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Originally posted by patw:
It looks neat but for me, that would stop after having to take/put on the top all the time,unless it was just a fair weather car.

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Originally posted by Ripley:

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Originally posted by vthoky:

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Originally posted by KSGM:
The way I understand it, a truck can't have a wheelbase shorter than "X", per whatever silly regulations govern that sort of thing.

That's interesting. I wonder if it's related to the rollover issues seen with short wheelbase issues a bunch of years ago.

It's government run amok, Cafe Standards with an insane formula involving a vehicle's shadow or footprint or some such mumbo jumbo. Bottom line, short wheelbase trucks aren't happening.

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Originally posted by Ripley:

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Originally posted by vthoky:

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Originally posted by KSGM:
The way I understand it, a truck can't have a wheelbase shorter than "X", per whatever silly regulations govern that sort of thing.

That's interesting. I wonder if it's related to the rollover issues seen with short wheelbase issues a bunch of years ago.

It's government run amok, Cafe Standards with an insane formula involving a vehicle's shadow or footprint or some such mumbo jumbo. I watched an overly-long vid some time back about it that I wouldn't burden anyone with by trying to dig it up. Bottom line, short wheelbase trucks aren't happening.

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Originally posted by lyman:

this article?

https://www.meche.engineering....ntFuelEconomy-EP.pdf

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Originally posted by KSGM:
The comparison to a Wrangler is a fair point. If the Surf can occupy that same territory, then it'd be good-to-go. Considering it's apparent lack of a fully-enclosed cab, it may fit in that same niche.

I haven't read or watched the stuff shared by Ripley and lyman, but it does seem rather obvious that all the Surf would have to do is conform to the same criteria that enables the Wrangler, and it'd be OK.

Apparently the gov't/EPA defines a truck as a vehicle which is primarily designed/intended to transport property or equipment. A Jeep Wrangler is seemingly classified as an SUV. Seems that it'd be difficult to argue that the Surf's primary design intent is the transportation of property and equipment, considering it's rear cargo area is so small.

There's likely other finer points revealed in those videos and articles previously shared.

The Jeep Gladiator falling victim to truck classification implies that the presence of an open-air truck bed, from which the main passenger compartment is isolated, of any size will get a truck classification.

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It definitely has a fully enclosed cab similar to the wrangler and is removable just like the wrangler.

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KSGM, how is this concept any different from a removable top Bronco or Jeep 2 door?

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Originally posted by stickman428:
nhraracecraft, I don’t see that at all…..it’s not pink and/or retarded looking. I see more of an homage to this vehicle that has always been one of my favorite 4wd creations.