A morning out

A friend invited me to an "experience event" that involved driving a landrover round a country estate, up and down steep inclines, max 45 deg, through mud and water. My share was 90 minutes' worth, with a tutor alongside I hasten to add.

The most frightening parts? Contemplating a 45 degree slope from the top and steeling oneself to start the muddy descent; ascending same but being only able to see the sky through the windscreen with no idea of what is in front of the vehicle's body and wheels.

The technology helps: variable delivery of power to each wheel and individualised application of the brakes to each wheel automated and results in a controlled slow descent. Second - a wide angle view of the way ahead from a camera shows the way when all that is visible through the front window is the heavens.

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