Jeep Gladiator- People who want it built!
The recently released drawings of the Jeep Gladiator from Daimler-Chrysler has created a stirring excitement from people who have imagined owning a vehicle like this for long time. Compare what the Jeep has to what is now being offered by the pick-up truck segment and it's no wonder. A rough and ready bush whacking vehicle that you can hose out at the end of the day! A fuel sipping diesel developed by the masters of the diesel engine Mercedes-Benz, and the go anywhere legend by Jeep. This is what sportsman, farmers, ranchers, construction workers, lumberjacks, and week-end warriors have been waiting for. If your ready to trade some paint against some bark, then sell your fancy pick-up that claims to be tough and get on board the Gladiator freight train and tell the world that you want it! Right here!
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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.
The second concept, for now dubbed Firepower (Chrysler does not own the name and will need a new one prior to Detroit), is based on the V10 Viper’s architecture but uses the 6.1-liter, 425 hp, 420-lb-ft Hemi V8 that will see first light in the forthcoming 300C SRT-8. Again, officials say there are no production plans, but envision the car occupying the space between the Crossfire and (in theory) the ME412 in Chrysler’s performance portfolio.
Though the car is Viper-based—and Creed referenced Chevrolet’s Corvette as a key competitor (again, in theory)—the designers envision “Firepower” as more grand tourer than outright sports car; hence the softened suspension and five-speed automatic transmission. Brakes are 14-inch Brembos at all four corners, and the huge rubber measures 275/35 R19 up front, 335/30 R20 in back. Engineers estimate the car is capable of bolting from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds or less, and a 185 mph top speed.
Whether either car ever meets a production line, Chrysler has produced two concepts that would fill obvious holes in both Jeep’s and its own product lineup; executives will keep careful watch on public reaction at Detroit in January.
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What I mean is the Wrangler is an awesome off road vehicle, but a pickup version would only be a convertible pickup that can go anywhere(still cool, and more functional than the current Wrangler). They need to up the towing capacity to at least 6500lbs(thats what the Grand Cherokee is rated for), because it is a pickup. I think the diesel engine alone should definitley put it up to 4500lbs towing capacity, just give it a good underbody that can handle towing stress, and some Dana 44 or higher axles and it will be good.
It looks like an awesome vehicle, I would buy it. I think as far as the interior goes they should have vinyl floors with cloth or vinyl seats(whichever you want), and then all the things that make the vehicle tolerable AC, Heater, front rear defrost, CD player, and Infinity Gold sound system(only the essentials course). It should probably have an automatic transmission as an option, seeing as how most people are too lazy to shift. I think it would be nice to have a front split bench seat, with the shifter on the floor not on a console, conected to the floor. Three people could ride better up front than two in the front, and one in that extended cab looking thing(if thats even what it is). Jeep needs to work on is it's interior space bad, I'm a fat guy and I like room. So if they don't give me any extra room it'd be nice to have a telescoping tilt wheel.
Well that concludes my wish list any more info on the Gladiator would be nice, some interior shots or something, and whats the scoop on the pickup bed extending, and the extended cab thing.
Jeep make this vehicle now.
Isn't that an oxymoron?
Bob
Anyone notice the strong similarities to AEV's Brute (which I also love)?
Couldn't DCX use the current reg. cab Powerwagon's frame/axles/tranny setup as a starting point and just redesign the Wrangler body to fit - then it could be offered as an 06 model in 05 - or am I missing something obvious?
Just a thought...
Build this truck Jeep!
If not Heavy Quarter ton maybe Light Half Ton lol.
JeeperNut
http://autoshow.edmunds.com/news/autoshow/articles/103626/page012- .html?tid=edmunds.e.autoshow..leftnav.13.*
Also I sent an email to Jeep re: the Gladiator asking them to build it from this link:
http://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.jsp?screenName=newV- ehicle&country=us&emailUrl=goToEmailForm%28%27R%27%29
I posted this on the wrangler board. I'll put it here also for good measure.
THIS LINK IS TO A POLL FOUND IN TODAYS DETROIT AUTO INSIDER. THERE IS ALSO A SHORT ARTICLE ON CHRYSLERS PLANS TO MANUFACTURE THIS VEHICLE FOR THE '06 MODEL YEAR.
your interest in the Jeep Gladiator.
