Top Gear Thought

[LowchevyII]

So while i was in my "office" "taking care of business" i was doing some reading and stumbled across something about top gear which led to me thinking. How cool would it be for them to have something like jackass or the mule on there with the stig behind the wheel. I'd love to see something like that and see how well some of our protouring cars stack up against some of these modern super cars.

just my random thought for the day

--jeff

[huggerz]

There was supposed to be an american spin off of the show. Dont know what happend to it though. I think Jay Leno had his fingers in partof it.

[ohcbird]

Leno's Green Car challenege is very similar to their 'Reasonably Priced Car' track event. It's obviously slower for the slow-speed celebs he gets there.

I'd love to see how some of our rides would fare against their times.

[MaxHarvard]

There was supposed to be an american spin off of the show. Dont know what happend to it though. I think Jay Leno had his fingers in partof it.

NBC in all their infinite wisdom (note sarcasm) said that because the show "Knight Rider" did so poorly, that they will not be running American Top Gear.

Their rationale was because they are both "car shows"...

Yea... completely the same thing too. :rolleyes:

I am Jack's rising rage

~Eric

[2Bad4Ya]

What makes Top Gear worth watching is not something you can duplicate. The writers, and hosts are what makes it a success. The chemistry they have and looser european broadcasting rules just does not exist in the usa.

[FreddieCougar]

NBC in all their infinite wisdom (note sarcasm) said that because the show "Knight Rider" did so poorly, that they will not be running American Top Gear.

Their rationale was because they are both "car shows"...


If this is true, it is staggeringly stupid.....

[wedged]

What makes Top Gear worth watching is not something you can duplicate. The writers, and hosts are what makes it a success. The chemistry they have and looser european broadcasting rules just does not exist in the usa.

:thumbsup: yup. it wouldn't even be close to the same, just a cheap knockoff.

[skooli]

I would love to see pro-touring style muscle cars on Top Gear just to see how Jeremy Clarkson reacts to their performance. He has called American made cars "rubbish" because they don't handle as well as Ferraris or other over priced "super cars". But what he'll see is that we can build and modify our relatively in-expensive cars in our own garages for a fraction of what it costs to buy an over built European sports car. He'll still probably call them rubbish. Somebody needs to send Rupp and Bad Penny to England to kick some Porsche/BMW/ Ferrari a$$.

[MaxHarvard]

NBC in all their infinite wisdom (note sarcasm) said that because the show "Knight Rider" did so poorly, that they will not be running American Top Gear.

Their rationale was because they are both "car shows"...


If this is true, it is staggeringly stupid.....

I wish I was kidding about the amount of idiocy that goes on at NBC.

http://jalopnik.com/5108040/nbc-cuts-top-gear-usa-due-to-knight-rider-failure

Due to the failure of Knight Rider and expected production costs, NBC has decided to pass on Top Gear USA. The BBC's shopping the US rendition of the hit show to interested cable outlets.

Although the Top Gear website's claiming they took a pass on the Peacock, our sources at both NBC and the BBC tell us the brightly-colored feathered network passed on an opportunity to tie up the show after the failure of the new Knight Rider series and expected high production costs associated with the show.

So, rather than tie up the franchise with a deal or an extension, they've cut Top Gear USA free to search for a new home. Top Gear's website claims interested parties are available on cable and to expect a deal shortly. We remain hopeful they'll be able to find a backer with enough money on hand to really do the show right.

[LowchevyII]

I would love to see pro-touring style muscle cars on Top Gear just to see how Jeremy Clarkson reacts to their performance. He has called American made cars "rubbish" because they don't handle as well as Ferraris or other over priced "super cars". But what he'll see is that we can build and modify our relatively in-expensive cars in our own garages for a fraction of what it costs to buy an over built European sports car. He'll still probably call them rubbish. Somebody needs to send Rupp and Bad Penny to England to kick some Porsche/BMW/ Ferrari a$$.

hell yeah x2. that would be awesome to see penny, or one lap over there. or the mule or camaro X...etc. there are so many cars on this site that i would love to see lay a beat down on some of the cars on there. Dont get me wrong, they test some amazing, downright stunning cars on there, but just for shiz and giggles i would love to see these classics on the show and definitely hear clarkson's reaction.

[Steve1968LS2]

I think I would split the $$ to ship penny over there to see the Stig run the course.. that would be too cool.

