Jeep Hurricane
What's Chrysler's hottest property? The Hemi V-8. What's better than a Hemi? Two Hemis, of course. That's exactly what the Jeep Hurricane--a highly conceptual, dune-buggy-like off-roader--packs: one forward-facing Hemi up front and a second, rearward-facing Hemi in back. Each makes 335 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, and the Hurricane can blast from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. The Hurricane also defies credulity with its 4-wheel steering system that enables it to spin on its own axis and move sideways. 37-inch tires and 20 inches of articulation add credence to the Hurricane's boast of ultimate off-road vehicle. The chassis and body are both carbon fiber, and they're attached to an aluminum central spine. The point of all this exotic hardware is to create a flag-waving extreme machine that lets Jeep thump its chest and bask in glory.
Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe
The Advanced Lightweight Coupe shows that design director Ian Callum has a clear vision of where he wants to take Jaguar. Yes, it's officially a concept, but this car will hit the road nearly intact as the next-generation 2007 XK8 and XKR coupe and convertible. As its name implies, the concept, like the XJ8 sedan, has a bonded and riveted aluminum skeleton supporting aluminum body panels, which should drop curb weight by several hundred pounds compared with the current car. This plus higher-horsepower versions of the current cars' normally aspirated and supercharged V-8s should put performance near Porsche 911 territory. The 2+2 cabin beautifully balances modernity and sumptuousness, with nary a trace of show-car frippery.
Lexus LF-A
A sports-car concept possibly foreshadowing a supercar from Toyota's premium brand, the LF-A aims to, Lexus says, "explore the outer limits of sports car performance." It would theoretically be developed in tandem with the company's Formula 1 racing efforts to take advantage of competition-grade power- and drivetrains. With an engine capable of pumping out more than 500 horsepower, Lexus estimates a top speed of more than 200 mph. The supercoupe also provides clear hints at future Lexus design. With a Z06-ish rake, it is more visually interesting than any previous Lexus. Exterior features include turbine-inspired wheels, Shrek-ear side mirrors high on the A-pillars, and cool scoops/inlets on the C-pillar. The LF-A's overall length measures 173.2 inches, which is two inches shorter than a Porsche 911 Turbo, but its 101.6-inch wheelbase is nine inches longer. The Lexus is 73.2 inches wide and 48 inches tall. ...next page >>