In 2005, Jeep unveiled the Wrangler based Gladiator pickup (pictured here) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Unfortunately, the Chrysler brand was in financial turmoil at the time and unable to ready the concept for production. Now, though, Jeep's top bosses are mulling over the possibility of reinventing the Gladiator for the future lineup.
In a recent interview with Car Advice, Jeep President Mike Manley let slip that a decision was coming "pretty soon" about the possibility of a production read Jeep branded pickup.
As we saw with the Gladiator concept, the production spec pickup would be based on the future Wrangler platform. With this set Wrangler platform, Manley said that they could run into some problems regarding two- and four-door variants.
"One of the issues is that when you go four-door with a bed is that your break-over angle gets destroyed. We can still maintain approach and departure angles, but when we get to a certain length, the break-over becomes an issue."
With a refreshed lineup expected for the 2015-2016 model year, we could see the pickup make its way into production then.
In the meantime, Wrangler owners can also take a look at Jeep's JK-8 pickup truck conversion kit that's available for $5,499, not including the work you will have to put in to it.
By Jeff Perez
14 Comments:
Car Advice story ? Make an article about the Jeep Renegade too, I want one of those.
Wishful thinking, but I'd love to see the J-12 concept going into production. It would fit the retro-trend like the Fiat 500.
Build the Jeep Nukizer 715! Black with a 392 HEMI. Hell yeah!
They know there is a depend for the pickup versions and there are companies that have kits to make them into pickups now. So they have the market for it and yet they haven't built it yet, sounds like Chrysler Management screwing up again.
Lets just hope the Italian boss would understand the goodness of jeep pickup..
I love the look, Would certainly like to have one on the farm. But to get me to buy one, you have to pull out the Chrysler drivetrain, electronics and suspension, and replace it with either Ford or GM hardware. Only then would I put mine down my money for one.
I wish Chrysler would sell their Jeep line, and someone would resurrect the old AMC company, because those vehicles had some measure of quality. I think I could take one of the old Jeeps posted here, and literally keep it on the road longer with fewer problems and lower maintenance then one of these new Chrysler products. Any of the Chrysler executives want to take me up on that challenge. A 10 year test, the winner gets the Jeep division to do with what they like, the loser gets out of the car business forever.
Jeep sure does move slowly.
that spare wheel looks dumb
If they would have built this in 2005, I would have gotten one for sure. Now it's just old news. Build something with quality for a change, and then they'll get the sales.
I'll take of of these with a Diesel please!
I don't like the spare tire location!!!!!!
PLEASE, Mike! The people want a Jeep Truck!
PLEASE, Mike! The people want a Jeep Truck!
Not sure what to think I need a new Jeep but I love my Cherakee. Just cant get used to some of the new style and engines. My Cherakee is a 95 with 300,00 miles bought it brand new. Ill never part with it no prob just maitence Just keep on looking I guess. Wont own anything but.
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