Road Hog

Soaring gas prices? Perfect timing for those impervious to market fluctuations–and eager to show it–to snap up the Unimog. The ultimate in suvs, the $84,000 behemoth gets 10 m.p.g. and scoffs at quaint notions like a recession or an energy crisis. Indeed, when DaimlerChrysler began showcasing it last fall in the U.S. through its Freightliner division (until this year the Mog has been available only in Europe and Asia), the Sierra Club dubbed it “Daimlersaurus Wrecks.” But, hey, it’s more intimidating than the Hummer and more versatile. Each truck can be customized from its bare chassis. Just check out these options: