Around the Tracks: Motorists get themselves in deep water, literally

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the Drive team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world.

Here’s a handful of the photos, articles, videos or social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand new, others have been online for a while.

Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

An English YouTuber parked himself on a bridge overlooking a flooded road in North Nottinghamshire, London – and came away wth a compilation of cars that did and didn't make it to the other side.

Once you start watching, it's hard to stop. The first to tackle the hazard is a Volkswagen Golf, which doesn't make it far before needing to be saved. Surprisingly, another driver in a smaller-still Mini hatch had more success.

Another highlight is a Ford Ranger that powers through incredibly proud of his efforts, yet doesn't realise that his vehicle's front grille hasn't survived the journey. It's good viewing – so much so that you'll notice a few spectators join the content creator to watch on.

Can't stop watching the video? Click here and here to watch more videos of cars attempting to cross 'Rufford Ford'.

OK, this beast may not be the smartest option to run down to the shops with, but it's more than worthy of its name: meet a Jeep Gladiator, heavily modified by a US company called Apocalypse Manufacturing – now equipped with six wheels.

The vehicle is entirely hand-built, but once the modifications are complete, the Gladiator doesn't share many parts with the standard model at all.

This beast is equipped with a 6.2-litre supercharged 'Hemi' V8 tuned to deliver 559kW, with the Gladiator 'Hellfire' sending power to all six wheels.

Other highlights include bespoke front bumper and grille assemblies with two red tow hooks, a new windscreen frame, a pair of large side steps, Kevlar wheel arch flares and a lockable cover over the elongated tray.

All of this will set you back approximately $AU306,000.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is an off-roader that has plenty of history behind it. Built specifically for the Dakar rally, it claimed 12 victories between 1985 and 2007 in competition trim – with a road-going version sold in showrooms at a similar time.

Fast forward to 2022 and this one is up from grabs. Imported from Japan, it's finished in Sophia White, has travelled a total of 180,756km and is in pristine condition.

Highlights of the Pajero Evolution include flared arches, a unique front end with a pronounced skid plate, a distinctive bonnet, and a bespoke rear end home to fins on the roof.

Under the bonnet lies a 3.5-litre V6, capable of 206kW and 348Nm. That's mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels.

The vehicle will be auctioned off by Shannons and is expected to fetch up to $AU105,000.

This new vehicle is called the Matrix Motor X2 and no, the creators certainly hadn't seen the movie of the same name when they designed this mini electric vehicle (EV).

Manufactured by Matrix Motors, this transport truck is powered by a single electric motor, capable of just 15kW and 105Nm.

There are two battery options available – a 10.36kWh unit providing 110km of claimed range, or a larger 20.72kWh pack offering 200km. The vehicle sits on a body-on-frame chassis and is rear-wheel drive.

Similar to a race car, the Matrix sits one person only – but unlike a Formula One car, the company says the layout is designed to suit delivery needs, rather than to save weight and cut lap times.

With a small stature and small performance numbers comes a small price tag of approximately $AU10,000.

According to US-based manufacturer Arcimoto, three wheels are the next big thing... apparently.

The company was revealed the FUV – short for "fun utility vehicle" – a small three-wheeled vehicle officially classified as an 'autocycle', allowing it an exemption from strict automotive certification standards.

Powering the FUV is a pair of front-mounted electric motors developing 56kW, mated to a single-speed automatic transmission and a 20kWh battery, good for 160km of claimed driving range.

The vehicle also features an array of options such as 'west coast' half doors, cup holders, a smartphone mount and a lockable rear storage area.

Pricing starts at around $AU25,000 before any electric car tax incentives in the US.