Concept cars

2005 Jeep Hurricane Concept

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July 15, 2005

It's quite possible that some Hurricane styling details will find their way to the upcoming TJ (Wrangler) replacement,

The Hurricane shows that Chrysler Group remains the leading dream car builder, one of few automakers still willing to throw convention, and money to the wind. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

such as the stylized seven-slat grille and classic circular headlamps, but these are a given for anything wearing the TJ (Wrangler) designation. The new production model won't be as powerful or as competent off the beaten path, mind you, but expect it to be the most capable 4x4 in its class.

In reality, there's nothing at all real about the Hurricane, which is exactly what makes it such an important concept vehicle. It shows that Chrysler Group remains the leading dream car builder, one of few automakers still willing to throw convention, and money to the wind, and build something that can tempt anyone's imagination to run free. Truly, there's very little in the automotive world that's so blatantly playful anymore, with most automakers content to play the politically correct game of touting their environmentally friendly

Chrysler Group gets it, when so many of its rivals just don't have a clue. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

mono-boxes ad nauseam, its all getting a little bit too serious and too, yawn, boring.

But the Auburn-Hills manufacturer gets it, when so many of its rivals just don't have a clue. Maybe this is why it's on the upswing while its domestic competitors are struggling to even get noticed for anything more than declining market share, problems with junk bond ratings and pension plans that can't be funded.

Hopefully Chrysler Group will hold true to its fun-loving spirit as it tries to build on the sales success it is now enjoying, and bring more surprises to auto shows of the future.

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