The Jeep Gladiator concept takes much of its design – and its name – from the 1962 full size Jeep pickup, thus leaving intact the Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler obsession with car names from the misty, wispy past. And just like most of these retro-futuristic (oops, a Ford word there) cars, this looks to be another concept that might have one foot in the production door. The Jeep Gladiator is a sharp-looking vehicle that defies labels, as it retains much of the Wrangler mechanics but includes fancy chrome accents and a bed that can expand to eight feet in a ‘classic’ pull-the-back-window-out Avalanche-style mid-gate design. Dubbed a “lifestyle” pickup, the Gladiator keeps the Wrangler’s solid front axle, adding a side-mounted spare and a half-door on the passenger side that opens 180 degrees. The Gladiator also features an open-air canvas roof and removable doors. Other elements of the Gladiator include a Command Trac part-time 4WD system, front- and rear-locking differentials, a front winch, and skid plates.
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