Autoblog

In Iceland, the leviathan you see in the picture above is called a "jeep." Here in the U.S., it would be called a massively tricked out F-350 Super Duty, or probably just "monster truck." The 6,000 members of Iceland's 4x4 club use them to explore the barely reachable sections of the island nation, trusting 4-foot-high studded tires and a bevy of custom modifications to get them back to civilization.

The problem is that Icelanders are having their own currency issues, with a free-fall even worse than the dollar's being just the start. When gas is almost $8 per gallon, that puts a fill-up somewhere around the $500 mark. And that puts a hurting on everything -- especially when you have to spend even more money getting your truck hauled out of the ice it just fell through. Not that any of this really stops them, because, well, there isn't much else to do in Iceland. So follow the link and check out the trucks in the slideshow. It's big-wheel badness.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

If we had this puppy, we'd make a CD that was an endless loop of monster truck rally radio commercials. What better soundtrack to blare out the window of this bitchin', rust-enhanced Dodge Ramcharger sporting 52" tires. Billed as an "attention getter" that "steers for the most part," this machine of undoubtedly confidence-inspiring handling can be yours for just $3,000. You know you want it.

"SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!..."

Thanks for the tip, Jake!

[Source: Craigslist]

click above image for more pics of the Deer Camp Truck and its amenities

We don't know much about the monster truck you see above, like who owns it, what it's actually used for, etc., but the pictures in the gallery below tell us all we need to know. Named the Deer Camp Truck, it appears to be a vehicle used for sightseeing, and judging by the its sheer size, we can only assume it comes from Texas.

If you're traveling in (on?) the Deer Camp Truck, your trip begins by ascending a ladder to reach the vehicle's shaded main deck. Once aboard, you and your dozen or so friends take a seat on the wraparound bench and pull up to the poker table for some Texas Hold 'Em. Never mind the beautiful scenery that's being passed on your right. The onboard wet bar and refrigerator, meanwhile, will supply the libations you consume while taking in the wild country from the safe confines of this monster truck with a view.

While we don't know what powers the Deer Camp Truck, an independent suspension is visible that could articulate itself over a decent sized pebble or two. The front end is also tipped with a brush guard that's likely designed to knock over old and stubborn deciduous trees in your path.

On a serious note, if you can tell us any more info about the Deer Camp Truck, enlighten us in the comments.

Thanks for the tip, Celly!

[Source: Maggie's Farm]

Some will certainly look at this lifted Galaxie 500 and ask, "Why?" But to the people who build such things, the better question is always, "Why not?" Featured in the gallery at King of the Street, this massively raised Galaxie 500 is one of the most extreme examples of a growing trend in the aftermarket world, big rides. And that's what King of the Street is all about. Self-described as "The first and only publication catering to this fast growing Lifestyle: "RYDING BIG".

When 20s, 22s and 24s get to be too mundane, upsize the ryde instead. Starting out with a boat of a car like the Galaxie makes some sense, though. Offering what appears to be two feet of ground clearance, driving this bad boy through flooded streets will be a piece of cake, and the body will look just perfect atop the waves lapping at its fenders. Far be it from us to cast judgment on these enterprising young artists, but the monster truck look for the street really doesn't grab us. Check out King of the Street for even more ride height wackiness and click here for the full gallery.

Thanks for the tip, Rob!

[Source: King of the Street]

With the recent announcement that Roger Penske's UnitedAuto Group will be offering SMART FourTwos in the US in 2008, DaimlerChrysler has decided to have a little fun and show people what the SMART brand is all about. To that end they have married a SMART car to a Unimog chassis developed by Greek rally racer Stefan Attart. Although similar to a vehicle created in 2005, known as the forfun, the forfun2 has a much higher stance and manages to be cute and imposing at the same time.

OK, so it's no Smartuki, but it's still wacky enough to be entertaining. While the Smartuki replaced the SMART 3-cylinder with a Suzuki GSXR1000 mill that had been massaged to 180 hp, this beast is Unimog powered. Although only capable of 84 hp, the torque is impressive at 191 ft-lbs. The quarter-mile might be a challenge, but rocks, sand and MINIs should be no problem: full press release and additional photos after the jump.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]