here is my comment:
This is the vehicle Jeep needs to wake up the competition, like SSR, Prowler, Mini, it doesn't have to be practical,[is the hummer]. If you build it they will sell!

Just build it and in a few years I'll buy one.
Diesel engine effiency will be big plus.

Jeep needs to get some guts and go with this concept. The diesal engine I assume will run on bio-diesal and the functionality of the vehicle is obvious. Wake up Jeep...gas prices and environmental concerns will eventually stymie the SUV market and manufacturers need to be ready. Market this as the environmental, rugged, all purpose Jeep. Look at the market for Toyota Priuses and Nissan Outbacks especially. Highlight the bio-diesal option and quit chasing after the bigger SUV market. Also, make sure this is produced at a UAW plant b/c many of us still purchase vehicles where we know the workers are sharing in the endeavor!

OK! THIS IS GREAT! I have always wanted a wrangler but with my family (1 kid sofar) we got a liberty instead. NOW I STILL WANT A WRANGLER! but I NEED A TRUCK! I HAVE NOW WON! If they make the New Gladiator I will be in heaven... THE ONLY THING I DONT LIKE is the spare tire location ... just seems out of place and takes up some of the bed room.

This looks like a winner to me, but how does one convince Chrysler to actually produce such a truck? I also thought Dodge had a winner with the M80 concept truck a couple years ago. Alas, it didn't go anywhere. Too bad.
Although I would choose the turbodiesel engine, it isn't likely it would be available in my state of California. Once again, too bad.

If anyone here thinks this Jeep will be produced for the masses you have a very large screw loose........

You cant put the spare on the back anyway, how are you going to fold down the tailgate? Unless its swing-out, but that was tried on the TJ Scrambler that was shown a while back... It didnt look right with half of the tire visible above the tailgate... It is kinda cool looking on the side, but doesnt that have a large negative impact on wind drag and visibility out of the drivers mirror? Id be worried about catching it on trees or anything for that matter... On AEV's Bute, it is mounted underneath the bed where the gas tank is on a Wrangler. With the height of the Brute, the position doesnt really impact the departure angle.

The spare should stay on the side like it was on the 50's
Willys pickups. It's retro and very cool.

here is my comment

That is a great point.

When you consider that the Dakota is larger than ever before, this new Jeep would fill the "small pickup" slot for DC.

The picture is a photoshop-type image. The picture in this article is clearly a straight axle, but it looks as if the pumpkin is on the left side (looking front), not the right like the TJ. I wouldn't get too worried about the lack of a fold-down windshield in the picture. First of all, it is a digital image not an actual photogtaph of a real concapt car, Second, the next generation Wrangler, and its deriveratives probably wont have a fold-down windshield frame, but rather, fold-down saftey glass and integrated rollcage/windshield frame/side impact protection ala the JEEP ICON concept

Neat.

I do hope they produce the Rescue - that would be awesome.

And what about the revised Cherokee we saw about a year ago, that the Chinese were making? Now that was one spiffy vehicle.

This is what I see from jeeps new concept. They mention in the article that the Gladiator shares no underpinnings with any Jeep now in production. I find this interesting because the styling cues look to me very similar to the Jeep Rescue. I can only assume that this maybe the platform for an up coming true off road Jeep line starting with the redesign of the Wrangler. I think jeep will offer a variety of Jeeps from this platform, Wrangler, four door, scrambler, pickup, etc. I think we may see this new line of Jeeps look very similar in design appearance to the Rescue from last year. I like the look.

If you want to find a bunch of poor attitude jeep people, just visit the Jeeps Unlimited Forums and try to ask a question. I actually enjoy all the comments posted here, positive and negative. I just like to hear people still excited about jeeps. Earlier this year I sold my cherished 1974 CJ6 with only 36,000 miles so that I could get an unlimited. But with two babies at home I had to cave for another family car. My friend had a YJ and I loved it too, but he sold that. I think all will be fine in the future, I just wish Jeep would hurry up so we can all get past the anxiety of not knowing what the real future models are.

