What makes the D-MAX V-Cross so special? Is it it's off-roading capabilities? Is it the suspension? Or is it the interiors? What if I told you that the answer has nothing to do with the car. Its actually the OWNERS that make the V-Cross truly special. Its their creativity, their wit and their love for modifications that make every Indian V-Cross unique in its own special way.
You will rarely ever see two similar looking V-Cross SUVs in India. Each one of them would have been tweaked by the owner to make it a perfect reflection of his childhood dreams. This is the reason why we're here again after the numerous V-Cross articles, to celebrate another such piece of art which we honestly couldn't ignore.
This right here is 'the Pheonix' -- a modified Isuzu D-MAX V-Cross by Gurgaon based Bimbra 4×4. Didn't think SUVs could give you goosebumps eh?
The exterior here gets a front metal bumper with integrated fog lamps, side rock sliders, crossbars, 20" LED light bar to dazzle your vision, a removable canopy, BFG KO2 AT 275/60 R16 Tyres, a rear metal bumper with tow hook, LED headlights with DRLs, smoked LED taillamps and...
Wait Wait Wait! Back up a little. Did you say BFG KO2 tyres? But you don't even get BFGoodrich in India.
Exactly, that's how unique this V-Cross and these tyres are. These BFGoodrich tyres with the painted sidewalls are some of the toughest All-Terrain tyres out there. The ones you see on this V-Cross measure LT 275/70 R16. LT here referring to light truck.
LT tyres or light truck tyres have extra material in the sidewall and under the tread that protects the tyre from damage. The cords also are a larger gauge than those found in P-metric tyres which enables the LT tyre to carry heavier loads. Very often LT tyres will have an extra steel belt, a deeper tread and thicker rubber in the sidewall for more protection vs a p-metric tyre. They are usually 8-ply (Load Range D) or 10-ply (Load Range E).
Also See: Cybertruck Who? These Desi V-Cross SUVs Are The New Pick-Up Truck Goals
The KO2 by BFGoodrich features extremely tough sidewalls that use BFG's "CoreGuard Technology", derived from BFG's race proven Baja T/A KR2 tyres. It also features a split and bruise resistant sidewall rubber, increased rubber thickness and an advanced deflection design that effectively deflects protruding objects on the road.
The tyres also boast of advanced features that help prolong tread life. The presence of locking 3-D sipes provides increased tread block stability for more uniform wear and an advanced tyre footprint shape allows for more even distribution of stress.
There is also a serrated shoulder design for increased mud, snow and rock traction, especially in aired down driving situations and oh and did we mention the tyre the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Rating? A rating that essentially means it exceeds RMA's (Rubber Manufacturer Association) severe snow traction requirements.
Coming back to the SUV, and I really don't know how to say this, but, it features a freakin 10,000 pound winch! I mean, what? The suspension is not ordinary too, it's got an Ironman 2" lift kit to give it that extra bit of height while a redesign also ensures that the approach angle becomes better, thus helping it tackle obstacles off the road.
The canopy you see in some pictures is removable and can be replaced with a bike stand to carry your bike(s). The long flat rear is a USP of the V-Cross as it allows owners to strap in two motorcycles in one go.
Phew! Theres so much going on in this SUV, I've honestly run out of breath by now. But I have to say this and I mean it with all my heart: the 'Phoenix' is simply astonishing. Tarun Bimbra, if you're reading this, We salute you sir. You truly have amazing taste when it comes to modifications.
Tarun has been in the business of 4×4 modifications for years now and his website throws up well-done examples of the past. Do make sure you visit his website and show him some love on Instagram. The links right below:
Website - Bimbra 4X4,
Instagram page - Bimbra 4x4
