The Jeep Gladiator has to be the most anticipated vehicle to come from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in the past decade. Now that it is here and in the hands of owners, people have been saying that the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a lackluster powertrain for the new pickup. However, shooters recently caught this Gladiator prototype still heavily covered in vinyl camouflage, and one of many running around the streets of Metro Detroit. The ’20 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with the new 3.0L EcoDiesel was caught on public roads without any camouflage whatsoever. At first it was thought that it might be the upcoming 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 model coming in early 2020, but upon closer inspection, there might be a lot more hidden.

The first thing that stands out is the different six-spoke aluminum wheels that are wrapped in Falken Wildpeak M/T tires from the Gladiator Rubicon. By now, FCA usually would test production-spec models carrying the production-spec wheel and tire combinations. Another thing that was eye-catching was the fact that Jeep had “unleaded fuel” written above the gas cap. Diesel prototypes usually have “diesel fuel only” stickers telling the development drivers which fuel to put in; however, being unleaded fuel, this is clearly not a diesel powertrain.

While the vehicle seems to be covered in vinyl stickers, only one part of it is covered in heavy vinyl. The hood looks to have foam underneath, trying to hide a new hood design. So what does this mean? Has Jeep listened to its customers?

According to the latest rumors, a so-called “Hercules” model was widely talked about across numerous sites. This model would be a high-performance Gladiator model to compete with the likes of the Ranger Raptor and Colorado ZR-2. While it is unlikely that the Hercules would be powered by a HEMI, there is the upcoming GME-T6 or Global Medium Engine Turbo Six Cylinder in the upcoming pipeline. Sources have said that high-output versions of that engine could have around 500 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The Jeep Gladiator has to be the most anticipated vehicle to come from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in the past decade. Now that it is here and in the hands of owners, people have been saying that the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a lackluster powertrain for the new pickup. However, shooters recently caught this Gladiator prototype still heavily covered in vinyl camouflage, and one of many running around the streets of Metro Detroit. The ’20 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with the new 3.0L EcoDiesel was caught on public roads without any camouflage whatsoever. At first it was thought that it might be the upcoming 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 model coming in early 2020, but upon closer inspection, there might be a lot more hidden.

The first thing that stands out is the different six-spoke aluminum wheels that are wrapped in Falken Wildpeak M/T tires from the Gladiator Rubicon. By now, FCA usually would test production-spec models carrying the production-spec wheel and tire combinations. Another thing that was eye-catching was the fact that Jeep had “unleaded fuel” written above the gas cap. Diesel prototypes usually have “diesel fuel only” stickers telling the development drivers which fuel to put in; however, being unleaded fuel, this is clearly not a diesel powertrain.

While the vehicle seems to be covered in vinyl stickers, only one part of it is covered in heavy vinyl. The hood looks to have foam underneath, trying to hide a new hood design. So what does this mean? Has Jeep listened to its customers?

According to the latest rumors, a so-called “Hercules” model was widely talked about across numerous sites. This model would be a high-performance Gladiator model to compete with the likes of the Ranger Raptor and Colorado ZR-2. While it is unlikely that the Hercules would be powered by a HEMI, there is the upcoming GME-T6 or Global Medium Engine Turbo Six Cylinder in the upcoming pipeline. Sources have said that high-output versions of that engine could have around 500 hp.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Della Domingo

Presented during the 2019 SEMA Show, the seminar will provide participants with easy-to-understand requirements and best practices that can be implemented to see immediate results.

Selling to or through leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay Motors, Walmart or Google Express is a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for the automotive parts and accessories industry. Brand owners and sellers at the SEMA Show will get expert tips and proven secrets on how to successfully sell in these marketplaces, during the “Selling on Marketplace Platforms” seminar, Thursday, November 7, at 11:15 a.m., in Room N254 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Presented by Gigi Ho, director of operations for the SEMA Data Co-Op (SDC), and Jon Sinclair, vice president of eCommerce at GCommerce Inc., the seminar will provide participants with easy-to-understand requirements and best practices that can be implemented to see immediate results.

“There are simple things that businesses can do to see immediate results when selling through online marketplaces,” said Ho. “Having quality product data is just one piece of the puzzle. Including updated images and attributes, along with synchronized and current inventory availability, can also make a tremendous difference in closing the sale.”

