2020 Jeep Gladiator (bakkie)

FiestaST

Honorary Master
Joined
Aug 9, 2009
Messages
221,735
Reaction score
104,266
Location
CPT~ /\\/¯¯¯\\/\\ ~ZA
The Jeep Gladiator (bakkie) is back! Pics are leaked. Lets see how well these do in SA!

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Pickup Truck: This Is It

A couple of days ago we got a tip that the upcoming Jeep Wrangler pickup truck would be called the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, and now it seems official images have leaked confirming the new name. It looks—well, it looks like a Wrangler pickup!

The photo popped up on JeepGladiatorForum showing the truck in all of its crew cab glory. Reportedly, the photos are from a Jeep media site that was quickly taken down this morning.

We can clearly see styling elements from the new Wrangler on the grille, headlights and taillights, and even a soft top option, but beyond that, no huge surprises here.

Update, 1:57 p.m.: According to a screenshot of an information sheet about the new Gladiator posted by the forums, the Gladiator will be capable of 30 inches of water fording, a towing capacity up to 7,650 pounds and a 1,600 payload capacity.

According to the sheet, it will be available with a 3.6-liter V6 or 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, and can be optioned with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic.

We’ll update more as we get it.

https://jalopnik.com/the-2020-jeep-gladiator-pickup-truck-this-is-it-1830439869

Gladiator 1.JPGGladiator 2.JPGGladiator 3.JPGGladiator 4.JPG
 
If a Jeep salesman doesn't ask a prospective buyer "Are you not entertained?" after he/she has driven it, then he should be fired.
 
New Jeep Gladiator pick-up leaked ahead of LA show debut

Jeep fan forum claims images of the Wrangler-based truck were accidentally published on FCA's media website

Jeep's big Los Angeles motor show unveiling, the Gladiator pick-up truck, has allegedly been leaked by the brand's own website.

Official press shots of the Wrangler-based utility vehicle were put out by the aptly named Jeep Gladiator Forum, which claims they were posted by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' media site by accident before promptly being taken down.

The shots reveal the Gladiator – originally thought to be named the Scrambler – is based heavily on the new JL Wrangler 4x4, with near-identical bodywork until after the C-pillar, where a 5ft-long load bed has been added.

Technical details are thin on the ground at this stage, but the Gladiator is believed to be powered by a 3.6-litre petrol V6 offered with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox. A 3.0-litre diesel engine is also rumoured to appear in auto-only form by 2020.

The rest of the truck's mechanical make-up will be shared with the Wrangler, including the four-wheel drive system and optional electronic differential locks. The shots show it will be offered in Rubicon and Sahara trims, with only four-door options and the choice of a solid roof or a removable soft-top.

It's not clear yet if the Gladiator will become a part of Jeep's European line-up, but we should get confirmation of this when the truck is officially revealed at the Los Angeles motor show later this month.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-jeep-gladiator-pick-leaked-ahead-la-show-debut

IMG_9691.JPG
 
Jeep Gladiator

The all-new 2020 Jeep® Gladiator - the most capable midsize truck ever - builds on a rich heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks with an unmatched combination of rugged utility, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functionality and versatility, best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload, advanced fuel-efficient powertrains, superior on- and off-road dynamics and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features.

"Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure," said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand - North America. "There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility and functionality resulting in the most capable midsize truck ever."

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator delivers unmatched capability with best-in-class towing and 4x4 payload capacity, composed on-road driving dynamics and passenger safety. Legendary off-road capability comes courtesy of the Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, segment-exclusive sway-bar disconnect and 33-inch off-road tires.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is available in these different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon.

Built in Toledo, Ohio, the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator arrives in showrooms in the second quarter of 2019.

Modern take on authentic Jeep design

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator boasts a rugged, distinguished design aesthetic that is immediately recognizable with traditional Jeep design cues.

The Jeep design team kept the legendary seven-slot grille seen on Wrangler, but widened the grille slots for additional air intake to assist with the increased towing capacity. The top of the keystone-shaped grille is gently swept back to enhance aerodynamics.

Jeep Gladiator Overland and Rubicon models offer available LED headlamps and fog lamps that project crisp white lighting, adding to the truck's modern look. Gladiator models equipped with LEDs feature daytime running lights, which form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights. Forward turn signals are positioned on the front of the trapezoidal wheel flares.

