Chrysler and Jeep Tease with Pre-Detroit Auto Show Concepts

While the Gladiator looks to be built off of the new Dakota platform, which would give it V6 and V8 power, dynamic handling and

The Gladiator rides on a unique body-on-frame architecture, and is powered by an Italian-built 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder turbodiesel. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

serious off-road capabilities, it's not. Instead it rides on a unique body-on-frame architecture, and powered by the Italian-built 2.8-liter inline four-cylinder turbodiesel that currently resides under the hood of the diesel-powered Jeep Liberty CDI. Trail rated? No doubt, the Gladiator looks as if it could climb over anything that dared get in its way.

So why should the Gladiator be important to Jeep to build? For the same reason it needs to produce last year's Rescue concept. The famed brand is under direct threat by the 7-slat

The famed Jeep brand is under direct threat by the 7-slat grilled monster it created while under AMC rule, Hummer. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

grilled monster it created while under AMC rule, Hummer. The "baddest" SUV nameplate just unveiled its midsize H3, targeting Grand Cherokee customers, while an H3 based pickup truck that showed up in concept form earlier this year is expected shortly thereafter.

DaimlerChrysler, caught napping with one of the most recognizable brands in the history of automobiles, needs to pick up its game and hit the market with a barrage of new products, if only to keep up with its General Motors' built rival Hummer. Of course, by doing so it just might open up new opportunities, garner greater market share and, low and behold, make more money.