Should Be Made In the early 2000s, creating concept vehicles for American brands under the Chrysler Group aren't new. Moreover, some of them had succeeded by producing several concept vehicles, such as the powerful Tomahawk motorcycle made by Dodge in 2003, then Chrysler with its supercar named ME Four-Twelve in 2004.
The Jeep Hurricane concept appeared for the first time at the 2005 North America International Auto Show in Detroit. (Picture from: WallpaperBetter)
But Jeep, the other brand of the groups succeded to show its face in the future by showing the hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle concept named Jeep Treo onto the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show then in the 2004 North American International Auto Show. Meanwhile for the following year at the 2005 North American International Auto Show stage, the brand back to present something different in the form of the Jeep Hurricane concept to raise the bar for the Jeep brand.
The Jeep Hurricane concept represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group's creative and mechanical expertise. (Picture from: AutoInfluence)
As the name suggests, the Hurricane fits perfectly with the conditions of the vehicle at that time, which was born like a hurricane sweeping everything until it emerged as something completely new. Well, it's made with a design that looks subtle
while still respecting the essential principles of Jeep that we all
know. It could be said that the Jeep Hurricane is an honest, minimalist approach to its design augmented with the Jeep
signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. On the inside,
occupants will be surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished
aluminium with Black Thunder and Tiluminum accents.
The Jeep Hurricane concept is an honest, minimalist approach to its design augmented with the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. (Picture from: AutoInfluence)
The Jeep Hurricane unique design looked more like a combination of a Jeep and a monster truck. It has a one-piece body made of carbon fiber, a strong yet lightweight material that allows for improved performance yet lower fuel consumption. The lightweight body is connected to the chassis by an aluminum spine. Like other Jeeps, the Hurricane has no side doors, neither a roofless. Clearly, this car just for off-roading, not for long-distance rides or everyday driving.
The Jeep Hurricane concept has dimensions of only 3.8 meters in length with very short overhangs
and a wheelbase of 2.75 meters and a height of 36 cm from the ground. (Picture from: WowKeren)
This Jeep's concept has dimensions of only 3.8 meters in length with very short overhangs and a wheelbase of 2.75 meters and a height of 36 cm from the ground. So according to the Jeep designers, the Hurricane was "the easiest Jeep ever built". We do not know from what point of view the assessment was made.
The Jeep Hurricane concept's interior provides a smooth and alluring style with a subtle hint to its sporty performance surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished aluminum with Black Thunder and Tiluminum accents. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
So that passengers and drivers have to make a little effort to be able to access the cabin of this car considering its height. But, once in its cabin, they felt like rulers of the world. The Jeep Hurricane is the only vehicle on the auto-show circuit that provides its own turnable feature. The vehicle features a turn radius of absolutely zero, thanks to skid steer capability and toe steer; the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward.
Here's a unique selector lever that make it possible to make all the wheels steer in the same direction or in different directions between one axle and the other even it can steer at a 45 degree angle so the Hurricane is able to turn on the spot. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
In addition, the vehicle features two modes of automated four-wheel steering. The first is traditional with the rear tires turning in the opposite direction of the front to reduce the turning circle. The second mode is an innovation targeted to off-road drivers: the vehicle can turn all four wheels in the same direction for nimble crab steering. This allows the vehicle to move sideways without changing the direction the vehicle is pointing.
The Jeep Hurricane concept is powered by two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
This Hurricane concept represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group's creative and mechanical expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement considering the Hurricane is not equipped with only one HEMI engine, but there are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back.
The Jeep Hurricane concept's engines one in the front and one in the back with a total power of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
Both engines deliver 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque (with a
total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque). To ensure adequate power and optimal balance at the same time, uniquely, those machines are equipped with the Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS), so the Hurricane can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders depending on the driver's needs.
The Jeep Hurricane concept features a turn radius of absolutely zero, thanks to skid steer capability and toe steer; the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
All of that translates into buckets of torque for climbing obstacles whereas other 4x4 vehicles can't even comprehend, thus it also can save fuel. The transmission is equipped with a five-speed automatic gearbox with a 4:1 ratio which is considered the shortest Jeep has offered and still exists on the Wrangler Rubicon.
The Jeep Hurricane concept won an IDEA Silver Award and a "Best of What’s New" award from Popular Science, and it's sold for $2 million. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
By using its maximum potential, the Jeep Hurricane concept can go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds, and reaches top speeds of 155 mph. Not bad! The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.
