Gladiator (Warning:pictures)

[davidf84]

So, my question is do people like the gladiator concept or am I the only one? Pictures for reference from WJJeeps.com.

Specifications:

* Axles: Solid front and rear with switchable lockers
* Engine: 2.8-liter Common Rail Turbo-diesel with 163 HP and 295 lb-ft torque
* Gearbox: 5-speed manual with NV231 transfer case, Part-time 4x4
* Suspension: Five-link suspension with front/rear coils
* Wheelbase: 138.4"
* Ground clearance: 13.7"
* Height: 74.8"
* Length: 205"
* Max width: 76.6"
* Front Overhang: 28.3"
* Rear Overhang: 38.3"
* Track, Front/Rear: 65.6"/66.2"
* Weight: 4,160 (approx.)
* Bed length: 5'-8", expandable midgate increases length to 6-8"
* Bed length, tailgate down: 8'-11"
* Wheels: 18" x 8" with Goodyear MT/R265/75R18 tires
* Integrated front winch
* Rear glass: Drop-down
* Rear seat access hatch on driver's side
* Rear door, passenger side: Full door

[willness33]

I've not met a jeep enthusiast that doesn't like it.
Edit: This is being picky, but I could do without the chrome lower control arms.

[hbc]

I want one. I wish they would just go ahead and produce it.

[yjrob91]

I think it would make a good tow rig for my YJ!! I want one but can't afford one.

[EvilTwin v2]

I like it. I like the look of the JK, too, though...sans all the stupid plastic.

[rstarch345]

I've liked it from it's first intro. While its styling has the remenants of the '50s, I think that with modern curves is what makes it so appealing. Of course, not to mention it's mechanical attributes.

[lynn]

If they build it... it will be my next truck.

[TJMagoo]

I love it and hope they do build it. I think it looks bad ***.

[Mozman68]

They already said they aren't building it...sorry....okay, they did leave the door open slightly....

Thumbs Down on Jeep Gladiator Production
By Eric Mayne
WardsAuto.com, Aug 18, 2006 9:25 AM

RUBICON SPRINGS, CA ? Chrysler Group?s Jeep brand will not be returning to the compact pickup arena anytime soon, the auto maker?s chief operating officer says.

Chrysler executives had been contemplating a production version of the Jeep Gladiator concept that debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

?It wasn?t profitable,? COO Eric Ridenour tells Ward?s.

The decision belies an unprecedented lineup expansion that will see Jeep?s showroom grow, by year?s end, to eight models from three.

However, while the Gladiator?s death threatens to disappoint dealers, brand enthusiasts and SUV aficionados in general, it may impress Wall Street as a sign of Chrysler?s shrewdness.

Chrysler has adopted a renewed focus on bottom-line performance as it fights to maintain momentum that has produced U.S. market share gains while cross-town rivals General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. have seen their shares erode.

This discipline was demonstrated most recently by the caution exhibited in the face of overwhelming positive reaction to the Dodge Challenger concept car unveiled at this year?s Detroit auto show.
Jeep Gladiator debuted at 2005 Detroit auto show.

Despite the strong favorable consumer response, the final go-ahead was issued only after President and CEO Tom LaSorda ordered that the business case be based on the high-margin scenario of a limited production run and scaled-down volumes.

The Gladiator concept, which features bold styling that influenced the redesigned ?07 Jeep Wrangler, is based on a unique platform. But Ridenour told Ward?s previously that a production truck, if approved, would have been a niche vehicle based on an existing midsize body-on-frame architecture.

Meanwhile, Ridenour dismisses the notion Chrysler is squandering an opportunity to re-energize a segment where the top-selling product ? the Ford Ranger ? is also the segment?s oldest product. ?We have Dakota,? he says.

Though redesigned for ?05, sales of the Dodge Dakota are down 30.6% through July, reflecting a first-half segment-wide slide of 10.3%, according to Ward?s data.

Gladiator production would have marked the end of a prolonged pickup market hiatus for Jeep. It stopped building the Comanche in 1992 after a 6-year run.

The decision to shelve the product also marks the second time in two years Chrysler has passed on a Jeep pickup. The Scrambler concept, which debuted at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Assn. (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, briefly was considered for production before the auto maker nixed the idea.

