Dream Pickup Truck, The Future is Mine

The other day I was pricing myself a New Jeep Unlimited with all the features when I happened to come along to a picture of a Jeep Gladiator Instantly I did started drooling. Some of you may remember me having a '79 Jeep J10 that I called Ms. Grebe. Well sad to say, that is no more. I did find someone would rebuild her and I do have visitation rights.

This Jeep is not out yet but it is a Jeep Concept Vehicle. There are rumors that it may come out either in late 2007 or 2008. Either way, I am saving my pennies and looking forward to buying it.

It is suppose to be at the Columbus International Auto Show this weekend March 10th through the 19th and I will be there the 12th.

You can check it out at:

http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/gladiator/gallery.html

IMHO If this doesn't make you drool, then your not into Pickup Trucks

OK, I am going to try this again.

http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/gladiator/gallery.html

I know you guys would really want to see this for yourself.

Yes, it is working now.

It just take these old dogs a little while to learn these new tricks.

Cool looking truck! I kinda like the Chevy Avalanche though...

So, Mrs. Gre-be is no more a part of your family.... Does T mourn as do you?

Awesome choice, Richard. I've become a Jeepophile, since owning our Cherokee Limited, and can't wait to see the new Wraglers on the road. There's a very good chance that we'll see the Gladiator in a couple of years.



http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/14/daimler...oncepts-charms/
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...E/60212002/1041

I am getting a little fed up with Jeep, lately though.

Strike one, the Jeep Compass is a bloody FWD (with optional AWD, not 4X4) based on the Mitsubishi Lancer, of all things!

Strike two, Jeep has killed of the 4.0L I6 for a 3.6L V6! Probably Jeep's most distinctive engines, and the legacy is now ending. What's next, a HEMI Wrangler? Someone at the top is losing the vision.

They get one more swing. Let's hope it's the Gladiator.

Oops, that's a 3.8L V6. Still, if they had tried to build a crossflow head for the 4.0L, I know they would have gotten more than the 15hp increase the V6 gets. And they would still have that stump pulling straight six torque.

I've been wondering, though. With the exhaust manifold directly under the intake, it would be super easy to build a turbo setup with low boost levels, for class leading torque. I think they're shooting themselves in the foot with this one.

Using Jeep's Press Release:

The Gladiator shown in the picture has a 2.8 liter, 4 cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine that provides 295 lb-ft of torque and 163 hp with a 6 speed transmission and a part time transfer case.

You could say that I too am a "Jeepophile". My first was of course the '79 J10 and now I have '96 Cherokee Sport, that I absolutely love. But my Wife says that the Cherokee is hers so I guess I would just have to settle for the Gladiator and she does approve of this idea.

And Yes, Sis E., Teresa was sad for me when Ms. Grebe went and she had given me the OK to get a Jeep Unlimited. But when she saw the Gladiator, she fell in love with it too. It was a real tough sell. (not) She is even going with me to Columbus this Sunday to take a look at it.

General and Estimated Specifications:

Vehicle Weight: 4,150 lb. (est.)
Length: 205" (5,207 mm)
Wheelbase: 138.4" (3,515 mm)
Front Overhang: 28.3" (718 mm)
Rear Overhang: 38.3" (974 mm)
Width (MAX): 76.6" (1,947 mm)
Height: 74.8" (1,900 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 65.6"/66.2"
Bed Length: 5' 8" (1,725 mm) (midgate expanded) - 6' 8" (2,026 mm)
(espanded w/tailgate dowm - minimum) 8' 11" (2,723 mm)
Engine: 2.8L 1-4Turbo Diesel
Part time 4x4; Manual 5-speed Trans.
Suspension: Front - Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Single coil springs
Rear - Solid Axle w/ 5 bar links
Dual Coilover Springs
Ground Clearance - 13.7" (348 mm)
Front/Rear Tire Size: 265/75R18
Wheel Size: 18" x 8"

Source: DaimlerChrysler MediaService

What more can I say?

The Cherokee is Angela's rig as well. I get the truck and car. We're already planning to get her a Commander to replace it in a few years. We need a third row, and she won't own a minivan.

Can anybody really blame her???

Now since Teresa has the Cherokee and you know that I really plan to have that Gladiator, and sicnce the Gladiator won't be out for a while, she said that I could have a "Car" too. But I am hoping that my "Car" will be a CJ7. If I can't find one to my liking I may just have to settle with a Wrangler. (Like that is really going to break my heart). And "Yes" it must me a Rag Top.

Ok, let me get this straight. You have a Cherokee, will be getting a Gladiator, have an Unlimited, and now you want to get a second swb Wrangler for a 'car'?

Dude, I get automotive obsessions. You should see the totals I've added up for my T-bird (actually, it's best if you didn't ). Dude, you need a 'toy' that isn't about crawling rocks. Might I sugest something in the price range of a TJ?

You have so many more options for a low slung convertible that won't tip over at highway speeds.

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/sky/overview.jsp

Saturn Sky $23G'ish 177hp ecotec (260hp turbo coming soon)



Pontiac Solstice (same car, obviously, just cheaper) $20G



Mustang 'vert $24G (but that's a V6 *gag* $30G for a GT)



Mazda MX-5 Miata $20G



PT Cruiser GT (turbo) 'vert $28G



Honda S2000 $30G



Mini Cooper S 'vert $22G (supercharged)



Toyota Solara SE V6 $24G



Toyota MR2 $22G



VW Beetle (don't laugh, I love these things) $20G Five banger

OR, you was almost right with the exception of owning an Unlimited. I was looking to buy a New Unlimited when I found the Gladiator. So the Unlimited will be put off. However I will be looking for a CJ7, Wrangler or even an Unlimited in the used stage. At the present time we only own one vehicle. The CJ7 is for me to have something until the Gladiator comes out.

Now these Sports Cars that you are showing would not be bad if I was about 30 years younger. But us Old Farts needs something up high in order to get in and out of without having to keep a Crane around. It was just last May when my Wife test drove a '94 Jaguar. It took me a good 15 minutes just to get out of it.

Oh MAN!!!!
That Saturn!!!

(kids?what kids?)

I used to agree with this sentiment, and thought a minivan would move me to "old fart" status just too quick. Then I owned a Chevy Venture, and all that was over. This was the sweetest riding vehicle that handled like a car, but had all the room and comfort a family man could ask for. The V6 had plenty of power, yet was amazingly good on gas mileage.

But honestly, that is one awesome looking truck.