Jeep Hurricane ConceptThe Chrysler Group raised the bar for the Jeep brand when its newest concept, the Jeep Hurricane, was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. Fully displaying the Chrysler Group's creative and mechanical expertise, the two-seater Jeep Hurricane is equipped with dual 5.7L Hemi engines, one in the front and one in the rear. Combined, the powerplants produce a total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque. The two mills also feature Chrysler Group's Multi-Displacement System (MDS), which allows the driver to power the Hurricane by 4, 8, 12, or 16 cylinders, depending on the driving situation. Engine power is channeled to the wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission, a central transfer case, and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. Additionally, the transfer case features a custom multi-mode that provides 1:1, 2:1, and 4:1 Low-gear ratios.
With 14.3 inches of ground clearance, the Jeep Hurricane features a one-piece structural carbon-fiber body with an aluminum spine running beneath it to both connect the underside and function as a complete skidplate system. The front and rear suspension is mounted directly to the body and offers 20 inches of suspension travel through its short/long-arm independent design and coilover shocks. With 37-inch tires wrapped around 20-inch wheels, the Hurricane boasts incredible approach and departure angles of 64 and 86.7 degrees, respectively. Further maintaining the Hurricane's uniqueness, the new concept features two modes of automated four-wheel steering; the traditional mode allows the rear tires to turn in the opposite direction of the front to reduce the turning circle, and the second mode permits all four wheels to turn in the same direction, thus allowing sideways travel without changing the direction the vehicle is pointing. The Hurricane also achieves a turning radius of absolutely zero, thanks to its skid steer and tow steer capabilities.
The Hurricane is finished with a minimalist approach, offering just two seats and no doors. The interior features exposed carbon fiber and polished-aluminum trim with Black Thunder and Tilumium accents, and the exterior is adorned with Jeep's signature seven-slot grille.
The '05 Kodiak 450Occasionally, we are invited out on the trail with manufacturers of non-Jeep four-wheel machines. This is usually the case when they release a new model year. We recently had the pleasure of attending a press event for the release of Yamaha's '05 Kodiak 450 ATV. The event was held in the Santa Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara, California, on a 30,000-acre private ranch - the perfect place to test this ATV.
Yamaha's '05 Kodiak 450 automatic 4x4 includes a new four-wheel independent rear suspension. Not only does this make the Kodiak more agile and controllable on harsh terrain, but it also gives the rider an amazingly comfortable ride. The Kodiak features an efficient 421cc SOHC liquid-cooled four-stroke engine, Ultramatic transmission with excellent all-wheel downhill braking, and three-position On-Command drive selector that switches from 2WD to 4WD and fully locked differential for maximum versatility.