While you likely won't find any of these Jeeps for sale at your local Jeep dealership, you will find a lot of the same design that went into their styling and their automotive technology. You may not get the exact same features, but you can enjoy a luxurious ride in a powerful Jeep, making you feel like a million (even if you didn't have to spend that much).
As quoted of Autoinfluence, though it was never produced for commercial sale, reportedly, the Jeep Hurricane won an IDEA Silver Award and a "Best of What’s New" award from Popular Science, and it's sold for $2 million, (if it's true), making it the most expensive Jeep of all time.😮 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | ULTIMATECARPAGE | NETCARSHOW | SUPERCARS.NET | AUTOINFLUENCE ]
Unique ONES What if one car can be transformed into four different models? Apparently, Mercedes-Benz was ever tried it. In 1995, Mercedes-Benz created a concept car called the Mercedes-Benz Vario Research Car (VRC).
Mercedes Benz Vario Research Car (VRC) can be transformed into a sedan, convertible, wagon or pickup within 15 minutes. (Picture from: Jalopnik)
Basically, the Mercedes-Benz VRC is a two-door car with a standard appearance of the front, cabin and wheels, then the automaker completed with several addition parts called the 'superstructure.'
This car can be transformed into a sedan, convertible, wagon or pickup within 15 minutes. How to replace it was fairly easy. Only needed help just to remove the roof of the car as you wish. The exterior of the car is made of plastic that is light enough to be lifted, and strong in case something untoward happens.
Basically, the Mercedes-Benz VRC is a two-door car with a standard appearance of the front, cabin and wheels, then the automaker completed with several addition parts called the 'superstructure.'(Picture from: CintaMobil)
Here are several pictures of Mercedes-Benz Vario Research Car (VRC) in four different models. (All pictures taken from: Jalopnik)
As a Pick up.
As a Station wagon.
As a Convertible.
As a Sedan.
Unfortunately, there is no explanation about the engine used. Although some reports say the automaker is preparing a 1.6L engine for VRC. In addition, this car is actually Mercedes-Benz's first research car that utilizes drive-by-wire technology for steering and brakes by eliminating the mechanical linkage for the system to work more efficiently. Perhaps in the modern era of this kind of system is common, but in 1995 this technology is very futuristic.
The Mercedes-Benz VRC is is equipped with a center color screen and satellite navigation system, some kind of luxury features in 1995.(Picture from: Motor1)
The concept car is equipped with a color center screen and a satellite navigation system, some kind of luxury features in 1995. The car even gets a radar-based speed limit warning system to alert the driver when getting too close to other vehicle in front. The concept also features a traffic sign evaluation system by identifying the speed limit and alerting the driver whenever it exceeds the specified speed limit.
However, like most of the prototype concept car, this car was never produced again after the show was over. Mercedes-Benz used the VRC to test its front-wheel drive cars which was later used in the 1997 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, as well as the Active Body Control Technology previously developed for the VRC was also applied to the A-Class. *** [EKA [29022016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JALOPNIK | MOTOR1 ]
Cool CREATIONS Some time ago while surfing the internet, we met a unique roadster whose at a glance similar to Batmobile on the Funatic_Airline's status on Twitter. At first we had a hard time looking for it all over the internet due to our ignorance regarding the name of the car in Japanese which translates into English as 'Barry Foo Mantarei.' Automatically when we searched with such key-words, there are no results that match to the car whose image is posted on Twitter.🤔
The Bally Hoo Mantaray is designed by Tetsuharu Kawakami of Ballyhoo Custom for Kamiaki Yoshii, and built based on the rare Renault Sport Spider of 1999. (Picture from: Funatic_Airline's status on Twitter)
In short, after knowing the real name of the car is Bally Hoo Mantaray, then we dig up information about the car's origin. Now, let's discuss a little about this unique roadster. As quoted from Wikipedia, the customized roadster is known to have been built by Tetsuharu Kawakami, a Japanese artist, motorcycle and car builder who is also the owner of the Bally Hoo Custom Motorcycle.
The Bally Hoo Mantaray's first appeared in yellow color while exhibited at the 2016 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: TopGear)
Still quoted from the same source, this extraordinary customized car (at least in our opinion) was knew belong to Kamiaki Yoshii, and built based on Renault Sport Spider of 1999. For your info, this donor car is rare car model produced during 1996 to 1999 by Renault Sport (subsdiary of French' auto brand Renault) in only 1,700 units worldwide while the unit that was later customized to be the Mantaray is 1 of 700 units sold in Japan, so that's not a random car.