[LowchevyII]

lets start a donation to ship penny over there. i would love to see the stig drive that beast

[Steve1968LS2]

I would love to see pro-touring style muscle cars on Top Gear just to see how Jeremy Clarkson reacts to their performance. He has called American made cars "rubbish" because they don't handle as well as Ferraris or other over priced "super cars". But what he'll see is that we can build and modify our relatively in-expensive cars in our own garages for a fraction of what it costs to buy an over built European sports car. He'll still probably call them rubbish. Somebody needs to send Rupp and Bad Penny to England to kick some Porsche/BMW/ Ferrari a$$.

And yet he owns a Ford GT... :lol:

[Greg from Aus]

Don't get to upset about not having a Knock of version of the show, we have one over here in Aus and it is CRAPPPP. As has been said it's the quirkiness of the presenters that works, not that easy to duplicate. Our ones just come across as try hards.

Greg

[Jr]

And yet he owns a Ford GT... :lol:

I think he sold the Ford GT.

Clarkson did love the zr1 corvette.

[Matt@BOS]

Ok, I had a scary realization when I went to the Aston Martin dealership to get the paint code for our car. I was walking past a line of v8 vantages and realized my dad and I could have split one and been on the road for roughly the same amount as we have into our Camaro, which isn't quite finished. When its done, it could probably hang with the little Aston, provided we're not driving :unibrow: Still, the point I'm trying to make is that when you add up all the time time invested, into a price that accurately reflects the hours, by and large, pro-touring cars aren't necessarily cheaper. I'm guessing Jackass cost a bit more that a ZR1, and isn't quite as fast around a track. I'd love to see those two cars run though.

I suppose the point I'm trying to make in regard to the over-priced, over-engineered Euro car comment is that, while expensive, if you were to build a car that was just as well engineered it would probably cost more. BTW when I say build I'm assuming that a majority of the build will be done by a shop.

I think we need SW's opinion here.

BTW, I'll contribute to the Bad Penny shipping fund just because I'm a bit of a topgear geek.

Matt

[skooli]

...I suppose the point I'm trying to make in regard to the over-priced, over-engineered Euro car comment is that, while expensive, if you were to build a car that was just as well engineered it would probably cost more. BTW when I say build I'm assuming that a majority of the build will be done by a shop...

Matt

This example is a bit extreme, but this Mustang kind of supports my point that classic American Muscle is a little more fun because we can modify and work on our own cars.

http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38420

And how about Liz Miles' Camaro? I bet she hasn't spent the price of a high end European sports car to make her car a fun corner carver.

[Steve1968LS2]

Ok, I had a scary realization when I went to the Aston Martin dealership to get the paint code for our car. I was walking past a line of v8 vantages and realized my dad and I could have split one and been on the road for roughly the same amount as we have into our Camaro, which isn't quite finished. When its done, it could probably hang with the little Aston, provided we're not driving :unibrow: Still, the point I'm trying to make is that when you add up all the time time invested, into a price that accurately reflects the hours, by and large, pro-touring cars aren't necessarily cheaper. I'm guessing Jackass cost a bit more that a ZR1, and isn't quite as fast around a track. I'd love to see those two cars run though.

I suppose the point I'm trying to make in regard to the over-priced, over-engineered Euro car comment is that, while expensive, if you were to build a car that was just as well engineered it would probably cost more. BTW when I say build I'm assuming that a majority of the build will be done by a shop.

I think we need SW's opinion here.

BTW, I'll contribute to the Bad Penny shipping fund just because I'm a bit of a topgear geek.

Matt

But having the car isn't the point.. it's the journey.

It's also the challenge. I could have bought a ZR1 but how tough is that? Making a 40 year old hunk of metal get down isn't easy and that's what makes it fun. Easy is over rated. :)

[Matt@BOS]

I was trying to play a little bit of the devil's advocate there. I mean I've got relatives that just don't understand the hobby at all (don't we all?), and their typical response is, why didn't you just go out and get a vette, or a porsche?

Now, I totally agree with what both of you guys are saying. I think I even alluded to that in my last post. I wouldn't be doing what I am otherwise. I don't think idea of buying an exotic car ever crossed my mind, or ever will cross my mind. I've never been a fan of just throwing money down and driving off. In fact, come next year when our project is done, I know both my dad and I will greatly miss the whole process of the build, might even have to get something else in a couple years...

and Skooli, I'm not quite sure what you're getting at in relation to what I said. Maybe because I should have explained things a bit better myself. When I was writing that, I had cars like the G-Force 'Cuda, Roadster shop's 'Vette or, well... all of the Ring Brothers work in mind. The top Gear guys criticize American cars not only for poor handling, but lack of "refinement," and in my mind the cars they would compare that stack up against exotics, through and through, probably cost more than a comparable factory produced car.

I do agree that it's possible to build something as fast or faster for much less though. I think Ron's Mustang definitely proves that.