From behind, traditional square tail lamps feature available LED lighting and give way to a wide tailgate opening for unobstructed loading of cargo into the bed. The tailgate is damped and capable of stopping in three positions, while cargo is easily secured with a power-locking tailgate.

Clever functionality and versatility were the focus while designing the Gladiator's durable bed to streamline usability. Under-rail bed lighting, an available covered external power source (400W 115-volt, three-prong) and strong integrated tie-downs, provide durability and versatility. The available Trail Rail Cargo Management System provides additional storage options to organize and secure cargo.

The full-size spare tire and mount is located under the bed, behind the rear axle and capable of holding up to a 35-inch tire.

An available spray-in bed liner, bed divider and tonneau cover provide even more options to keep cargo secure while helping with durability. Jeep Gladiator Rubicon models are equipped with protective cab and cargo bed rock rails.

A four-bolt design at the top of the windshield's frame allows for the windshield to fold down quickly and easily. A header bar connects the A-pillars and stays in place even when the windshield is folded down. This allows the rearview mirror to remain in place even with the windshield folded.

Two-piece body-color fender flares with a black lower insert give a raised profile and are standard on Overland and available on Rubicon models.

Lightweight, high-strength aluminum doors feature the Torx bit size stamped directly onto the hinge to eliminate guessing which size bit is needed to remove the doors. A tool kit with the necessary Torx bits to remove the doors and lower the windshield is provided as standard equipment.

All Gladiators feature body-color sport bars, which are welded to the body and feature integrated grab handles for front occupants.

A premium Sunrider soft top provides a segment-exclusive easy open-air option, which helps to quiet wind noise and allows for access to partial and full open top positions. The soft top features retainers that slide into a track for easy rear window removal.

Gladiator Overland and Rubicon models share an available three-piece body-color hardtop option, offering a unique, premium appearance, while a black three-piece hardtop, available on all models, offers even more options for open-air driving. The two Freedom panels and quick-release latches enable a fast removal and installation of the hardtop. All hardtops feature a manual rear-sliding window.

Dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations allow for endless configuration possibilities.

https://www.netcarshow.com/jeep/2020-gladiator/

Jeep Gladiator 1.jpgJeep Gladiator 2.jpgJeep Gladiator 3.jpgJeep Gladiator 4.jpgJeep Gladiator 5.jpgJeep Gladiator 6.jpg
 
New Jeep Gladiator: heavy-duty pick-up launched

Wrangler-based machine is designed to meet the popularity of pick-ups in North America - and offers plenty of off-road ability

Jeep has revealed the Gladiator, its new heavy duty pick-up track based on the Wrangler, at the Los Angeles motor show.

The new machine, the first pick-up Jeep has produced since the Comanche went off sale in 1992, is designed to cash in on the hugely lucrative and growing North American pick-up marke. It will go on sale there next year, although it is not known if there are any plans for it to come to Europe yet.

The Gladiator has been designed to marry the Wrangler’s off-road ability with the practicality of a pick-up, with Jeep boss Tim Kuniskis saying that it combines “combined rugged utility, versatility and functionality”, and was developed due to “tremendous demand” from customers.

The pick-up features the same body-on-frame chassis design as the Wrangler, and takes heavy styling cues from the off-roader. That includes the familiar headlight and front grille design, although it features extra ventilation to help cool the engine when it is being used for towing.

The Gladiator is 787mm longer than the four-door Wrangler and, in Crew Cab configuration, features a 1524mm load bay. Jeep says the Gladiator can carry loads of up to 725kg, and has 4370kg of towing capacity.

It will be offered with either a 3.6-litre V6 petrol or, from 2020, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines due in 2020, with eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearboxes offered.

Depending on spec, two different all-wheel-drive systems are available, with both offering full-time torque management. It will be available with electric front- and rear-axle locks, a limited slip differential and electronic sway-bar disconnect.

The Gladiator sits on 17inch wheels, with Rubicon spec models using 33-inch off-road tyres, and Jeep promises 11.1 inches of ground clearance.

The interior features an LED information display up to 7inches in size, along with an smartphone-compatible infotainment touchscreen of up to 8.4 inches, along with a number of USB and power sockets.

