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 at the rear. Both send their power (335 hp each, and 370 lb-ft of torque) to a central transfer case which distributes the torque to the front and rear split axles. With two engines supplying the power, the Hurricane can blast from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Like all Chrysler Hemis, the Hurricane engines feature cylinder deactivation, so the concept can cruise in 4-, 8-, 12-, or 16-cylinder mode.
Besides the twin powerplants, the Hurricane also defies credulity with its four-wheel steering system. Not only do the front and rear wheels both steer, but they can turn in toward each other, enabling the Hurricane to spin on its own axis. It also can move sideways, by turning all four wheels in the same direction. Those wheels are twenty-inchers wrapped by monster-size (37-inch diameter) off-road tires. The short-long-arm suspension's twenty-inch articulation and the ultra-steep approach and departure angles 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 not to indicate an upcoming new model. Instead, the Hurricane does for Jeep what last year's ME Four-Twelve did for Chrysler and 2003's Tomahawk V-10 motorcycle did for Dodge. That is, the Hurricane is a flag-waving extreme machine that lets Jeep thump its chest and bask in glory.