The Jeep Gladiator pickup truck hasn't even gone on sale yet and we already are hearing news that there might be a unique, higher-performance version in the works. Could FCA be working on a competitor to Ford's off-road juggernaut Raptor? Reports indicate that's a possibility.

According to the folks over at Jeep Gladiator Forum, an uber-capable variant of the Gladiator dubbed "Hercules" is currently undergoing market evaluation. According to their sources, this new version will compete with the lauded Ford Raptor. Apparently, one-off prototypes have been built as part of this viability testing.

When the Gladiator was revealed at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show, Jeep boss Tim Kuniskis mentioned that the Gladiator would have a new off-road setting designed for high-speed desert running. When he spoke with The Drive during that show, he mentioned that setting was one of the biggest things he was excited about with the new Gladiator.