The SEMA Show one-hour seminar is free to all Showgoers. Attending the seminar also qualifies as a SEMA Show Education Power User session.

Register now to secure a seat at the seminar.  

Visit SEMA Show Education to see dozens of other free seminars available to SEMA Showgoers.

By Della Domingo

Presented during the 2019 SEMA Show, the seminar will provide participants with easy-to-understand requirements and best practices that can be implemented to see immediate results.

Selling to or through leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay Motors, Walmart or Google Express is a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for the automotive parts and accessories industry. Brand owners and sellers at the SEMA Show will get expert tips and proven secrets on how to successfully sell in these marketplaces, during the “Selling on Marketplace Platforms” seminar, Thursday, November 7, at 11:15 a.m., in Room N254 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Presented by Gigi Ho, director of operations for the SEMA Data Co-Op (SDC), and Jon Sinclair, vice president of eCommerce at GCommerce Inc., the seminar will provide participants with easy-to-understand requirements and best practices that can be implemented to see immediate results.

“There are simple things that businesses can do to see immediate results when selling through online marketplaces,” said Ho. “Having quality product data is just one piece of the puzzle. Including updated images and attributes, along with synchronized and current inventory availability, can also make a tremendous difference in closing the sale.”

The SEMA Show one-hour seminar is free to all Showgoers. Attending the seminar also qualifies as a SEMA Show Education Power User session.

Register now to secure a seat at the seminar.  

Visit SEMA Show Education to see dozens of other free seminars available to SEMA Showgoers.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: David Jeffery and his ’27 Essex Sedan, Joe Riley’s ’19 Project Outkast, and the ’47 Ford COE Truck by Chris Chapman.

David Jeffery, ’27 Essex Sedan Scheduled to Appear at: Howards Cams, #20761 David Jeffery travels from New Zealand with his ’27 Essex Sedan to enter BOTB. The vehicle’s body has been chopped, channeled and widened. It sits on a custom hydraulic deck with two 18-in. front wheels and four 22-in. rear wheels. The chassis includes four boxed chassis rails. The project is powered by a 454 big-block and controlled by a 700 R4 four-speed. The interior features a transparent driveshaft tunnel.

Joe Riley, 19’ Project Outkast Scheduled to Appear at: Brandmotion, #11733 After graduating first in his class from Wyotech in 1984, Joe Riley is putting his 35 years of automotive design and fabrication experience to the test in BOTB with his Project Outkast build. The four-wheel-drive’s suspension includes a full-tube extreme chassis and a triangulated four-link with billet links. MRAP axles and King 2.5 coil-over shocks allow for suspension travel during off-roading. An LSX454/L485 engine powers the drivetrain, and a Hero three-speed transmission passes torque to the wheels.

Chris Chapman, ’47 Ford COE Truck Scheduled to Appear at: Mobil Solutions, #11004 Chris Chapman’s history with cars starts in his grandpa’s wrecking yard, where he pulled off wheels from vehicles before he even knew how to ride a bike. He enters BOTB with a ’47 COE Truck that will feature a kitchen. He started this project in 2013 and has used gear from Classic instruments, Edelbrock and Vintage Air, to name a few.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA is gearing up for the 2019 Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition, set to take place during the SEMA Show, and the list of competitors keeps growing longer as November approaches. SEMA eNews will highlight several vehicles each week leading up to the Show. This week’s featured builds include: David Jeffery and his ’27 Essex Sedan, Joe Riley’s ’19 Project Outkast, and the ’47 Ford COE Truck by Chris Chapman.

David Jeffery, ’27 Essex Sedan Scheduled to Appear at: Howards Cams, #20761 David Jeffery travels from New Zealand with his ’27 Essex Sedan to enter BOTB. The vehicle’s body has been chopped, channeled and widened. It sits on a custom hydraulic deck with two 18-in. front wheels and four 22-in. rear wheels. The chassis includes four boxed chassis rails. The project is powered by a 454 big-block and controlled by a 700 R4 four-speed. The interior features a transparent driveshaft tunnel.

