The Chrysler Group continued its rich history of innovative and exciting concepts when it revealed the rugged Jeep Gladiator and dynamic Chrysler Firepower concepts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator is a lifestyle pickup with all of the rugged functionality of the iconic Jeep Wrangler. It is a super utility truck that features an open-air canvas roof, removable doors and fold-down windshield so driver and passengers can get in touch with the outdoors, and an expandable pickup-truck bed and clever storage compartments to offer truly useful cargo capacity.

“Jeep Gladiator is an authentic statement of Jeep brand heritage that explores what shape and features a modern Jeep pickup might have,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design.

Jeep enthusiasts will likely recognise the Gladiator name from the 1962 fullsize pickup truck model. Other Jeep elements on today’s Gladiator that blend style and function include the seven-slot grille, an open-air passenger compartment, a Command Trac® part-time 4x4 system, front- and rear-locking differentials, a front winch and full skid plates.

While the heritage rings true, Gladiator is also a thoroughly modern pickup, intelligently engineered for an active lifestyle. The Jeep brand has always embodied function in a right-sized vehicle, and the Gladiator continues that theme by offering more utility and storage than would be expected in a vehicle scaled for maneuverability and ease of driving.

There is a driver-side cabin-storage access panel as well as a lockable storage panel in front of the rear wheel. The 1,219 mm-wide bed space is expandable with storage that can extend inside the cabin when more length is needed. The bed can be transformed easily from its standard length of 1,725 mm to 2,026 mm with the midgate expanded, and ultimately to 2,723 mm with the midgate expanded and tailgate down.

Gladiator is powered by the modern and efficient 2.8-liter, 4-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel engine that provides 400 Nm of torque and 120 kW of power. It delivers ample power to all four wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission and a traditional part-time transfer case.

The front and rear suspension are multi-link designs for a smooth ride over all surfaces with plenty of suspension travel for capable off roading. Coilover shocks are used at all four corners for superb control. The rear incorporates dual, concentric springs for a comfortable ride while offering a 680 kg payload. Key off-roading specifications include a ground clearance of 348 mm, break-over angle of 23.2 degrees and an approach/departure angle of 47.6/38.0 degrees, respectively. Tyres in the front and rear are 34 inches in diameter (265/75R18) mounted on 18x8 inch wheels.

For the interior, the Gladiator is thoroughly contemporary with a utility theme. The colour palate includes armour green with dark slate gray accents. The seats are weatherproof and the interior is designed for hose-out ease of care. Not surprisingly, the Gladiator features all the necessary technology for finding the way there and back including GPS, a navigation system and a communications system.

“This vehicle blends classic cues with contemporary functionality and innovation,” said Creed. “The timeless silhouette – even the bedside-mounted spare of classic Jeep pickups– is merged with a modern chassis, a turbo diesel powertrain and a flexible, expandable truck bed.”

Jeep Gladiator general and estimated specifications include:
Vehicle weight: 1,882 kg (est.)
Length: 5,207 mm
Wheelbase: 3,515 mm
Front overhang: 718 mm
Rear overhang: 974 mm
Width (MAX): 1,947 mm
Height: 1,900 mm
Ground clearance: 348 mm
Break-over angle: 23.2 degrees
Approach/Departure angle: 47.6 /38.0 degrees
Bed length: 1,725 mm

(midgate expanded) – 2,026 mm
(expanded w/ tailgate down - minimum) - 2,723 mm

Part time 4x4; manual 5-speed trans.

Front - solid axle w/ 5 bar links
Single coil springs
Rear - solid axle w/ 5 bar links
Dual coilover springs

Ground clearance - 348 mm

Chrysler Firepower

“As designers, we challenged ourselves,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design. “How could we best encompass such strong Chrysler models as the Crossfire, which began the brand’s move toward a higher level of performance and elegance, while looking to the most extreme expression of engineering and design such as last year’s prototype, the ME Four-Twelve? Firepower uniquely bridges these two worlds.”

Painstakingly crafted, the elegant and powerful Firepower concept is an example of automotive design and engineering within the reach of Chrysler brand customers. The exterior and interior design, flush with fine materials and meticulous details, are matched with performance provided by a 6.1-liter HEMI® V8 and a Dodge Viper-based chassis.

The SRT-developed engine is exclusive to the Chrysler Group’s high-performance products. Firepower uses a rear-wheel drive chassis with suspension and brakes fitting of a thoroughbred performance vehicle. A world-class 5-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® melds luxury and sport. Chrysler Group estimates 0-60 mph performance at less than 4.5 seconds and estimates a top speed of 175 mph (282 km/h).

Firepower uses massive billet aluminium wheels measuring 19x12 inches in the front and 20x12 inches in the rear. Tyres are 275/35R19 in the front and 335/30R20 in the back.

The exterior is covered in hydro silver pearl, with dark carbon fibre and polished aluminium accents. In addition to embodying Chrysler grand tourer spirit in the exterior design, Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling was used to shape the body with aerodynamics in mind. Design for proper engine cooling as well as down force in the rear are achieved through this modeling.

The interior is befitting of the Chrysler brand image of beauty and elegance. The interior colour combination consists of ocean deep blue as a primary hue, with oyster leather and behr maple accents. Finely trimmed leather-covered sport seats, automatic climate control and a premium audio system provide a tasteful and purposeful interior environment. All touch surfaces – steering wheel, control knobs, and shifter – are finished with fine materials for a luxury feel. The instrument panel was designed to display vital information through precisely-detailed gauges, completing the look and feel of refinement.

“The Firepower concept embodies the Chrysler brand philosophy,” said Creed. “It provides luxury, refinement and sophistication blended elegantly with passion and performance.”

Chrysler Firepower general and estimated specifications include:
Length: 4,383 mm
Wheelbase: 2,510 mm
Front overhang: 867 mm
Rear overhang: 1,006 mm
Width: 1,859 mm
Height: 1,211 mm

Ground clearance: 130 mm
Engine: 6.1-litre HEMI V-8

RWD 5-speed automatic