GraniteWolfe
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Even though Jeep's all new Wrangler JL is dominating headlines right now as it begins to reach customers, the brand's next big launch is still proceeding along behind the scenes.
The Jeep Gladiator truck.
Spy photographers recently got some close up images of the Gladiator testing near Fiat Chrysler Automobiles North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and these shots give us a little closer look at what's going on with the vehicle.
First off, we get more of that 'trash bag camo' appearance that we've all become accustomed to during the JL ramp up, but it is definitely apparent (as earlier shots also depicted) the vehicle will be mostly identical to the 2018 Wrangler JL up front. You can see the trademark front end with new kink-style grille, LED light strips on the fenders, larger hood to accommodate the 8-speed automatic transmission and raked windshield frame. While these pictures show off the truck with a hard roof, there will also be an optional soft top that can be raised and lowered, as well as removed, like the JL Wrangler soft top.
The rear shots depict a back end that many feel will be similar to a Dodge Ram 1500, incorporating that solid rear axle, lower shock placement and coil springs. Coils will also be up front, as well as a solid front axle, just like the JL Wrangler utilizes.
However, Jeep has not officially released any specs yet on the JT Gladiator, so no word on what type of Dana axles will go into the vehicle, as well as its overall length, whether a two-door edition is in the works as well as if there will be different bed sizes. And if the JL info roll out is any indication, we may not have any answers until the actual reveal date - speaking of which may also be during the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November.
The Gladiator Jeep truck is the company's first foray into the pickup market in 25 years, and originally was targeted for a 2017 release when FCA announced the vehicle back in January 2016. That timeline was altered later last year when the automaker signaled it now expected the truck in production by the end of 2018. Currently, FCA Head of Jeep and Ram brand Mike Manley is on record that the Gladiator should reach dealerships later in 2019 - in order to make sure the JL Wrangler roll out proceeds without problems.
Manley did say he expects the Jeep truck to have a heavy North American footprint, and several industry forecasters are predicting between 40-60 thousand sold during the vehicle's initial model year. No pricing or trim level information is yet available.
FCA plans to terminate production of the current generation Wrangler JK in March, after which that line will be retooled and then used for Gladiator production beginning this November.
https://www.quadratec.com/c/blog/ne...-79978125&mc_cid=9c59c04570&mc_eid=8de445dc4b
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