The Jeep Gladiator midsize concept is way cool, and represents the future of midsize to compact pickups-in my opinion. Ford better get on the stick, because I would much rather have one of these than the current Ranger...or a Chevy Colorado..... or a compact import, for that matter. The Jeep concept has several things going for it, that I like:

*It utilizes the classic WWII Jeep front clip look. It's classic Americana. The box may make some younger people think of the Hummer with the box, but this is the original Jeep look. I love the spare tire mounting location.

*It's powerd by a small I-6 turbo diesel! Diesel is were the future of small pickup trucks are at, in my opinion.

* It gets 27 MPG! Can we afford to keep driving, drive around mid size or compact 4x4 pickups, that get only 20, and usually much less, once this becomes available?

* It has solid axles front and rear.

* It's a 4x4 only, of course!

* It's totally cool.

* It will cost much less than 30 grand brand spanking new. It will be really no more expensive than most new Rangers (at most trim levels) now, and actually less expensive than the Colorado's or the Taco.

 

It is very sharp looking. Do you have a link that has more details. I really don't think midsize in the long run will be the future. I really see full size staying where its at and maybe mini trucks, smaller than todays Ranger in the future. Much like what you see in Europe.

 

Here you go tmyers.

http://www.dodgeboy.net/news/gladiator/index.htm (info and pics)

I agree wiuth everything the original poster said. This is a cool, yet practical compact truck. I would much rather have one of these than the Dakota, Ranger, Colorado, and any other compact. Import, or not.


Best as always.

 

Terry,

In regard to your smaller pickup, check this out:
http://www.ford.co.za/servlet/Conten...ge_Temp&c=Page
Based on the Ford Fiesta, available only in South Africa, with both Petrol and Diesel power.

 

That is what I'm talking about. Us city dwellers could use a truck like that. This vehicle is under 10K based on exchange rate. And if not for during resto projects and my other hobbies where even my ranger is to small this would be perfect for where I live.

 

I reckon the small diesel one would be great as a daily driver, easy to park, it would surely get over 40mpg, and you could turbocharge it for more power if required.

 

IMHO this is the coolest stock truck i have ever came accross. Ever since i first saw it at the detroit auto show (up close, pretty much holding the door open) i have been drooling over it. Would definately buy one... great mileage for a truck, I4 turbo deisel , solid axles (finally solid front in a non heavy duty truck), manual trans, winch, d-ring's, FRONT AND REAR locking differentials, im in love. Dont mean to make anyone mad but you have to admit, great concept that should go into production.

 

btw, it has the liberty's 2.8L I-4 turbo diesel.

 

I stand corrected. I have read both I6 and I4. I saw this in one of the magazines, and it read I6 (I'm pretty sure ) so I thought I should use that spec.

 

Yeah, I can tell you from experience that the 2.8L turbo diesel is SWEET. It's making almost 300 lb/ft of torque, at 2,000 RPM WHERE IT'S NEEDED, and mine is getting 24 mpg so far but it's not broken in yet. If Jeep does actually build a pickup truck and put this diesel in there it will be the most awesome pickup truck on the road in my opinion. I think Ford needs to develop a small turbo diesel for the next generation Ranger.

 

I heard DCX is going to produce the Gladiator to fill in the pickup gap in the Jeep product line. Can anybody confirm this rumor?

 

Man, thats a cool jeep. I wouldnt mind having two of them if i had the money!!