Photographers recently captured images of Jeep testing a Wrangler-based pickup truck, which is the first time we�ve spied Chrysler engineers testing the long-rumored (and recently confirmed) truck-based Wrangler.

Jeep hasn�t produced a production-model pickup since the Comanche in 1992 (see: 6 Jeep Pickup Trucks). Although Chrysler, and now FCA, has floated the idea of a Wrangler pickup with the Gladiator concept in 2005, and the J-12 concept at the 2012 Moab Easter Jeep Safari, and even the JK-8 conversion kit that transformed the modern JK Wrangler Unlimited platform into a pickup (though removed the backseat in the process).

The prototype images recently captured show a four-door Unlimited body style of the new JL-based Wrangler with a large pickup bed. Photographers, however, noted that the placement of the rear wheels in the wheel well might indicate this isn�t the final bed design. There are also some aggressive off-road-ready tires on this test car, which appears to be fitted with weights in the bed to test out either its carry capacity and/or its ride quality with a cargo load.

The new Wrangler, which carries the codename �JL,� will start production in Q4 of 2017 as a 2018 model. The Wrangler pickup, which carries the codename �JT,� will go into production in Q3 or Q4 of 2018, making the pickup a 2019 model year vehicle. Both will be built at the Toledo, Ohio, plant.

The entire Wrangler lineup will be riding on a new chassis that will feature more weight-saving materials. Sources say there will be only limited use of aluminum, however. We�ve also confirmed the new Wrangler will still feature live axles front and rear (more: 2018 Wrangler: What We Know So Far).

The new Wrangler will be offered with a 2.0L, turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.6L V6, and a turbo diesel (most likely the Ecodiesel engine found in the Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500). There are also rumors of a plug-in hybrid variant.

Gallery: 2019 Jeep Wrangler JT Pickup Truck