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The Weird World of Wheels
11 May 2007
Don't forget to come back every Friday for your new helping. Got any stories, pictures or videos you think we should feature in the Weird World of Wheels? Send them to us at editorial@autotrader.co.uk. This week: Satnav off Satnavs are a modern miracle, with their dulcet tones directing drivers to destinations the world over. But ocassionally, just occasionally, they will get your car smashed up and dragged half a mile down a train track. As 20-year-old student Paula Ceely found out. The Redditch resident was on a 150-mile trip to see her boyfriend in Carmarthenshire, when she found her path blocked by a metal gate. Ms Ceely steeped out of her car, opened the gate, drove through and was about to get back into her vehicle. She looked down to see train tracks under her feet. And heard the sound of a train horn. The train smashed into the student’s car at 60mph, spinning it round and pushing it 800 metres. Ms Ceely said: “The crossing wasn't shown on the satnav, there were no signs at all and it wasn't lit up to warn of an oncoming train. People should be more careful with satnavs - you never know where they might lead you.”
Environmental issues are a hot (ahem) topic in the US. Presidential hopeful Barack Obama recently made a speech in Detroit criticising the city's car makers for not producing enough environmentally-friendly hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. So… what car does the 46-year-old Democrat drive? A 25.7mpg Chrysler 300C (right). Mr Obama could do a lot worse than clicking on this link to find himself a nice second hand Prius.
In spring 2008 Catherine Birchall (right) will attempt to break an unusual record. She’ll try to become the first blind person to travel around the world on a motorbike. On the bike with her will be the Royal National Institute for the Blind’s Bernard Smith, and her unique trip will take her through Europe, Asia, Australia, and America. Fancy sponsoring the journey? Click here.
Weird pic of the week: Toyota i-Unit
This is Toyota's new autopilot-equipped prototype, which reclines to reach higher speeds. Show me the Japanese manufacturer's robot – Asimo – driving one and I'll be impressed.
Video: Crazy taxi Remember, the pedal on the right is the go pedal, and the pedal on the left is the stoppy pedal. Watch these hotel guests dodge the Grim Reaper by inches.
Got any stories, pictures or videos you think we should feature in the Weird World of Wheels? Send them to us at editorial@autotrader.co.uk. Missed a previous edition of Weird World of Wheels? Take a look through the archive now. Auto Trader links The Weird World of Wheels: May 4th 2007 The Weird World of Wheels: Supercar special The Weird World of Wheels: Crushed Bristol The Weird World of Wheels: When Geese Attack The Weird World of Wheels: Big screen edition The Weird World of Wheels: Dragon's den The Weird World of Wheels: Where's the beef? The Weird World of Wheels: Everybody's stalking The Weird World of Wheels: Deadly force The Weird World of Wheels: Border dash The Weird World of Wheels: Tattoo much The Weird World of Wheels: Top Gear Special The Weird World of Wheels: January 26th 2007 The Weird World of Wheels: January 19th 2007 The Weird World of Wheels: January 12th 2007 The Weird World of Wheels: January 5th 2007 The Weird World of Wheels: Round-up of 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: December 22nd 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: December 15th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: December 8th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: December 1st 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: Crime Special The Weird World of Wheels: Video Special The Weird World of Wheels: November 10th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: November 3rd 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: October 27th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: October 20th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: Friday 13th Special The Weird World of Wheels: October 6th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: September 29th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: September 22nd 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: September 1st 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: August 25th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: August 4th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: July 28th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: July 21st 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: July 7th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: June 30th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: May 19th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: June 23rd 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: June 16th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: March 17th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels: March 10th 2006 The Weird World of Wheels The Weird World of Wheels The Weird World of Wheels The Weird World of Wheels
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Do what I say (not what I do)
Blind ambition
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