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Jeep Gladiator Concept Car
2005
by Jenny McLane
Why concept cars? For obvious reasons - to get a
visible, tangible look at a design before production so its feel can be
evaluated, possible problems can be foreseen, and, for concept cars shown to the
public, so reactions of non-gear heads can be judged.
In testing particular ideas concepts are best - for example, they could be a
test bed for exterior and interior colours and materials, new controls and
dashboard layouts, variations on packaging, etc.
Driving concept cars is a wonderful experience knowing you have driven a future
car first hand. Designs that you can only see in futuristic movies become
suddenly real and many are exaggerated versions of what will actually appear.
The Jeep® Gladiator Concept Car features the historic box side-mounted spare of
past models as well as an open-air canvas top, an expandable truck bed and a
stowaway rear seat cushion, has a rugged functionality only found in Jeep. The
engine is a 2.8-liter diesel ideal for off-roading yet environmentally friendly,
since gas mileage of diesels is better and don't pollute like those of years
past.
It can presumably also be run on biodiesel, which both reduces the amount of
energy spent on processing and avoids toxic spills. The engine has an abundant
295 foot-pounds of torque and 163 horsepower.
The short rear overhang allows a good departure angle for off-roading. There is
a solid front axle, and in the rear, a trailing arm system with
coil-within-a-coil. There are a front winch, front and rear locking
differentials, and skid plates. On the driver's side, there is a cabin storage
access panel, and a lockable storage box in front of the rear wheel where the
jack is stowed.
The Gladiator looks like the shape of Wranglers to come, and rumor has it that's
exactly what it is: a first try at getting the dimensions and shape of the
next-generation Wrangler, due around 2006 (partly to meet new safety standards).
We've been told that the Gladiator retains the classic Jeep live axles, with a
similar 4x4 system and length, but with more width for better stability and
comfort (the Gladiator is ten inches wider, but we suspect the actual increase
will be half that). The suspension will be updated for additional capacity and
safety, and we suspect some electronics will be thrown into the mix. If the
Gladiator is any indication, ground clearance will also be considerably better -
which will be helpful given the new competition from Hummers, Porsches, and the
like.
The most notable feaature for the enthusiast is a new take on the midgate
concept. The cab's rear window rolls down into its divider, but, according to
credible rumor, the seats then fold and tumble under the pickup bed, so that the
bed itself is effectively six feet, eight inches long, extending into the cab.
This is rather different from the Avalanche/Sport Trak setup.
It was heard that there will be four doors, but the two rear doors will be
partial-width - a suicide door on the passenger side for easier entry into the
back seats, and, cleverly, a smaller door on the driver's side.
About the Author:
For all of your Jeep
parts needs browse through http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/JEEP and
avail of top of the line Jeep parts that are excellent deals. Match the quality
and performance of your Jeep, shop at Partstrain online stores and be assured of
high quality yet affordable Jeep Parts.
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a
knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full
time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the
country today. |
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Australia-Wide products/services |
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