Jon YOU SUCK

i agree w/jon, you people are making the dumbest statements...what exactly is it that you want....are you ever satisfied?

What an ugly vehicle. I hope Jeep isn't going to use this vehicle for the up and comming wrangler redesign. I think they should go with the Jeep Treo concept, now thats a car.

Oh my god! What a cool concept vehicle. I think it hints at the direction the next generation Wrangler is going. I wish Jeep would quit coming up with these concept vehicles, the Dakar for example, and then never build them. I think the Gladiator is a winner, Jeep should build it, both in the extended cab version and a crew cab for us family guys. A Rubicon Version, 4"-6" aftermarket lift, 35s and anything else you can dream up to increase off-road capability, and you will have a real head turner. Oh yeah, move the spare tire from the side to the rear like all real Jeeps have.

This new Jeep hopefully, in some form, hints at the new TK. There have been many new concepts with some form of diesel option. Is Jeep hoping to squeeze in diesel options in future vehicles so that us lovers of the 4.0 wont be upset when they kill off the Inline 6? If the 4.0 is terminated with the TJ(which I fear it will be,) I feel a diesel would be the only engine worthy to put under the hood of a Wrangler as a replacement. I hope that the diesel finds its way into the TK, I expect the 2.4L and the 3.7L will be options.

Looks like Jeep stole some styling ideas from the AEV Brute. Too bad Jeep keeps showing us interesting concepts and very little new production from these ideas.

From the Carconnection web site:

Snip:

While Creed won't say whether the Gladiator is set to become part of Jeep's expanding product portfolio, it wouldn't hurt to keep a close eye on this concept vehicle, especially the bold front end. It "could be" the inspiration for the next-generation Wrangler, Creed hinted. "We always learn our lessons from these concepts."

End-snip

(see http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7754&sid=173&n=156)

Sadly, I doubt we will see this truck (or the Jeep Rescue concept) as a production vehicle. At least this is better than that goofy TREO concept we saw last year.

Hints for the TK: No folding windshield, slightly curved windshield, slanted nose for better aerodynamics, some hints of the CJ front. Hints of a diesel engine? Is the canvas sunroof a hint that the removable hardtop/soft top will be gone in the next generation Wrangler?

Great looking truck. I bet American Expedition Vehicle feels betrayed because here is DCX taking their ideas and making vehicles. Jeep unlimited is their stretched wrangler 112 and now the gladiator is their Brute. Brute sounds better than gladiator but alase it would be really obvious if DCX did call it the Brute.

Yeah, any of you hear about that new Jeep Gladiator concept? You know waaaaay up at the top of the page? Remember that far back? Did I miss something because when did this turn into a chat room?

I like it. Make a four door version and I's really like it. It reminds me a little of the Dodge Power Wagon concept which I thought was awesome.

I hope jeep can use more of the DC family of diesel engines like the one they have in the E class.

3.2L Inline-6 diesel engine
Net Power 201 hp @ 4,200 rpm
Net Torque 369 lb-ft @ 1,800- 2,600 rpm

For all you people who think we're idiots and that we
are never happy with what Jeep is doing, I'd like to set
the record straight (at least as far as why I'm a frustrated
Jeep fan). I'm mad they killed off my XJ. I'm mad the
only replacement vehicle (until recently when they
wisely added the unlimited) they offer is the Liberty. I
don't care that the grand went away from solid axles
because it has always been out of my demographic.
However, what has been sticking in my craw for more
than 7 years is the Dakar incident. That vehicle
perfectly represented what Jeep stood for (just like the
wrangler still does today) while at the same time it
extended the appeal of Jeeps to more potential buyers
because of its larger size. That concept was a
legitimate successor to the XJ. If they had built the
Dakar, they could have then built the Libby or even the
Treo (or whatever that little thing was called), they could
turn the Grand into a Mercedes, and I wouldn't care. I
would have cheered them on for making shrewd
business decisions. My postings to this web site would
be full of optimism and undying loyalty. I think the tone
of this web site as a whole, even when critical of Jeep
decisions, would be good natured because at the end
of the day, we'd still have our Dakars in our driveways.

