Finding the perfect balance between making a ride stand out and not crossing the OTT line is tricky, which is why certain tuners keep coming up with kitschy projects. But this Jeep Gladiator is far from a brazen proposal, as we think it rocks the makeover like a champ.
Roadshow International dropped numerous images of it on social media over the weekend, revealing its strong points. But then again, there are no weak points, this writer thinks, as it looks like a military vehicle on the outside. One thing could've made it better, though, and that would've been a more traditional hue used for the leather seats.
The tuner left its mark on numerous components. For one, the entire front end was swapped for an angry-looking one. It has a completely new grille, bumper, headlamps, and bulging hood. The fenders are also new, just like the front windshield surround. This Jeep Gladiator also has custom rear fender flares and a fresh rear bumper.
Those massive tires that were wrapped around the new 17-inch wheels allow it to tackle more serious obstacles. It also has a 4-inch (102 mm) lift kit, a front winch, extra lights, and additional other goodies for improved off-roading, as this pickup has long overcome its initial workhorse status to the point where it can take its occupants to the end of the world and back in relative comfort.
Photo: Instagram | RoadshowInternational
Ceramic paint coating projection is on deck, and most of the exterior features a desert storm wrap. The bedliner was resprayed, the tow hooks were powder coated, and several black exterior components provide some contrast, in addition to the red touches on the fresh suspension parts.
Speaking of red, it is the color of the seats. These feature leather upholstery at the front and rear, and the rest of the cockpit is mostly black, with the occasional metal trim and an obvious open-top view of the sky above that can give the vehicle's occupants tan lines on the go.
Are you curious about the firepower? Well, this aspect may disappoint you, as some enthusiasts might believe it packs a serious V8 under the new hood, perhaps the ubiquitous Hellcat motor. But that's not the case, as the regular 3.6L V6 supplies the firepower, channeling the stock output and torque to both axles through an automatic transmission.
Yep, it still has 285 horsepower (289 ps/213 kW) and 260 pound-foot (353 Nm) of torque on tap, despite the menacing look, so it won't blow your socks off at a hard push of the right pedal. We don't know about you, but we think such a project deserves a V8. And you can add one, as the vehicle is for sale at an undisclosed price. So, how much do you think it costs?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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