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1,000-Hp Jeep Gladiator: Why the Hell-cat Not?

by Guillaume Rivard
Photo: Hennessey

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator has been on sale for just a short while, but it already promises to be a hit. And why wouldn’t it?

The Gladiator shares many design cues with the iconic Wrangler, it’s the only convertible pickup on the market (both the doors and roof can be removed), maximum towing capacity is near class-leading at 7,650 pounds, off-road prowess is exceptional and the cabin ranks among the 10 best interiors of 2019 according to WardsAuto.

The standard 3.6-litre V6 under the hood generates 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Next year, the Gladiator will also be available with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel unit that produces 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.

What about a high-performance version? Jeep has already explained that the 707-horsepower, 6.2-litre supercharged V8 found in the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk would fit like a glove but is not possible in the Gladiator because it would never pass collision tests.

Well, the folks at Hennessey Performance did it anyway. Similar to the Gladiator concepts from the Easter Jeep Safari, their aptly named MAXIMUS 1000 is an outrageous machine. Company founder John Hennessey calls it “Badassery on four wheels.”

Photo: Hennessey

An HPE1000 engine upgrade kit boosts FCA’s Hellcat mill to a mind-boggling 1,000 horsepower and 933 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and stainless steel exhaust system help put power to the ground and fill the air with a thundering sound.

Other highlights include MAXIMUS front and rear bumpers, 20-inch Hennessey wheels with BFG off-road tires, extra LED lights, an upgraded suspension system featuring a six-inch lift and a custom leather interior with Hennessey and MAXIMUS embroidered seats.

Production will begin in July and be limited to just 24 units. The full cost for the MAXIMUS 1000 is $200,000 USD which includes the base Jeep Gladiator truck.

“Our clients want exclusive, extreme vehicles that deliver a fun and exciting driving experience both on and off-road,” said Hennessey. “Win the crowd and you’ll win your freedom was the advice that the elder gladiator gave to Russell Crowe in the Gladiator movie. We could not agree more!”

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