by ikon2003 Very nice extra images and extra information. One edit: Jeep's cited 0-62mph is 4.9sec, not 5.9sec. (with over 600bhp, i hope it would break 5! )

my bad ops: it was a typo
fixe now