Following its dazzling appearance in a vibrant green hue at the SEMA show in Las Vegas last year, the Jeep Quadratec JTe concept recently found itself covered in dirt, conquering the challenges of Michigan’s Holly Oaks ORV Park. Located just 60 miles north of Car and Driver headquarters in Ann Arbor, this off-road playground provided the perfect testing ground to determine if the custom-built Quadratec JTe is a true workhorse or simply a show pony.
The Birth of a Two-Door Gladiator
It quickly became evident that this bespoke Jeep surpassed the impressive capabilities of the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe on which it is based. Scaling a sheer rock face in 4L with both differentials locked was a breeze. Flexing the suspension over large boulders after disconnecting the front anti-roll bar showcased its impressive off-road prowess. And as we gleefully tore through a gravel pit, kicking up immense dust clouds, we couldn’t help but revel in the exhilarating experience. Admittedly, the latter may have had less to do with evaluating the vehicle and more to do with an inexplicable burst of excitement.
While the inclusion of 37-inch Nitto Recon Grappler A/T tires and a 2.5-inch Lynx suspension lift undoubtedly enhance the Quadratec JTe’s capability, the fact that it convincingly embodies a genuine two-door Gladiator is a testament to the craftsmanship of builder Greg Henderson. What’s even more remarkable is that all the modifications were meticulously done by hand, transforming a 2022 four-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe into the JTe concept. The name JTe combines the model code of the Gladiator (JT) with “e” to symbolize its electrified powertrain.
Jeep enthusiasts are well acquainted with Quadratec, a trusted aftermarket equipment supplier. It was Quadratec that envisioned the possibility of a two-door plug-in hybrid Gladiator. Presently, Jeep’s convertible pickup truck is exclusively available with four doors, making the prospect of a factory-built two-door variant highly unlikely. However, a plug-in hybrid 4xe version of the Gladiator is expected to debut for the 2024 model year. While the JTe serves as a showcase for Quadratec’s aftermarket offerings, the company has no intentions of manufacturing a two-door Gladiator like the JTe for consumers. Instead, Quadratec specifically commissioned Henderson to create a hybrid-powered concept as part of its ongoing “50 for 50” trail-stewardship initiative. This noteworthy endeavor promotes sustainable off-roading and collaborates with nonprofit organizations such as Tread Lightly! to preserve and restore trail systems across all states. It is within this context that the Wrangler 4xe served as the ideal foundation for the JTe’s development.
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