When swapping in a 707 hp Hellcat engine into your new Jeep Gladiator just isn’t enough, you can turn to Hennessey for a bit more grunt. Like, 1000 hp kind of grunt. Awaiting its big 2019 SEMA debut next week, Hennessey’s 2020 Maximus 1000 is everything its name, and Hennessey’s reputation is expected to be.

Motor Biscuit hinted the Maximus was a reality earlier this month, but the video and images showed a static modified Gladiator. We wondered if it really existed or was a prop to gauge its popularity. Well, it does exist and the proof will be at the 2019 SEMA Show for you to decide if it’s worth all of the hype. At least on paper and in pictures it certainly is.

When 1,000 HP In A Gladiator Is Needed

The Texas uber-tuner didn’t just upgrade the supercharged Hellcat engine. In these days of electronics and integrated components more was needed to be swapped out. The ECU, wiring harness, radiator, and fuel system are new and improved. Modern vehicle ECUs communicate with each component thousands of times every minute. So, every component has to be recognized and in sync with every other component in the vehicle’s electrical system. Engine swaps aren’t as easy as they used to be.

Hennessey’s HPE 1000 engine now puts out 933 lb-ft of torque as well as those 1000 ponies. Shifting gears behind all of this is an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Hennessey founder and CEO John Hennessey says, “Maximus 1000-the name says exactly what it is: Badassery on four-wheels. We are excited to unveil our first production Maximus with the Shell Pennzoil team at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.”

Besides the above swaps, a new stainless steel exhaust system was created. For some design points a new front and rear bumper, brush guard, and LED lights were included. Drop-down running boards help boost your frame into the lifted Jeep.

The stock Gladiator suspension was enhanced with a six-inch lift. The 37-inch tall BFG KD off-road tires wrap the 20-inch Hennessey wheels murdered out. Heavy-duty front and rear driveshafts spin Dana 60 axles both in front and in back. 

Inside the interior received a custom leather package with “Hennessey” and “Maximus” embroidered into the seats. 

Hennessey says 0-60 mph times of 3.9-seconds are possible, after which you can load up the beverages and mountain bikes and head to the slopes. 

Hennessey Maximus Limited But Not Cheap

The Maximus package is available for a maximum of 24 limited-edition Gladiators. Each conversion takes about four months before completion, and Hennessey can only handle producing two per month. 

And the cost? Including the donor Gladiator, you’re looking at $200,000. If you are serious about getting a Maximus for your grocery getting needs you should head over to Las Vegas next week for the 2019 SEMA Show. That’s where everyone will get their first glimpse of the completed Maximus.