Иногда они возвращаются.... (с) С.Кинг

18 сентября 2007 года на Международной военной выставке защитных систем и оборудования в Оберн-Хиллз (Мичиган) компания Крайслер представила новое многоцелевое транспортное средство — Jeep J8, вновь перевербовав легендарный автомобиль для активной военной службы.

Jeep J8 приводится в действие 2,8-литровым четырехцилиндровым дизельным двигателем с турбонаддувом мощностью 158 лошадиных сил и максимальным крутящим моментом 400 Нм, обеспечивающим возможность буксировки груза массой до 3,5 тонн. Двигатель объединен с автоматической пятискоростной трансмиссией, а вариант Command-Trac обладает системой полного привода. На J8 остановлена уникальная система забора воздуха, позволяющая передвигаться вброд на глубине до 762 мм и работать в условиях песчаной

Jeep J8 будет производиться на совместном предприятии Chrysler в Каире, Египет. Начало продаж планируется на весну 2008 года.

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 4-foot-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 5 foot, 8 inches (1,725 mm) to 6 foot, 8 inches (2,026 mm) with the midgate expanded, and ultimately to 8 foot, 11 inches (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 295 lb-ft of torque and 163 hp. 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 1,500-pound payload. Key off-roading specifications include a ground clearance of 13.7 inches (348 mm), break-over angle of 23.2 degrees and an approach/departure angle of 47.6 /38.0 degrees, respectively. Tires in the front and rear are 34 inches in diameter (265/75R18) mounted on 18x8 inch wheels.

On the interior, Gladiator is thoroughly contemporary with a utility theme. The color 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, 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.”

At this time no production plans have been made for the Gladiator, but as is typical with many concept vehicles there are design hints as to where Jeep may be headed with future models. Jeep plans to introduce several new vehicles in the next two years. The new 7-seat Commander will debut as a 2006 model late next summer while a SRT performance version of the new Grand Cherokee is slated for the same model year. An entry level Jeep called the Compass and a redesigned Wrangler will most likely appear for the 2007 model year.