CONCEPT VEHICLES

Motor, Mar 2005 by Nash, Tom

GM Sequel

Although General Motors showed its near-future Graphyte dual-mode hybrid, it was the hydrogen cell prototype, the Sequel (shown on the next page), that drew the most attention. It's the next generation of last year's HyVVire hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, with its body mounted on an 11-in.-thick skateboardlikc platform containing all driving components. Using the fourth-generation GM fuel cell stack, it can do 0 to 60 in about nine seconds. Three compressed hydrogen tanks hidden inside the platform give it a range of 300 miles.

Ford Fairlane

Ford unveiled its new approach to the luxury peoplemover concept, designed for family or group travel. The tall, boxy body has three rows of seats, lots of glass and, at the rear, a kitchen with refrigerator, cutting board and utensils, for tailgating or the impromptu picnic. The side doors open clam style, for easy access. The tailgate opens down or swings away in either direction. The Fairlane is powered by a 210-hp, 3.0L Duratec DOHC V6, driving an AWD system. There are lots of safety features, including stability control and a safety canopy rollover air bag system.

Lexus LF-A

Lexus showed the gorgeous LF-A concept vehicle, considered by many to be a luxury supercar street version of its Formula 1 car. It's powered by a competition-style engine of under 5.0L, but its more than 500 hp pushes top speed to over 200 mph. While the LF-A is officially only a concept at this time, company officials did confirm that a car of this type is being considered for production.

Jeep Hurricane

Just when you think you've seen it all, DaimlerChrysler outdoes itself. Following on 2002's Tomahawk VlO-powered motorcycle and the 850-hp ME Four-Twelve supercar last year, the engineers at Auburn Hills unveiled the Jeep Hurricane, a dune buggy with not one, but two Hemi engines! With one 5.7L at each end of the vehicle, the total of 670 hp and 740 ft.-lbs. of torque drives the wheels through a special system of electromechanical controls. It sports a one-piece ultra-lightweight carbon fiber and titanium body. The uber off-roader can toe both sets of wheels inward and spin on its own axis!

Rolls-Royce 100EX

From the ridiculous to the sublime (and still a little ridiculous), Rolls-Royce says this "experimental" vehicle was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first meeting of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. It's made with plenty of weight-saving aluminum, both structurally and on the exterior-most notably the brightly polished hood and window frame. Under the shiny hood lies a 9.OL, 64-valve, naturally aspirated V16 engine that cranks out nearly 700 hp to turn the big 21-in. wheels. Its huge clam-style doors allow easy access to the luxurious mahogany and dark leather interior. For tailgating, the split trunk lid folds out to become a table to serve the champagne and caviar.