Well, not really. Although the Gladiator concept vehicle was shown at the Detroit auto show two years back to rave reviews, a business case couldn't be made to produce the Jeep pickup, so DCX killed the idea. However, there are some aftermarket companies playing with the idea with reasonable success. American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) has been making the Wrangler Brute for several years and, as we understand it, has been commissioned to build a special current-generation Wrangler pickup truck, presumably off the four-door Wrangler chassis, to gauge reaction. Our guess is it'll get plenty of attention at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas where thousands of dedicated gearheads and 4x4 geeks assemble each year. Initial reports point toward some kind of special arrangement, making the vehicle available through Jeep dealerships, as well through AEV outlets. And if we know anything about the guys who would be interested, they better make the 5.7-liter V-8 Hemi available with the Rubicon option package.
Quick Details
• 3.0-inch suspension lift
• Warn 9000-pound winch
• Custom rock bumpers
• Vented hood for added cooling
• Vented roof
• Modified rear coil springs
• 33-inch All-Terrain tires
• Low-height bed sides
Our intrepid spy photographer risked life and limb to get up close and personal with the vehicle as it sat behind closed doors. If reaction is what we think it'll be, we'll see more from this little pickup in the not-too-distant future.