Jeep Gladiator Concept

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Have not seen anyone talk about this Jeep.......What do you think of it?

........I kind of like it!


""Jeep unveiled its Gladiator concept pickup at the Detroit auto show, bringing to light what many enthusiasts hope is a indication of things to come from the brand. In addition to having unmistakable classic Jeep styling, strongly influenced by the Wrangler and CJs of the past, the truck is equipped with all the requisite hardware that Jeep enthusiasts look for. The powertrain mates the 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel from the Liberty CRD to a six-speed manual transmission. The truck also features front and rear locking differentials, and of course, a proper two-speed NVG231 transfer case.

Taking a cue from the Chevy Avalanche, the Gladiator features an expandable bed that is four feet wide, and can expand lengthwise from a compact 5 feet, 8 inches to 6 foot, 8 inches with the midgate expanded, and ultimately to 8 foot, 11 inches with the midgate expanded and tailgate down, for those trips to the lumberyard for the proverbial 4x8 sheets of plywood.""

......more of article and pics at link below.

http://4wheeloffroad.com/featuredvehicles/131_0502_glad/


http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/gladiator/gallery.html

 

[Brian McVickers]

I like the square lines, kind of makes it look tough and beefy. Kind of looks like a classic style old pickup with the spare on the side but I think I would want to relocate the spare. I would feel guilty for making anyone sit in that back seat! Looks like a ton of potential. And I really like the sunroof.


Think the Hurricane will ever see production?
http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/concept_cars/hurricane/index.html

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

The Hurricane looks like a very FUN DayTripper!

Maybe the perfect little tow behind!

I really like the steering concept! Although....I think it should have some kind of switch so you can use it at will. Maybe it does....I just didn't read the details about it yet.

Now lets take that front/rear steering and stick it on the Gladiator!

I think that with the price of fuel now....things are going to get real interesting very soon! They are all going to have to get real creative or sales will lag! Last nights news already talking about people dumping their big SUV's....and resale prices falling fast!

LINK to Article: http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/news/hurricane.html



"""Auburn Hills, Mich. - Show-stopping concepts and extreme expressions of the Chrysler Group brands aren't new: Dodge had its Tomahawk and Chrysler, the ME Four-Twelve. But when the Jeep® Hurricane blew onto the 2005 North American International Auto Show stage, it raised the bar for the Jeep brand.

"Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design. "It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."

Hurricane represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group's creative and mechanical expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement considering the Hurricane is not just HEMI®-equipped, but HEMI squared. There are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque - a total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.

Can you have responsible excess? To test the theory, we equipped both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane with the Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Depending on the driver's needs, the Hurricane can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders. All of that translates into buckets of torque for climbing obstacles other 4x4 vehicles can't even comprehend. In addition, it has the power and traction to move from 0-60 in less than five seconds.

The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

The vehicle has 14.3 inches of ground clearance, and incredible approach/departure angles of 64.0 /86.7 degrees. These are nearly vertical angles - combined with 37-inch tall tires, so the Hurricane won't meet much that it can't climb. The Jeep Hurricane is the only vehicle on the auto-show circuit that provides its own turnable feature. The vehicle features a turn radius of absolutely zero, thanks to skid steer capability and toe steer: the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. In addition, the vehicle features two modes of automated four-wheel steering. The first is traditional with the rear tires turning in the opposite direction of the front to reduce the turning circle. The second mode is an innovation targeted to off-road drivers: the vehicle can turn all four wheels in the same direction for nimble crab steering. This allows the vehicle to move sideways without changing the direction the vehicle is pointing.

"Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the trailhead," Creed said. "The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability."

The one-piece body is shaped of structural carbon fiber, and forms the chassis that would be offered through a traditional frame. The suspension and powertrain are mounted directly to the body. An aluminum spine runs under the body to both connect the underside and to function as a complete skid plate system.

The design is lightweight with high strength, and it boasts functional appearance. Jeep Hurricane is an honest, minimalist approach to its design augmented with the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. On the inside, occupants will be surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished aluminum with Black Thunder and Tiluminum accents. """

Jeep® Hurricane Specifications:
Weight (estimated): 3,850 lbs. (1,746 kg)
Length: 151.8 inches (3,856 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (2,746 mm)
Front Overhang: 25.0 inches (635 mm)
Rear Overhang: 18.7 inches (475mm)
Width: 80.0 inches (2,033 mm)
Height: 68.2 inches (1,732 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 67.5/67.5 inches (1,715/1,715 mm)
Engine: two 5.7-liter HEMI® engines
Transfer Case: Custom multi-mode with 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 ratios
Transmission: 5-Speed automatic
Front and Rear Suspension: Long-travel, short/long arm independent
Ground Clearance: 14.3 inches (363 mm)
Break-Over Angle: 31.5 degrees
Approach/Depart Angle: 64.0/86.7 degrees
Tire Size: 305/70R20
Wheel Size: 20x10 inches



Source: DaimlerChrysler MediaServices

 

[Scott Brady]

Man, great post! Very cool looking truck.

In the Automotive Journal, I just read that DMC is planning to stick with diesel solutions, as opposed to hybrid. Their CRD Liberty has been SO SUCCESSFUL that they are putting one in the Grand Cherokee, and even the next Wrangler.

For a few years, I was totally discouraged by new vehicle offerings, but I think that is changing. There is some exciting stuff brewing. The diesels, the H3, the Rubicon Unlimited, the Hyundai Santa Fe (gotcha ), the Power Wagon, etc.

There are more trail capable offering now than in the "good old days"

I just keep saving my money for the real winner, whatever that will be.

 

[flyingwil]

mmmm... that things been around for a bit. It's the same thing off the unlimited Jeep (O||||O), all idea's that came off of american expedition vehicles.

