Jeep Gladiator concept
Thread Starter
Wannabe yuppie
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,918
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Jeep Gladiator concept
The Jeep Gladiator marks the resurrection of a Jeep pickup nameplate not heard from since the 1960s, and a body-style absent from the company’s lineup since the death of the ’80s-era Comanche.
The Gladiator is built on a unique platform but takes the simple style trail to strongly resemble the production Renegade. Senior vice president for design Trevor Creed says to expect “a lot in a short time” from Jeep’s corner of the DaimlerChrysler universe, and while DC officials deny the Gladiator is intended for production (natch), Creed’s statement, along with the development of a new platform and the Gladiator’s subdued familial cues, imply a production version might very well be on the cards.
The Gladiator draws power from a 163-hp version of the 2.8-liter common rail turbo-diesel I4 engine now available in the Liberty, with torque rated at a strong 295 lb-ft. Part-time four-wheel-drive is transferred to the wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Other trick features include a rear-seat access hatch on the driver’s side, a full passenger-side rear door, drop-down rear glass and an expandable cargo bed.
In normal configuration, the bed measures 5 feet 6 inches long; with a simple manual process, the rear seat slides beneath the bed and the entire rear bulkhead slides along rails forward into the cab to grow the bed to 8 feet. The Gladiator also features a canvas top similar to the Renegade’s, which may be folded back partially for a sun-roof effect, or removed completely.
http://autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101260
Thread Starter
Wannabe yuppie
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,918
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Look for the Jeep portfolio to expand over the next two years. Industry sources tell Inside Line the redesigned Wrangler will add a new four-door variant, and could spawn a four-door pickup, similar to the Gladiator concept displayed in January at the Detroit show.
The next-generation Wrangler two-door will shift from the current TJ platform to the updated TK platform. It is slated to begin production in Toledo in summer 2006 and will reach the market as a 2007 model.
The long-wheelbase Wrangler four-door, built on a stretched TKL platform, will be considerably wider and longer than today's Wrangler, with exterior styling said to resemble that of the Gladiator concept truck. Insiders say both Laredo and Rubicon trim levels will be offered.
The next-generation Wrangler will move upscale, with improved safety features and more content. Engine choices will include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.7-liter V6. Rumored for the four-door Wrangler only is an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Jeep reportedly will offer buyers a choice of five-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.
A Gladiator-style Jeep pickup reportedly has not yet been approved for production, but Chrysler is said to be considering a 2008 launch.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105399
The next-generation Wrangler two-door will shift from the current TJ platform to the updated TK platform. It is slated to begin production in Toledo in summer 2006 and will reach the market as a 2007 model.
The long-wheelbase Wrangler four-door, built on a stretched TKL platform, will be considerably wider and longer than today's Wrangler, with exterior styling said to resemble that of the Gladiator concept truck. Insiders say both Laredo and Rubicon trim levels will be offered.
The next-generation Wrangler will move upscale, with improved safety features and more content. Engine choices will include a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.7-liter V6. Rumored for the four-door Wrangler only is an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Jeep reportedly will offer buyers a choice of five-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.
A Gladiator-style Jeep pickup reportedly has not yet been approved for production, but Chrysler is said to be considering a 2008 launch.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105399