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JEEP GLADIATOR WITH A 392 HEMI IS GONNA COST YOU

Its Six Figure Asking Price Is More Than Double The Original MSRP

Jeep Gladiator

The Jeep Gladiator has entered the midsize truck space with a mixed take rate. Despite worthy work truck capabilities, the Gladiator hasn’t seen the kind of take rate on the low end compared its mass appeal rivals from Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. This has led to cash on the hood of entry-level trim levels already. That said, when you look at the 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, it’s a different story. The off-road lifestyle-oriented pickup truck is loaded to the brim with 4×4 kit, commands an MSRP of over $43,000 before options, and continues to be allergic to the discounts that the rest of the Gladiator stable currently observes. In fact, they’re subject to price gouging.

In short – one could make the argument that the Jeep Gladiator may have aimed a little below the target. More evidence of this is how quickly the aftermarket moved to extract the Pentastar V6 it comes with, and shoehorn in something with more strength and snarl: a Hemi V8.

Dodge 392 Hemi V8

Take this Hemi-swapped Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, for example. It’s for sale by La Porte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and as it turns out, the dealership has its own in-house tuning division, dubbed Magnuson Performance. The name apparently comes from dealership’s founder, and not to be confused with the aftermarket company of the same name that makes superchargers. Anyway, the dealership routinely swaps the factory engines of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator with the 5.7L Eagle Hemi, 6.4L Apache 392 Hemi, the Hellcat supercharged V8, and even the 840 horsepower Demon V8. And they’re not exactly what you’d consider to be cheap.

While not possessing a Demon engine, this Jeep Gladiator listed features a 6.4L Apache 392 Hemi V8. A service that starts at $34,995. Throw in some aftermarket wheels and tires, some eight-lug DANA 60 Axles, and likely some unspecified kit, and you’ve got a Jeep Gladiator that will make all of the other off-road pickup trucks blush. Yes, even you, Ford F-150 Raptor. Then again, for what this thing costs, one could own two Raptors.

This truck is listed for a whopping $129,995, which is more than double the MSRP of the Jeep Gladiator before it went under the knife. According to the window sticker, this one in particular came in at a well-optioned $54,840, before modifications. Is another $75,000 worth it to earn the respect of the local Scat Pack crew? That’s a decision you have to make yourself.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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