Chrysler Group Surprises Detroit Auto Show Attendees with Three New Concepts

Chrysler 300 Wins North American Car of the Year

On the day that Chrysler's 300 took North American Car of the Year honors, Sunday, January 9, the Auburn Hills-based

Eric Ridenour, Executive Vice President Product Development for Chrysler Group, poses with the 2005 Chrysler 300, the North American Car of the Year. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

automaker debuted three exciting new concepts at the Detroit auto show, two which were expected, being that early artist's renderings were released way back in November, and one that was a complete surprise.

But surprises aren't anything new to Chrysler Group. Two years ago the automaker rolled out the outrageous Viper-powered Tomahawk motorcycle and literally stole the show, followed up last year by the sensational ME Twelve concept, theoretically one of the fastest supercars in the world.

DaimlerChrysler recently announced that the 2004 NAIAS prototype won't be getting the nod for production, amazingly

Much of the Hurricane's innovative drive system could end up underpinning a future model wearing the "original 7-slat grille". (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

something that the domestic brand was considering, but some of yesterday's concepts may have a fighting chance.

The big surprise probably won't become part of Jeep's production lineup, 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. 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 side forward and those on the other side in reverse.