Tread

SEVEN-SLOT TRIPLE SHOT

SEAT TIME IN THE GLADIATOR ECODIESEL, FAROUT OVERLANDER, AND WRANGLER 392

- BY CHRIS COLLARD PHOTOGRAPH­Y BY CHRIS COLLARD & FCA

For nearly eight decades, Jeep has carried the torch of off-road capability. Transition­ing the World War II MB to the civilian-offered Willys, and then creating an extended lineage of CJs and Wranglers, the seven-slot brand has stayed true to its genetic makeup. While Jeep has a full line of platforms, such as the Cherokee and Renegade, I relate to the descendant­s of the venerable Willys—body-on-frame and stick axles—with nine words: The most fun you can have on four wheels. We recently caught up with two of their ’20 Moab concepts in Southern California, which were accompanie­d by the all-new Gladiator diesel. Behold our triple shot of seven-slot fun.

“AFTER DRIVING THIS NEW OIL-BURNER, WE CAN ASSURE YOU THE DAYS OF LETHARGIC SMALL-DISPLACEME­NT DIESELS ARE A THING OF THE PAST.”

Torque Monster Gladiator

We waited decades for Jeep to put a bed on the back of a Wrangler. It seemed like the perfect combinatio­n of off-road prowess, a rear seat for kids and a dog, and heaps of room out back for gear. Add increased payload and towing capacity and what more could you ask for? As much as I am a fan of the Pentastar 3.6L V-6, I’ve been pining for two additional powertrain options, the throaty horsepower of a Hemi and stump-pulling torque of a diesel. We may have to wait for the Hemi, but Gladiator EcoDiesel is making its debut with the 2021 model year.

After driving the new oil burner—a term of endearment for diesel aficionado­s—we can assure you the days of lethargic small-displaceme­nt diesels is a thing of the past. The 3.0L V-6 mill generates 260 hp at the crank, about 10 percent less than its petrol-burning brethren. One might consider this a shortfall, but what it lacks in ponies it makes up for in spades with torque. The EcoDiesel’s bestin-class 442 lb-ft of torque is truly a thing of grin-inducing beauty.

Full torque is at your service from a mere 1,400 rpm and stays with you to 2,800 rpm. Depressing the accelerato­r from a dead stop on steep grades of the Malibu Mountains, the low-revving EcoDiesel spun the speedo up to the legal limit quickly and without protest. Its low-end grunt gives more of a seat-of-the pants gutsy truck feel, similar to my Ram 2500 diesel. On technical terrain, that grunt equates to excellent low-speed control. I’m a fan.

Average EPA fuel economy specs range from 25 to 28 mpg depending on the model, which provides a 450- to 500-mile range with the 18.3-gallon tank—ideal for extended journeys into the hinterland. Like all new diesels, it features EPA-required particulat­e filters, catalytic converter, and urea injection (DEF), and unfortunat­ely for those of us gearheads who love manual cogs, the EcoDiesel is only available with the 8HP75 eight-speed automatic. But don’t fret. Combined with the NV241 Rock-Track transfer case and 4.10:1 diff gears (Rubicon), it has an impressive crawl ratio of 77:1. Add Gen III Dana 44 axles, Fox shocks, and a flexy suspension and you have one heck of a torque-monster midsize truck with off-road prowess true to its family heritage.

392 Skinny Pedal Nirvana

Each spring, the twisted minds that comprise Jeep’s design studio must sit around with a cooler of coldies discussing what would be cool for the year’s fleet of Moab concepts. We can only assume that the higher the pile of dead soldiers, the loftier their ambitions soar. When Gladiator brand manager Brandon Girmus began his presentati­on on the Wrangler 392, the words that affixed to my gray matter were “450-450.” He expanded the discussion with “this is a 392ci Hemi V-8 that produces 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.” Unfortunat­ely, the Easter Jeep Safari was canceled due to the pandemic, but that didn’t stop the 392 from getting out on the trail.

A quick walk-around of this stealth-black JL reveals a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3s on beadlock wheels, Rubicon bumpers and sliders, and a Warn winch. Down below are Fox shocks and a Jeep Performanc­e Parts (JPP) suspension, heavy-duty Gen III Dana 44 axles with lockers, and cast-iron knuckles up front. The result is superior traction on the tractive surface, 34 inches of water fording, and 13.25 inches of ground clearance.

Raising our eld of view we nd a steel performanc­e hood, custom half doors, and the absence of glass behind the A-pillar. With the push of a button, the Sky One-Touch Power Top will instantly fold back and expose the heavens— and works at speeds of up to 60 mph. The combinatio­n provides an open-air feeling like no other. Lifting the hood reveals a mill that looks like it came from the factory. Cooling, wiring, hoses, and the entire tamale is in OE form.

Sliding into the red leather driver seat and turning the key, the Hemi comes to life with purpose. They wouldn’t let us confirm Jeep’s claim of 0-to-60 in under 5 seconds, but I can tell you that pressing the skinny pedal to the floor tested the g-force limits of my seat and neck. The 392 was built as a proof-ofconcept to show the world that they could stuff a Hemi into a Wrangler. They did it, and now the question begs, when will we see a V-8 Wrangler on the showroom floor? Jeep is keeping a tight lip on the subject, but the insider’s rumor mill is spinning, so stay tuned.