I agree. They are saying they dont plan on building this particular concept, but if they build what they have been promising with the TK then not only are they going to build something like this, but they will have the SWB Wrangler, LWB Wrangler, as well as a four-door all off of the same platform. To all of you who think Jeep is going south, just wait... they have a lot up their sleeve. I think they are going to come out with some truely impressive variations of the next generation Wrangler.

What's a watered-down Jeep? A 84 Cherokee?
A 93 Grand Cherokee? A 89 Wrangler? That is a very confussing statement, do you mean anything newer than the last vehicle is watered-down Jeep?
That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Idiot!

Yeah, and while they're at it why doesnt Jeep just build FWD cars built off of Mitsu or Hyundai chassis with little fuel-efficient four cylinders...

What an ugly vehicle. I hope Jeep isn't going to use this vehicle for the up and comming wrangler redesign. I think they should go with the Jeep Treo concept, now thats a car.

There have been rumors of a Jeep truck for some time now, and this vehicle is very reminiscent of the Willys pickup from the mid 1940s - 1960s. So perhaps if there is enough interest Jeep would build it.

It would be a great way for DaimlerChrysler to further expand their share in the truck market.

This picture and the other ones of this vehicle are the computer generated images. call them artist's renderings, but more realistic. Anyways, this vehicle would be cool with the little diesel and a 6-speed tranny. Can't wait to see what the real concept looks like. Should be real cool. But you still have to wonder if the brand will continue with the tough look when you see the Liberty not getting more rugged looking. Even soccer moms like tough looking trucks.

here is my comment

As far as the looks, it's much better than the Liberty, Icon, and Willys 2.

I even like the 'non-eclipse' headlights. That is the one thing that I didn't like about the Rescue.

Build it and I'll buy it. I need a truck!

Jeep Should Get Back Into The "Full Size
Pickup", Market , Again!!!!

Like When The First (1960-1970) "Gladiator",
Models Were Offered As 1/2, 3/4 And 1 Tons
...Etc.

Where Do I Sign Up For One, With This
"Rescue" Type Style Body????

Can't Wait To Get It, With A Gas Or Diesel
Engine And Solid Axles!!!!

As a long time Jeep lover and owner, I come here often and lurk, but this time I have to comment. I love reading the reactions here, and I love that there were lots of reactions to this concept.
My main comment is that I really hope they make this truck.
If anyone here attended Camp Jeep in VA, and did the engineering round tables with the engineers, you would have found that there was an interesting reaction during discussions on the XJ…
They all fully admitted that the XJ killing was not there idea. As a matter of fact, one of the engineers said that they wanted to bring it back and that there was a clear longing for the modern jeeps to emulate the “older” Jeeps.
With that said, I could very easily see Chrysler making this. I owned 2 Comanches, and I LOVED them. They were the best of both worlds, a fully capable pickup truck and an awesome off-road toy.

Where can I place my order????

I just hope that all of this talk coming from Jeep about "doing a lot in a short amount of time" doesnt wind up being something that just gets our hopes up. This January I hope to see what all this hype is about, not just hear about it. I hope it restores a lot faith that many of you had lost in the present day Jeep. Maybe then everyones posts will be full of optimism and undying loyalty. There are two distinct groups of people who respond to this website... Jeep has managed to anger many of you lately. I hope Jeep will be able to satisfy everyone with the upcoming models. This Gladiator concept is truly a bright light in a dark tunnel. (Maybe then there will be an end to the same arguments that come up in the reactions to every story!!)

No, I think by "watered down" he is refering to my 1947 CJ2A, which is a watered down civilian version of the original military MB!

I love the concept jeep gladiator. To me, it's everything a jeep should be. Looking like a wrangler and flexablity utility. Good for farmers, foresty department, Game and wildlife department, and other companies who need a flexable utility truck that can go off road and gets good fuel milage. This truck looks like a world truck. Something you wouldn't mind driving in 3rd world nations that just have dirt roads. If they don't make this. I think more than the north american market will miss having this vehical. I'm sure a dodge dakota 4x4 is nice, but the gladiator looks more like a work vehical.

