Brabus 700 Widestar SUV

The massive popularity of SUVs means that tuners are taking them into performance realms that were once the domain of supercars. Brabus' extensive history tuning Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUVs gives the company a credible claim to being one of the founders of the super-SUV genre, now populated by the likes of Lamborghini, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce. The Brabus 700 Widestar is based on the all-new Mercedes-AMG G63 and improves on it in every way. Starting with the twin-turbo V8, Brabus ups power output to 700 horsepower versus the stock 585, dropping the 0-60 time to 4.3 seconds. Almost four inches are added to the track via Brabus' custom fenders, allowing for the fitment of a staggering number of wheel and tire combinations, including Brabus' bespoke Monoblock Platinum Edition 23-inch forged wheels. New front and rear fascias are added, and the interior can be customized to suit any taste, with options ranging from leather and Alcantara to wood and carbon fiber trim, making for one of the most impressive bespoke SUVs on the market.

Arquus Scarabee Armored Vehicle

We all know Volvo for their boxy wagons, semi trucks, construction equipment, and legendary focus on safety — but one of Volvo's lesser-known ventures is military vehicles via their Arquus division. At the 2019 Paris Air Show, Arquus introduced the Scarabee, a light armored vehicle that is looking to join the French Army over the next decade. The Scarabee has a hybrid drive with ICE and electric motors that allow for silent fully-electric operation on missions that require stealth or long periods of reconnaissance. A four-wheel steering system not only gives the Scarabee a tighter turning radius, but it can also allow for crab-like diagonal movement. The 6.6-ton vehicle also includes a remotely-operated trailer, central driving position, and can be airlifted and deployed from a C-130 or Chinook helicopter.

Lamborghini Urus 710-hp ABT Sportsline Upgrade

Johann Abt was a driver for the factory Abarth team until 1970, before splitting off with his own racing team. The ABT racing team has been massively successful in the German DTM series, winning five titles and establishing itself as a top-tier team in Formula E. ABT's racing relationship with Audi and the VW Group made improving on Lamborghini's Urus SUV a natural step, and their Sportsline upgrade shows what they can do — even with a super-SUV. The Sportsline package tunes the Urus' ECU controlling its 4-liter twin-turbo V8, adding 59 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque for a total of 710 and 671 respectively. This also shaves two-tenths of a second of the 0-60 time — 3.4 seconds — and ups the top speed to 189.5 MPH, putting this SUV firmly in the supercar class. ABT is also working on suspension, exhaust, and aero upgrades, meaning the potential of the Urus isn't even close to being explored.

2004 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U500

Just like the G-Class, the Unimog has a long history of being one of the most well-built, toughest trucks on the planet. Originally designed as a road-capable tractor, the Unimog has had jobs as diverse as farm work to military duty and nearly everything in between. This 2004 Unimog U500 is one of the few sold commercially between 2002 and 2007 and has been modified to make it even better. This U500 is powered by a massive 6.4-liter diesel inline six mated to an eight-speed manual transmission that drives all four wheels via portal axles to maximize ground clearance. The original two-person cab has been replaced by a crew cab from Plastisol and along with a three-way dump bed from a short-wheelbase Unimog. A custom-fabricated rollbar and LED exterior lighting give this U500 a very overland feel — along with built-in offroad capability that is more most people will ever need.

2020 Rezvani Tank SUV

The original Rezvani Tank was an aggressive, powerful upgrade from the Wrangler on which it was based. The 2020 model is far more than that. All-new — it shares zero parts with its predecessor — it's built using a body-on-steel frame design, with a suspension designed in collaboration with Fox Racing. A Demon-sourced 1,000 hp 6.2L V8 will be available, as will a Military Edition that includes integrated protection against EMP attack. Expect more details later this summer.