Gladiator Farout

With the overwhelmi­ng popularity of the Wayout, one of Jeep’s 2019 Jeep Safari concepts, the design studio team decided to take the idea of an ultimate overlander to the next level. They started with Gladiator Rubicon fitted with the 3.0L EcoDiesel. The rest was a blank canvas.

If you are going to live on the road for an extended period of time, a comfortabl­e abode and protection from the elements is, well, elementary. AT Overland, purveyor of top-quality mobile shelters, worked with

NEMO Equipment to develop the rooftop Habitat. When deployed, the Habitat’s 16foot length provides voluminous sleeping space, enough for the family and a couple of dogs, and is accessible from the Farout’s cozy living room.

The downstairs is warm and inviting, featuring rich wood tones, waterproof laminate floor, and a rustic bench seat. LED lighting is plentiful yet subtly hidden behind wood panels for a more natural environmen­t. There are hanging storage racks, built-in seats, a table, even a minibar. With the rear gate down, pulling out the slider reveals a National Luna dual-control fridge/freezer, utensil tray, and Partner stainless steel propane stove.

The exterior features Jeep’s new Earl

Grey paint with lime green accents carried throughout. Armor consists of Rubicon sliders and bumpers, the front supporting a Warn winch and IPF auxiliary lights. Overhead is a custom roof rack, and down below is a JPP 2-inch lift, 37-inch Falken Wildpeak MTs, and 17-inch alloy wheels. With the Habitat open and dual awnings deployed, protection from the elements can be found on three sides.

The Farout’s interior is nothing short of palatial. Add Gladiator capacities, Rubicon capability, and EcoDiesel performanc­e and range and you just might have the ultimate overland rig to get you far out of town for the long haul.

“IF YOU ARE GOING TO LIVE ON THE ROAD FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, A COMFORTABL­E ABODE AND PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS IS, WELL, ELEMENTARY.”

?? ??
?? ??
?? ?? Two Baja LP9 Pros are mounted to the Maltec bumper to safely guide in the dark.
Two Baja LP9 Pros are mounted to the Maltec bumper to safely guide in the dark.
?? ?? Honoring its 80-year lineage, the Gladiator’s doors and roof are removable and the windscreen folds down to provide an unobstruct­ed view of the world. The EcoDiesel will be available in the Gladiator Sport, Overland, and venerable Rubicon models; all are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmissi­on.
Honoring its 80-year lineage, the Gladiator’s doors and roof are removable and the windscreen folds down to provide an unobstruct­ed view of the world. The EcoDiesel will be available in the Gladiator Sport, Overland, and venerable Rubicon models; all are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmissi­on.
?? ?? Landing in the midsized truck category, we like that the rear seats will comfortabl­y accommodat­e a fullsize adult.
Landing in the midsized truck category, we like that the rear seats will comfortabl­y accommodat­e a fullsize adult.
?? ?? The 3.0L EcoDiesel generates 260 hp and a best-in-class 442 lb-ft of torque.
The 3.0L EcoDiesel generates 260 hp and a best-in-class 442 lb-ft of torque.
?? ?? Gladiator’s premium package features leather seats and accents, Fiat-Chrysler’s Uconnect control center, and audio apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Gladiator’s premium package features leather seats and accents, Fiat-Chrysler’s Uconnect control center, and audio apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
?? ??
?? ?? Built for the Easter Jeep Safari, the 392 was a true proof of concept to demonstrat­e that shoehornin­g a Hemi in a Wrangler was a viable option.
Built for the Easter Jeep Safari, the 392 was a true proof of concept to demonstrat­e that shoehornin­g a Hemi in a Wrangler was a viable option.
?? ?? The Farout’s living space is like a warm and cozy mountain cabin, featuring wood floors and furniture, a sitting area, and recessed LED lighting.
The Farout’s living space is like a warm and cozy mountain cabin, featuring wood floors and furniture, a sitting area, and recessed LED lighting.
?? ?? The interior is right out of the Rubicon playbook, with the exception of retro plaid seats.
The interior is right out of the Rubicon playbook, with the exception of retro plaid seats.
?? ?? With EPA ratings of 22/28 mpg and an 18.3-gallon fuel cell, the Farout can get you up to 500 miles down the road before stopping for fuel.
With EPA ratings of 22/28 mpg and an 18.3-gallon fuel cell, the Farout can get you up to 500 miles down the road before stopping for fuel.
?? ?? The Habitat rooftop tent is voluminous and has enough room for Mom, Dad, the kids, a few dogs, and maybe a bigscreen TV.
The Habitat rooftop tent is voluminous and has enough room for Mom, Dad, the kids, a few dogs, and maybe a bigscreen TV.
?? ??
?? ?? Jeep worked with AT Overland and NEMO Equipment to develop the Habitat, a rooftop tent suitable for lengthy backcountr­y adventures. With a reliable diesel mill, 500mile range, dual awnings, comfortabl­e living space, and a Warn recovery winch, the Gladiator Farout ranks high in the ultimate overlander genre.
Jeep worked with AT Overland and NEMO Equipment to develop the Habitat, a rooftop tent suitable for lengthy backcountr­y adventures. With a reliable diesel mill, 500mile range, dual awnings, comfortabl­e living space, and a Warn recovery winch, the Gladiator Farout ranks high in the ultimate overlander genre.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada