This is the simple version of the Big Ideas transport challenge. James introduces it, then the challenges and solutions follow...

Hi, I'm James May. Welcome to my Big Ideas. In this interactive we're going to explore some of the ways of getting from A to B using a range of transport options.

Mostly were looking at transport available today but there's a couple that are just around the corner, so we'll pretend we're a few years into the future.

Before you read the challenges, why don't you check out the vital statistics for each vehicle, then you'll know what options are available? The stats should also help you decide which mode of transport best meets James' requirements.

Challenges

Challenge: Get to Mum's house in Devon – noisily

I need to get to my Mum's house in Devon, and I need to get there quick as you can, supper's going to be ready soon. Not only that but I'm far too tired to actually drive anything. I want to put my feet up and do the crossword on the way.

Now read the solution

Challenge: Get to meeting in Australia – quickly

Good grief, now I've got the impossible task of joining a meeting this afternoon, in Australia. Help!

Now read the solution

Challenge: Get to concert in Hyde Park – noisily

Ok, for this challange I've got to get to a classical musical concert in Hyde Park. Too simple? Right let's make it more interesting, it's Rachmaninoff so I want to make it the noisiest way of arriving.

Now read the solution

Challenge: Go to see elephants in Africa – quickly

Do you ever have the urge to experience the wonders of the world? Me too. Right now I want to see elephants, maybe even feed a few and I'm not talking about a trip to a zoo here in Britain. I want to see them in their natural environment. Get me to Africa, get me there fast.

Now read the solution

Challenge: Go for lunch in Leeds – cheaply

Mmmm... I'm feeling a bit peckish, better start thinking about lunch. I know a great place, in Leeds, but it's not cheap. You'd best maximise the food fund by getting me there the cheapest way you can.

Now read the solution

Challenge: See Moulin Rouge in Paris – efficiently

I fancy an extravagant night out, let's go to Paris to see the Moulin Rogue. But, with the yin comes the yang. If I'm being extravagant in Paris, get me there frugally. I want the most energy efficient way possible.

Now read the solution

Challenge:Get out of here – quickly

Yikes I've upset the locals, it's getting ugly fast i need to get the hell out of here pronto.

Now read the solution

Challenge: Get to Scotland – terrifyingly

Off to Scotland today and I feel like giving my heart a workout on the way. Do your worst, get me there the most terrifying way you can.

Now read the solution

Challenge: Go to North Pole – efficiently

Let's head North, all the way North, in fact, to the North Pole. No rush, let's just get me there the most energy efficient way you can.

Now read the solution

Solutions

Get to Mum's house in Devon – noisily

Robotcar: Great – the robot car has the benefits of direct A-B personal transportation, it's quick and I don't even have to drive!

Get to meeting in Australia – quickly

Telepresence: The best solution – very fast for something I don't need to be physically present for.

Get to concert in Hyde Park – noisily

Jetpack: Yes, I think this would be the noisiest way to get there – so noisy I'm not sure if I'd be able to hear any of the music after!

Go to see elephants in Africa – quickly

Space plane: It gets me there fast (once you check in and get past security) I think this does the trick.

Go for lunch in Leeds – cheaply

Solar car: Assuming the sun is shining, then this would get me to Leeds without having to pay for fuel.

See Moulin Rouge in Paris – efficiently

Train: It is pretty direct, pretty fast and pretty efficient – a good solution.

Get out of here – quickly

Jetpack: The journey the jetpack was made for - when the chips are down you might just risk it!

Get to Scotland – terrifyingly

Aerocar: I think the aerocar is the most terrifying way to get there - in the air I'm worried it'll fall apart, on the ground it's the worst car I've ever driven. A grim journey either way.

Go to North Pole – efficiently

Airship: The best option - providing the engines don't freeze. I just have to hope there's not too much head wind, otherwise it could take forever to get there!

Content last updated: 18/09/2008