1993 Land Rover Defender 110 SUV

Thanks to the 25-year rule on importing foreign cars into the US, classic early- to mid-90s Land Rover Defenders are starting to pop up for sale with increasing regularity. This 1993 Defender 110 is one of the best-looking we've seen and looks to be a steal at its buy-it-now price on eBay. The list of work done is extensive, from bodywork to nearly every gasket on the body and drivetrain being replaced and a new quilt-stitched leather interior that is a work of art. The engine was replaced with a newer Land Rover 200 Tdi diesel and restored T77 transmission, keeping the restoration Land Rover-centric. The exterior was repainted in the original Cosmo Black, and accessories like a roof rack, genuine Land Rover side steps and checker plate, and a huge dock rope scream "overlanding". Buy it now and it includes your choice of an air conditioning unit or free shipping to the lower 48 states.

Legacy Dodge Power Wagon Trucks

The Dodge Power Wagon entered production in 1945 as a slightly more civilized version of the WC-series military trucks made during WWII. Known internally as the T137, the Power Wagon was the first mass-produced medium-duty truck and gained a reputation for toughness and reliability. Legacy Classic Trucks is building a line of completely-restored Power Wagons that rival the original in terms of capability — and creature comforts. Starting with a western-sourced donor, Legacy completely tears down each Power Wagon and adds a modern LS V8 or diesel engine and new transmission. Marine-grade epoxy paint protects the strengthened chassis, and all-new driveline components are added. A new interior with stereo and air conditioning make each Power Wagon a great place to spend time, and a host of options are available — including a 6x6 conversion.

Brabus Black Ops 800 SUV

Wasting no time raising the bar for ultra-luxury SUVs, Brabus' Black Ops 800 takes the Mercedes G63 AMG, the top model in the G-Class lineup, Brabus transforms it into a super-SUV that has more power than either the Lamborghini Urus or Bentley Bentayaga. The stock motor is swapped for Brabus' in-house 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making 800 horsepower, good for pushing the G-Wagen from 0-62 MPH in 4.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 150 MPH. Brabus then adds its Widestar body kit and massive 23-inch forged alloy wheels with a track increase of four inches. The interior receives a complete makeover as well, with a red-and-black color scheme, embroidered logos, and 1-of-10 plates to remind passengers of just how exclusive this SUV is.

1992 Toyota Bandeirante OJ55 Truck

The J40 was the last of the original Land Cruisers, made from 1960 to 1984. Eight years later, Toyota was still making the J40, called the OJ55, for the Brazilian military, which is how the story of this 1992 J40 came to be in Alabama. A rare four-door soft top, the truck was completely restored in Brazil before being shipped to the States in late 2018. The most notable work done was an engine swap to a 3.8-liter Mercedes diesel four-cylinder engine, backed by a four-speed manual and two-speed transfer case — a marriage of the best of Germany and Japan. A recent repaint in Highway Green Pearl and tan canvas soft top and doors pay homage to this Land Cruiser's military origins, with grey steel wheels and BF Goodrich A/T tires. Mechanically sound and ready to drive, this rare Land Cruiser is ready for action.

2020 Land Rover Defender SUV

Britain might be Land Rover's birthplace, but the African continent has been its home away from home. With the new Defender getting ready to make its showroom debut, Land Rover made sure the SUV's legendary reputation was intact. This meant 750,000 miles of testing in the harshest climates around the world, and a stint helping African wildlife conservancy group Tusk in the field. Land Rover and Tusk have been partner's for 15 years, and the new Defender pulled duty at the Borana Conservancy in Kenya, helping the group with their lion conservation program. With wild lion's numbering around 20,000 worldwide, the conservation movement has never been more critical — and the Defender was there to help.

1971 Toyota Land Cruiser G43 SUV

Built from 1960 until 1984, the FJ43 Land Cruiser was an extremely rare model, available as a two-door medium wheelbase with either a soft or hardtop. The FJ Company managed to find one for a client and restored it into the olive green beauty pictured here. Starting with a complete teardown to the bare sheet metal, the FJ Company brought this FJ43 back to life with a caramel-colored leather interior and rear bench seats, modern electronics and amenities, and a new 4-liter Toyota V6. A subtle suspension lift makes room for new wheels and BFGoodrich tires, and a heavy-duty front bumper has a Warn winch installed. As functional as it is good looking, this FJ43 is ready for what the client needed — a stunning summer ride.

