Chrysler Group Surprises Detroit Auto Show Attendees with Three New Concepts

"Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," stated Trevor Creed, Senior Vice

DaimlerChrysler has made it no secret that the Jeep lineup will soon be expanding, and the new Gladiator is the main contender. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

President, Chrysler Group Design. "It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."

A Jeep More Likely to Make Production

Jeep offered up another concept for showgoers' consideration yesterday too, this one looking ready for the showroom floor. Could that be true? DaimlerChrysler has made it no secret that the Jeep lineup will soon be expanding in an effort to optimize its brand equity, and the new Gladiator might make the best use of its familiar face than anything since the TJ.

Painted in an army-like olive drab green, and featuring black matte fender flares and massive knobby mud and dirt off-road

"Jeep Gladiator is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage that explores what shape and features a modern Jeep pickup might have." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

tires, one of which is a side-mounted spare, a long past Jeep tradition, the Gladiator looks ready to carry the troops into action.

Jeep's "Flexible Utility Truck," lucky they didn't call it the Flexible Activity Truck, sports an open-air canvass top just like Dodge Dakotas of yore, removable doors, fold-down windshield, an expandable truck bed and a stow-away rear-seat cushion.

"Jeep Gladiator is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage that explores what shape and features a modern Jeep pickup might have," commented Creed.