[Vegas69]

Two completely different trips. When your pro touring car is done, you have a one off. That's why it costs so much. Building them is one thing, making them perform and reliable is a whole new ballgame once the build is through. You really need both in my opinion.

[RDuke]

What about another approach? How about getting 3 top-end pro-touring cars together and having the TopGear crew come to the states for a race? Each presenter would get a car to drive and the producers could through their usual challenges into the mix.

[MarkM66]

And yet he owns a Ford GT... :lol:

That he said had 350 brake horse power. :rolleyes:

[LowchevyII]

What about another approach? How about getting 3 top-end pro-touring cars together and having the TopGear crew come to the states for a race? Each presenter would get a car to drive and the producers could through their usual challenges into the mix.

damn i really like that idea...just wondering if anyone would be willing to give up their cars for a bit to let them do their typical shenanigans in em. would hate to see anything happen to em.

[E.rodz]

you know that would be pretty darn cool and i think I probably would depending on where and when I would be game.the car is still in mock up form but the drivetrain is almost dialed in. if some one can get this set up I would definately be intrested. (project flatliner)

[LowchevyII]

i emailed them (the BBC) for laughs...haha lets see what they say

[CptKlutz]

damn i really like that idea...just wondering if anyone would be willing to give up their cars for a bit to let them do their typical shenanigans in em. would hate to see anything happen to em.

I'd let Capt. Slow drive my Mustang any day. :D Probably wont make it past 3000 rpm.
As long as they dont do the Suzuki Swift icehockey, or the Robin shuttle launch with it! :faint:

[evilzee28]

Here's a link to the times posted on the power laps driven by "the Stig".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/powerlaps.shtml

Any of you guys can roughly equate to how well your pro touring car would perform as driven by the Stig. You can compare times set by your cars, driven by you, against other exotica driven at Autocross' etc. For example, if you struggle to beat an SRT10 or Vette then you can see where your car would fit in on the Top Gear power lap ( the Viper's waaaaay down on the list). Admittedly there's a certain amount of different driver capabilities at an autocross, but it could give an insight into approximately how well a Pro Touring car would be.

Didn't Steves Penny post times similar to a Z06 at one point?? All you do is check on the power list for the Vette & you'll see roughly where the car sits on the power lap list, Cheers....Nige

[Steve1968LS2]

What about another approach? How about getting 3 top-end pro-touring cars together and having the TopGear crew come to the states for a race? Each presenter would get a car to drive and the producers could through their usual challenges into the mix.

Im in.. so long as I don't get capt slow.. he runs into too much stuff.. lol

Hampster is most likely the only one of the three that could get into my car... comedy would ensue with Clarkson being overly dramatic about my cage... at least they couldn't bitch about our traction control and ABS.

[Steve1968LS2]

Here's a link to the times posted on the power laps driven by "the Stig".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/powerlaps.shtml


Didn't Steves Penny post times similar to a Z06 at one point?? All you do is check on the power list for the Vette & you'll see roughly where the car sits on the power lap list, Cheers....Nige

At last year's Optima event we had SLIGHTLY faster lap times than Optima's modified C6 Z06.. We beat an 04 Porsche GT3 by over a second. Does that put us on the list anywhere?

The car is better now than then.. would certainly be fun to do and my wife has always wanted a vacation in England.. :yes:

[legend]

did you guys miss the show when Hammond bought a viper green pro touring charger r/t?

also if you like top gear humour then their script editor Richard Porter also runs this mad website, might contain a few rude works for those of you at work

Sniff petrol (http://www.sniffpetrol.com/archive.html)

It's partly how he got the job in the first place

NEW BMW 7-SERIES DEVELOPS COGNITIVE REASONING
With dozens of on-board computers and a 42-volt electrical system, BMW's new 7-series is one of the cleverest cars around. So clever in fact that it has developed cognitive reasoning and the ability to consider its own destiny. "We first realised how clever this car was during early testing," says an anonymous engineer who worked on the project, "an air-con calibration car became paranoid about spy photographers and refused to leave the garage until we had fitted it with 'some sort of hat'". The development team was even more alarmed when two powertrain assessment cars started to grow opposable thumbs and a crash test car was heard to shout "Owww" during a low speed impact simulation. Most disturbing of all, an electronics verification vehicle responded to anyone who failed to follow road directions from the satellite navigation by sticking its virtual tongue into its chin and going "MNNNNNUUURRR" in a sarcastic way. We rang BMW in Munich for further comment but Sniff Petrol isn't very good at German and we accidentally asked them for directions to the station instead. "It's just around the corner,"

[Neki67]

The car is better now than then.. would certainly be fun to do and my wife has always wanted a vacation in England.. :yes:

How about combining it with a trip to the ring?

