Head of Jeep Brand NA is bullish on Gladiator future

[MudderNuker]

Torque! The Gladiator needs torque. For that we need an engine designed for a truck and not a minivan. 260Lbs. of torque is just plain stupid on a truck. The Hurricane would cure all that even if it were slightly detuned. 350HP/350-400Lbs, would be ideal.

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[Deleted member 57233]

Torque! The Gladiator needs torque. For that we need an engine designed for a truck and not a minivan. 260Lbs. of torque is just plain stupid on a truck. The Hurricane would cure all that even if it were slightly detuned. 350HP/350-400Lbs, would be ideal.

Mine has over 400lbs of torque

 

[MudderNuker]

Mine has over 400lbs of torque

Yours is diesel and of course it has tons of torque. Can't ignore the risks and issues inherent with the Eco diesels as well as the derating when towing as the engine temperatures climb. Also, the engine is discontinued. I honestly don't think the derating would be an issue with me since I don't tow near the limit anyways. I had a Sierra 1500 AT4 3.0 duramax and that engine was stellar.

 

[Deleted member 57233]

I haven't heard of any major issues other than the HPFP, and that was technically a Bosch issue, not the engine itself. The derating issues seem overblown to me. I wouldn't buy a midsize truck if I was trying to tow things up mountains in 100F weather anyways.

 

[biodiesel]

I haven't heard of any major issues other than the HPFP, and that was technically a Bosch issue, not the engine itself.

Ram/Jeep did an internal investigation and found a 1% failure rate. So, no, the HPFP was not a major issue as long as good fuel is being used. They key is to run a fuel additive for lubricity or at least 2% biodiesel.

The derating issues seem overblown to me. I wouldn't buy a midsize truck if I was trying to tow things up mountains in 100F weather anyways.

Derating isn't an issue if operators would simply slow down. Just because modern engines have the power to move the load doesn't mean we should demand the engine to do it. Driving 20 mph up a mountain pass instead of 40 mph could be the difference between safe operating temperatures and going into derate. It's literally that simple. More fuel = more heat. Less throttle goes a long way.

 

[Angler3]

Put the 392 in it ! That’s what the people want !

 

[Gvsukids]

Love the gladiator but i hate how we are treated. They can start by stop treating the gladiator like the ugly step child black sheep of the family! I've owned three gladiators already and possible thinking of purchasing a final one for this generation. I know this is not a wish list tread but here are some things i would love to see before 2027/28.

1. Give gladiator some of our own trims and packages.
2. A type of Xtreme package and Steel bumper capability package for all trim levels
3. Gearing options 4:56, 4:88, etc. like the wranglers.
4. Revisit the up country up lift packages with some product information and training for dealers. Sales people don't have a clue about the products they sell SMH.
5.Trailer brake controller standard on tow packages without killing the 12V outlet.
6. Some fun colors more color options overall. Bikini was never released.
7. Put select track fulltime 4X4 auto or whatever you call it as an option on the max tow package and basic sport S.
8. Fix Manual transmission and upgrade the clutch. Aftermarket has some good options and Jeep should secure deal to source parts.(Doubt it due to compony greed/ego)
9. Provide us with a new diesel option!! Miss my old diesel. Let manual owners have it as well.
10. Mopar "performances" package to include the snorkel, cold air intake, exhaust, wipers lol as an available option group for all trims. More expensive trims can get an enhance version.
11. Basic work truck type setup for basic sport with a little snow prep package type of a package, cargo group and haul mode. (Doubt it) Give me back my roll up windows lol
12. Armor-lite flooring system from factory like the wranglers.
13. More engine options

I never really cared for the "Electrification" push by the compony however if they ever fix the issues with the original generic Etorque system and produce an upgraded version that will help enhance the old V6 performance then sign me up!!

One can dream.

That's a lot of engineering.

 

[MudderNuker]

Ram/Jeep did an internal investigation and found a 1% failure rate. So, no, the HPFP was not a major issue as long as good fuel is being used. They key is to run a fuel additive for lubricity or at least 2% biodiesel.



Derating isn't an issue if operators would simply slow down. Just because modern engines have the power to move the load doesn't mean we should demand the engine to do it. Driving 20 mph up a mountain pass instead of 40 mph could be the difference between safe operating temperatures and going into derate. It's literally that simple. More fuel = more heat. Less throttle goes a long way.

For contrast, I never had to slow down with the 3.0 Duramax. Why would I have to with the Jeep?

 

[biodiesel]

For contrast, I never had to show down with the 3.0 Duramax. Why would I have to with the Jeep?

The same reason why I don't have to slow down with the 3.0L Ram EcoDiesel. The 1/2-ton trucks have a large grille opening allowing for plenty of air flow. The jeep does not. Jeep engineers talked about this before the diesel Gladiator was released for sale. They said the Pentastar would have a higher tow capacity simply because Jeep's narrow grille opening restricted too much air flow.

 

[BlackRuby23]

Put the 392 in it ! That’s what the people want !

Not me. NO THANK YOU. My days of 6 mpg around town, can't pass a fuel station v8's are OVER with. Given me 300hp and 30mpg.

 

[MudderNuker]

The same reason why I don't have to slow down with the 3.0L Ram EcoDiesel. The 1/2-ton trucks have a large grille opening allowing for plenty of air flow. The jeep does not. Jeep engineers talked about this before the diesel Gladiator was released for sale. They said the Pentastar would have a higher tow capacity simply because Jeep's narrow grille opening restricted too much air flow.

Hence my reply talking about the diesel gladiator. I got to drive one and it felt great not as snappy as the heavier 1500 AT4 but good. Still, if I buy a diesel truck I don't want to have to worry about engine temperatures unnecessarily. I'm sure the heating issues are unique to each situation and road conditions but why do I have to slow 50% down?

 

[biodiesel]

Still, if I buy a diesel truck I don't want to have to worry about engine temperatures unnecessarily.

There's no need to worry. Adjust the speed to where you're comfortable with the oil and water temperatures.

why do I have to slow 50% down?

That's the sacrifice you make if you want the diesel engine and be able to tow heavy loads in mountainous terrain. That seems like a small tradeoff to me.

 

[Sweetums]

I want more power. The 3.6 has run the course. If you can't give it 340+ HP then just scrap it.
I want 340 Hp with 4.88s and a 37 tire option.
I want the cab to be quiet.
I want it to ride nice from the factory without it being mushy.
This is why I buy a Jeep.

Just so we are clear, you want a fast, powerful, quiet Jeep with good handling.

Have you ever seen a Jeep? You're lucky if it keeps most the weather on the outside.

 

[Oilburner]

They may be ‘bullish’ but didn’t have squat to show at the latest auto show. They can’t even give us rear seats that actually FOLD FLAT.

 

[Jeeper44mag]

Well Mr. Broderdorf... here's some ideas for you...
1) Two-door extended cab gladiator with a longer bed for short-haul around town delivery orgs (NAPA, Autozone, courier) and service companies (Pool cleaners, etc).


... one can dream!!!!

THIS. For the many many of us who only need seating for two, and would LOVE to have a cab with just a little storage behind the seat and a 6.5' bed to haul cargo and/or camp/sleep in.

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