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Why is the woman in the above picture so unsettled?

It is because she has just been informed that we are about to replace her Range Rover Supercharged Sport. What she does not know is that she will soon be driving a BMW X6. (called "pointless by M/T but they misunderstand the consumer: a nice summer shot is below.)

But why so angry?

Well you must understand that many Ski Moms cannot bear to separate from their Range Rovers. Its a bond as strong as those with their cell phones and celluite replacement therapy (not that the pictured woman needs it.)

This vehicle sells extremely well during the winter months and seems impervious to demand elasticity. This could be because some who drive RRs do not hesitate to spend ungoldly fortunes on their drives regardless of the economic winds.

For example, I know some wealthy ski families (and larger home owners) who love these cars. They tell me that when you are headed downhill it often pays to go faster rather than slower. Just think how many investment bankers, knowing that their ships were sinking, kept throwing more bonuses at themselves?

And will they pay?

That's right. Most have not only escaped a Tom Petters tar and feathering but they actually have ample discretionary income to buy rather impressive vehicles like the BMW X6.

While you would think in times like these some of us would remain discreet with our wealth, not eveyone shares such angst. In an effort to out-do the McGuires of the world, in fact, they will likely pass up the Range Rover this year and buy a BMW X6 (configure yours at www.bmw.com)

I know I would.

It drives like a car.

It looks like a cougar (fed upon foie' gras, but still lithe)

And it has a great deal of room in the back seat for the wife and girlfriend (the rich are diffferent.)

I have other observations, but I must peek at my stock portfolio for the moment as my broker seems to be calling me from somewhere in South America.

And this comment just in from the web:

"Chris, As a friend, STOP putting those blah pictures of your very pretty wife on your Road Rake Blog. She is an attractive woman and deserves better pics. Did you take those with your phone or what???"