Jeep® Gladiator: Super Utility Truck Loads Up on Jeep Heritage, Innovation and Rugged Function

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Detroit, Jan 09, 2005
Jeep® brand vehicles are known for being able to conquer terrain that competitors fear and for a heritage steeped in utility. The Jeep Gladiator concept vehicle rides over boundaries and limits in addition to the terrain and obstacles.

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The Gladiator is a lifestyle pickup with all of the rugged functionality of the famed Jeep Wrangler. It is a super utility truck that features an open-air canvas roof, removable doors and fold-down windshield so driver and passengers can get in touch with the outdoors, and an expandable pickup-truck bed and clever storage compartments to offer truly useful cargo capacity.

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“Jeep Gladiator is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage that explores what shape and features a modern Jeep pickup might have,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design.

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Jeep enthusiasts will likely recognize the Gladiator name from the 1962 fullsize pickup truck model. Other Jeep elements on today’s Gladiator that blend style and function include the seven-slot grille, an open-air passenger compartment, a Command Trac® part-time 4x4 system, front- and rear-locking differentials, a front winch and full skid plates.

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While the heritage rings true, Gladiator is also a thoroughly modern pickup, intelligently engineered for an active lifestyle. The Jeep brand has always embodied function in a right-sized vehicle, and the Gladiator continues that theme by offering more utility and storage than would be expected in a vehicle scaled for maneuverability and ease of driving.

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There is a driver-side cabin-storage access panel as well as a lockable storage panel in front of the rear wheel. The 4-foot-wide bed space is expandable with storage that can extend inside the cabin when more length is needed. The bed can be transformed easily from its standard length of 5 foot, 8 inches (1,725 mm) to 6 foot, 8 inches (2,026 mm) with the midgate expanded, and ultimately to 8 foot, 11 inches (2,723 mm) with the midgate expanded and tailgate down.

Gladiator is powered by the modern and efficient 2.8-liter, 4-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine that provides 295 lb-ft of torque and 163 hp. It delivers ample power to all four wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission and a traditional part-time transfer case.

The front and rear suspension are multi-link designs for a smooth ride over all surfaces with plenty of suspension travel for capable off roading. Coilover shocks are used at all four corners for superb control. The rear incorporates dual, concentric springs for a comfortable ride while offering a 1,500-pound payload. Key off-roading specifications include a ground clearance of 13.7 inches (348 mm), break-over angle of 23.2 degrees and an approach/departure angle of 47.6 /38.0 degrees, respectively. Tires in the front and rear are 34 inches in diameter (265/75R18) mounted on 18x8 inch wheels.

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On the interior, Gladiator is thoroughly contemporary with a utility theme. The color palate includes Armour Green with Dark Slate Gray accents. The seats are weatherproof and the interior is designed for hose-out ease of care. Not surprisingly, Gladiator features all the necessary technology for finding the way there and back including GPS, a navigation system and a communications system.

“This vehicle blends classic cues with contemporary functionality and innovation,” said Creed. “The timeless silhouette – even the bedside-mounted spare of classic Jeep pickups– is merged with a modern chassis, a turbo diesel powertrain and a flexible, expandable truck bed.”

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Specifications:
Weight (estimated): 4,150 lbs. (1,882 kg)

Length: 205 inches (5,207 mm)

Wheelbase: 138.4 inches (3,515mm)

Front Overhang: 28.3 inches (718mm)

Rear Overhang: 38.3 inches (974 mm)

Width: 76.6 inches (1,947 mm)

Height: 74.8 inches (1,900 mm)

Track, Frt/Rr: 65.6/66.2 inches (1,667/1,681 mm)

Engine: 2.8-liter 1-4 turbo diesel

Transfer Case: Command Trac, NVG231

Transmission: Manual 6-speed

Axle Gear Ratio: 3:73:1

Front Suspension: 4-link with coilover shocks

Rear Suspension: 5-link with coilover shocks

Ground Clearance – 13.7 inches (348 mm)

Break-Over Angle - 23.2 degrees

Approach/Depart Angle – 47.6/38.0 degrees

Tire Size: 265/75R18

Wheel Size: 18x8 inches

DaimlerChrysler Media

That tire size ( 265/75/18) is great.

I wish there were more tire choices available in the 265 width.

In a strange way, I kinda like this vehicle. Very military'ish. However, that back seet is just too small to be usable. They need a CC like a Toyota Tacoma. I'm excited as heck by the diesel engine. Wonder if it has a chance in hell of making it into production. Jeep seems to be wanting to put a truck back in the market but it seems all attempts just fail.

I agree with DJP. It looks very nice and the diesel is quite interesting..... But, that back seat does look mighty small ----

everything looks great to me but the diesel engine does not look powerful enough . they should put a diesel engine with more hp and tourqe .

I like it a lot. If you take 4150lb/295ftlb=14. My Dmax weights 6600/520=12.7. I think 300ft lbs of torque will be fine. The back seat is worthless but if it folds a nice storage area.

But Will We Ever See It????

I don't think you'll see the Jeep truck but I do think the Rescue will become available. It's the Hummer Killer built on a 2500 Dodge with SFA and the Cummins.

Some of you guys seem to be in touch a little more than i on whats goin on so do yall think they will make a rubicon with a diesel like the liberty?