By Malusi Msomi

Stellantis South Africa has highlighted a new specialist six-wheel conversion based on the Jeep Gladiator, demonstrating how the bakkie platform can be adapted for more extreme applications.

Called the Maximus 6×6, the vehicle is an independently engineered conversion by South African specialist Ulterio Motiv. It is not a factory-built Jeep model or an official Stellantis-developed derivative.

The conversion starts with a standard Jeep Gladiator and adds a longer chassis, an additional axle and a significantly larger load bed.

A longer and more capable Gladiator

The Maximus 6×6 extends the Gladiator’s wheelbase by 1,040 mm between the second and third axles, bringing its overall length to 6,577 mm.

Its load bed has also been extended to 2,530 mm, while Ulterio Motiv claims the conversion increases payload capacity to 1,090 kg. Gross vehicle mass rises to 3,490 kg, although it remains homologated as a bakkie rather than a truck.

Customers can further customise the vehicle with a range of suspension, braking, wheel, tyre and performance upgrades.

Available suspension modifications include a six-inch lift, while larger 350 mm front brake discs and six-piston calipers can also be specified. Buyers can choose between 17- and 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 37-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres.

Accessory options include roof and bed racks, storage systems, auxiliary lighting, recovery equipment and winches.

Gladiator power underneath

The Maximus 6×6 is based on the Jeep Gladiator currently sold in South Africa. Power comes from a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine producing 209 kW and 347 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The standard Gladiator’s off-road hardware includes the Rock-Trac 4×4 system, a 4:1 low-range transfer case, Dana 44 axles and Tru-Lok locking differentials.

Ulterio Motiv also offers additional performance upgrades, including a supercharger system.

Pricing from R3.5 million

According to Ulterio Motiv, pricing for the Maximus 6×6 conversion starts from R3.5 million.

This includes the six-wheel conversion, suspension lift, revised gearing, steering upgrades, an upgraded front braking system and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 37-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres.

Final pricing will depend on the selected specification and optional upgrades.

Stellantis South Africa has stressed that the Maximus 6×6 remains an independently engineered conversion, with all engineering, certification, warranty, servicing and aftersales support handled by the conversion specialist.

The project nevertheless showcases the adaptability of the Jeep Gladiator platform and how South African specialists are taking the already capable bakkie in a far more extreme direction.