The U.S. Army Brings Detroit Military Muscle and Efficiency to Chicago

Military vehicles are not the first image that comes to mind when you think of an auto show, but the U.S. Army’s newest concept models are just as significant as the 1,000 other vehicles on display at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show—and, perhaps even more!

The U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal sent a collection of today’s military fleet, as well as two new concept hybrid models from its research, development and engineering center, to showcase some of the latest efforts to produce energy efficiency, save dollars, evaluate environmental concerns and, most critically-to save soldier’s lives.

The two Clandestine Extended Range Vehicles (CERV) are light-weight, diesel-electric hybrid prototypes that have been engineered for reconnaissance, targeting and rescue missions. With a top speed of 80 mph, they have a “silent run” capability of eight miles, can ascend a 60 percent grade, have a torque rating of 5,000 lbs. and a decreased fuel consumption of 25 percent over conventional models. The new green vehicles were developed by the Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) located in Warren, MI, in cooperation with California-based Quantum Technologies.

The U.S. Army also works with the National Automotive Center to develop dual-use technologies with the Detroit automakers on components such as advanced suspension technologies, advanced batteries, hybrid and electric technologies and non-primary power sources like auxiliary power units.