The
Bally Hoo Mantaray's body was built using Fiber Reinforced Plastic
(FRP) and Carbon Fiber, where the front is designed to resemble the
shape of the mouth from Mantaray. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
The mentioned donor car was purchased by Kamiaki Yoshii in 2014 which then sent it to the Bally Hoo Custom workshop in Atsagi, Kanagawa to be customized as it looks today. According to the automaker the car design was inspired by the world's largest stingray called Mantaray, which also later adopted as the name of the customized car.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's final looks has been changed by installing the
separated windscreen and repainted dominantly in blue pearl, which based
on black, while the first yellow color is only left in the side ducts. (Picture from: Gazoo)
When the Bally Hoo Mantaray is finished, then exhibited for the first time at the 2016 Tokyo Motor Show, at the event it appeared in yellow, which is the Renault's typical color. Now the Mantaray has been repainted dominantly in blue pearl, which based on black to represent the color of those massive sea creature, while the first yellow color is only left on the side ducts.
The Bally Hoo Mantaray is designed by Tetsuharu Kawakami of Ballyhoo Custom for Kamiaki Yoshii, and built based on the rare Renault Sport Spider of 1999. (Picture from: Funatic_Airline's status on Twitter)
This custom car body was built using Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and Carbon Fiber, where the front is designed to resemble the shape of the mouth from Mantaray. Because there is a change in the engine layout that was moved to the back, so the front cowl was converted into the car's trunk, and has a reverse opening structure like the Miura.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's cabin has two seats are integrated with the body, then on the dashboard attached a special-made speedometer, including several instrument panels installed there. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
In the building process of this custom car is used many components taken from various other vehicle parts. Besides that, in its final looks, the Mantaray
has also been changed by installing the separated windscreen (each on
the driver and passenger sides), and uniquely, then on the screen's frame is mounted with rearview mirror on each sides.
Then there is a carbon fiber air intake installed between the separeted windscreen has a function to flow air to rears. There are two holes of the air intakes, and the wind during driving is used instead of the air conditioner. When winter comes, those two holes of the air intakes is closed and radiator heat is released to the feet through the pipe replace the heater.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray is powered by the Renault Sport Spider's original engine, a 1,988 cc inline horizontal 4 cylinder mid-mounted engine. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
On the front fender is installed turn signal lights, which on one of them on the passenger side was equipped with a camera. While the side ducts is made of carbon fiber with a shape similar to a manta ray's wing and is painted in yellow which was the car's first color.
Meanwhile at rear, there're two tunnels have been built in the rear cowl to solve the problem that heat tends to be trapped in the engine, which was one of the disadvantages of the base car with the shark fins also are installed between the tunnels to regulate better airflow.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's rear has two tunnels have been built in the rear cowl to solve the problem that heat tends to be trapped in the engine. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
The Mantaray' cabin has two seats are integrated with the body. Then on the dashboard attached a special-made speedometer, including several instrument panels installed there. The steering is also one-off and made of all carbon, plus a screen monitor is attached to the center console to capture the image of the side camera.
The
Ballyhoo Mantaray's final looks has been changed by installing the
separated windscreen and repainted dominantly in blue pearl, which based
on black, while the first yellow color is only left in the side ducts. (Picture from: Option.Tokyo)
So what about the powertrain? The Bally Hoo Mantaray concept is powered by the Renault Sport Spider's original engine, a 1,988 cc inline horizontal 4 cylinder mid-mounted engine, which capable of producing a maximum power of 150 PS at 6,000 rpm.
By looking at its overall appearance, in Our opinion, the Bally Hoo's car creation worthy to be the next-Batmobile (at least for Batman while he visited in Japan). Just kidding.😀Or Might be You willing to see another Japanese compact-sized sports cars which also was not widely known by the public before such the Suzusho Suppase V. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | S.RESPONSE.JP| WIKIPEDIA | GAZOO | TOPGEAR ]
Should Be Made Speaking of Jeep,
as one of the legendary American cars brands which is almost always associated with masculism, adventure and the outdoors. Or is there anything else? Therefore, it is not surprising that all of the elements mentioned above were carried over when Jeep tried to present a future vehicle concept called the Jeep Treo in the early 2000s.
The Jeep Treo is designed by Freeman Thomas and made its first public appearance the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Besides that this vehicle concept also exemplifies a flowing meaningful imagination, packaged and presented in an unexpectedly stunning shapes packages that is challenging in dimensions, the traditional hallmark of the brand, but in the end it can still be seen and recognized as an authentic Jeep.
