Jeep Gladiator Pickup

Jeep fans were originally taunted by the sight of a Jeep pickup concept in 2004, but a production vehicle failed to develop. The original concept featured a 4 cylinder turbodiesel producing 165 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Jeep did not, however, give up on the concept entirely as it re-emerged nearly a decade later. More-so, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Jeep's parent company, has confirmed that the Jeep Gladiator will become a production vehicle in the foreseeable future. The Jeep Gladiator is widely believed to be slated for 2017 model year production following the redesign of the Jeep Wrangler. Details for the Wrangler-based pickup have yet to be solidified, although the production model should share most of the concept's features.

On the subject of features, the Jeep Gladiator is loaded with innovative attributes. Most notably, an expandable bed that can be adjusted from 5' 8" to a lengthy 8' 11". The Gladiator features a "midgate" in addition to a standard tailgate. Shifting the midgate expands the usable bed space from 5' 8" to 6' 8". Lowering the tailgate increases the overall bed length to 8' 11" - the pickup bed is 4' wide. A completely weatherproof interior makes for easy cleaning and compliments the utilitarian vibe that Jeep vehicles are inherently known for. The Jeep Gladiator rides on 34" tires, permitting favorable ground clearance and approach/departure angles. Jeep is committed to producing the Gladiator at it's Toledo, Ohio factory where Jeep vehicles have been assembled since the 1940's.

While Jeep has released limited details on the Gladiator's powertrain, a diesel engine and 5 speed manual transmission have been confirmed. While there has been much speculation that Jeep would employ a 2.8L Cummins, the 2.8L diesel featured in the concept is actually an engine produced by VM Motori, the same manufacturer whom produces the 3.0L EcoDiesel. While the 2.8L VM is currently in the company's International portfolio, it's difficult to hypothesize the engine's performance and fuel efficiency characteristics in a U.S. emissions compliant vehicle. The engine produces roughly 200 horsepower and up to 370 lb-ft of torque in global applications. Weighing in at approximately 4,150 lbs, the Jeep Gladiator is comparable in size and weight to a standard midsize pickup.

Jeep Gladiator Specs

VM 2.8L Diesel Specs

*Based on current advertised horsepower and torque for VM Motori A428 engine - actual power and torque may differ for Gladiator applications.