Torque Staff Report
Welcome to the Seven Slot Dispatch, our weekly aggregation of Jeep news and events from around the automotive landscape. Every week, we’ll be shifting into low range to bring you the latest news, gear drops, and industry moves shaping the Jeep world.
Whether it's fresh concept news from Moab, Utah, new initiatives from Stellantis, a dive into Jeep’s latest model, or a closer look at the community that's been living the Jeep life for decades, you'll find it all here — served up with the same grit and passion that built the brand itself.
Here’s the latest news and information.
TACTIK Launches Aggressive New Grille Lineup for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Models
TACTIK has expanded its line of Jeep customization products with the introduction of a bold new grille collection, available now at Quadratec. Designed for both visual impact and trail-ready durability, the lineup offers Jeep owners a range of aggressive styles tailored to Wrangler TJ (1997-2006), JK (2007–18), Wrangler JL (2018–25), and Gladiator JT (2020–25) models.
The new series draws inspiration from the ocean’s apex predators, with designs including the Bull Shark, Goblin Shark, Tiger Shark, Great White Shark, and Reef Shark grilles. Each style delivers a distinctive, aggressive front-end appearance while maintaining precise factory fitment and UV-resistant finishes.
Among the highlights is the Reef Shark grille, which incorporates integrated LED running lights for enhanced visibility and style both on and off the trail.
TACTIK’s expanded offering also includes snap-in grille inserts and billet aluminum designs, allowing for quick customization without complex installation.
With the release of this new collection, TACTIK continues its commitment to providing Jeep enthusiasts with high-quality, distinctive styling options that match their vehicles’ performance and personality.
Final Edition? Not Quite — Wrangler 392 Gets a Gladiator Sibling
For Jeep fans, it’s the kind of news that makes you drop your wrench and grin — the unmistakable rumble of a 6.4-liter Hemi is here to stay.
At a recent media briefing, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf delivered the kind of announcement that sends Wrangler and Gladiator loyalists scrambling to their bank accounts: the legendary 392 cubic-inch V8 isn’t going anywhere. “Wrangler and Gladiator fans, and Hemi fans in general, don’t worry,” he promised. Translation? Get ready for a four-door pickup with removable doors, open-air freedom, and a V8 growl that could shake the showroom windows.
The announcement comes with a hint of rebellion. This engine — once destined for extinction — was already given multiple ‘Final Edition’ farewells in the Wrangler, each time defying the curtain call. The 2024 Rubicon 392 was supposed to be the last, at a $102,000 sendoff price. Then came the 2025 reprieve. And now? A Gladiator 392 is on deck, amplifying both Jeep’s profit margins and its rowdy reputation.
Broderdorf credits the 392’s staying power to the visceral connection it sparks, recalling his time on the Rubicon Trail where, even at slow crawl speeds, enthusiasts still reveled in its presence. “The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 will have a home at Jeep.”
Final Salute on Seven Slots: Effort Underway to Bring Historic Marine Corps Jeep to Grand Junction
At the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado, final journeys are carried out with a unique touch of history — the rumble of vintage military Jeeps leading veterans to their resting places. An olive-drab Army rig, a proud Navy Jeep, and an Air Force model stand ready, each one a living artifact that blends military tradition with the soul of Jeep heritage.
But for Marines, that last ride has always been in the Navy Jeep — until now.
Sean Maday, an Air Force veteran and lifelong Jeep admirer, has found a way to give the Corps its own seven-slotted salute. In Colorado Springs, he came across a Korean War-era Jeep, a machine with history in its bolts and grit in its gears. His goal: raise $19,000 to purchase, restore, and transport it to the Western Slope, where it will join the cemetery’s fleet and carry Marines to their final post with the honor they deserve.
For Maday, it’s not just about adding another vehicle — it’s about preserving the bond between Jeep and the men and women who served. “It’s a special bond that Marines have with each other,” he told local television station KJCT, “and I think that’s all the more reason they need a Marine Corps Jeep here — to really be part of that legacy.”
Because in Jeep culture, much like in the military, it’s never just about the ride — it’s about the brotherhood, the stories, and the road that brought you there.