Photos: Juan Rivas

Maltec Maltexplorer Toyota Land Cruiser Overlanders

The Toyota Land Cruiser and off-the-grid adventure have gone hand-in-hand for nearly 70 years. While the Land Cruiser has gotten more friendly over the years, its capability hasn't, and Maltec's Maltexplorer overlanders prove what the platform is capable of. Maltec's upgrades are available for five of the best Land Cruiser versions and include a fully-equipped carbon fiber popup camper with kitchenette and bathroom, upgraded suspension and drivetrain components, and a full suite of recovery gear. And if the Land Cruiser isn't your first choice, Maltec offers similar conversions for Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover models.

GeigerCars Jeep Trackhawk Gulf SUV

The Gulf Oil livery is one of the most iconic paint schemes in the history of racing, most notably on the Ford GT40, Porsche 917, and McLaren F1 GTR, all legendary Le Mans winners. GeigerCars dressed up a Jeep Trackhawk in the colors, and it's more than just a skin-deep paint job. The SUV's over an inch lower thanks to new springs, and a new supercharger, forged pistons, air filter, and other engine internals bring horsepower up to 900. Top speed is 194 MPH, and both figures would make the afore-mentioned Le Mans winners blush. GeigerCars has a used Trackhawk up for sale or will be more than happy to build a fresh one — as long as you're up for a trip to Germany.

Photos: GeigerCars

2020 Hennessey Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator Truck

There's only one answer for upgrading a Chrysler product — put a Hellcat V8 in it. That's exactly what Hennessey did with the Maximus 1000, the appropriately-named package for Jeep's Gladiator truck. The 3.6-liter V6 goes in favor of a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat crate motor, upgraded with Hennessey's HPE1000 setup to make 1,000 horsepower and 933 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. A new ECU, fuel system and stainless exhaust are added to keep up with the new engine, along with a six-inch suspension lift and 20-inch Hennessey wheels and BF Goodrich tires. A custom leather interior with embroidered Maximus logos replaces the stock offering, along with a front brush guard and LED lighting. Hennessey will make 24 of the most powerful Jeep's on the road for $200,000 each, including the Gladiator base vehicle.

Caballo Del Diablo 1968 Ford Bronco Truck

The National Off-Road Racing Association's Mexican 1000 doesn't have the instant name recognition of the Baja 1000, but it has a lot fewer rules. This means the vehicles in the race are some of the wildest creations you'll see in an organized event, with everything from motorcycles to lifted sedans making an appearance. The Caballo Del Diablo, a 1968 Ford Bronco, has won its class in the Mexican 1000 seven times, making it one of the most successful entries ever. Powered by a Ford Performance Parts X2347 V8 good for 360 horsepower, the Caballo Del Diablo rides on Fox suspension, Yokohama tires, and is piloted by ace drivers Boyd Jaynes and Brian Godfrey — easily the most important part of the build.

Bentley Bentayga Bengala SUV

Bentley's Bentayga SUV isn't a total pretender when it comes to offroad prowess, but it was definitely built more with on-road comfort and performance in mind. If you find the stock Bentayga a little too soft around the edges, Spanish design firm Bengala Automotive Design SL has a very limited-production package that should fit the bill. The front gets a massive prerunner-esque guard that incorporates an LED light bar and completely changes the Bentayga's appearance, from posh to aggressive. Fender flares cover larger all-terrain tires mounted on bespoke wheels that fill the space from the taller ride height, along with new running boards and side-exit exhaust pipes. Bengala collaborated on the project with a Spanish rally champion, with the promise that it performs as well as it looks. Only 15 will be made, making it one of the most exclusive SUVs you can get.

Nissan Destination Frontier Truck Concept

The Overland Expo West is in full swing in Flagstaff, Arizona, and Nissan brought a one-off custom based on their Frontier truck to show how flexible the platform can be. Called the Destination, the project started with a Frontier Crew Cab Midnight Edition. A three-inch lift was added, along with Nitto tires and American Racing wheels to fill out the extra space. Fabworks provided the prerunner bumper and skid plates, and the most noticeable modification is a Leitner Designs bed rack equipped with a CVT Mt. Shasta rooftop tent. Overlanding is about more than just a day-long getaway, so a fridge/freezer combo and high-intensity exterior lighting is also available. For such a serious setup, the cost isn't — Nissan claims the whole package can be purchased for less than $40,000, including the Frontier. That doesn't include installation, but for someone with the right know-how, it's one of the best deals in offroading.

