In addition, the photos from the link are computer generated. Are there any more photos or info on the truck? (I know the initial photos released for the Rescue were computer generated also...)

Is the new Gladiator Jeeps re-attempt to produce something like AEV's Brute?

Automotive News says this about the Gladiator:

"Based on a unique platform, the mid-sized pickup wears Wrangler styling cues. It sports a canvas top and expandable truck bed. The Gladiator is powered by a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine."

http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=10619 (subscibers only)

no comment on the liberty, does anyone know about the commander being unvailed in las vegas this week? sure would like to see some pics

Definintely looking forward to the six speed manual tranny -- ought to really bring the diesel to life.

Who knows, perhaps DaimlerChrysler will eventually introduce a Hybrid Diesel vehicle in the future.

From TheCarConnection.com

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7754

Jeep Gladiator
Think of this flashy pickup prototype as, "part of the fleshing out of the Jeep division," suggested Trevor Creed. The design director at DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group, he acknowledged "(we) haven't done enough with Jeep," adding that "we're going to do an awful lot more…in a very short time."

With its exposed door and hood hinges, there's a bit of the back-to-basics look to Gladiator, enhanced by a canvas roof that rolls partway back, much like a sunroof, but it also can be removed entirely. The pickup features dual doors on the passenger side and, on the passenger side, a cargo hatch for easy access to the rear on the driver's side. The doors swing open a full 180 degrees. Based on an all-new platform, so-called "lifestyle vehicle," may be straightforward in design, but what you see isn't always what you get. The Gladiator's most innovative feature is its cargo bed. In normal configuration, it measures 5.5 feet in length. But stow the rear seat cushions and the rear bulkhead moves forward into the two-row cab, stretching the bed to an even 8 feet.

Featuring a part-time 4x4 powertrain, the Gladiator boasts a 2.8-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel making 163 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a manual transmission.

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."

More info from Autoweek
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101260

The Jeep Gladiator marks the resurrection of a Jeep pickup nameplate not heard from since the 1960s, and a body-style absent from the company’s lineup since the death of the ’80s-era Comanche.

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.

Check out the new jeep gladiator concept pickup truck



http://www.autoblog.com/entry/6436768344488645

Yes, a pity DC won't provide us with the manual transmission in the US. The European forums indicate they are getting better than 30 MPG with the manual tranny.

The production date on the
D Liberty has been set back to December 6. A few may reach dealers before the Christmas plant shut down, but probably not many. The Liberty will only be available with an Automatic transmission and the package will include 16" aluminum wheels, ABS, engine block heater, and Selec-Trac 4 wd system.
Initial production will all be dealer "spec" vehicles with customer orders not available for schedule until probably January.

The factory order system is supposed to open on this model in late November now.

put a diesel engine in the wrangler.....or ar they planning on make that an option when the new wrangler is offered...... perhaps the liberty will be a guage of weather to offer it or not