Hennessey builds first 1,000bhp Maximus Jeep Gladiator

By topgear, 31 October 2019
Hennessey builds first 1,000bhp Maximus Jeep Gladiator
Hennessey builds first 1,000bhp Maximus Jeep Gladiator

Hennessey will win the crowd. He will give them something they have never seen before. Namely, a 1,000bhp modified Jeep Gladiator that goes by the name… Maximus.

Yes folks, meet the new commander of the armies of the north, and general of the felix legions. Loyal servant to the true emperor – outrageous speed – comes this Hellcat-engined nutjob. This is the very first Maximus Gladiator. A car you have - admittedly - already seen, but only in render form. This is the very first one, headed for the SEMA show in Vegas.

“We wanted to create the ultimate Jeep Gladiator,” explains company boss John Hennessey. So, that engine. It’s the 6.2-litre V8, supercharged to 1,000bhp and 1265nm of torque, and sent to those BFG off-road tyres via an eight-speed auto, to record 0-97kph in 3.9secs.

Hennessey builds first 1,000bhp Maximus Jeep Gladiator
Hennessey builds first 1,000bhp Maximus Jeep Gladiator
Hennessey builds first 1,000bhp Maximus Jeep Gladiator

Three point nine. That’s… supercar speed. The Maximus also comes with a stainless steel exhaust system, heavy duty axles and driveshafts, new front and rear bumpers, ‘King’ off-road suspension with a six-inch lift, and an upgraded leather interior with ‘Maximus’ embroidery.

Only 24 of these special Jeeps will be built, each one costing $225,000 (approx. RM940,000). That price does include the actual Gladiator base truck, at least.

“Our Maximus Jeep is pure ridiculousness on four-wheels,” said John. “What other vehicle can climb to the top of Aspen Mountain with KTM dirt bike in the back in the morning, and then run 0-97kph in 3.9secs at the dragstrip the same day?”

A truck that will have its vengeance, that’s what. Feel free to insert your own Gladiator lines below. Best one wins… some internet smugness.