I hate seeing this and hope Jeep/DC is paying AEV a bunch of money the deserve.

 

[The BN Guy]

I don't see anywhere if it's IFS or solid axle. Anyone enlighten me? I like the diesel engine idea. Decent lines. But what's the price gonna be?

 

[goodtimes]

The concept vehicle has strait axles at both ends. If it makes it to production, it's anyone's guess.

 

[flyingwil]

hmmmm....
Does this lookf familar?

http://www.aev-conversions.com/Vehicle_Brute.html

See what I am talking about now?

 

[kcowyo]

I like the truck and think it's smart for Jeep to bring a truck back to the line up. From the J-2000 and back to the M715, the pickups have been very distinct. I'd love to find an old Honcho to build as a trail rig.

I agree that Jeep took the cue from AEV but I don't care as long as it sees production. In addition, here's another Jeep conversion similar to the Brute, but offered by Road Armor (they have a Tacoma bumper too) -

Summit SUT

 

[datrupr]

AAAGHHHHHH!!!! I love the Brute. That rig is so friggin sweet!

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

It's Starting to Grow on ME!

Jeep Shows Gladiator Concept at Detroit Auto Show

Introduction Speech and Photos


Video - Reveal (Real)


Video Comments:
DCX CEO Dieter Zetsche (8MB)

Detroit, MI - Jeep has revived the Gladiator name for their latest concept vehicle, shown today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

What some insiders are telling us is that the front end of the Gladiator IS the 2007 Wrangler, however, officials will not confirm or deny it.

Jeep enthusiasts have been asking for a pickup truck or a Scrambler-like Jeep for some time now and it looks like their wishes are at least being heard. We already know that when DaimlerChrysler puts out a concept it usually means they are actually considering building something and they want public opinion. In many cases, if opinions are strong enough, they are quick to produce the car. Looking at the Gladiator, we hope that opinions are favorable!

Riding on a 138.4" wheelbase, the Gladiator is powered by the same 2.8L I-4 295 lb-ft of torque and 163 hp Turbo Diesel found in the Liberty CRD models. The engine is backed up by a manual transmission and NV231 transfer case, which provides 2WD, 4HI and 4LO modes.

The Gladiator uses a four-link suspension with coils in front and a five-link in the rear. Control arms are similar in design, though not appearance, to the current Wranglers and are longer to accomodate the longer wheelbase of the truck. Axles are solid at both ends with 3.73 gears and feature switchable lockers. Wheels are 18" x 8" and are shod with 265/75R18 (33.64" x 10.43") Goodyear MT/R tires.

The Gladiator measures 205" long. For comparison sake, a Jeep Unlimited is 165.1" to the rear bumper. The Gladiator is also 8.3" wider than a Wrangler, measuring 76.6" and is 3.5" taller, coming in at 74.8". All that extra size means extra heft. The truck weighs in at 4,150 lb. (est).



The Gladiator features an expandable bed. The standard setup is a 5' 8" long bed. Following trends set by other vehicles on the market, it also features an expandable midgate, which allows the bed length to increase to 6' 8". Drop the tailgate and you have 8' 11" of length - enough to carry a sheet of plywood.

In keeping with Jeep heritage, the Gladiator features a side-mounted spare and integrated winch up front. The interior also features an open-air canvas top for sunny day fun.

http://www.rockcrawler.com/reviews/jeep/gladiator/naias_2005/index.asp

Jeep ® Gladiator Preliminary Specifications:

Vehicle Weight: 4,150 lb (est.)
Length: 205" (5,207 mm)
Wheelbase: 138.4" (3,515 mm)
Front Overhang: 28.3" (718 mm)
Rear Overhang: 38.3" (974 mm)
Width (MAX): 76.6" (1,947 mm)
Height: 74.8" (1,900 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 65.6"/66.2"
Bed Length: 5’ 8" (1,725 mm)
(midgate expanded) – 6’ 8" (2,026 mm)
(expanded w/ tailgate down - minimum) - 8’ 11" (2,723 mm)
Engine: 2.8L 1-4 Turbo Diesel
Part time 4x4; Manual 5-speed Trans.

Suspension:
Front - Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Single coil springs
Rear - Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Dual Coilover Springs
Ground Clearance - 13.7" (348 mm)
Front/Rear Tire Size: 265/75R18"
Wheel Size: 18" x 8"

 

[The BN Guy]

Great looking vehicles! Nice flex too.

 

[flyingwil]

i think the brute and the conversion looks better IMO, plus then the aftermarket parts for a build up would be more easily attainable. MY 2cents.

 

[cshontz]

As a side note, the 2007 Wrangler is supposed to look very similar to the Gladiator concept from the B-pillar forward.

 

[Wanderlusty]

I have been mentioning that my Wrangler is really a bit small for a lot of the stuff I would like to do with it. I remember drooling over the Gladiator concept when they first came out with it.

Now that I have a need for more space (have I mentioned the kid on the way -oh for the millionth time!) and have caught the expedition bug, between solid axles, possible factory locker equipped, maybe even integrated winch, DIESEL!, 6 speed, expandable bed....

:jump:

IF this thing ever makes it to production, and IF it is anything like they have billed it to be. . .count on me being among the FIRST in line. . . as long as my wife lets me or maybe first in line for year 2 of production. I usually like giving totally new models a year to shake out the flaws.

Anyway, I love the concept, and it would be the perfect solution to a lot of the problems I see in the Wrangler. And I LOVE the Wrangler, but this is like all that is good about the Wrangler PLUS a lot of other things that would make it just AWESOME.

IF DC makes this truck, then :clapsmile

IF they change their minds, then :ar15: