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.
Gladiator 4xe: Promised Plug-In Hybrid Still AWOL Midway Through 2025
With the resounding sales success of the Wrangler 4xe over the past few years, it seemed logical that a Gladiator 4xe version would follow at some point.
In fact, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, did mention the automaker would bring a Gladiator 4xe sometime this year, but as of mid-August, there’s still no public launch or details. When asked, Jeep offered only: “Nothing to share on Gladiator 4xe at this moment,” leaving enthusiasts wondering.
The murky 4xe status coincides with Jeep’s move to spotlight the Hemi-powered Gladiator 392 instead, raising questions whether the 4xe is sidelined or simply low-priority. For a platform known for limited volumes already, the delay has fans and dealers wondering if the electrified Gladiator is getting pushed to 2026—or beyond.
Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion Returns Aug. 21-23
Jeep enthusiasts from around the country will gather in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, next week for the 13th annual Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion. The event, August 21-23 at the spacious LeConte Center, features indoor and outdoor vendor areas, over 250 Jeep parts and accessory brands, plus a Show & Shine competition showcasing stock rides, classic builds, lifted vehicles and trail-ready machines.
Daily admission includes access to both vendor areas and the vehicle show for $20 per adult and $10 for kids (5 and under free), and tickets are sold only at the gate. Last year, the event drew 22,000 Jeeps and 50,000 fans, and organizers believe 2025 promises an even greater turnout.
Set against a backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the show offers more than just the event, thanks to over 800 miles of scenic trails, family attractions, dining, and lodging nearby.
Quadratec will once again be in attendance, with plenty of new products, giveaway items and exclusive show deals.
Ram’s 'Bucking HEMI' Mechanical Bull Back After 67-Hour Mystery—with Questions Still Lingering
Ram’s custom-built mechanical bull, the Bucking HEMI, recently vanished during teardown at a Roadkill Nights event and sparked headlines—it resurfaced 67 hours later after a 1,200-mile mishap, leading to controversy.
Ram insists it was an honest mistake: a contractor accidentally drove off with the prop during breakdown. But Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard wasn’t buying it—calling the incident a frustrating waste of investigative resources and signaling a possible false police report.
The ride is now safely back in Ram’s hands, and fans can expect it at upcoming events. Yet amid the relief, the case raised more than one eyebrow—was it just a mix-up, or a marketing stunt gone sideways?
