Monday, January 10, 2005

Daniel Mears / The Detroit News The Jeep Hurricane concept unveiled Sunday is Chrysler's answer to critics who say the rugged brand has gone soft.

This baby's got 2 Hemis

By Brett Clanton / The Detroit News

Auto Show Reports Chrysler shows off tough, flashy concepts Jeep Hurricane concept spins like a turntable This baby's got 2 Hemis Model Information Get detailed reports, specifications, ownership costs, and wholesale and retail prices. Photo Galleries Jeep Hurricane concept Jeep Gladiator concept 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2005 Jeep Liberty Video Jeep Reviews 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee What a concept! Which concept car or new model are you most excited about seeing at the Detroit auto show? Get results and comments Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

Yeah, that thang's got a Hemi. In fact, it's got two.

In a surprise move Sunday, DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group unveiled the Jeep Hurricane concept, a brawny off-roader powered by two of the automaker's famous V-8 engines and an answer to critics who believe the famously rugged Jeep brand is going soft.

"We haven't forgotten, nor will we ever forget, what makes a Jeep a Jeep," said Chrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche, standing next to the open-top monster at the 2005 North American International Auto Show.

Chrysler will more than double the Jeep lineup by 2007, beginning this year with a luxury SUV and later with expected car-based models, but Hurricane makes clear that Jeep is not ready to abandon its off-road heritage.

The Hurricane's two engines -- one in front, one back -- combine to make 670 horsepower, and offer 740 foot-pounds of torque. It has 14 inches of ground clearance, and does 0 to 60 in less than 5 seconds. The signature feature is a steering system that allows it to turn in a complete circle in the same spot.

While Hurricane is a concept, Zetsche said patents developed could show up on future Jeeps.