“Loaded with nearly 20 Jeep Performance Parts, we built this go-anywhere Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept for passionate mountain bike enthusiasts,” said Mark Bosanac, Head of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, FCA – North America. “Across the entire Jeep lineup, we offer more than 500 quality-tested, factory-backed parts, and accessories.”
2020 Jeep® Gladiator Top Dog Concept. (Mopar).
“Built to handle the demands of an active lifestyle and offering one-of-a-kind open-air freedom, Jeep Gladiator is the perfect canvas for Mopar to push the envelope even further with the addition of an array of Jeep Performance Parts,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “Mopar’s new Top Dog Concept results in even more clever functionality and versatility for Jeep Gladiator.”
2020 Jeep® Gladiator Top Dog Concept. (Mopar).
The Top Dog Concept, painted in a “K-9 Blue” exterior color, adds even more cargo capacity by ditching the Gladiator’s small stature cargo box and replacing it with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system. The storage system features pull-out drawers to store tools and other parts that mountain bikers need on their adventure. The system also includes slick interior storage shelves, lots of power outlets, and exterior lighting to get the job done even when the trail is dark. A battery-powered refrigerator and electric hot-dog roller grille make sure that this ride can also provide quick meals for those on the go.
Above the cab, there are two rack structures that provide additional storage space for equipment. A new set of dual exterior concept task lights are mounted on each side, with a set of traction mats to help those who are stuck on the trail mounted to each side. On the top of the rack, a dual bike race provides an easy storage area for a set of Trek mountain bikes.
2020 Jeep® Gladiator Top Dog Concept. (Mopar).
Based on the already capable Gladiator Rubicon, the Top Dog Concept features a JPP 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks, 17-inch JPP Beadlock-capable aluminum wheels wrapped with 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM3 tires, and concept steel “high-top” fender flares.
The Top Dog also gets a new JPP Rubicon bumper, which holds a conceptual 2-inch steel grille guard that harkens back to the awesome Jeep J6 Concept. The bumper also houses a JPP WARN 8,000 lb. winch with 100 feet of Spydura synthetic rope, good enough to get the Top Dog out of some of the most difficult situations on the trail. There is also a second WARN winch, which is rear-facing at the back of the vehicle
2020 Jeep® Gladiator Top Dog Concept. (Mopar).
Mopar also designed a concept hood with unique custom black hood latches that feature the famed Willys Jeep logo. A JPP snorkel kit also helps to direct cool air to the Pentastar when the trail gets tough and blocks the V6 from the needed air. A pair of JPP 5-inch off-road LED lights have also been installed to the A-pillars, increasing visibility on the trail in the dark.
Going to the side of the vehicle are a set of JPP rock rails, which have been customized with 2-inch welded steel tubes, just like the front grille guard design. Black door sill guards with the Gladiator logo protected the sills from scratches getting in and out of the Gladiator’s cabin.
2020 Jeep® Gladiator Top Dog Concept. (Mopar).
Inside, the Top Dog carries over the K-9 Blue colored theme with black accents is continued. There is a set of black Katzkin leather seats with blue stitching, leather-wrapped armrests, shift boots, steering wheel, and parking brake handle all follow the same pattern. A set of Mopar stainless-steel pedal covers with black rubber pads give the interior a sportier look. While a set of all-weather Mopar floor mats adorn the front and back rows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvu4Ey5C9Wg
Under the hood, is the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with Engine Start/Stop (ESS) delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Pentastar is mated to the stock 850RE 8-speed automatic transmission. While the Pentastar is a solid engine, we would have picked the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with the more robust 8HP75 automatic transmission to help with all the added weight from the accessories.
Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.