Jeep has a history of pickup production that dates back seven decades and includes nameplates such as the Honcho and Jeepster.

There even was a previous Gladiator, which ran from 1963 to 1970.

But Ridenour is loath to admit the latest Gladiator is dead and buried. Though short-term production plans have been killed, he adds: ?You can never say anything long-term in this business.?

[renegadestang]

Hello?! Just produce the body and figure a way to slap it on the 4-door Wrangler frame. Bingo Bango Bongo! Gladiator! :fingersx:

[davidf84]

Hello?! Just produce the body and figure a way to slap it on the 4-door Wrangler frame. Bingo Bango Bongo! Gladiator! :fingersx:

I like to call it the TJ-10

http://www.roadarmor.com/ra3/summitsut.html

[JeepinChobot]

AEV makes the brute which is similar. -> http://www.aev-conversions.com/Vehicle_Brute.html

I'd love to have one, now if they were only much cheaper I would have one already.

[Scarface]

Switch to 17" rims so that they are more supported by the aftermarket.

Needs some sort of cage.

And at 138" it would need some GOOD sliders and a good set of skids.

Oh and drop the crome crap

[jeepin soy]

i like it, but the spare would have to be moved. other than that its sweet!

[davidf84]

i like it, but the spare would have to be moved. other than that its sweet!

Awh, but the side box mounted spare is so classic. Should be an option.

[JeepinChobot]

Edited my post on the Brute, added a link to its website
and heres a pic...

[renegadestang]

I remember seeing the Brute when AEV first introduced it. My jaw dropped. Then they dropped a Hemi in it...saliva came forth. :17:

[EvilTwin v2]

I remember seeing the Brute when AEV first introduced it. My jaw dropped. Then they dropped a Hemi in it...saliva came forth. :17:

I'd be more interested in a diesel in it than the Hemi.

[renegadestang]

I'd be more interested in a diesel in it than the Hemi.

I could live with that!

[davidf84]

I like the bed on the brute much better.

[Hill, Bill E]

I like 'em all!:17: Now, whose gonna buy 'em for me? I put all my money into my 7!!:beer:

[XJ Madness]

They will make the Compass but not the Gladiator there is a intelligent bunch :scratchhead:. Oh, Dr. Z doesn't do trucks does he??? :booty:

[47driver]

I'd sell one of my kids for that truck!!! Any takers?

[rippin YJ]

I would love that thing- trade in my ford f150 in a heartbeat, build it ...Please

[Drakke]

I would still buy the Glad version. Ver nice look. I would buy one now if they were released. :)

[Piginajeep]

I would still buy the Glad version. Ver nice look. I would buy one now if they were released. :)


I'll go postal if they make this now...
We just ordered the JK...

[Toralf]

I would buy one if they ever bring it out but as far as I heard from insiders they are not planning on production

[beastiebrad]

hey Toralf...can you really get the new wranglers in diesel over there? then you would just need to add the bed to it.

[metalgear]

"They will make the Compass but not the Gladiator there is a intelligent bunch . Oh, Dr. Z doesn't do trucks does he???"
no doubt, remember zey are de master race. the Z stands for zell (marathon man). dumbler could care less about wheeling or not, just profits for the immediate future, something they weren't good at before, chrysler was a more viable company than benz.
the gladiator would make me "glad" to wheel it.

[Toralf]

hey Toralf...can you really get the new wranglers in diesel over there? then you would just need to add the bed to it.


Yeah, DC said that the European JKs will be available with the 2.8 liter diesel from the Libberty/Cherokee. This for sure would help to make more people drive Jeeps over here.

[knothead]

Those are all killer, Ive always like the Brute, just cant swing the price. Those are what a truck should look like IMO.

[EvilTwin v2]

WTF is this supposed to be? A doggie door?

[RalphXJ]

WTF is this supposed to be? A doggie door?



Thats for short people! :poke1:

[Toralf]

:lmao: :lmao:


Thats for short people! :poke1:

:funnyth:
Oh man, don't do this again, I spit water all over my desk...

[davidf84]

it's suppost to be a small door for throwing your small things in.. like a backpack or something.

