GM’s Jeep Hurricane
The Hurricane was showcased for the first time at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show alongside the Jeep Gladiator & the Chrysler Firepower Grand Tourer. The Hurricane is one of the concept cars launched by the Daimler Chrysler Group. So what differs this one from other 434 off-roaders? Let’s see,
The Jeep Hurricane is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI engine in the front as well as in the rear each generating 335 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, making it a total of 670 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque. Chrysler used its multi-displacement system in the Hurricane, which allows half of the cylinders in an engine to be deactivated when the vehicle doesn't need as much power. While pushing your way through thick mud or climbing a rock face at a 50-degree angle, all 16 cylinders crank out power. While charging along a trail, it needs only 12 cylinders; so 4 cylinders in one of the engines are deactivated. Driving around the suburbs doesn't demand a huge amount of horsepower so another 4 cylinders are deactivated, leaving just 8 cylinders running. Finally, staying at highway speed (97 kph) can often require less than 20 hp, so one of the HEMIs is turned off while the other runs with only half of its cylinders. All of this is automatic and barely noticeable.
The power is delivered to its solid split axles through a central transfer case incorporating a mechanically controlled 4-wheel torque-distribution system. Its steering system is a marvel of engineering all by itself as there are multiple steering modes using four-wheel independent steering. That means that each wheel can turn separately from the others! See the illustration.
In standard steering mode, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels tightening the turning radius, making a more accurate steering. In a second mode, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels which means it can "crab-steer" - move to the side without changing the direction that it faces. A third mode, utilizes the "T-Box Zero Steer" mechanism allowing all four wheels to "toe-in" and change the drive direction to each wheel so that they alternate. Due to this the Hurricane has a turning radius of zero. It can actually rotate in place.
Its one-piece body is made of lightweight structural carbon fiber offering amazing rigidity for its strength. This strength allows the body to serve as the chassis. The engine, transfer case, and suspension components are mounted directly to the body. The skid plate is an aluminum spine that also connects the body to the underside of the vehicle. On the inside, much of the carbon-fiber chassis is exposed, but the polished aluminum accent makes the dashboard look futuristic.
The engineers at Chrysler planned to make the ultimate off-road vehicle. Even though there won't be producing Hurricanes, they did build a fully functioning prototype, and Chrysler secured several patents while developing the Hurricane. Now that these systems work, Hurricane technology could be showing up on the Jeep showroom floor in the near future.
Jeep Hurricane: Facts and Figures
· Engine: Two 5.7 liter, 8-cylinder HEMI engines
· Horsepower: 670 hp
· Torque: 740 ft-lb
· Transmission: 5-speed automatic
· Curb Weight: 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg)
· Length: 151.8 inches (385.6 cm)
· Width: 80 inches (203.2 cm)
· Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (274.6 cm)
· Wheels: 20x10 inches (51x25 cm)
· Tires: 305/70R20 (all four)
· 0-60 mph (97 kph): 4.9 seconds
The Hurricane was showcased for the first time at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show alongside the Jeep Gladiator & the Chrysler Firepower Grand Tourer. The Hurricane is one of the concept cars launched by the Daimler Chrysler Group. So what differs this one from other 434 off-roaders? Let’s see,
The Jeep Hurricane is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI engine in the front as well as in the rear each generating 335 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, making it a total of 670 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque. Chrysler used its multi-displacement system in the Hurricane, which allows half of the cylinders in an engine to be deactivated when the vehicle doesn't need as much power. While pushing your way through thick mud or climbing a rock face at a 50-degree angle, all 16 cylinders crank out power. While charging along a trail, it needs only 12 cylinders; so 4 cylinders in one of the engines are deactivated. Driving around the suburbs doesn't demand a huge amount of horsepower so another 4 cylinders are deactivated, leaving just 8 cylinders running. Finally, staying at highway speed (97 kph) can often require less than 20 hp, so one of the HEMIs is turned off while the other runs with only half of its cylinders. All of this is automatic and barely noticeable.
The power is delivered to its solid split axles through a central transfer case incorporating a mechanically controlled 4-wheel torque-distribution system. Its steering system is a marvel of engineering all by itself as there are multiple steering modes using four-wheel independent steering. That means that each wheel can turn separately from the others! See the illustration.
In standard steering mode, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels tightening the turning radius, making a more accurate steering. In a second mode, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels which means it can "crab-steer" - move to the side without changing the direction that it faces. A third mode, utilizes the "T-Box Zero Steer" mechanism allowing all four wheels to "toe-in" and change the drive direction to each wheel so that they alternate. Due to this the Hurricane has a turning radius of zero. It can actually rotate in place.
Its one-piece body is made of lightweight structural carbon fiber offering amazing rigidity for its strength. This strength allows the body to serve as the chassis. The engine, transfer case, and suspension components are mounted directly to the body. The skid plate is an aluminum spine that also connects the body to the underside of the vehicle. On the inside, much of the carbon-fiber chassis is exposed, but the polished aluminum accent makes the dashboard look futuristic.
The engineers at Chrysler planned to make the ultimate off-road vehicle. Even though there won't be producing Hurricanes, they did build a fully functioning prototype, and Chrysler secured several patents while developing the Hurricane. Now that these systems work, Hurricane technology could be showing up on the Jeep showroom floor in the near future.
Jeep Hurricane: Facts and Figures
· Engine: Two 5.7 liter, 8-cylinder HEMI engines
· Horsepower: 670 hp
· Torque: 740 ft-lb
· Transmission: 5-speed automatic
· Curb Weight: 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg)
· Length: 151.8 inches (385.6 cm)
· Width: 80 inches (203.2 cm)
· Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (274.6 cm)
· Wheels: 20x10 inches (51x25 cm)
· Tires: 305/70R20 (all four)
· 0-60 mph (97 kph): 4.9 seconds
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