I have been stating for a long time that Jeep will not let us down when it comes to the Wrangler.

All of this anxiety and 'REAL JEEP' talk happened when the TJ went to coil springs form leafs, when the YJ went to square headlights for round ones.

The fact is that JEEP is simply responding to customer trends. When people are willing to fork out large sums of cash to companies like AEV or TVC (Tennesee Valley Conversions, who makes a stretch 4-door TJ)to get the product they want, then I would hope the light-bulbs would start lighting up in the DCX heads.

As fas as DCX being in bed with Hyundai, If this partnership brings a 5yr/50,000 Mi B 2 B warranty, and a 10yr/100,000 powertrain warranty to Wrangler, then I suppose I would be all for it.

As far as these concepts go, I think DCX is slowly revealing their hand. I do believe that the TK will be a single platform, offering 2dr SWB and LWB, 4dr LWB, and LWB pickup, all with some form of removable hardtop and soft top. My vote is for a removable panel hardtop system, with zip-in canvas panels for summertime fun, because not everyone has the room to store a one piece hardtop, but a 5-panel removable hardtop could store in the area of a briefcase or two.

As far as a straight front axle, I think that TK will continue to have one, mainly because of cost-effectiveness, and warranty coverage. Let's face it, there are less things to break.

Finally, as far as engines are concerned, the DCX/Mitsu/Hyudai 4 cyl is the way of the future. It has all of the power benefits and engine longevity of the current 2.4, with the potential for greater efficiency, direct injection, and dare I say it-HYBRID power, which coincidently, would eliminate the need for removing the ignition interlock for key-start creeping, a tap of the foot would do.

To Jon,


MY Jeep can beat your Jeep! Na-na, na-na na- nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

If you can't wait for the 4 door wrangler (dakar) just build one yourself. The tk will be available in many shapes and sizes including the 4 door "dakar" 2007-2008.

"Well WiseGuy..Don't worry the TK is going to be on a Hyundai chassis.....with an economical 4 cylinder...THAT'S what we're afraid of! To me even if it LOOKS like a Jeep...RIDES like a Jeep; it doesn't mean it's a JEEP. 1 example: Liberty. 2nd example: '05 GC. These are badged Jeeps but 'ol dogs like us KNOW..that the guts sure ain't the Jeep we all knew and loved. For all of the pro-Liberty and pro- '05 GC owners and lovers...how's it feel to drive a watered-down Jeep? "

Hey, OnlyoneJeep, Is the comments from someone who believes in this company?

"You Suck" I can't believe these words are coming out of a Jeep owners mouth.

The spare tire should stay on the side. On the old Willys Pickup there was space on the other side for a 5 gallon Jerry can. I hope this would also--if they ever build it, and I hope they do so! And quickly.

Like 'carter' said, the side-mounted spare tire is like the 1950's Willys pickup.

It makes it distinctly Jeep and would definitely not be confused with any other compact pickup truck.

Side mounted spare tire is cool.

build it.. I'll buy one. (will goowell with my Unlimited)

i'm not really a truck guy but this concept looks highly cool to
me. i really liked the rescue and think that continuing that
direction with other ideas like this truck is pretty exciting. i hope
they do come out with a rescue-like vehicle soon because I
really can't understand the nasty (IMHO) looking front headlights
on the new GC for the life of me. This truck would make a
compelling argument for alot of potential Jeep buyers.

The problem is this Jeep will never be made IMO. To much truck competition already. I like the look, old styling, just wait and see. We did get the unlimited rubicon which i would like to purchase but will be waiting for a year....

Ok, between the Rescue, Gladiator and the new 7 seat Grand Cherokee I think I am going to wet myself waiting for these new products. I want one of each!
I haven't had a truck for years but if they actually made the Gladiator a midize size truck or larger with an extended cab I would have to give up the GC and buy one. These would look so much cooler than the Hummer sitting next to you at a light, if for no other reason that knowing you could buy two for what one Hummer cost.