[NMJeeper]

It's a concept, its supposed to have at least one cutesy crap thing on there for the flair effect.

Sound the bugel at Jeep's death: They should of done a Jeep car more towards the Hurricane than the Compass and definitely the Gladiator...instead we get the fugly 2008 Liberty, Patriot, and Compass.

Good thing the JK got designed with some signs of taste and respect before they screwed the pooch on that one too. Glad we bought our two TJ's already.

[NrthKuntryRebel]

I just got my Truck Trend magazine in the mail and opend up to AEV Jeep Brute, check this thing out!!! I want one so bad now!!!

[RalphXJ]

I just got my Truck Trend magazine in the mail and opend up to AEV Jeep Brute, check this thing out!!! I want one so bad now!!!


Those things are cool!! There was on at the Jamboree last year (2005) it was awsome!

[Toralf]

I know I said it a couple of times but I'd love to have one of those Brutes. I need another job with more money... anyone has one to offer?

[NrthKuntryRebel]

they just updated the site today, $8995 for the Brute Kit, but I dunno if that's for my tj or an unlimited?? when I get out of college, i'm goin' to get one, no doubt, I WILL!!

[muddeprived]

Who said they weren't making the gladiator? :nana:

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[URL=http://imageshack.us] (http://imageshack.us)

I got mine for $36.............95 at walmart :)

[fromasterJ]

thats great haha, awesome man

[kccjeep86cj7]

its a little to car-like inside but looks awesome out side...id still get one

[muddeprived]

its a little to car-like inside but looks awesome out side...id still get one

every vehicle is car-like these days, even the new jk :ziplip:

[kccjeep86cj7]

yea i wish they made the gladiator rather than the new "wrangler"

[muddeprived]

I saw the Brute kit in a magazine recently. It's a kit available for the consumers to purchase and install themselves. Requires some welding and cutting but is a do-it-yourself kit. I guess AEV realized the demand for the Brute was too high to keep up with so they decide to produce a kit. Sweet.

I so can't wait :) :) :)

[muddyjeep]

dunno how many of you "pro-gladiator" people picked up on what was in the new trailhawk concept... but the trailhawk is biult on the new unlimted platform with a diesel.

i don't know if it's still true... but the last jeep engineer i talked to said they would not build the gladiator UNLESS it had a diesel in it. all their marketing said people would buy it if/only-if a diesel was standard.

my guess is for the late '08/'09 model year we'll see a gladiator with a diesel as an option so long as the feds don't screw jeep over agian with the emissions standards.

[hotroddenal]

This thing kinda looks like a JK. Somebody tell me what the specs of the jk are, width and leingth and stuff like that.

[Piginajeep]

This thing kinda looks like a JK. Somebody tell me what the specs of the jk are, width and leingth and stuff like that.


www.jeep.com:vbac476:

[hotroddenal]

i bet if somebody could do really good fab work they can make a 4 door jk look like this.

[Piginajeep]

i bet if somebody could do really good fab work they can make a 4 door jk look like this.


the four door's body is three pieces, front,middle and rear.

the two door is two piece, front,rear.

It would'nt suprise me if DC put the truck bed on the back of the 4 door.
it would'nt be that hard.... Lets hope!:partytim:

[hotroddenal]

No no no. I mean some one can auctually make the Gladiator out of a 4 door jk.

[muddeprived]

No no no. I mean some one can auctually make the Gladiator out of a 4 door jk.
Yeah with the brute kit.

[hotroddenal]

Just a quick question how many noticed how closly related the Jk is to the gladiator.

[davidf84]

latest JP mag in the rumor section says something about the gladiator in 2009 with a hemi.. I'd rather buy one with a 6 or 8 cylinder desiel

[FUBAR]

if they produce the Rescue i'd just have to get one. i'd sell my truck and buy it as soon as it came off the truck. those things will be the shiats if they go into production. not only a great vehicle, but would probably destroy H2 sales as well. since they're built on ram 2500 platforms you could probably get tons all of the drive train options to.

