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JEEP J-12

Making a Case For a Jeep Pickup Truck

August 26, 2015 by admin 5 Comments

Secretive FCA Meetings Reveal New Jeep,
Dodge, Ram & Chrysler Products


See Also — Not US Bound: Ram 700 Pickup Truck


For several days this week, Fiat Chrysler (FCA) dealers have been in Las Vegas, previewing upcoming Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. Like two such meetings held previously, the dealer representatives cannot bring smartphones and cameras to the Mandalay Hotel ballroom where the products are being showcased.

Automotive News and other sources were speculating on just what products will be revealed. We already know that the next generation Chrysler Town & Country is one of those vehicles, including a plug-in hybrid variant intended to shake up the segment. A three-row Jeep Grand Wagoneer, a compact Chrysler 100, and the next generation Dodge Journey are also likely taking the big stage.

None, however, will likely draw as much interest as a pair of midsize trucks destined for Jeep and Ram dealers. Jeep at least is a sure bet for the new model, one that would be based on the platform underpinning the next generation Jeep Wrangler.

Although our sources are mum (at least as of this writing) that a Jeep pickup truck will happen, Auto Trends has connected the dots and sees the long-rumored truck finally becoming a reality. This is how we believe FCA makes a case for the pickup truck.

1. The midsize pickup truck segment is back.

Jeep Pickup -- J12 Concept.

Jeep J-12 Concept.

The US manufacturers each exited the midsize pickup truck segment around the same time three years back. Ram had the Dakota, Ford the Ranger and GM offered the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. Unlike Ford and Ram, GM promised to make a return.

GM kept its promise and the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have returned with a big splash. The new pickup trucks have had such a positive impact on the market that even Toyota credited GM’s trucks with breathing new life into what most had thought was a dying segment. Indeed, Toyota told journalists previewing the next generation Tacoma earlier this month that the new GM trucks have benefited the segment as online searches for midsize trucks are up sharply. Further, sales of the 10-year-old Tacoma has also risen by nearly 20 percent year-to-date.

FCA has been watching the segment intently and sees room for additional growth. And with Ford now considering bringing the Ranger back, FCA will need to make its move now (Updated on Aug. 26, 2015 to reflect breaking news about the Ford Ranger).

2. It justifies the cost for an all-new Wrangler.

Jeep pickup -- Gladiator

Jeep Gladiator concept.

When FCA stated that it might transfer Wrangler production abroad and build a unibody model, the faithful protested mightily. Likely, FCA had no intention of shifting production or emasculating Jeep’s standard bearer. Instead, they wanted to gauge public reaction. But they also knew that they needed to justify the cost of devoting a dedicated platform to the Wrangler.

Yes, Jeep sales are up across the board, way up in new markets at that. There is a lot of room for growth, but that alone isn’t enough to justify the cost of spending northwards of $1 billion on a new Wrangler.

Fortunately, another product can be based on the Wrangler platform and that would be a pickup truck. Jeep faithful who follow the regular Moab Easter Jeep Safari product teasers have seen multiple variations on the Jeep pickup theme showcased. Whether that model will be based on the Comanche, Gladiator, J-12 or some other concept doesn’t matter. Jeep will get a pickup truck and it will sell like hotcakes.

3. Ram will help spread those costs further.

Jeep pickup truck.

Jeep Wrangler Sport pickup truck.

When you have two truck brands, you don’t dare neglect one at the expense of the other. Just as Chevrolet trucks and GMC are represented in the segment, Ram most likely will get a pickup truck of its own.

That theme was played out recently when both Fiat (500X) and Jeep (Renegade) were awarded with subcompact crossover SUVs. Both models share the same underpinnings, but have different bodies and unique interiors. The Renegade is suited for off road, the 500X for around town.

An all-new Ram Dakota will likely be differentiated to give each model certain distinctions to allow them to aim for different audiences. The Jeep pickup might be better suited to tackle the Toyota Tacoma with its own trail-rated capabilities while a Ram pickup might battle the GM models in all things payload and trailering. Look for an assortment of four- and six-cylinder engines (2.4- and 3.2-liter gas; and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel) paired with nine-speed transmissions.

