Jeep's big Los Angeles motor show unveiling, the Gladiator pick-up truck, has allegedly been leaked by the brand's own website.
Official press shots of the Jeep Wrangler-based utility vehicle were put out by the aptly named Jeep Gladiator Forum, which claims they were posted by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' media site by accident before promptly being taken down.
The shots reveal the Gladiator – originally thought to be named the Scrambler – is based heavily on the new JL Wrangler 4x4, with near-identical bodywork until after the C-pillar, where a 5ft-long load bed has been added.
Technical details are thin on the ground at this stage, but the Gladiator is believed to be powered by a 3.6-litre petrol V6 offered with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox. A 3.0-litre diesel engine is also rumoured to appear in auto-only form by 2020.
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The rest of the truck's mechanical make-up will be shared with the Wrangler, including the four-wheel drive system and optional electronic differential locks. The shots show it will be offered in Rubicon and Sahara trims, with only four-door options and the choice of a solid roof or a removable soft-top.
It's not clear yet if the Gladiator will become a part of Jeep's European line-up, but we should get confirmation of this when the truck is officially revealed at the Los Angeles motor show later this month.
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