[MuddinMan67]

the Gladiator is nice but I think they should just bring back the CJ8s

[V8YJ]

Maybe you have seen this before? It is a little lengthy. Additional sites at the end

AEV Brute: Wrangler-based Pickup (originally thought to be the Jeep Scrambler) by Glenn Paulina and David Zatz - Updated substantially, 10-28-06
A Jeep pickup truck would have to be based on an existing body-on-frame architecture if approved, which brings us to the Wrangler pickup prototype we spotted in Detroit, as it was being transported between two off-site facilities for final assembly work. A Wrangler pickup has been rumored for quite some time, with the name Scrambler mentioned.
AEV has taken the cab of a Jeep Wrangler and raised its roof with thin safari-inspired window slits, giving this truck a vintage greenhouse shape. The hood incorporates a grab handle, elongated blisters and a mesh grille most likely designed to allow heat from the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 to escape. New front fenders frame a traditional Wrangler grille, below which rests a winch for serious off-roading duty. The Rhino-lined truck bed design is old-school, so the Wrangler tail-lights plunked at the corners look right at home. A rear winch set-up further solidifies this truck's trail-cred.
Intrigued by what we saw, we dug a little deeper, and it appears we have unearthed a clever program. Sources familiar with the strategy tell us that DaimlerChrysler hopes to produce these pickups (through AEV) in small volumes, possibly at the Viper plant, using mechanicals from the 2007 Wrangler, while aftermarket kits will be made available to fit previous-generation Wranglers.
While we presume that the '07-based pickups will be sold through Jeep dealerships, the kits will be available to transform 1997-2006 Wranglers into the pickups you see here. Sources suggested that the kits will cost about $8,000-$10,000 (assembly not included), and would require lengthening the frame with parts supplied in the kit. The truck we photographed had a wheelbase extended to approximately 119-inches. Whether the 2007-based trucks will differ in its proportions, or will have any unique styling cues is currently unclear, but our insiders tell us that the modern-build and kit versions are very much the same in look and feel.
Update: AEV Conversionsby Glenn Paulina
The Wrangler-based pickups we photographed show an updated version of the AEV Brute pickup conversion done by American Expedition Vehicles. AEV has a strong history with Chrysler Corp., having DaimlerChrysler's Design Excellence Award at the 2002 SEMA show.
According to our sources, AEV has created a new version of the Brute based on the all-new 2007 Wrangler, and has discussed some level of joint-venture manufacturing with DCX, utilizing the Viper plant as a prime niche-production site. AEV would take their business and production volumes to a new level, while DCX could tap into AEV's experience with Wrangler-based pickup conversions. If such a relationship comes to fruition, it would most likely be offered through official Jeep channels, bringing an interesting pickup alternative to Jeep dealers for a very low overall investment. It would solve the cost issues that killed the Gladiator concept, which used its own unique platform.
It's our understanding that the arrangement between AEV and DaimlerChrysler is still in the concept stage, perhaps awaiting the public's response to the new 2007 Wrangler-based pickup at this year's SEMA show.
We had posted this update: These photos may actually be an AEV Conversions vehicle called the Brute, which has been on the market for some time (thanks, David G. and Jason West.) Jason West wrote, ?Those are AEV Brute trucks which have been in production for a few years now, with AEV's new Highline fenders and hood. That top is all new though, I haven't seen that one yet. Very cool. Looks like they've also redesigned the bed a bit (gas filler is back on the driver-side and the side tiedowns are gone) and widened the tailgate.?

The truck you see here appears to be the resurrection of Jeep's pickup aspirations. We'll have to wait until the truck's official SEMA unveiling to see exactly how everything shakes out. It?s possible that this is a limited production that tests the concept and interest levels, and that if it works out, a full production Jeep Scrambler - a Jeep Wrangler pickup truck - will be made starting in 2008 or 2009.
Chrysler has long had a gap in their product line for compact pickups; the company has not built one since the A pickups of long ago, and more recently the Mitsubishi-sourced Ram 50 line. The Dakota originally semi-filled that role, but long since grew too large to be considered anything near compact.

