Hurricane 4x4 - 16 cylinders, 11.4 litres and four wheel steering

Jeep dropped a showstopper at the opening of the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today when it unveiled a radical off-road machine with TWO 5.7 litre V8 engines and a turning circle of ZERO! 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. Both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane are equipped 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 and, well having fun. On the tarmac, 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.

Clearly, this could mean a huge difference for the driver when the nearest assistance is four hours away and 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 offers killer performance and 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