Related to its name of 'Treo' has meaning for "three" which refers to the unique 2+1 seating configuration concept. (Picture from: AutoAbah)
Related to its name of 'Treo' has meaning for "three" which refers to the unique 2+1 seating configuration concept. This Treo concept presents a bold new Jeep's signature "face" designed by Freeman Thomas, appeared for the first time at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, followed with the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January 2004.
The Jeep Treo is powered by two electric motors driving the front and rear wheels, giving the vehicle full-time four-wheel drive capability. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
At that time the Treo was intended to be the next-generation Jeep'surban-active vehicle that allowed it to thrive in an urban or college environment which also could be easily take its owner to various outdoor activities. All of this could be possible because the Treo has been embedded with the freedom to use fuel cell technology.
The Jeep Treo still has classic Jeep design elements such as the seven-slot grille, the headlights with big eyes and the presence of new nuanced prominent windshield. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
Thus it can be said this Treo is a forward-thinking concept vehicle that comes with a concise design as well as fits well with its equally forward-thinking alternative propulsion systems. Well, by envisioning efficient, hydrogen fuel cell powering all four wheels via dual electric motors, the Treo is designed to be able running in all-terrains and conditions while being sensitive and friendly to the environment.
The Jeep Treo's interior is spaciousness and usability, besides its future material mesh technology with tactile textures and surfaces, resulting in a bright, open and functional interior environment. (Picture from: GizModo)
Although the car concept appears in compact dimensions, but classic Jeep design elements such as the seven-slot grille, the headlights with big-sized "eye-balls" and the presence of new nuanced prominent windshield and later enhanced by the lower purpose front bumper with rugged, large tow hooks, slightly exposed front suspension componentry and bolt-on fenders.
The Jeep Treo concept has a unique interior packaging of 'Driven' by 'Drive-by-Wire' controls, and made of advanced materials. (Picture from: CarBase)
The Treo's shape narrows front-to-back, and culminates in a dramatically tapered tail, which is augmented by twin, high-mounted wing spars equiped with the lights which have three functional roles as turn-signal, brake and tail-lights, besides as the cooling air intakes and an exterior mounting point for two bicycles. "The Treo's appearance is rugged and purposeful the evolution of a truly imaginative Jeep 'face' with nice packaging that belies its compact dimensions.
The Jeep Treo concept has an augmented by twin, high-mounted wing spars equiped with the lights which
have three functional roles as turn-signal, brake and tail-lights,
besides as the cooling air intakes. (Picture from: NetCarShow)
The advanced drive-by-wire system provides attractive functional detail to the Treo's interior, which in turn allows for instant adaptation to either left or right drive. The steering column, pedals and instrumentation are all contained in a single module with a piece of sculpture that can easily slide to either side of the car which mounts to a one-piece structural beam, while the second module contains radio, GPS and HVAC controls on the detachable touchscreen.
The Jeep Treo concept is designed to be able running in all-terrains and conditions while being sensitive and friendly to the environment. (Picture from: ConceptCar.ee)
These unique functional design features, combined with the added visibility provided by the Jeep's translucent grille and creative greenhouse design, contribute to the Treo's spacy interior, and allowing it to take full advantage of natural and ambient light sources. The overall effect of the Treo's interior is spaciousness and usability, besides its future material mesh technology with tactile textures and surfaces, resulting in a bright, open and functional interior environment.
The Jeep Treo concept can also carry two bikes attached on special exterior mounting points at the back. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Uniquely, the Treo's rear seats can be folded to store more Your outdoor gears, although actually the front wheels of the bicycles (are hanged at rear) can be stowed in the rear without disturbing the rear passengers. "The Treo's visionary vehicle packaging with basic 2+1 seat configuration and built-in flexibility is perfect for future Jeep activities seekers, and in deed at an entry-level price point.
Although the Treo concept could be said as a forward-thinking concept vehicle. However, the vehicle remained a one-off car due to the automaker not yet willing to exploit all its advantages in the form of a production version of the vehicle. But now after 20 years with all the technology offered by this Jeep's concept has become one of major trends today, so it's time to change the mind for the car maker whose now subsidiary of Stellantis.😍 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | GIZMODO.AU | WIKIPEDIA | JALOPNIK | MOTOR1 | CONCEPTCAR.EE ]
ECO FriendlY Given the depletion of fossil fuels, making the man trying to find fuel alternatives. No exception to the world automotive industry also vying to make automotive products that use alternative fuels. When the use of pure electric energy or hybrid (combined with gasoline or diesel engines) an option taken by most automotive industry for their vehicles. Apparently there is another alternative fuels that can be combined with electric power to drive the motor vehicle, namely hydrogen.
