Replacing the Beast: Five suggestions for a better Presidential ride

Typical. No sooner had we got done lauding President Obama's limo as the coolest thing since the lunar rover, some bright spark in the Secret Service managed to beach the 'Beast' on nothing more challenging than a slightly steep Irish ramp.

Embarrassing stuff for both parties. Of course we watched the coverage with some amusement; you can be sure the Americans are giving the issue a complete debrief. It's no good having a virtually indestructible car if the only thing required to stop it is a sharp ascent.