Jeep CEO Says Pickup Model a Possibility

In 2005, Jeep unveiled the Wrangler based Gladiator pickup (pictured here) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Unfortunately, the Chrysler brand was in financial turmoil at the time and unable to ready the concept for production. Now, though, Jeep's top bosses are mulling over the possibility of reinventing the Gladiator for the future lineup.
In a recent interview with Car Advice, Jeep President Mike Manley let slip that a decision was coming "pretty soon" about the possibility of a production read Jeep branded pickup.
As we saw with the Gladiator concept, the production spec pickup would be based on the future Wrangler platform. With this set Wrangler platform, Manley said that they could run into some problems regarding two- and four-door variants.
"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."
With a refreshed lineup expected for the 2015-2016 model year, we could see the pickup make its way into production then.
In the meantime, Wrangler owners can also take a look at Jeep's JK-8 pickup truck conversion kit that's available for $5,499, not including the work you will have to put in to it.
By Jeff Perez

PHOTO GALLERY

Lexus LS460 and LS460 F-Sport Sedans in Gallery of 2013

The wall surrounding the 2013 Lexus LS has completely broken with some 30 or so high-resolution photos of both the regular LS 460 and the F-Sport variant of the same model flooding the web-o-sphere. Taking into consideration the fact that the current generation of the LS has been with us since 2006 with Lexus performing a mild makeover in 2009, when the company announced that it was preparing a new model, we believed that it would be just that and not another facelift.
The exterior redesign is concentrated exclusively on the two ends of the car with the front gaining a version of the Japanese brand's spindle grille, new headlamps (very similar to the ones found on the outgoing Hybrid model), reshaped fenders and a new hood that includes a bulge running along the middle.
At the back, there are restyled and darkened tail lamps connected with a chrome strip, a re-sculptured boot and a new bumper design.
Making its debut on the 2013 model is the new LS 460 F Sport edition packing a more muscular appearance thanks to a different front bumper that accommodates chunkier side air vents, a front grille with a mesh pattern, side skirts, a diffuser positioned between the tail pipes and bespoke alloy wheels.
We don't for know sure yet, but if the F Sport versions of the RX crossover, GS sedan, and CT hatchback are anything to go by, then the LS 460 F Sport will have sportier interior trim and suspension tuning but no engine upgrades.
While there are no photos of the interior, a close up from one of the rear facing pictures suggests that Lexus has overhauled the center console and added a large LCD screen on top of the air vents.
The Japanese carmaker has said that the 2013 LS will be available as the LS 460, LS 460 L long wheelbase, LS 600h L hybrid sedan and the all-new LS 460 F SPORT, with the car's debut to take place on Monday, July 30, at which point, we will be able to give you all the details.

2013 LEXUS LS460

2013 LEXUS LS460 F SPORT

2012MY VS 2013MY LEXUS LS 460