2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland on 2040-cars

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Why the 2020 Jeep Gladiator isn't called a Scrambler

After years of development and constant digging by spy photographers and forum users alike, there wasn't a whole lot surprising about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator reveal. But one thing that was a bit unexpected was the name. While never officially announced, the Internet had accepted the name Scrambler for the Jeep pickup and it was referred to as such until just before the reveal. There are reasons for the Gladiator name choice. Jeep representatives explained that one of the reasons for the choice of Gladiator is because of the Jeep Gladiator concept truck from 2005. That concept led to many rumors of a Wrangler-related pickup truck, and you can see some design influence from it on the current truck. Of course the concept was just a two-door extended-cab pickup. Also, besides the concept heritage, the Gladiator name was shared with the longest-running Jeep pickup truck line, the Gladiator and J-Series. The Jeep folks also noted that they wanted to avoid the Scrambler name because they felt the old Scrambler wasn't enough of a full-on truck, and the company wanted to emphasize that the new Gladiator is a true truck designed to be a truck. The original '80s Scrambler was effectively a stretched CJ-7, and practically called CJ-8, with a longer cargo area. It was mainly a truck because it was available with a half-cab top. But it was also available for a full-length wagon top eventually. So the Scrambler was more related to the first Wrangler Unlimited, which was a stretched two-door Wrangler, than to the new Gladiator, which has a unique frame, unique rear suspension and a separate bed and cab. If we're being honest, we don't think the Scrambler name would have been a problem. It's clear that Jeep fans are very fond of the name, and it would fit the idea of a Wrangler truck. But we also certainly don't have a problem with the Gladiator name either. It's equally historic, and even if it wasn't, it sure sounds great, evoking toughness and capability. Perhaps if people are really bothered by the truck not being called Scrambler, Jeep can roll out a graphics package as a tribute to the old models. Related Video:

Georgia judge slashes verdict to $40M in Jeep fire case

A judge in Georgia has drastically reduced the damages that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will have to pay to the family of Remington Walden, who a court said died as a result of the unsafe design of one of its vehicles. While the jury originally awarded the family $150 million at FCA's expense, Judge J. Kevin Chason cut that amount to $40 million, the Detroit News reported. The automaker may still appeal the verdict. The case dates to March 2012, when a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee in which four-year-old Walden was riding was rear-ended by another vehicle. Due to what the jury ruled was an unsafe fuel tank, a fire erupted, and Walden died in the fire. The family's lawyers successfully argued that the automaker knew there was a problem and didn't take sufficient action to address the issue, while FCA countered that its vehicles met the applicable safety standards when they were built. The jury found FCA 99 percent responsible for the fire and Walden's death, reserving the final one percent for the driver who caused the crash. The court awarded the Waldens $150 million in damages to be paid by the automaker: $120 million for wrongful death, and a further $30 million for pain and suffering. FCA, however, argued that the damages were disproportionate to the incident, noting that the $120 million was 11 times higher and the $30 million four times higher than any comparable awards upheld on appeal in the state. Chason agreed and cut the penalties extensively. The Walden family has reportedly accepted the reduced verdict. But according to the News, company spokesman Michael Palese said, "The reduction in the damage awards does not cure the many errors that tainted this verdict and denied FCA US a fair trial. We are considering our legal options." News Source: The Detroit NewsImage Credit: Jeep Government/Legal Recalls Jeep lawsuit court

Jeep CEO promises Grand Cherokee Hellcat 'before the end of 2017' [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Video of Mike Manley confirming the Grand Cherokee SRT Hellcat has been added. In one of the worst kept secrets in the auto industry, Jeep has confirmed that the Grand Cherokee SRT Hellcat is coming. The news comes from Vvuzz, which has Jeep CEO Mike Manley on camera confirming the monstrous SUV. Manley confirmed that the Jeep, which we hope will offer the same 707-horsepower version of Chrysler's 6.2-liter, supercharged V8 as the Dodge Challenger and Charger, will arrive before the end of 2017. This, friends, is grand news. By the time the Grand Cherokee Hellcat arrives, it'll be faced with an array of high-performance challengers from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, and Porsche. But, if things stay the way they are with the competition and SRT engineers can bring the Hellcat engine's full output to bear on an all-wheel-drive platform, the Grand Cherokee will have a power advantage ranging from 130 to 157 hp. It's one thing to best the competition by a dozen horsepower, it's entirely different to outgun them by an entire Toyota Corolla. Expect much more on the Grand Cherokee SRT Hellcat in the coming months. Scroll on to see Manley confirm the news. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.