Jeep at the LA Auto Show
That's right — more from the LA Auto Show:
I usually don't get too excited about concept cars, but Jeep keeps bringing out the Gladiator to work me into a lather. It premiered at last year's shows, and it's back again this year.
The gladiator is what Jeep is calling a "Flexible Utility Truck." It's basically a pickup truck with the styling of a Wrangler. Jeep claims that it actually would have the off-road capability of a Wrangler as well, though with a 138.4" wheelbase and 4,150 lb curb weight, that's kind of an ambitious overstatement. The Gladiator has some nice features — a 5'8" bed that can be expanded to 6'8" by opening a midgate and 8'11" by dropping the tailgate; solid front and rear axle suspensions with 5 bar links, dual coilover springs and 13.7" of ground clearance.
Jeep admits that the Gladiator is conceived as a "lifestyle" pickup — and I appreciate that admission. I just love the way it looks, and would love to tool around in such a cool-looking truck.
So, go ahead, DaimlerChryslerMercedesBenzMaybachDodgeJeep. Make me a Gladiator.
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