[Steve1968LS2]

How about combining it with a trip to the ring?

I would need someone with a bigger set of stones than me to drive it all out though.. lol..

Maybe Stielow.. he's done that before.

It's a dream to take the car there.. imagine blowing down the autobaun and exotics seeing the old american muscle car fly by. lol

[Neki67]

Well Steve, when this becomes serious, just let me know and I'll show you the way when it comes to transporting Penny over to this side of the pond and taking care of the necessary paperwork. Doesn't have to be extremely expensive you know.

Doing it while Mark is there for bussiness would obviously be fantastic but you don't have to drive flat out on the ring and still have fun.

[Steve1968LS2]

Well Steve, when this becomes serious, just let me know and I'll show you the way when it comes to transporting Penny over to this side of the pond and taking care of the necessary paperwork. Doesn't have to be extremely expensive you know.

Doing it while Mark is there for bussiness would obviously be fantastic but you don't have to drive flat out on the ring and still have fun.

How much is it to ship over there?

[Neki67]

How much is it to ship over there?
Approx. US$ 1250,- one way from SoCal to Rotterdam, the Netherlands and that does incl. port and handling charges on this side. Bring along some parts and you can earn back at least some of it. Price will sharply drop if you can find 3 others to join so you have one full 45' container (approx. US $3750,- for 1 45' container).

First person I would consider asking to join, you ask? How about Charley L?

[legend]

there are quite a few very experienced drivers who you can hire to drive you around the 'ring

get yourself on Northloop forums (http://www.northloop.co.uk/)

and find out all the info, where to stay, track guides, videos etc etc. Some of the locals in a2 Golfs etc regularly run rings around exotics due to local knowledge and practice

edit, hammond test drives an R/T (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/689312/hammonds_own_charger/)

[legend]

hammond buys pro touring charger (http://www.drcreview.com/news.asp?art=45)

[evilzee28]

At last year's Optima event we had SLIGHTLY faster lap times than Optima's modified C6 Z06.. We beat an 04 Porsche GT3 by over a second. Does that put us on the list anywhere?



Hi Steve the Porsche GT3 RS ran Top Gears' course in 1.22.3mins & is 23rd on the list. The Z06 ran a 1.22.4 mins lap & was 24th on the list, hth, cheers....Nige

[Steve1968LS2]

Approx. US$ 1250,- one way from SoCal to Rotterdam, the Netherlands and that does incl. port and handling charges on this side. Bring along some parts and you can earn back at least some of it. Price will sharply drop if you can find 3 others to join so you have one full 45' container (approx. US $3750,- for 1 45' container).

First person I would consider asking to join, you ask? How about Charley L?

So I spent more to get my car home from Tennesse that it would cost to ship the car to europe? lol

Hey, it the Top Gear guys are in I am... just no challenges involving crashing please...

[Neki67]

So I spent more to get my car home from Tennesse that it would cost to ship the car to europe? lol

Correct, I've arranged transport within the USA for customers on a couple of occassions and it was always quite expensive compared to the cost of transporting the car(s) to Europe.

For reference sake; at the moment I have a 68 Corvette convertible on the way and a 2008 Dodge Ram waiting for my go ahead to be loaded.

PM me on PT.com or here when you would like to discuss in more detail and we'll take it from there.

[CptKlutz]

So I spent more to get my car home from Tennesse that it would cost to ship the car to europe? lol


Crazy insn't it? Lots of things are cheap in the US compared to Europe but not hauling it seems. I'm used to $1.500 or $1.600 from LA to Denmark but payed almost $800 from Portland to San Diego last year. :_paranoid
Most west coast shippers come in through Rotterdam, from there its just a 3½ hour drive to the Ring. Come over in the spring and we'll meet you there. Would make a unique article!
:lateral:

[jannes_z-28]

Well you have to get it back to the States after the fun has ended. And the prices are quite different Europe -> USA.

I checked a few years ago to bring my car to the States for the Hot Rod Power Tour. It was about the twice to get it to the States and to bring it home again. So if it will cost say $1500 to Europe it might cost $3000 to ship it back home for you. Then you have to fly over yourself, hotels, food etc. it will soon be $10000.

But what a vacation!!!

While you're at the Ring you have to go to Spa in Belgium, they have open trackdays too. Not as often as the Ring but it is easy to schedule both tracks on one trip.

So if you Lateral-G guys in the States will come over, we Europeans will meet you and we can race Autobahn together. Imagine 10 PT-cars cruising along in 120mph!

