Power of Engineering: Jeep Hurricane

If you're into off-roading and we mean really into it then Daimler-Chrysler recently unveiled the vehicle of your dreams. It's a Jeep with more horsepower, more climbing ability and more steering options than any car ever made. With two HEMI engines and the ability to turn itself completely around in place, the Jeep Hurricane concept car is truly one of a kind.

This vehicle is the ultimate proof of Jeep's absolute dominance off-road .

Watching Hurricane in action, it's hard not to imagine all the potential applications for the military, for extreme off-roading and more.

The fact is, we will do whatever it takes to ensure that there's only one SUV at the top of the mountain. With more than 14 inches (36 cm) of ground clearance and 20 inches (51 cm) of suspension travel, the Hurricane is in a class of its own when it comes to off-road capability.

The four-wheel independent short/long-arm suspension system is dampened by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs (this allows for longer travel in the shock). The 20-inch wheels hold specially designed off-roading tires that are 37 inches tall.

Chrysler reports an approach angle of 64 degrees and a departure angle of 86.7 degrees.

The Hurricane is more than just a Super Jeep. It also represents an attempt by Chrysler's engineers to combine excess (it does have two HEMI engines) with responsibility (new technology allows the Hurricane to operate on as few as four cylinders). The Hurricane's steering system is a marvel of engineering all by itself.

There are multiple steering modes using four-wheel independent steering. That means that each wheel can turn separately from the others.
In standard steering mode, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, which tightens the turning radius and makes for more accurate steering. In a second mode, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, meaning the Hurricane can "crab-steer" -- move to the side without changing the direction that it faces.

A third mode, utilizing the "T-Box Zero Steer" mechanism, allows all four wheels to "toe-in" and changes the drive direction to each wheel so that they alternate. The result? The Jeep Hurricane has a turning radius of zero. The Hurricane can actually rotate in place.

Facts and Figures

1. Engine: Two 5.7 liter, 8-cylinder HEMI engines

2. Horsepower: 670 hp

3. Torque: 740 ft-lb

4. Transmission: 5-speed automatic

5. Curb Weight: 3,850 lbs (1,746 kg)

6. Length: 151.8 inches (385.6 cm)

7. Width: 80 inches (203.2 cm)

8. Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (274.6 cm)

9. Wheels: 20x10 inches (51x25 cm)

10. Tires: 305/70R20 (all four)

11. 0-60 mph (97 kph): 4.9 seconds