2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept

Shifting gears is a 6-speed manual transmission, hooked up to a part-time four-wheel drive transfer case. While the transfer case would without doubt

Shifting gears is a 6-speed manual transmission, hooked up to a part-time four-wheel drive transfer case. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

remain a conventional part-time unit, maintaining Jeep's "Trail Rated" brand image (although the nameplate will soon deviate from this strategy with a new compact model or two, concepts of which will be shown next month at the Frankfurt motor show - see automotive news for Aug 9, 2005: Jeep to Show Off 'Baby' Compass Rallye and Patriot SUV Concepts at IAA), it is likely an automatic gearbox would be added to the 6-speed manual, most likely including five forward gears like other Jeep products currently in the lineup.

Under the sheetmetal is a robust off-road optimized suspension system, incorporating a solid axle with five-bar

The fact that the Gladiator's flexible cargo bed could carry anything from a camper to duo of motocross bikes, makes getting deep into the woods all the more intriguing. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

links and single coil springs up front, plus a solid axle with five-bar links and dual coilover springs. Solid axles, by the way, are what 4x4 purists want, as they go over obstacles better than independent suspension systems. And with 348 mm (13.7 inches) of ground clearance, and 18 x 8 in alloy wheels with 265/75R18 off-road rated tires front and back, there's not much that could stop, let alone slow down the Gladiator.

And the fact that its flexible cargo bed could carry anything from a camper to duo of motocross bikes, makes getting deep into the woods all the more intriguing. First of all, even at its 1,725 mm (67.9 inch) regular length (that's 5 feet, 7 inches in old school terms) there's plenty of room for hauling firewood, gravel or bark mulch, but drop the tailgate down and add on a rear extender, which would no doubt be a Mopar option, and fitting in sheets of building material or an ATV would be no problem at all. And with the "midgate" option lowered, yes a similar system to what Chevy offers on its Avalanche SUT (sport utility truck), bed length increases by up to 2,026 mm (79.7 inches or 6 feet, 8 inches) with the tailgate upright, or 2,723 mm (107.2 in or 8 feet, 11 inches) total with the tailgate dropped.