Joe Riley, 19’ Project Outkast Scheduled to Appear at: Brandmotion, #11733 After graduating first in his class from Wyotech in 1984, Joe Riley is putting his 35 years of automotive design and fabrication experience to the test in BOTB with his Project Outkast build. The four-wheel-drive’s suspension includes a full-tube extreme chassis and a triangulated four-link with billet links. MRAP axles and King 2.5 coil-over shocks allow for suspension travel during off-roading. An LSX454/L485 engine powers the drivetrain, and a Hero three-speed transmission passes torque to the wheels.

Chris Chapman, ’47 Ford COE Truck Scheduled to Appear at: Mobil Solutions, #11004 Chris Chapman’s history with cars starts in his grandpa’s wrecking yard, where he pulled off wheels from vehicles before he even knew how to ride a bike. He enters BOTB with a ’47 COE Truck that will feature a kitchen. He started this project in 2013 and has used gear from Classic instruments, Edelbrock and Vintage Air, to name a few.

By SEMA Editors

The STAGE is a new feature at the 2019 SEMA Show where industry leaders and icons will engage in inspiring, informative and thought-provoking discussions. Produced by SEMA Show Education in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will include multiple daily interviews hosted by Myles Kovacs in booth #45227.

Kovacs, who co-founded DUB Publishing, is a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur who has been named one of the nation’s Ten Big Thinkers for Big Business by Newsweek magazine.

Hear from Kovacs and learn about his story by watching this feature video that the History Channel put together from last year’s SEMA Show:

Join Kovacs at the 2019 SEMA Show as he interviews industry personalities, experts and celebrities, including Chip Foose, Wade Kawasaki, Bud Brutsman, Kevin Rohlwing, Sean Holman and others on the STAGE in Lower South Hall.

Register to receive the full schedule of interviews.  

By SEMA Editors

The STAGE is a new feature at the 2019 SEMA Show where industry leaders and icons will engage in inspiring, informative and thought-provoking discussions. Produced by SEMA Show Education in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will include multiple daily interviews hosted by Myles Kovacs in booth #45227.

Kovacs, who co-founded DUB Publishing, is a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur who has been named one of the nation’s Ten Big Thinkers for Big Business by Newsweek magazine.

Hear from Kovacs and learn about his story by watching this feature video that the History Channel put together from last year’s SEMA Show:

Join Kovacs at the 2019 SEMA Show as he interviews industry personalities, experts and celebrities, including Chip Foose, Wade Kawasaki, Bud Brutsman, Kevin Rohlwing, Sean Holman and others on the STAGE in Lower South Hall.

Register to receive the full schedule of interviews.  

By SEMA Editors

The STAGE is a new feature at the 2019 SEMA Show where industry leaders and icons will engage in inspiring, informative and thought-provoking discussions. Produced by SEMA Show Education in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will include multiple daily interviews hosted by Myles Kovacs in booth #45227.

Kovacs, who co-founded DUB Publishing, is a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur who has been named one of the nation’s Ten Big Thinkers for Big Business by Newsweek magazine.

Hear from Kovacs and learn about his story by watching this feature video that the History Channel put together from last year’s SEMA Show:

Join Kovacs at the 2019 SEMA Show as he interviews industry personalities, experts and celebrities, including Chip Foose, Wade Kawasaki, Bud Brutsman, Kevin Rohlwing, Sean Holman and others on the STAGE in Lower South Hall.

Register to receive the full schedule of interviews.  

By SEMA Editors

The STAGE is a new feature at the 2019 SEMA Show where industry leaders and icons will engage in inspiring, informative and thought-provoking discussions. Produced by SEMA Show Education in partnership with SEMA’s Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), the STAGE will include multiple daily interviews hosted by Myles Kovacs in booth #45227.

Kovacs, who co-founded DUB Publishing, is a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur who has been named one of the nation’s Ten Big Thinkers for Big Business by Newsweek magazine.

Hear from Kovacs and learn about his story by watching this feature video that the History Channel put together from last year’s SEMA Show:

Join Kovacs at the 2019 SEMA Show as he interviews industry personalities, experts and celebrities, including Chip Foose, Wade Kawasaki, Bud Brutsman, Kevin Rohlwing, Sean Holman and others on the STAGE in Lower South Hall.

Register to receive the full schedule of interviews.