Stellantis South Africa has confirmed its awareness of the Maximus 6x6, a purpose-built conversion developed by independent specialist Ulterio Motiv, which reimagines the Jeep Gladiator as a six-wheeled workhorse. While the conversion is not a factory offering, the project serves as an example of the Gladiator’s adaptability for niche applications.
The Maximus 6x6 starts life as a standard Jeep Gladiator (JT) and undergoes significant alterations, including a chassis stretch, a larger load bed and the addition of a third axle. The result is a six-wheel vehicle aimed at buyers who require extra payload capacity, a distinctive visual presence and improved off-road ability.
According to Ulterio Motiv, the conversion extends the wheelbase by 1 040 mm between the second and third axles, bringing the total vehicle length to 6 577 mm. The load bed has been lengthened to 2 530 mm, making the bakkie more practical for heavy-duty use.
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Alex Shahini, Brand Communications Manager for Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Leapmotor at Stellantis South Africa, said the Gladiator’s core attributes make it a natural candidate for such projects.
"The Jeep Gladiator's body-on-frame construction, Trail Rated capability and open-air design set it apart in its segment. These same qualities make it an appealing starting point for specialist builders who want to create highly customised vehicles for specific customer needs. Projects like the Maximus 6x6 demonstrate the versatility of the platform and the passion it generates within the off-road community."
Stellantis South Africa emphasises it has not been involved in the engineering, development, or production of the Maximus 6x6. However, the conversion does underscore the Gladiator’s standing as a preferred base for aftermarket and bespoke vehicle builders.
Ulterio Motiv, the company behind the conversion, says the Maximus 6x6 goes well beyond a typical accessory fitment. All engineering, component selection, and modifications are carried out in-house, without input from Stellantis.
Changes include chassis and body extensions, integration of a third axle, revised driveline components, and adjusted gearing. Ulterio Motiv states that payload capacity increases to 1 090 kg, while gross vehicle mass rises to 3 490 kg – importantly, the vehicle remains homologated as a standard bakkie, not a truck.
Buyers can tailor their vehicles with a variety of upgrades depending on their intended use. Suspension options include a six-inch lift with Teraflex coil springs, Skyjacker 2.0 Reservoir shocks, and adjustable control arms. The braking system can be upgraded to feature larger 350 mm front discs and six-piston calipers, and steering modifications are also available to suit the new configuration.
Wheel and tyre choices range from 17-inch to 20-inch alloy rims, fitted with 37 x 12.5-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain rubber.
Ulterio Motiv also offers roof racks, bed racks, storage solutions, auxiliary lighting, recovery gear, and winches as part of its accessory catalogue.
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The conversion is based on the current South African-spec Jeep Gladiator, powered by the 3,6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine. The unit delivers 209 kW at 6 400 r/min and 347 Nm at 4 400 r/min, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Gladiator’s Trail Rated credentials include the Rock-Trac 4x4 system, a 4:1 low-range transfer case, Dana 44 front and rear axles, 4.10 axle ratios, and Tru-Lok locking differentials.
For those seeking more power, a supercharger system can be specified through the conversion specialist.
Stellantis South Africa has made it clear the Maximus 6x6 is not a factory-developed, factory-produced or a factory-validated Jeep model.
All aspects of the conversion – including engineering, certification, homologation, warranty, service support, performance claims and product specifications – remain the responsibility of Ulterio Motiv.
Prospective buyers are advised to contact the conversion specialist directly for details regarding warranty coverage, vehicle specifications, certification, towing capacity, performance data and aftersales support.
Ulterio Motiv has set the starting price for the Maximus 6x6 conversion at R3,5-million. This base package includes the six-wheel conversion, suspension lift, revised gearing, steering upgrades, an upgraded front braking system and 17-inch alloy wheels with 37-inch all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres.
Final pricing will vary depending on the chosen specification, optional upgrades, and accessory selections.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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