This military-grade Jeep Gladiator looks like loads of fun

This is a cool bit of kit – it’s a military-spec off-road toy with no doors or roof and big chunky tyres. See what we mean?

It’s called the Gladiator XMT (Extreme Military-Grade Truck), a prototype – for now – of what a combat-ready Jeep Gladiator could look like. There are even a few guises to choose from.

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The concoction is the result of a partnership between AM General and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

If you’re wondering why AM General sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the company tasked with transforming military Humvees into bowser-busting Hummers the public can buy.

AM General has more than 100 years of experience in defence, so rest assured, the crew there know what they’re doing.

The Gladiator base was chosen for its ‘Trail Rated’ ability and cutting-edge four-wheel-drive system. It already has locking diffs along with ample approach, departure and breakover angles.

The XMT gains BFGoodrich tyres, dual four-wheel drive systems, tow hooks and skid plates. Other goodies include heavy-duty suspension, rollover protection and a tyre-inflation system. Oh, and armour – you can’t forget the armour. The winch can withstand 5.4 tonnes of pressure.

The approach and departure angles have been increased over the standard Gladiator to 54 and 30 degrees respectively, while the braked towing capacity is almost 3500kg and the payload taps out at more than 700kg.

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While no specific engine details are known, Jeep did reveal that it would be offered in petrol and diesel – the latter a bit of a surprise in gas-loving America.

Depending on interest and feedback, the concept could become a reality with Jeep stating that production could begin as soon as the second half of 2020. It’s currently on show at the Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Association of the U.S Army (AUSA).

Should the Gladiator XMT go from prototype to production? Tell us what you think.