The Gladiator will be built at Jeep’s plant in Toledo, Ohio.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...w/new-jeep-gladiator-heavy-duty-pick-launched
 
Jeep Gladiator: new Wrangler-based bakkie revealed!


The new Jeep Gladiator has been revealed at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, with the American brand describing its Wrangler-based double-cab bakkie as “the most capable mid-size truck ever”.

Jeep says its new body-on-frame Gladiator delivers “unmatched capability with best-in-class towing and 4×4 payload capacity”, as well as “composed” on-road driving dynamics.

Its off-road ability comes courtesy of the brand’s Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, sway-bar disconnect and 33-inch off-road tyres.

The Gladiator will be built in Ohio (production is expected to begin in the first half of 2019) in Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon trim configurations.

A four-bolt design at the top of the windscreen’s frame allows for the screen to fold down, with a header bar connecting the A-pillars and staying in place. Lightweight aluminium doors feature the Torx bit size stamped directly onto the hinge (to eliminate guessing which size bit is needed to remove the doors, says Jeep).

The Jeep Gladiator will be offered with the brand’s familiar 3,6-litre Pentastar V6 engine at launch, mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an eight-speed automatic transmission offered as an option. A 3,0-litre EcoDiesel V6 engine is set to join the range later, offered exclusively with an eight-speed auto.

The newcomer features an approach angle of 43,6 degrees, breakover angle of 20,3 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees and a ground clearance of 282 mm. The Gladiator also benefits from up to 762 mm of water fording, up to 725 kg of payload and up to 3 470 kg of towing capacity (with the Max Towing Package specified).

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/jeep-gladiator-new-wrangler-based-bakkie-revealed/
 
New Jeep Gladiator Bakkie Revealed

Jeep has used the LA Motor Show to reveal its new mid-size Gladiator bakkie. See details below…
While we wait for the arrival of the new Wrangler in 2019, Jeep has revealed what is calls the most capable truck ever and it’s called the Gladiator.

"Unquestionably a truck and instantly recognizable as a Jeep, the all-new 2020 Gladiator is the ultimate vehicle for any outdoor adventure. There is tremendous demand for this unique vehicle from our loyal Jeep customers and pickup truck buyers everywhere. Born from a rich and proud heritage of tough, dependable Jeep trucks, Gladiator combines rugged utility, versatility and functionality resulting in the most capable mid-size truck ever,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Jeep Brand - North America.

The Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with 213 kW and 353 Nm of torque and is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard while an 8-speed automatic is offered as an option. A 3.0-litre EcoDiesel engine is expected to join the range in 2020.

Offroad ability is provided by two 4x4 systems (depending on the derivative) and these include a Command-Trac 4x4 system as well as a Rock Trac 4x4 system with heavy duty Dana 44 front and rear axles and Tru-Lok locking differentials. The Gladiator is shod with 17-inch off-road wheels with 33-inch tyres.

The wading depth for the Gladiator is 762 mm with a maximum towing capacity of 3 470 kg and payload capacity of 726 kg.

The Jeep Gladiator is not currently under consideration for South Africa.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/new-jeep-gladiator-bakkie-revealed/45884/
 
Yee-ha! Jeep reveals Gladiator double cab bakkie

Jeep has finally pulled the covers off its Gladiator double cab bakkie and just as you would expect from a Wrangler with a load bay, it’s something of a Swiss Army knife on wheels.

Just like its SUV donor, the Gladiator can be ‘stripped’ in multiple ways, with owners able to fold down the windscreen, remove the doors and lower the soft top for a truly open-air experience - something that will be a unique selling point in its class. Buyers can also opt for a removable hard top.

The load bed itself features a lighting system (positioned beneath the rails) and a 400W external power source, and buyers can opt for Jeep’s ‘Trail Rail’ cargo management system for organising and securing items.

The Gladiator will be available at launch with a 212kW 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, matched with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, while a 194kW 3-litre V6 turbodiesel is set to join the range in 2020, mated to the aforementioned autobox.

Being Wrangler-based it also offers the very best 4x4 systems that Jeep has to offer (Command-Trac and Rock-Trak), as well as Tru-Lock electrically operated front and rear axle lockers, a Trac-Lock limited slip differential and sway-bar disconnector.

