- Hennessey has previewed the Supercharged Maximus Rumble Bee SRT.
- It features a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 1,032 hp and 947 lb-ft of torque.
- Truck rockets from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.
Ram unveiled the 1500 Rumble Bee SRT less than three months ago, but Hennessey is already working on a more extreme variant known as the Maximus. That’s an apt name as it blows virtually everything else out of the water.
Previewed at the SRT Performance Engineering Day in Detroit, the truck has been equipped with an upgraded 6.2-liter V8, a high-capacity intercooler, a larger intake tube, and a proprietary engine calibration. Thanks to these changes, the Supercharged Maximus Rumble Bee SRT produces a staggering 1,032 hp (770 kW / 1,046 PS) and 947 lb-ft (1,283 Nm) of torque. That’s an increase of 255 hp (190 kW / 259 PS) and 267 lb-ft (362 Nm).
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This enables the extended cab pickup to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in three seconds flat and run the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds. Given enough room, the truck will eventually hit an estimated top speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). This means the Maximus is four tenths of a second faster to 60 mph (96 km/h) than the Rumble Bee SRT and has a 30 mph (48 km/h) higher top speed.
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On the styling front, the camouflaged prototype has been equipped with a VenomAero body kit that includes an aggressive front splitter, side skirts, and a sizable rear wing. The latter is designed to recall the one used on the Viper-based Venom 650R from 1999. Unfortunately, the wing needs to be removed to enable the truck to hit its top speed.
The changes don’t stop there as the Maximus has been outfitted with carbon fiber components as well as special graphics and badging. They’re joined by a lowered air suspension, 22-inch wheels, and a hard tonneau cover for improved aerodynamics.
Michael Gauthier for Carscoops
Last but not least, there’s an “elevated cabin” that features special leather and Alcantara upholstery. The company also throws in a set of branded floor mats and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.
Ram 1500 Direct Connection by Roush
Michael Gauthier for Carscoops
Fresh off its debut last month, Ram showcased the 1500 Direct Connection by Roush. It’s an off-road focused model that features a revised suspension with a 2-inch (51 mm) lift. The goodies don’t end there as the truck has been equipped with underbody skid plates, an electronic locking rear diff, and 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires.
The model looks classier than your typical off-roader as it features body-color bumpers, red tow hooks, and a flow-through grille with red Ram lettering. The team also threw in a ventilated hood, running boards, and black fender flares with integrated lights. We can also see Direct Connection badging as well as American flag graphics.
The interior hasn’t been overlooked as it sports Mopar leather seats as well as special badging and floor mats. Buyers will also find everything from the Big Horn Level 2 Equipment Group, so there’s a wireless smartphone charger, a nine-speaker audio system, and a 12-inch infotainment system.
The $78,960 truck is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 with an active cat-back exhaust. It produces 395 hp (295 kW / 400 PS) and 410 lb-ft (555 Nm) of torque.
