As far as the Jeep Gladiator is concerned, the Pentastar V6 offers the most horsepower, while the EcoDiesel V6 boasts the most pound-feet of torque. Neither engine is good enough for a Texas-based tuning company, though, which has developed an over-the-top Hellcat conversion.
Limited to 24 units, the Hennessey Maximus 1000 costs $225,000 because it’s more than just an engine swap. As the name implies, the mid-size pickup truck offers 1,000 horsepower instead of 797, as it’s the case with the Hellcat Redeye or 807 in the Super Stock. That level of performance also translates to heavy-duty engine mounts, transfer case adaptor, and a tranny that’s much obliged to handle 933 pound-feet (1,265 Nm) of torque.
With the body shell lifted off the frame, Hennessey also works its magic on the fuel system, cooling system, wiring harnesses, and engine control unit. Heavy-duty axles, Dana 60 front and rear differentials with 4.88 gearing, a 6.0-inch suspension lift from King Shocks, and 20-inch aluminum wheels with an 8-lug bolt pattern also need to be mentioned, along with BF Goodrich tires, a stainless-steel exhaust, and drop-down running boards.
The list of modifications doesn’t end here, though. In addition to hardware, the Maximus 1000 by Hennessey Performance Engineering is beautified with embroidered seats, fine leather upholstery featuring diamond stitching, lots of badges inside and out, as well as serialized plaques. Last but certainly not least, HPE offers three years or 36,000 miles (58,000 km) of warranty.
Described as “pure ridiculousness on four wheels” by founder and chief executive officer John Hennessey, the Maximus 1000 is much obliged to hit 60 miles per hour (96 kph) in 3.9 seconds. Not bad for a pickup that’s willing to duke it out with dirt bikes on equal footing, don’t you think?
If this gentle giant is out of your budget, fret not because North Carolina-based RubiTrux can swap the engine in your Gladiator with a 707-horsepower Hellcat for $58,850 excluding the pickup and upgraded axles.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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