Bentley Continental GT Ultratank

You can get a Bentley Continental GT with nearly any option you can dream up — but as of this writing, tank treads are not one of them. Russian YouTubers AcademeG had to find the cheapest used Continental GT they could find to pull off their Continental GT Ultratank, the only tank you could get away with driving to the golf course. Their pre-owned Bentley needed new turbos and a list of repairs for its W12, but the body and interior were excellent, which was all they needed. The frame and drivetrain were ditched for a custom tube steel and 4.3-liter Toyota V8. The engine connects to an open differential that sends power to one set of tracks while stopping the other via steering wheel inputs. This means the Ultratank steers and accelerates like a car — with the exception of not currently having any sort of braking system. There's still work to be done, but this project is shaping up to be one of the best custom Bentleys ever.

Range Rover Astronaut Edition

You'll have to be part of a very exclusive group to get your hands on the Range Rover Astronaut Edition. The Future Astronauts — a group of some 600 people signed up to go to suborbital space with Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic — will be the only people eligible to purchase the Astronaut Edition. Starting with the Autobiography Edition, Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations created a rich Zero Gravity Blue for the exterior, inspired by the night sky. Aluminum door handles are engraved with the Virgin Galactic constellation logo, lighting that projects the image of SpaceShipTwo, and Astronaut Edition badging throughout. Inside, the SpaceShipTwo graphic is one the headrests, and the center console features engravings of the history of flight, starting with Icarus. The cupholders even feature two discs, one made from the landing skids of the first Virgin Galactic craft to reach orbit, and the other to be changed out for one made from the skids of the craft the owner reached space in.

MS-RT Ford Transit Connect Van

Ford has a long history in rally racing, from the original Escort to the Focus. One thing Ford has never raced is vans, and Welsh company MS-RT fixing that problem with its Ford Transit Connect. The rally-inspired makeover turns the Transit into something that would be at home on a WRC course, with bronze-colored 18-inch wheels and an aggressive, flared body kit. 40 Launch Edition Transit Connects kick off the line, featuring Magnetic Grey paint and a custom interior. Deliveries start in September 2019.

2020 Overfinch SuperSport SUV

Overfinch has been building bespoke Land and Range Rovers for almost 50 years and their SuperSport promises to be their best work yet. Starting with the Range Rover Sport SVR, Overfinch will be building 25 SuperSports, and no two will be the same. Increased performance is provided by an in-house design titanium exhaust and a carbon fiber intake, offering a substantial boost to the 575 horsepower, supercharged V8. Two different 22-inch forged Legerro wheel designs are available, and a herringbone weave carbon fiber hood and exterior trim come standard. The interior features carbon fiber-backed seats with a quilted leather seating surface with SuperSport badging and a numbered plaque. A wealth of customization options for every aspect of the SuperSport are available, making all 25 a one-of-one creation.

1972 Land Rover Series III

Impeccably clean with just the right amount of patina — this 1972 Land Rover Series III is a restoration done right. Rovers North performed the work, and finding a flaw in their work is next to impossible. The exterior wears Marine Blue paint over the aluminum bodywork and white steel wheels, all mounted on a new galvanized chassis that solves one of vintage Land Rovers biggest problems: rust. This Series III has it's original 2.25-liter motor with just over 24,000 miles on the clock, and the interior is just it was when it left the factory. Details like wire cages over the lights, a huge tugboat rope around the bumper, and a hood-mounted spare tire capture the adventure aesthetic that made Land Rover famous.

1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 SUV

Working on a project car can be fun — and an exercise in frustration. Sometimes it's better to let someone else do all the work and just enjoy the rewards, and this 1971 Toyota FJ40 is a perfect example. Built to be driven, the FJ40 comes equipped with Old Man Emu lift kit and BF Goodrich tires on steel wheels. The legendary 3.9-liter 1F inline-six has been completely rebuilt and a new Weber carburetor installed, and the body and frame were stripped to bare metal before repainting. The interior has a spray-in liner and marine carpeting along with aftermarket sport-style bucket seats. With all the work that has gone into it, this Land Cruiser is ready for the next adventure.