Nice Job! Now if "TK" would keep that snout....that new ride should look fine indeed..just like a Jeep should!

I love it. It is right up there with the Dakar in my book.

nice ride looks cool with a diesel [ perfect]

I like it alot! It reminds me of my wonderful old 1956 Willys Pickup. Having a 6 speed and a diesel is super cool.

There's a picure at autoweek.com from the rear that kind of looks like IFS. Could this be a modified Liberty? Oh no!

I think its pretty clear that this is the direction they are going with the Wrangler. Of course this could be the Jeep pickup version of that little Dodge pickup concept they showed a while back. I think it looks awesome. I sure hope they really do make all sorts of versions of it like they say. I can't wait! Make mine a four door.

Right direction...Full TJ version? 4 door? PLease?

Yet another reference to this prototype from Autoweek. Note there is reference to a manual transmission for the diesel. So, perhaps we will finally see a manual tranny in the diesel lineup with the inherent improved economy and performance: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101260

I think the Gladiator would be a great production truck. It would be a great answer to Hummers planned H3 SUT, only more capable (partly due to the fact the H3 is based on a GMC Canyon and is not a unique vehicle...) I think the platform would also serve as a good base for other Wrangler derivitives.

Is there any dialogue between AEV and Jeep? It seems like the greatest of AEV's ideas are the envy of Jeep (in reference to AEV's Long-Wheel Base Wrangler and the Brute Pickup.) Maybe this is what Jeep had in mind all along when they decided not to produce the Brute a couple years back?

The latestest word from jeep is they are producing the Rescue, look for different bumpers and a warn winch and of course a more down to earth interior. I would expect to see the rescue and commander next year, even a low cost suv. I like the design of the gladiator...its a strong sense where jeep is heading with the next wrangler.

this is SO much better than a scrambler would be, exactly what jeep needs to expand it's line. hopefully dc will rethink the scrambler by looking at the unlimited's less than stellar sales and REALLY consider the gladiator in it's place. especially since truck sales are on the rise in the u.s, jeep should have never dropped the commanche in the 80's. bring it on!

Thank you Carter..I'm sure your opinion mirrors most(at least mine) about why us "idiots" post our own feelings and opinions about our favorite friend Jeep....The negativity that some here aim towards "idiots" (which I have been called) proves that we all share strong belief in this company and our own ride. Some people use negativity to further their own insecurities..and to recklessly inflame other readers here with words as idiot,jerk,loser,etc....I'm surprised that those words are even in a Jeep Owner's vocabulary..........

WHERE DO I SIGN UP??

Bout time DCX did something right.... although it was no suprize...

After seeing the Brute and then they actually produced a stretched chassis for the Unlimited, it was only a matter of time till this emerged.

I just wish they'd have checked with me to see if I minded that they used my side-mounted spare idea.

One of these days they are going to have to build one of these
awesome concepts. They show the Dakar, and build the Liberty,
they show the Rescue and give anoother Grand Cherokee, for
once build the frigan concept, as is!!!!!!!

Apparently if its not a steel tub with knobs on the dash and a rag over the roll cage then its a watered down Jeep.

I think it is a great concept and I believe that DCX will have a Jeep pick up of some form in their stable. I think the Scrambler concept is dead but a larger truck ( club cab ) will be in the cards for Jeep. I just hope it won't be too long in coming.

Well WiseGuy..Don't worry the TK is going to be on a Hyundai chassis.....with an economical 4 cylinder...THAT'S what we're afraid of! To me even if it LOOKS like a Jeep...RIDES like a Jeep; it doesn't mean it's a JEEP. 1 example: Liberty. 2nd example: '05 GC. These are badged Jeeps but 'ol dogs like us KNOW..that the guts sure ain't the Jeep we all knew and loved. For all of the pro-Liberty and pro- '05 GC owners and lovers...how's it feel to drive a watered-down Jeep?