Update: Bob Sheaves wrote, ?Those are TJs...the front fenders have been raised, the hood shortened, the wheelbase lengthened. The paint is an unpolished base coat. Basically, the same mods for tire and wheel clearance we did back in 1990 on the TJ prototypes to gain extra clearance without having to use silly body lift kits. Personally, I am glad to see it getting the recognition it deserves-the JK (2007) version will be nice. ... A show car with that engine? I don't think so-that has been used as a mule for development (way to dirty to be put in a show car-too much visible rust on everything).

Update: AEV Press ReleaseA new Jeep pickup conversion kit called ?Brute? will likely shake up the compact pickup market and satisfy dedicated Jeep lovers with a rough-and-ready, street-worthy and off-road demon rarely seen on American roads for years.
Missoula-based American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), working in close affiliation with longtime supplier Quality Metalcraft (QMC) of Livonia, Michigan, will unveil an all-new, production-ready Jeep Brute conversion kit at the Las Vegas SEMA show in November, 2006.
The kit is production-ready and will fit all Jeep Wrangler TJ models built from 1997 to 2006. AEV has become legend in the aftermarket for its popular aftermarket parts for Jeep, and the eye-popping Brute is sure to draw attention on the street and off-road.
While American pickups have trended to larger sizes and more luxurious details, the AEV Jeep Brute conversion presents consumers with a compact, rugged alternative that stresses performance and attitude while preserving the highest Jeep TJ standards.
Demand for the TJ Brute kits is expected to be high. AEV will begin accepting deposits immediately and plans to start shipping kits in 8 weeks. Orders and further questions can be directed to AEV?s Kent Klein (phone: 406.251.2100; email: kent@ aev-conversions.com; web: www.aev-conversions.com).
In addition to kits that will allow Jeep fans to build their own Brute, AEV is currently developing a Detroit-based facility that will do the work for them. The new facility will ship everything from base-model, turn-key Brute conversions to Brutes with a wider range of options, including the popular AEV Hemi conversion, a Hi-Line Fender and Hood kit with XL flares to accommodate a larger wheel tire combination, and a number of other AEV innovations.
AEV founder Dave Harriton first introduced the Brute as a concept vehicle in 2002. Working closely with Jeep-Truck engineers, as well as QMC, Harriton had all Brute parts, materials, and finishes engineered and validated to rigorous OEM production standards.
QMC can now mass-produce Brute kits for AEV to meet consumer demand. Kits will include everything needed for the Brute conversion. Prices will be announced at this year?s SEMA and are expected to run between $8K to $10K per kit.
In addition to the Brute, AEV will show several new aftermarket products for the new 2007 Wrangler (JK) at SEMA, including:
A formed-steel front bumper with integrated winch-mount and skid plate
3-dimensional formed-steel rear corner guards
Newly-styled AEV wheels that will also fit Jeep Commander (XK) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK).
Wheels will be conventional or with a bead-lock application for off-road performance; finish options include chrome, silver, or argent
A JK Brute conversion is in the works and should be available soon
For further information on American Expedition Vehicles, please visit www.aev-conversions.com. To inquire about Quality Metalcraft, visit www.qualitymetalcraft.com.

[raggmann]

Don't know if you've seem my post,if no:
http://forums.4wd.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25103

Ragg

[william-idol]

They had a Gladiator at the Pittsburgh Autoshow earlier this month. So there must be some hope that it's still coming out.

[cherokee96]

Hope so. That thing is sweet! Should have done that instead of the Compass. Never saw a really good pic of the Gladiator until today. We can always hope!

[91RedRenegade]

I'm sorry, I've never liked pick up trucks. And that's what it looks like to me. And NO, my CJ8 is most assuredly NOT a pick up truck. I did not care for the Honcho, it was a pick up truck. It's just the look!

Wonderful that most of you like it, it will certainly assure parts and accessories for the JK are around for a long time. It just doesn't LOOK like a jeep. At least the 2 dr JK kinda looks like a Jeep!:icon_confused:

Just my opinion, you know what they say about opinions!!!:lildevil:

Dave:icon312:

[DuluthCJ]

This is the only truck that actually has a chance because it is assembled almost entirely of existing JK parts. And I will buy one if it comes out, this thing is bad ***. here is the web site with all the stats http://www.offroaders.com/tech/jeep/Jeep-JT.htm

[Jeepweezer]

Quit teasing us and build the darn thing.