BBC's Top Gear: new season begins Monday 9/27

[mandingo]

For the first time they'll show episodes uncut in their original UK versions. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz will be on this season.

Looks like fun as usual.

Airs Mondays at 8PM on BBC America.

 

[ths71]

One of the most entertaining shows on TV. Even my wife who is hardly a "gearhead" loves it.

 

[THEU]

great show. Sounds like I can tivo the Tom Cruise episode and fast forward through that. Heck, he might jump up and down on a couch or maybe on the roof of a car?

 

[ths71]

Saw the first episode. The Reliant Robin segment was greatness.
THE LINK

 

[halsteadfrost]

Tom Cruise's lap is must see

 

[ViperHorn]

The best part is we get to see the full news segment which generally was cut out.

 

[mandingo]

Two recent episodes now have featured the new updated version of the Toyota Hilux (Tacoma) Pickup. The (BAD ***) European version is already updated and on sale there. Apparently has been for a year or two now. Meanwhile we're stuck with the same tired crap.

I see the same thing in many other car models, such as Honda, who sells a 52 MPG Diesel Accord in Europe, and has done so for years now.

Why does Europe get the coolest cars before us, even from automakers we have in common? Sometimes it seems we are never even offered some models that are huge sellers there?

I asked a couple of auto reps at the car show at the state fair, and they said they wondered the same thing.

Maybe this deserves it's own thread. We'll see.

 

[ViperHorn]

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[mandingo]

So are you saying it just takes longer to get those same cars approved for sale in the U.S. due to all the bureaucracy and red tape, etc?

 

[ViperHorn]

Actually the bumper systems and environmental issues are the real issues. The Bumpers are totally different in the US and requires special bumpers and bumper systems from the remainder of the world.

The US environmental issues are also totally different for the engines. Finally the lights are also different, but the cost to change them is peanuts compared to the bumpers and emmissions.

 

[mandingo]

Hey, the wife and I just started watching our dvr of the Amazing Race from last week, and it ran late because of football. So...we caught some of 60 minutes, and the recording started right at the beginning of a segment about Top Gear!

Very cool, and they still have a bit on their website in the "Overtime" section.

 

[UTEE]

It's also about the markets. You are a progressive car-buyer, but to the average American, a 52 mpg diesel Honda just isn't going to be a big seller. Diesels have never caught on in the USA as they have in Europe and elsewhere. Which is too bad because there are some fantastic diesel models across the Pond.

 

[mandingo]

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[mandingo]

Has anyone tried out Top Gear America on the History Channel yet?

I have watched a couple of episodes. I have to say I'm not impressed. Just seems too much like a very cheap knockoff with not very likable guys and not very intriguing cars or locales. Very canned writing and jokes as well. It's just not good. Not even close to the original. I haven't completely given up on it, hoping for it to get better as it develops, but I don't have much hope.

 

[CottonEyedHorn]

The new one is craptastic.

 

[Dusty]

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[dalhorn1]

I was hoping to watch a few minutes of the American Top Gear last night, but, that's some bad stuff. There's no cohesion with the hosts, little insight on each car, and no reason that the History Channel lets this program stay on longer than one season.

 

[ths71]

I think they originally talked to Adam Carolla about hosting. That would have made it better.

 

[mandingo]

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[halsteadfrost]

In defense of the American version:

1: These hosts have 3 shows under their belts. I doubt the chemistry was perfected on the BBC one immediately, especially since the current hosts weren't the ones who hosted the first season. Don't compare the American hosts to how the Brits are currently, it's unfair.

2: At least they aren't trying to copy the Brits. You may not like their personalities (or lack of) but at least give the show credit for trying to be something different and not a blatant rip off of what makes the British version so good (the hosts)

3: It's currently airing during a time when the British Top Gear isn't. Think of it as a substitute. If you don't like it so be it. I won't convince you otherwise, but if it's on I'll watch it. If i had to choose I'd pick the British version, but I personally like seeing the challenges even if done by other guys. I actually enjoyed watching the blind guy drive for example...

 

[ViperHorn]

The theory is they are trying to add to brand value by taping into another audience. However since both the History Channel and BBC America are on the same systems, I do not see the added value. So far the Americans seem to be trying to hard.

 

[7Titles]

well said