DaimlerChrysler announced late last year that the 2004 NAIAS supercar prototype won't be getting the nod for production,
 |
| Much of the Hurricane's innovative drive system, which allows it to literally spin on a dime, could end up underpinning a future model wearing the "original 7-slat grille". (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
The big surprise of the event probably won't become part of Jeep's production lineup, mind you, but nevertheless much of the Hurricane's innovative drive system could end up underpinning a future model wearing the "original 7-slat grille", as DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche made a point of specifying (a knock to Hummer that had recently won a lawsuit allowing it to continue using its very similar seven-slat grille for its products).
Dubbed "T-Box" Zero Steer Functionality, the Hurricane has the capability of pointing its opposing wheels in opposite directions, which, when starting from standstill, rotates the vehicle in a near perfect circle by spinning the wheels on one
 |
| Jeep made sure the Hurricane was adequately powered via two 335-horsepower 5.7-litre HEMI V8s with 370 lb-ft of torque each. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
A camera positioned directly above the Hurricane showed the SUV cum dune buggy spinning on a giant dime (U.S. Currency), the only vehicle ever made that actually lives up to the old car salesman's line.
As if this unique capability wasn't enough, Jeep made sure it was adequately powered via two 335-horsepower 5.7-litre HEMI V8s with 370 lb-ft of torque each. To save you having to get out the calculator, that's 670-horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque, split between the front and rear axles. And to think that the Hurricane could have used two 6.1-litre SRT engines for a total of 850-horsepower and 840 lb-ft of torque. OK, that's just silly.