The hydrogen-fueled Suzuki Crosscage hybrid motorcycle concept has debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Bikenet)
So on this occasion we will discuss hydrogenpowered hybrid vehicle. This Hydrogen-powered hybrid motorcycle is made by Suzuki and given named Suzuki Crosscage Hybrid Motorcycle concept. To make this concept motorcycle, Suzuki cooperating with the British company, Intelligent Energy, which make this a great collaboration since Intelligent Enegy has its own hydrogen generation plants.
Side view of Suzuki Crosscage Hybrid Motorcycle concept. (Picture from: Tuvie)
Inteligent Energy has a portfolio that includes a range of world-class fuel cell, fuel processing, desulphurization and hydrogen generation technologies. The company's existing home hydrogen generation system means you'll be able to make your own hydrogen at home. This hybrid motorcycle first appeared on the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show along with its sibling called Suzuki Biplane Concept.
Front view of Suzuki Crosscage Hybrid Motorcycle concept. (Picture from: Tuvie)
The Suzuki Crosscage Hybrid Motorcycle concept is a fuel-cell motorcycle in which a simple, compact, lightweight air-cooled fuel-cell system and a high-performance secondary battery are brought together in a way that realizes optimal power control.
A fuel-cell unit from the British specialist company such as the Intelligent Energy that delivers quick activation with low fuel consumption, and a lithium-ion battery combines safety with a low environmental burden.
The simplicity, compactness, and lightness of these technologies not only make the crosscage environment-friendly; they also helped enable sporty styling befitting the Suzuki name.
Intelligent Energy as the makers of the ENV bike, (say "en-vee") a fuel-cell and electric hybrid bike. The Crosscage concept uses Intelligent Energy’s thin-membrane-construction fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery (unlike the ENV, which uses lead-acid batteries), to "combine safety with a low environmental burden," according to the Suzuki press release.
The ENV was powered by a 6kW 48 volt motor and with energy supplied from Intelligent Energy's 1 kW hydrogen fuel cell, was capable of 50 mph (80 kph) and by the time it reached market, was forecast to be able to reach most speed limits and exceed its then range of 100 miles (160 kilometers).
The Crosscage, for all its devilish good looks, cannot be expected to perform any better than speed limits, and having no extra performance up your sleeve
Rear view of Suzuki Crosscage Hybrid Motorcycle concept. (Picture from:NewAtlas)
Not much information is circulating about this bike, but this bike is obviously already using compressed hydrogen fuel is equivalent to 125cc petrol engine and using an automatic transmission. This motorcycle using Michellin tires with 17-inches rims. The indicator panel have been using a combination of the analog and digital.
Despite the eco-friendly copy, the bike looks performance-oriented, and the chassis is as unique as the drive system. The Crosscage's design uses large-diameter tubing and a unique center brace on each side. The front and rear wheels use single-sided swingarms, and overall there is an emphasis on light weight, which should equate to good handling, not to mention longer battery life.
Hydrogen as a cheap, readily available fuel source is many years away, so don’t look for a bike like this in showrooms soon. But as a message that Suzuki can design environmentally conscious vehicles that are still sporty and fun to ride, the Crosscage is loud and clear.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay
alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so
does the cops...... *** [EKA [24062013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUZUKICYCLES.ORG | NEWATLAS | JALOPNIK | TUVIE | BIKENET ]
But Jeep, the other brand of the groups succeded to show its face in the future by showing the hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle concept named Jeep Treo onto the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show then in the 2004 North American International Auto Show. Meanwhile for the following year at the 2005 North American International Auto Show stage, the brand back to present something different in the form of the Jeep Hurricane concept to raise the bar for the Jeep brand.
As quoted of Autoinfluence, though it was never produced for commercial sale, reportedly, the Jeep Hurricane won an IDEA Silver Award and a "Best of What’s New" award from Popular Science, and it's sold for $2 million, (if it's true), making it the most expensive Jeep of all time.😮 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ID.MOTOR1 | ULTIMATECARPAGE | NETCARSHOW | SUPERCARS.NET | AUTOINFLUENCE ]
