Six of the best 6X6s

WHEN news and pics surfaced last week of the Hennessey Performance-tuned F-150 VelociRaptor 6x6, we started thinking about the best 6x6 rigs. So, here are six of the best 6x6s:

HENNESSEY PERFORMANCE VELOCIRAPTOR
Let’s start with the rig that inspired this list.

US tuner Hennessey Performance has sprinkled its magic touch over the yet-to-hit-the-market V6 Ford F-150 Raptor to create one hell of a machine.

Highlights of the 6x6 concept – priced from a whopping US$295,000 – include a tweaked EcoBoost engine that generates more than 600 ponies (450kW), and an extra driven axle at the rear.

It also includes: 6x6 locking rear axles, upgraded Fox suspension, upgraded 20-inch wheels and off-road tyres, special front and rear bumpers, a rollbar, and LED lights.

A 600hp+ upgrade (US$22,500) will also be available, and includes upgraded twin turbochargers, stainless-steel exhaust mods, upgraded front-mounted air-to-air intercooler, and a retuned factory computer.

WILD BOAR OFF-ROAD’S JEEP WRANGLER HELLHOG
What do you get when you transplant a wild Hellcat V8 into a 6x6 Jeep Wrangler? A ridiculous off-roader that costs in excess of US$300,000!

The Hellhog’s blown Hemi pushes out enormous grunt (562kW/915Nm) thanks to the help of Dakota Customs, who fettled the boost and tune.

Heavy-duty Mopar Dana 44 diffs were required front and rear to cater for the surge in performance. These work in tandem with a Ford nine-inch pass-through diff.

Plenty more work has been put into this unbelievable machine. Read the Jeep Wrangler Hellhog's full review here.

79 SERIES BATTLE CRUISER
We just couldn’t leave out APV’s deadly long-range patrol vehicle (LRPV).

With an overall length of 6.7m, APV’s 79 Series LandCruiser LRPV dwarves a stock 79 – and the battle-ready Cruiser’s 4.5-litre V8 has no issues lugging the rig’s heavy 4700kg kerb weight.

Plus it’s got its own 360-degree weapons ring! Full the APV LandCruiser review here.

MDT SOUTHERN SCORPION
GEELONG-based Multi Drive Technology engineered a 6x6 from a new LC79 double cab-chassis.

In-house jobs done to the Southern Scorpion include MDT’s six-wheel-drive conversion, a chassis stretch, widened rear track, and a fabricated styleside body.

For a rig like the Southern Scorpion, you’re looking at about $180K. Read the complete review here.

MERCEDES-BENZ AMG G63
AMG’s G63 AMG 6x6 first broke cover back in 2013.

The left-hand-drive-only rig was produced in extremely limited numbers and wears an incredibly expensive price tag – when it was launched that number was in excess of $550,000.

A 5.5-litre V8 generates 400kW/760Nm and launches the monster to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

MERCEDES-BENZ G-WAGEN
In 2007, the Australian Defence Force ordered a mix of this purposely designed war rig in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. In 2012, vehicles began entering service.

The all-terrain reconnaissance warrior is powered by Merc’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

The 6x6 version has a payload capacity of 3000kg. It’s fitted with a front weapon mount and rear weapon ring.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.military-today.com

If you think we may have overlooked a ripper 6x6, let us know on our Facebook page.