Look, the question of putting V-8 engines in Jeeps isnt’ a new one. Back in the day, Jeep CJs and the like came with V-8s from the factory, and these days, you can convert Wranglers to accept Hemi V-8s (lookin’ at you, AEV!). But the Gladiator is new for 2020, and we’re sure plenty of aftermarket companies are asking themselves how to install V-8s in the Jeep pickup truck. Oddly, we don’t know who specifically put the Hellcat V-8 in this specific Gladiator, but take it as an example of what’s likely to be available soon.
The ad for the used Gladiator—oh, right, this isn’t a brand-new example—bills it as “one of a kind.” We’re not so sure about that, as a simple Google search proves, but we think it’s trying to make the point that this is a custom job. (It doesn’t appear as though any aftermarket conversion kits for adding V-8 power to the Gladiator exist—yet.) In place of the Jeep’s 285-hp Pentastar V-6, the original owner of this Gladiator Rubicon had a 707-hp supercharged Hellcat V-8 installed. That more than doubles the Gladiator’s original output.
The Jeep’s list of mods extends far beyond that mighty V-8 engine. Whoever did the swap added 17×7.5 inch wheels clad in massive 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires for an impressive off-road-ready look. There are also two light bars (one behind the passenger cell and one just below the windshield), LED flood lamps, and some fresh SRT and Hellcat-inspired decals.
We’re scratching our heads over the decision to swap the Jeep’s excellent Uconnect infotainment system for an aftermarket unit, but hey, some people just enjoy messing with stuff for the sake of it. (We are, after all, talking about a nearly $50,000 mid-size pickup that someone custom-fitted for a huge engine . . . ) The quilted leather on the seats is a nice upgrade, however, on the stock Jeep’s cabin.
And speaking of upgrades, all of this horsepowery goodness is going to cost you a pretty penny. Interested parties must be ready to cough up $139,900 for this Gladiator-Hellcat mashup. You could buy three stock Gladiator Rubicons for that much dough, in which case you’d have 855 horsepower and 18 cylinders but not a single supercharger between them. Or, if you like to option trucks up the way FCA did—the company sent us a Gladiator for our 2020 Truck of the Year testing that stickered for $59,685—well, you’d have only two Jeeps and less power (and still no superchargers). Still, for those of you who value power over, well, value, and can’t wait for a conversion to surface that lets you add a V-8 to the Gladiator of your choosing, it looks like this is the only Gladiator out there for you.
