Back in 2005, Jeep created the Gladiator concept (pictured above), that gave enthusiasts hope that a ute variant of its popular Wrangler model could be in the works. 

Instead, Mopar offered a conversion kit called the JK8, which converted a standard Wrangler into a little pickup, somewhat appeasing the hope for an actual Wrangler ute production model. It appears that the wait might be closing in on an end, as Jeep president Mike Manley recently mentioned that the next-generation Wrangler could get a pick-up variant.

The redesigned Wrangler is due in either 2015 or 2016, which means the American automaker should be making a decision on a Wrangler ute in the near future. The major question is whether or not it’ll be a two-door ute or a four-door ute, since they are “very different cars,” according to Manley.

“One of the issues is that when you go four door with a bed is that your break-over angle gets destroyed. We can still maintain approach and departure angles, but when we get to a certain length, the break-over becomes an issue. Then is it really a Wrangler?”

The other possibility for the brand is to create a new ‘ute’ model, which would separate it from its popular Wrangler model. Either way, Manley is very optimistic about its relationship with Fiat saying that the platforms are very versatile to work with.

[Source: CarAdvice]

The Moab Easter Jeep Safari gave us six new Jeep concepts last week that were exciting to see and gave us a sneak preview at what Jeep may have in the works for the future.

While speaking about the concepts was the main focus of CEO Mike Manley at the Moab Easter Jeep Safari, he also hinted at the possibility that the next-generation Wrangler might come in a diesel variant. At the end of the video highlighting the Moab Easter Jeep Safari models, Manley said, “For me as we think about how Wrangler develops into the future, there are a few things we get constant feedback on. One is diesel and one is pickup.”

And like most automakers that just slightly hint at future models, Manley elaborated that feedback is clearly taken into consideration as Jeep ventures down the early stages of planning for the next-generation Wrangler. It’s clear that Jeep is willing to listen to its enthusiasts on the next-generation Wrangler development, but that doesn’t always indicate what the vast majority of consumers would want.