illWhips.com - Auto Blog for Supercars & Hot Whips

Still a concept, but likely to go into production, the Mini SUV, to be called the Crossman, is going to be be the moment Mini jumped the shark on their Mini brand, or signal that Mini doesn’t mean small, but smallest, in its category that is. BMW, parent company of Mini, thinks that the uber-cute SUV is the new killer category - for those downgrading from full-blown SUVs out of gas price pain, environmental guilt, or both. Either way, they’re betting that SUV fans will appreciate the white stance, taller belt line, and AWD. Curb weight has gone up by 200 lbs and it’ll lose some fuel efficiency, but to our eyes, the Mini Crossman is an attractive car with very unique features. At a estimated $26K base, also quite reasonable for such style.

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In “Hummer HX - Tougher Than the Rest“, we spat mad sh- about the prototype Hummer X. Somewhere between a Monster Jeep and an FJ Cruiser. Well, we’ve reconsidered that “Tougher than the Rest” headline. First of all, its a damn prototype. Secondly, we doubt its tougher than this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 doing Gangsta duty in Moab. (It also doesn’t hurt that “Hell’s Bells” is playing loudly in the background)

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If you laugh at Jeeps, mock Landrovers and have been unimpressed with the latest Hummer SUVs, you may be in for a treat.  The Hummer HX is the most sporty, ruggedly bad-ass Hummer ever.  Unfortunately its still a concept, but we’re pretty sure its going into production.  The Hummer HX Concept has full-time 4WD, 35-inch tires (gulp, we’d need a ladder to get into it), advanced front suspension, and sippin’ on E85 FlexFuel with a 3.6L SIDI V-6.

Like less expensive rival Jeep, which we do not disrespect at all when it comes to off-trail SUVs, the Hummer HX has removable roof panels, doors, fender flares and a modular rear roof assembly that can be removed so that you’re left with a true SUV convertible.

Our only concern is the FJ-like height seat to roof - judging only by the pics, it seems quite short, yet the 35-inch tires are quite tall.  We’re guessing a short guy is best, but he’d look like a dork climbing into this thing, yet a tall guy might slip easily into the seat but be annoyed with the low, sporty ceiling height. Does that make it a dud for you or is this Hummer HX an ill whip?

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Weren’t satisified with our pics of the BMW X6? Here’s the latest video of the upcoming S.A.V. (Sport Activity Vehicle). One critic has called it an X5 after liposuction. What do you think?

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Based on a report from evo.co.uk, members of the McRae family as well as former Ford Motorsport alum are teaming up to build a new class of whips called an S-SUV, which stands for, in 13-year old fashion, Super Sport Utility Vehicles!!!! As silly as that name sounds, the idea is awesome - while BMW is calling their joint the BMW X6 an S.A.V. or sport activity vehicle, its essentially the same concept. No longer are these whips going to be thought of as Mommy grocery bag soccer thing a ma-lings. There’s some real man energy up in here, or at least the kind of estrogen that likes speed and power. The Porsche Caynne, the BMW X5’s are no joke, but they’re still designed to fit in at the Metropolitan Opera House. The McRae Enduro is designed to take that off the road well traveled and into the world of Rally racing.

For now, they’re one at a time, but we’ve been assured that production versions are in the works. Meanwhile their pride and joy is the Pirelli McRae Enduro Trofeo, “a one-make series to be run in 2008 that will include the Lisbon-Dakar rally. ”

This thing is going to blast $150K out of your wallet but hex, what else do you think a rich Arab Sheik is going to push through the desert? The McRae Enduro Trofeo S-SUV will make him feel like he’s pushing a Ferarri down Highway 1.

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Is it us or does it seem like carmakers are hitting their stride?  Our favorite so far?  The BMW X6.  Taking on the Porsche Cayenne is no easy task, but we think the X6 may’ve gotten it just right.

BMW X6 is trying to do away with S.U.V., calling the X6 not an S.U.V. but an S.A.V. (activity).  I guess they’re trying to connote the sportiness of their coupe truck.  Either way its a monster hit.  Recently winning the “Eyes on Design” Award at the North American International Auto Show, the all wheel drive beast is also green friendly boasting a so-called ActiveHybrid energy efficiency mode along with all of their fabulous specs.  Production begins mid-2009 so we can’t get our hands on it yet, and price is expected to be near $60K, but what a beauty.

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Fisker Coachbuild probably has the illest whip at the Detroit Auto Show - this thing is a plug-in hybrid yet drives (almost) like a Supercar. Way to go.

Maybach Landaulet

Mercedes is pushing their Maybach line further upstream with this ill Maybach Landaulet, which is said to be very popular with Sheiks in Dubai. Bullet proofing should come standard.

Ford Explorer America - ill! I’d cop this, especially if the 4×4 and rock climbing action improved. This is how you do modern and keep SUV thug style.   Still, the time of big footprint SUVs may be on the decline for a while.

Landrover LRX - you know what, looks wise, I’m feelin’ that Explorer a bit more. I’m sure this performs crazy better but its moving towards car and away from truck.

BMW 128i convertible - ahight - kinda boring, but will sell like hotcakes.

Toyota A-BAT Concept

Toyota showed off their A-BAT Concept at the Detroit Auto Show. The NYTimes is calling it a modern “El Camino”. I don’t know if that ’s a compliment or not, but looks like all she needs is some good music and a pair of 12″ subs in the back.

Ford Verve - not bad at all. Its still a concept, but we like we’re Ford’s trying to go with this. Keep it up fellas.

Not Ill: Jeep Renegade. This thing is strictly toy. Think about it, would Range Rover ever put out something this toy? Damn, people. We’d push this on the beach, or the sand dunes, but on the street? Hex no cousin. Being this off is why American automakers got themselves into a deep hole. Here at illwhips.com, we’re not trying to focus on uninspired toys like this, but we just had to show you an example of what not to do.

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