Eyes On: Upcoming Auto Shows

I have friends in FCA dealer places and may learn early on what the automaker has going on. Unfortunately, I’ll be muzzled from sharing this information with you, but a pair of upcoming major auto shows in November (Los Angeles) and January (Detroit) are logical places for Jeep and Ram pickup trucks to debut. Stay tuned!

Jeep pickup photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Filed Under: Fun News Tagged With: CHEVROLET COLORADO, GM, GMC CANYON, JEEP COMANCHE, JEEP GLADIATOR, JEEP J-12, JEEP WRANGLER, PICKUP TRUCKS, RAM DAKOTA, Toyota Tacoma

Concept Jeeps: The Crawl of the Future

October 8, 2012 by Hank Choi 1 Comment

Jeep Concept Vehicle
Classical Jeep styling cues in a pickup truck frame.

A concept Jeep J-12 with heritage good looks.

Reviewing this year’s Jeep Safari Moab concepts, we turn our lens towards the J-12 Concept from Mopar, a pickup truck that may also answer the consumer call for diesel-powered models.  The Jeep  J-12 Concept strikes a rare balance of classic and avant-garde styling that most concept vehicles are unable to achieve. Its trim and powertrain boast truly innovative thinking in automotive design and manufacturing.

At one glance, off-road enthusiasts and the uninitiated both will recognize this vehicle’s quality in craftsmanship.

Jeep Concept Vehicle
The J-12 is outfitted with 36-inch all-terrain tires.

Crawl Features

Jeep and Mopar are not only looking at different lifts and axles, but also have varying configurations in mind for the hood, heat displacement, exterior colors and interior fabrics. The concept Jeep is outfitted with Chryslers 3.6-liter V-6 engine, the same motor found in virtually every larger Chrysler product built today. Jeep fans have long been begging for a diesel, but so far the answer has been unclear at best with European customers given a 2.8-liter diesel four for the Wrangler. At the Moab event, Jeep officials hinted that a diesel option was possible perhaps even for this Wrangler-derived concept.

The 2012 Wrangler Unlimited serves as the baseline for the J-12, its frame extended 18 inches to allow for a 6-foot long truck bed, while reserving space for the spare tire under the bed floor.

As an acknowledgement to classic Jeep Gladiator series enthusiasts, Jeep’s design team created a custom hood and front fender flares for the J-12.  Mopar also ramped up the J-12’s off-roading capabilities with the exciting addition of the new Mopar 3-inch suspension lift kit, as well as Teraflex sway bars controlling ARB air-locker equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies.  And the J-12’s classic 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel Jeep wheels gives it phenomenal traction over the gnarliest of terrains.

Jeep Concept Vehicle
The J-12 is outfitted with 36-inch all-terrain tires.

Superior Interior

And Jeep knows that it is important to hit those gnarly Moab patches in comfort and in style. The J-12 concept’s cabin has been designed with a minimalist approach in support of a basic truck theme, with a rugged truck bed liner replacing the interior carpet. The bucket seats have been fashioned into a modernized bench seat, trimmed in a unique, original red and white plaid pattern. A Mopar fuel-filler door, Mopar slush mats, Tom Woods custom driveshafts, and Katzkin seat trim complete the J-12 concept Jeep.

Concept or Reality?

Like most concepts, the J-12 may never see the light of day. However, enthusiast feedback has been very positive with message boards lighting up with build this now! remarks. Given that the entire Chrysler Group is on a roll, it seems possible that Jeep will someday make the J-12 concept a reality.

Jeep Concept Vehicle
Enthusiasts are saying, “Build This Jeep!”

See Also — The Benefits of a Good Winch

Photos courtesy of Chrysler Group, LLC.

Filed Under: Concept Vehicles Tagged With: CONCEPT VEHICLES, Hank Choi, JEEP J-12, MOAB, MOPAR, PICKUP TRUCKS

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