Monster New Jeep Blows In

This isn't a wind-up - it's the Jeep Hurricane! Breezing on to the stand at the Detroit Motor Show, it featured two engines, huge ground clearance and the ability to turn its front and rear wheels inwards. As in our main picture, it really can spin on a dime.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Matt Joy

18th January 2005

Although billed as a concept, the Hurricane would be one of the most capable off-roaders ever. Two 5.7-litre V8 HEMI engines, mounted front and rear, give the 4x4 a combined output of 670bhp and 1,004Nm of torque.

However, a clever cylinder shutdown system called MDS allows it to work on 12, eight or even four cylinders during light running for maximum efficiency. Power is transferred to the road through a four-wheel-drive system, giving a 0-60mph time of under five seconds.

Most impressive is the vehicle's manoeuverability, thanks to its sophisticated four-wheel-steering system. The rear wheels can turn in the same direction as the fronts for 'crab-steer', moving the Hurricane sideways across the ground. Or all the rubber can point inwards, so it will spin round on the spot. It's a useful skill for when drivers are off-roading, as well as helping cheeky U-turns around town. The single- piece body and chassis is made from carbon fibre, with the mechanicals bolted directly to it, making it light but also strong.
With short overhangs front and rear, plus 37-inch tyres, the Jeep can ascend and descend very steep slopes - up to 86 degrees downhill without grounding the body. A full-length aluminium spine underneath gives extra protection in extreme conditions.

Although there are no plans for a production Hurricane, some elements will influence future Jeep models.