The Hennessey Maximus is returning with an extreme new mission: push the Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT beyond 1,000 horsepower and past 200 mph. Hennessey says the supercharged truck will combine major power upgrades with extensive aerodynamic changes to make those targets possible.
Hennessey Maximus Targets More Than 1,000 HP
The Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT was only recently announced with 777 horsepower and a 170-mph top speed. While factory-backed kits can raise output to 900 hp, Hennessey is taking the performance truck significantly further with the return of the Maximus name.
The goal is to extract more than 1,000 horsepower from the Rumble Bee’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 while giving the truck the ability to exceed 200 mph. Hennessey is also addressing the aerodynamic and mechanical challenges that come with pushing a pickup to those speeds.
The Maximus will formally debut on August 8 during Roadkill Nights, which continues through the weekend. Visitors will be able to inspect the upgraded engine bay, including a larger 2.8-liter supercharger, a custom high-capacity intake and a larger intercooler.
New Aero Hardware Supports the Power
Hennessey has fitted the Maximus with 22×12-inch wheels wrapped in 325/40R22 performance tires on all four corners. The truck also receives the Venom Aero kit, which adds a substantial front splitter, new side skirts and a large rear wing.
The wing draws inspiration from the 1999 Hennessey Dodge Viper Venom 650R. It can be removed when attempting to reach the truck’s maximum speed, while a retractable tonneau cover helps smooth airflow around the bed.
That aerodynamic work accompanies an estimated 1,032 horsepower and 947 lb-ft of torque. With that output, Hennessey is building a truck designed to deliver performance far beyond what its pickup body might suggest.
Maximus Could Hit 60 MPH in 3 Seconds
According to Mopar Insiders, the Hennessey Maximus is estimated to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. The truck’s standard four-wheel-drive system is expected to help deliver that performance.
The quarter-mile is estimated to take just 10.9 seconds, which would make the Maximus seven tenths quicker than the truck on which it is based. Customers should also be able to access rear-wheel-drive mode, allowing the truck to produce the tire-smoking behavior associated with its high-performance setup.
Hennessey Maximus Production Starts in 2027
The pre-production prototype will be displayed throughout the weekend, but production is not scheduled to begin until the first quarter of next year. The show vehicle is covered in camouflage vinyl, so some exterior details could change before its formal reveal.
Hennessey has not yet announced how much the Maximus will cost or how many examples it plans to build. More information is expected to emerge from Texas before the end of the year.
