SUVs are known for a lot of things, but horsepower typically hasn’t been one of them.
Until now.
The renowned horsepower gurus at Hennessey Performance are making a limited number of SUVs equipped with — wait for it — 1012 horsepower engines.
Called the Hennessey Mammoth 1000 SUV, its massive power output comes from a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. The Mammoth, which is based on the new Ram TRX pickup, rockets from 0-60 mph in “a supercar slaying” 3.2 seconds.
While the vehicle boasts muscle car power, it’s still an SUV. It can seat seven adults in comfort and is guaranteed to be exclusive with just 20 models being produced.
The total cost of all this power and space: $375,000. Write that check quickly because a “limited number” means just 20 vehicles.
Converting a truck to a ute
The Mammoth begins life as a Ram TRX truck. However, the conversion begins with bespoke body work to extend the roofline to meet a new C-pillar that sits above the rear taillights. The conversion features a large rear-side window and adds a rear screen. It offers plenty of cargo space behind the third row of seats.
“I have a big family with five kids and have always enjoyed owing big, powerful SUVs,” said John Hennessey, company founder and CEO. “In 2012 we converted the first-generation Ford Raptor into our VelociRaptor SUV — I still own one today and love it.
“Now, we are excited to offer something very similar, but with a lot more horsepower, using the new Ram TRX truck as our base vehicle. Creating this king of SUVs offers our customers the ultimate combination of space, power and exclusivity.”
A slew of upgrades
The turnkey vehicle is built upon the highly acclaimed 2021 Ram 1500 TRX and supplied with a full three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. In addition to the upgraded body work, Hennessey engineers upgrade the supercharger system alongside new HPE engine calibration.
This sees power output jump 310 hp to 1,012 hp while torque is boosted by 319 pound-feet to 969 lb-ft.
The Mammoth’s Off Road package includes a 2.5-inch lift, custom front bumper with LED lights, 20-inch Hennessey 10-spoke wheels, 35-inch off-road tires and a front suspension leveling kit.
Other features include Mammoth 1000 2.65-liter Supercharger System; Lower Pulley Upgrade; Upper Pulley Upgrade; High-Flow Catalytic Converters; Upgraded High-Flow Fuel Injectors; High-Flow Air Induction System; HPE Calibration Upgrade; Mammoth Custom Front Bumper; LED Lights in Front Bumper; Mammoth Rear Bumper; 20-Inch Hennessey 10-Spoke Wheels; 35-Inch Off-Road Tires; Front Suspension Leveling Kit; and Chassis Dyno Testing.
A real statement maker
“This kind of vehicle is meant to make a statement,” said Joe Lescota, automotive consultant and former automotive department chairman at Northwood University. “No one needs this kind of vehicle. But then no one needs a Rolex watch. This vehicle says ‘I can afford this and you can’t.’
“It’s the kind of vehicle you drive on a closed track. But if you can afford it, you will be able to gain access to a closed track pretty easily.”
But in addition to making a statement about the owner, this SUV also makes a statement about Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.
“This says that even with the coming of EVs, the days of ICE vehicles giving drivers excellent performance aren’t over,” Lescota said. “But why shouldn’t a vehicle like this be built? If you can afford one and want one, get one.”
Upholds Hennessy tradition
Hennessy has created more than 12,000 customer cars since it was founded 30 years ago. In addition to customizing, the company has evolved into a global brand manufacturing its own hypercar.
Today, alongside producing upwards of 500 customer cars a year, the Hennessey team is focused on its built-from-scratch Venom F5 hypercar. This “decathlete of hypercars” produces 1817 hp from its Hennessey-built 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine and targets a top speed exceeding 311 mph.
The creation and development of the F5 is a turning point for the brand, according to the company’s namesake. The company is shifting its focus to produce more vehicles imagined and produced entirely in-house, he said.
