The Jeep Gladiator Gets the Hennessey Treatment

Hennessey Performance Engineering is an American modification house established in 1991 that specializes in modifying sports and other cars. The firm is primarily focused on mechanical component modifications in order to create high-powered cars. Tuning SUVs such as the Jeep Cherokee is also in their wheelhouse, but now it’s officially the all-new Gladiator’s turn to be transformed as founder John Hennessey mentioned that the company was very excited to work on the Gladiator.

The 27-years-in-the-making midsize truck from Jeep has all the ability of a Jeep Wrangler along with the versatility of a pickup truck, effectively making the Gladiator an enticing product to customize. As per usual, Hennessey has gone above and beyond to take the new Gladiator the extreme. “We wanted to create the ultimate Jeep Gladiator. MAXIMUS 1000 – the name says exactly what it is,” said Hennessey. The name is also inspired by Russell Crowe’s character in the 2000 film _ Gladiator _ , an obvious nod to the pickup’s exceptional strength and perseverance.

As the latest creation from Hennessey, the MAXIMUS 1000 has a Dodge Hellcat 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine under the hood that’s been modified to produce an extreme 1000 horsepower and up to 933 lb-ft of torque. Hennessey also swapped out the Gladiator’s electronic control unit (ECU), wiring harness, radiator and fuel system. The aggressive styling also matches the major power upgrade as the MAXIMUS 1000 features an upgraded suspension system complete with a 6-inch lift, unique front and rear MAXIMUS bumpers, an LED light bar, Hennessey 20-inch wheels with BF Goodrich KF off-road tires, and a stainless steel exhaust system.

On the inside, Hennessey customized the interior with a leather package that has MAXIMUS embroidered on the seats. To add to the exclusivity of this over-the-top Jeep pickup, Hennessey plans on manufacturing only 24 units of the Gladiator MAXIMUS 1000. “Our clients want exclusive, extreme vehicles that deliver a fun and exciting driving experience both on and off-road. Win the crowd and you’ll win your freedom is the best advice that the elder gladiator gave to Russell Crowe in the _ Gladiator _ movie. We could not agree more!” Hennessey stated.

Pricing starts at $200,000 – a price that includes the cost of a base Jeep Gladiator as well. Production is slated to begin in July 2019, with each unit taking about four months before completion. Although Jeep currently does sell a Hellcat-powered variant of the Grand Cherokee, the brand has declined to manufacture a Gladiator with the same engine. Jeep boss Tim Kuniskis was interviewed about the matter recently and he stated that although the engine does fit under the hood, it does not leave enough room for the Gladiator to pass government crash tests, making an official Gladiator powered by a Hellcat engine an impossibility. Government crash tests do not apply to aftermarket builds, which is precisely how Hennessey is making the Gladiator into a monster truck.

Come by Miami Lakes AutoMall and explore the all-new 2020 Gladiator. If you’re looking to go all out with your brand new Gladiator you’ll be happy to learn that our service department is open on Sundays for your convenience. Visit Miami Lakes Jeep for your test drive today!

Photo Source/Copyright: Hennessey

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