Mil-Spec Hummer H1 06 SUV

The AM General H1 was built for military service and the production version didn't stray from its original purpose. One of the most capable vehicles ever produced, Detroit-based Mil-Spec takes the H1 to another level in terms of performance and bespoke customization. Their latest model, #006, started with a slant-back H1. The first step was completely tearing down the 1996 four-door, removing every nut and bolt and restoring it to better-than-factory specs. The frame was strengthened and body panels replaced with aircraft-grade aluminum. The original motor was replaced with a rebuilt 6.6-liter Duramax diesel tuned for 500 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque backed up by an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. If you're looking for the ultimate version of the H1, this is it.

Land Serwis Land Rover Defender Series I SUV

Land Rover is rebooting the Defender after production stopped in 2016. The only option for fans of the model to get their hands on one was to a find used Defender — until now. Based in Krakow, Poland, Land Serwis is one of four companies in the world that has the plans and tooling to build the original Series I Defender, and they're starting production now. Land Serwis adds modern manufacturing methods, including laser-cut frame members made from thicker steel than the original and galvanizes the pieces to prevent rust. This means that a customer can build the bespoke Defender of their dreams, with almost any option inside the realm of possibility. The best part? The Land Serwis starts at only $67,000, with the downside being that you can't get them in the US.

2019 SVE GMC Syclone Truck

In 1991, General Motors released one of the fastest vehicles it had ever made. It wasn't the Corvette ZR-1, although the King of the Hill had a faster top speed. It was the GMC Syclone, based on the Sonoma small pickup. With a turbocharged 4.3-liter V6 and all-wheel-drive, the Syclone thundered from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, a second faster than a Ferrari Testarossa. Now Special Vehicle Engineering is bringing the Syclone back based on the two- and four-wheel-drive versions of the GMC Canyon. The centerpiece of the Syclone is a supercharged 3.6-liter V6 making 455 horsepower with a completely upgraded suspension and brakes to reign in all that power. Six-piston calipers replace the stock units, and the ride height is lowered two inches in the front and five inches in the rear. The truck rides on twenty-inch wheels and high-performance tires and the interior is redone with new seats and trim. Only 100 will be made, compared to the 2,995 original Syclones.

New Legend x Iron & Resin 1978 Jeep Wagoneer SUV

New Legend 4x4 is an expert in the art of the restomod, specializing in thoroughly modern chassis and running gear wrapped in vintage International Scout bodywork. This collaboration with design house Iron & Resin marks the start of something a little different — applying New Legend's expertise to the classic Jeep Wagoneer. A modern 5.3-liter LS V8 replaces the original AMC unit, with rebuilt axles, new brakes, a 3" suspension lift, and reliable air conditioning. Iron & Resin worked their magic on the interior, covering the seats in Horween leather, waxed canvas, and Del Sol diamond serape trim. The result is a truck that looks like it just emerged from a time capsule — with the best of today's mechanicals to get you anywhere you want to go.

Zero Labs Electric Ford Bronco SUV

Ford's planned Bronco revamp is still in the works, and interest in the first generation Bronco is at an all-time high, with shops modernizing the platform in a variety of resto-modded models. Zero Labs is taking a different approach to restoring Broncos with an all-electric version built on an original chassis. With the exception of the grille-less front end, the body is instantly recognizable, but that's where the similarities stop. A 70 kWh lithium-ion battery pack mates up to a BorgWarner electric motor, providing 369 horsepower and 190 miles of range. Being a Bronco, part- and full-time four-wheel-drive is on hand, and almost unheard of in an electric vehicle, a five-speed manual transmission equipped. A number of modern materials are used throughout the truck, with aluminum and carbon fiber making up the body, and top-shelf components from Fox, Brembo, Atlas, and filling out the suspension and drivetrain. Only 150 first edition Broncos will be made, and Zero Labs is taking reservations now.