A Scrambler-like unlimited was on display at Camp Jeep, and is available now via a Mopar soft-top that covers just the front portion of an Unlimited, leaving the back open like a pickup truck!

Nice to see more confirmation on the Rubicon Unlimited. I had one dealer swear there would not be one.

I wonder what platform they are planning to use for the Jeep Pickup? Is it the Scrambler like vehicle based on the Unlimited, or something off the new Commander platform?

Recently, there was more talk about the TJL (the Egyptian LWB Wrangler) for Military use. I wonder if they are considering exporting these to us?

ScramblerToady, thanks for the info. One more question. Was the top similar to Bestops Halftop which has the Sunrider section that opens up, or was it just like a regular bikini top?

On Jeeps web site, if you select to build a vehicle, pick the Unlimited, and then pick 'mopar accessories, and then select 'exterior options', drill down to part number 82208115. I called Jeep to ask about this, and unfortunately, they don't have any additional info. I doubt the picture is what the top really looks like. I suspect the price is wrong too.

ScramblerWishes, I can see the 'suits' scrapping the pickup idea, but I too wish they would change their mind. Sadly, with only a few years left for the TJ, I doubt they will make the pick-up variant (but I always could be wrong). If Jeep/Mopar provides a soft top like the one described, we would be very close to having a new Scrambler. With a little work, you could make your own wood siderails. Now do this all to a RUBI version, and that would make one nice truck!

The new Sun Bonnet, Tonneau cover combo sounds like what I saw on the Unlimited at Camp Jeep. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures of it. It was a factory Unlimited, not a concept, so it did have the standard Unlimited roll bar.

I went to my local Jeep dealer and he is able to access the 2005 models and specs. The Unlimited will be available with a six speed transmission and the dual top option which is presently offered on the Wranglers.

There are two optional packages available. They are product coded and not listed as an SE or Rubicon package.

My next door neighbor's father is visiting and I had a long chat with him. He is a recently retired from working for Jeep and worked for them way back when AMC owned Jeep ( Prior to the Renault buy out ).

He told me that the suits went back and forth when stretching the Wrangler as to whether they should do a pick up ( Scrambler ) or an enlarged four seat Wrangler. The research told them that they could sell just as many Unlimiteds and Scramblers initially but that the Scrambler could not sustain sales; the market is too narrow for a two seat pick up without a club cab for storage.

I'm hoping against hope that DC will offer a Scrambler during the last two year run of the present Wrangler series.

BulleBob, are you confusing the Commander with the Rescue? I'm not sure I ever heard of any plans to use the diesel in the Commander, although not a bad idea. From what I understand, the Commander is more of a luxury model above the Grand.

ScramblerToday, is the Mopar softop for the Unlimited just like the one for the Wrangler, less the tonneau cover? That was what I saw earlier this year, but I poked on the web site, and there is now mention of a new Sun Bonnet, Tonneau cover combo, and the Long Wheel Base (LWB) kit is a all new design that is 100% weatherproof for 4 season use. Unfortunately, the picture was that of the SWB Wrangler.

Do you have any photos of the 'Scrambler-like' unlimited that was at camp jeep? Did it still have the regular roll cage like the Unlimited, or was it different?

I did see a pdf file with the details on the 2005 Wranglers at:

http://www.speakeasy.org/~packnet/j...angler_2005.pdf

And there are some details on the new Unlimited (including the Rubi version)...

Well, if the Commander actually comes about it will be most interesting. Hopefully, the Cummins diesel will be an option otherwise you will be on a first name basis at your local gas station. Ouch.

Until DC figures out just what the Wrangler replacement will be, expect additional feasible production line variants to appear such as the pick-up based on the Unlimited and the Unlimited
Rubicon and anything else to keep the assembly
line rolling and fully absorbing the blue and white collar costs.

Wasn't there a recent Jeep News feature on the Wrangler manual tranny going from the 5-spd NVF to a 6-spd Gertrag?

I don't know much about Gertrag but my oldest daughter was sure intrigued with a Wrangler 6-spd.
She was indifferent to the 2.8L diesel but liked
the torque rating being so far above the 4.0L six.

we can only hope...