Jeep started production of new Gladiator at the Toledo factory and the first model rolled off the assembly line was off-road spec Rubicon variant
Jeep officially revealed the new Gladiator at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show in November and it is the first pickup truck of the American manufacturer. The company has commenced the production of new Gladiator at the Toledo factory in the US and the images of the first model rolling off the assembly line have hit the internet.
The company hasn’t given details about the customer for first Gladiator as it will be a historical moment for Jeep. The Gladiator is available in four variants – Sport, Sport S, Overland and Rubicon. The first model from the assembly line is the Rubicon variant, which is focused more on off-roading.
Jeep Gladiator is basically the pickup version of Wrangler as the front design of both models is identical with signature grille along with round headlamps along with a new bumper. The pick-up is available in dual-cab variant and the rear design is completely different as the company has given new tail lamps and bumper.
The interior design took inspirations from the Wrangler series as the company has given three spoke multi-function steering wheel with a new dual-pod instrument cluster. The centre console gets a touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it has a plethora of buttons to control various functions.
The Gladiator is 787 mm longer than Wrangler while the wheelbase is whopping 492 mm longer than the four-door version of Wrangler. The Rubicon variant comes with 282 mm ground clearance and the approach angle is 43.6 degree while the departure angle is 26 degree. The payload capacity is 725 kg and 3470 kg of towing capacity.
Initially, Jeep will offer the Gladiator with 3.6 L V6 petrol engine producing 285 hp of power and 352 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic gearbox. The power is sent to all four wheels and the diesel option is expected to be introduced in 2020. The company will also introduce Gladiator in Europe also.