The interior is as per the Wrangler SUV, featuring the latest Uconnect touchscreen infotainment systems (in 17.8cm and 21.3cm sizes), and with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Rubicon models offer a forward-facing camera for off-roading.

Nifty storage solutions feature throughout, according to Jeep, including an under-seat bin for storing the door and windscreen bolts after you’ve removed them.

While the Gladiator sounds like a match made in heaven for South African bakkie fans, the vehicle has yet to be officially confirmed for our market, according to Fiat Chrysler SA, although it certainly hasn’t been ruled out either. The international press release does mention that it will be available in European, Middle Eastern and African markets from 2020, which hopefully includes us.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...-reveals-gladiator-double-cab-bakkie-18310292
 
Take a look at the history of Jeep and its bakkie range over the years - it's even older than Toyota

If ever there was a brand which could justifiably leverage its history to build a desirable double-cab bakkie, it’s Jeep.

And yet the symbol of American off-road motoring has confusingly been doing anything but build a bakkie in the last few years, despite double-cab demand growing globally.

This 2018 Los Angeles auto show finally saw Jeep’s bakkie strategy come into focus with the new Gladiator, a double-cab Wrangler. It’s a product evolution so obvious you can’t imagine why it took Jeep so long to execute.

The new Gladiator blends all the reputable off-road ability of Wrangler (front- and rear-lockers, sway-bar disconnect), with a loadbin and double-cab passenger accommodation

Engines are Jeep’s 3.6-litre V6 and a new 3-litre V6 turbodiesel. Due for global distribution in 2020, these Gladiator bakkies could become immensely popular in South Africa.

With the Defender 130 double-cab retired, the only real rival to a Gladiator would be Toyota’s Land-Cruiser 70 Series V8 double-cab, and that’s quite an antiquated design, shaded in overall refinement and cabin comfort by the Jeep.

How did Jeep get to the Gladiator? Well, here’s a history of Jeep’s bakkies, including a little-known prototype which nearly became a South African special forces logistics vehicle.

Willy’s Overland (1947-1965)


Willy’s Overland.jpg

A loadbin version of the original post-war production Jeep, featuring solid axles and leaf springs. Think of this as an American Land Rover.

Powered at first by a 45kW 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, it was rated as a 1t workhorse and shifted via a three-speed manual gearbox. Jeep interestingly also produced a rear-wheel drive only derivative, which was rerated to 750kg load capacity.

Jeep Gladiator (1962-1988)

Jeep Gladiator.JPG

The most iconic of all Jeep bakkies, with its gaping mouth grille and inverted slanting shark nose front styling. This original Gladiator was renowned for its AMC 401 engine, which was a 6.6-litre V8 good for 430Nm, and capable of ridiculous mileages if one merely kept it up to date with easily replaceable service parts.

If you need confirmation of how successful and popular these Jeep bakkies were, consider the Gladiator 1.0’s production run: which was an unprecedented 26 years, during which very few mechanical upgrades were ever requested by customers or applied by Jeep.

Jeep Commando As Toyota and Nissan launched their original Land Cruiser and Patrol off-roaders, Jeep realised it finally had competition. Chrysler’s response was the Jeepster Commando, which debuted in 1966 and amongst its four configurations, featured a bakkie variant.

Jeep Comanche (1986-1992)

Jeep Comanche.JPG

A very handsome bakkie conversion of the legendary XJ-series Jeep Cherokee. Evolved from perhaps the best American SUV ever built, the Comanche was an attractive, square-proportioned bakkie that was manufactured to rival a flood of increasingly capable Japanese rivals in the American market.

Comanche featured proven Chrysler engines ranging from 2.5-litres and four-cylinders to 4-litres and six-cylinders. Equipped with the Cherokee’s coil-sprung front suspension and Dana rear axle, it was a lot more comfortable on-road, and better in the rough stuff, than most competitors. Rated to carry a proper 1t payload too.

Jeep J8 (2008)Around the time of the 2008 Aerospace Africa Defence exhibition, we spotted something of great interest in one of the hangers: a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited single-cab.

Well, technically it was a 'no-cab' open design but featured two access doors in the manner of a traditional single-cab and also loadbin. After some deft negotiating we got to drive the vehicle, which was powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine - and proved fantastically capable.