Concept vehicles allow us to "test the waters", enable our product
development team to explore new directions in vehicle design, and often
serve as test beds for new technologies. The determination to proceed
beyond the concept stage to manufacture and sale is based on careful
study of market conditions, and may be affected by numerous factors,
including popular response. As such, valued feedback from customers such
as yourself is an integral part of this process. Due to the number of
variable factors involved in vehicle development and production, as well
as matters of industry competition, information regarding forthcoming
vehicle models cannot always be provided prior to introduction. However,
your expression of interest will be placed on record for our ongoing
process of product development. Authorized information regarding current
and future vehicles is made available through periodic updates to our
website, and through our product information line at 1-800-361-3700. For
information on concept vehicles past and present, with hints of some
possible futures, you can visit the Chrysler Design Institute website at
design.chrysler.com .
Thank you for taking the time to write to us for expressing an interest.
THIS WAS A REPLY I RECIEVED FROM CHRYSLER CANADA AFTER SENDING THEM A QUICK E-MAIL EXPRESSING MY INTEREST IN THEM BUILDING THE GLADIATOR. THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS FORUM AND ARE KEENLY INTERESTED IN WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT. HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO TELL THEM!
-Paul
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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"Hhhmmm, we have a plant there, so people will know about it. Let's show it somewhere else that doesn't have one of our plants around."
Didn't say it was right, just a possible line of thought.
When was the auto show? I would have loved to have come up, seen my family and seen some great cars!
-Paul
wonder if the Viper would have been as big a success if they hadn't shown it EVERYWHERE!
-Paul
Sorry Paul - it was like a week ago, Feb 2-6.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I would buy a Gladiator just based on the photos. Keep the diesel and six speed. Don't be crazy on the price.
From what I have read this is a much larger truck than a wrangler pickup would be. Is that right from anyone who has seen it in person?
ARTICLE-From Motor Trend
The Gladiator concept takes yet another stab at a Jeep pickup, and this appears a logical and easy-to-produce machine. Its engine is a 163-horsepower, 295-pound-foot turbodiesel (specs virtually equal to the new Liberty CRD’s 2.8-liter four) with part-time four-wheel drive. With a 138-inch wheelbase, its dimensions are close to those of the midsize Dodge Dakota pickup. It’s also described as a concept, but it clearly gives clues to the design direction of the 2007 Wrangler. Jeep used the Gladiator name on a pickup built from 1963 to 1969. Despite the Wrangler/Liberty styling themes, Chrysler says the Gladiator’s platform is unique. The club cab has a small lower access door on the driver/sidemount side and a full-height rear-hinged half-door on the passenger side.
The sidemount spare saves space and allows rear overhang to be short, and it recalls the spares on the early J-10 Gladiators. Rugged and basic; top is canvas, for an open-air option. Rear-window glass rolls down, the rear seat cushion drops and slides under the deep bed, which slides forward to extend from its 5.6-foot standard size to eight feet in length.
The Gladiator concept takes yet another stab at a Jeep pickup, and this appears a logical and easy-to-produce machine. Its engine is a 163-horsepower, 295-pound-foot turbodiesel (specs virtually equal to the new Liberty CRD’s 2.8-liter four) with part-time four-wheel drive. With a 138-inch wheelbase, its dimensions are close to those of the midsize Dodge Dakota pickup. It’s also described as a concept, but it clearly gives clues to the design direction of the 2007 Wrangler. Jeep used the Gladiator name on a pickup built from 1963 to 1969. Despite the Wrangler/Liberty styling themes, Chrysler says the Gladiator’s platform is unique. The club cab has a small lower access door on the driver/sidemount side and a full-height rear-hinged half-door on the passenger side.
The sidemount spare saves space and allows rear overhang to be short, and it recalls the spares on the early J-10 Gladiators. Rugged and basic; top is canvas, for an open-air option. Rear-window glass rolls down, the rear seat cushion drops and slides under the deep bed, which slides forward to extend from its 5.6-foot standard size to eight feet in length.
Will try to post pic's......
THIS LINK HAS SOME GREAT PIC'S....
Keep the power on it up - I'm sure it is not a light vehicle! Offer a variety of engine choices - nothing less than 6 cylinders (Notice I didn't say V-6 or inline 6). Hemi would be good, since they are putting one in the Grand now anyway, offering it across the line would be nice.
The looks of it give it a retro look along the lines of the new Mustang, but it looks forward too. You KNOW it's a Jeep. THAT can never be left off!
-Paul
Having said that, I still think the Gladiator is hot and needs to be built.
http://www.webejeepin.com/images/History/willys-truck-lg.jpg
It's a very logical path for Jeep to follow, if they decide to get back in the pickup market.
Bob