The ladder frame had been strengthened to make it deliverable by parachute, and with heavy-duty Dana 44 and 60-series axles front and rear, it was virtually unbreakable when negotiating rough terrain.

Special bumpers with enormous shackles (for helicopter portability) gave the J8 18% better approach and departure angles than a standard Wrangler Unlimited and customer air filters meant it could run with ease in sandstorm conditions.

And if you needed to go patrolling for a long time, it featured a 1300kg payload, which was plenty. Never adopted by the South African military, Jeep’s J8 tantalisingly proved that a right-hand drive Wrangler bakkie was possible - ten years ago.

https://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_...he-years-its-even-older-than-toyotas-20181203
 
Raptor, beware? Jeep working on high-performance Gladiator

Despite the new Jeep Gladiator having been revealed as recently as late-November 2018, a fresh report out of the United States suggests the automaker is already developing a high-performance version of its Wrangler-based double-cab bakkie.

According to sources cited by the Jeep Gladiator Forum, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is working on a high-performance version of the new bakkie (which could end up wearing the “Hercules” badge) to take on the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor.

While the report suggests the project has not yet been given the official green light for production, it adds that prototypes have already been built and are undergoing testing.

In addition, Mark Allen, who heads up the design department at Jeep, suggested to Autoline in 2018 that the firm would “expand into [the] high-speed off-road” segment. Jeep Gladiator Forum speculates that Allen may have been referring to the rumoured Hercules.

It’s not yet clear what sort of engine would power the high-performance version of the bakkie, but it’s worth bearing in mind the standard Gladiator features the brand’s familiar 3,6-litre Pentastar V6 (while a 3,0-litre EcoDiesel V6 is also on the cards).

Of course, the forum also created a render of the Hercules (pictured above), giving the standard bakkie items such as Mopar beadlock wheels (shod in heftier rubber), a Mopar front skidplate, steel front bumper, a black grille, the obligatory lift kit, rock rails and a more aggressive bonnet design.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/raptor-beware-jeep-working-on-high-performance-gladiator/

Jeep.JPG
 
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Truck Survived its First Off-Road Race

The 2019 King of the Hammers headline off-road event is raging right now, but earlier this week a 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup successfully completed the 4WP Every Man Challenge Race at the same extreme venue. It wasn’t particularly competitive, and it wasn’t completely stock, but it did survive a beating in the hands of pro drivers Erik Miller and Robby Gordon.

The Every Man Challenge is a race over sand and rocks, similar to the King of the Hammers but shorter. Still seriously challenging though, particularly for vehicles in the the Spidertrax 4600 Stock Class which requires competitors to use a factory engine, stock frame, full body, single shock at each corner, and 35-inch tall street-legal tires.

So these vehicles are not exactly “stock,” but they’re pretty representative of mildly modified factory vehicles that run around the trails of southern California and the rest of the country all the time.

This Jeep truck was built by Corona, Calif. shop Savvy Off-Road and ran a custom link-and-coil suspension, Fox remote reservoir shocks, extremely robust Dynatrac 60 front and rear axles, beadlock wheels with 35-inch Falken Wildpeak M/T tires, a winch and a roll cage for safety.

Under the hood was Jeep’s standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Miller and Gordon drove the first official race-prepped Jeep Gladiator to finish the 124-mile course in 10 hours, four minutes and 17 seconds which put them in 43rd place overall with five other “stock” class vehicles ahead of them. The day’s overall winner, Casey Gilbert, finished in five hours, eight minutes and three seconds and the fastest stock vehicle did it in eight hours, 48 minutes and 13 seconds to give you some context.

“It’s such a new build. The only time I had in the car was for qualifying, so to jump in here today and run it in the rocks, I wasn’t nervous but I was doubtful of my abilities,” Miller said in a statement relayed by the King of the Hammers media team. “It’s such a big vehicle, and I had no time driving one, but it was phenomenally capable.”

While the Jeep basically finished at the bottom of the pack, I’m impressed that the thing finished at all. And as you can see by how ravaged the rear end is in these post-race pictures posted to social media, it does not look like the drivers went easy on the thing.

https://jalopnik.com/the-2020-jeep-gladiator-truck-survived-its-first-off-ro-1832474624

Gladiator 1.JPGGladiator 2.JPGGladiator 3.JPGGladiator 4.JPGGladiator 5.JPG
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X