I'm in:thumbsup:


Jan

[Neki67]

While you're at the Ring you have to go to Spa in Belgium, they have open trackdays too. Not as often as the Ring but it is easy to schedule both tracks on one trip.

Jan

That was my idea as well, Jan. Would be a waste not to drive the most spectacular turn in the world (Eau Rouge / Raidillon).

So who is going to contact Top Gear??

Oh BTW, I'm also in!

[LowchevyII]

i shot bbc an email a couple days ago about this whole thing and im still awaiting a response. maybe a few more of us should email them so they know everyone is serious about this possibly happening

[Steve1968LS2]

i shot bbc an email a couple days ago about this whole thing and im still awaiting a response. maybe a few more of us should email them so they know everyone is serious about this possibly happening

I would be game.. although I would have a hard time swinging more than $3k in shipping.. this last summer of fun sucked my wallet down pretty low. lol

So the car would go to England.. be abused by the BBC and then to Germany for the N-Ring and that other track..

What a blast that would be.. and it would be an epic story.

[Neki67]

I would be game.. although I would have a hard time swinging more than $3k in shipping.. this last summer of fun sucked my wallet down pretty low. lol

So the car would go to England.. be abused by the BBC and then to Germany for the N-Ring and that other track..

What a blast that would be.. and it would be an epic story.

Guess we have to look for some sponsors and donations for the good course . . . .

[jannes_z-28]

Steve, here you can read up on that other track.

http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en07/home/index.php

It is only approx 75 miles drive between the Nürburgring and Spa.


Jan

[Neki67]

i shot bbc an email a couple days ago about this whole thing and im still awaiting a response. maybe a few more of us should email them so they know everyone is serious about this possibly happening

In case I missed it and for everybody else; please be so kind to repost the emailaddress you send your mail to.

Perhaps even make a kind of form of it so the message doesn't get polluted.

[LowchevyII]

http://www.bbcamerica.com/viewer_relations.jsp

this is where i shot two emails to. hopefully the right spot...i just googled top gear stumbled upon their BBC site scrolled all the way down to the contact us link (very bottom) and voila. do the same and read some of the other options in case i missed something in terms of a better means of contacting them...god this could be so sweet guys

[krptonite]

this is a great thread, being an expat limey myself i think it would be real cool to have some muscle over there for the stig to play with! a usa version really wouldnt work as it is a real british sarcastic humour that makes the show work and there are other english shows that tried to copy the format and they sucked too! clarksons humour is what makes it, one reason he always dumps on american cars is the lack of handling compared to euro in the same price range, in the uk a vette is similar in price to porsches etc this is why they get compared, i.e leafsprings still in common use which is ok on american roads but not typical european twisties! they tested a new mustang gt and it was way quicker round the track than a shelby supersnake was due to the chassis being totally inadequate to cope with all that power, hamster loves his muscle cars though! the new vette though got clarksons approval as did the new cts-v, he may finally end his vendetta against the vette now! he could just never get his head round the fact that americas best sportscar was slower round a track than a 4door sedan! it was a beemer m5 but still shows the lack of handling of the 2003ish vette, compared to a full size sedan. Dont get me wrong i would never buy asupercar over any of the camaros etc being built on here as they are way cooler, i just thought i would give my insight from a limeys viewpoint, lastly, years ago clarkson drove a hotrod, it was a fat fendered 40's ford i think that was an award winning well built car at the time and he slaughtered that as well ! said it it was like sitting on the toilet but less comfy!! nuff said.:D

[jannes_z-28]

Hopefully GM will sell these two as a Chevelle and ElCamino.

PkiZdcAR6WU

The Stig driving them.
VBCaH5Tx9QA


Jan

[tgvettes]

Hej Janne
The 4 Door have been sold for about a year as a Pontiac G8 in the US, and they where supposed to sell the pickup version also.
Now with Pontiac going away who knows what GM will do with this platform here. Hopefully they do what you said Chevelle and El Camino be the perfect choice I think.

Tonny

[Neki67]

http://www.bbcamerica.com/viewer_relations.jsp

this is where i shot two emails to. hopefully the right spot...i just googled top gear stumbled upon their BBC site scrolled all the way down to the contact us link (very bottom) and voila. do the same and read some of the other options in case i missed something in terms of a better means of contacting them...god this could be so sweet guys

Sorry man but since the site you're referring to is the BBC site for the States and we're shooting for Top Gear in the UK, I guess this will be more appropriate: [email protected] found that @ http://www.topgear.com/uk/contact-us

.

[jannes_z-28]

Hej Janne
The 4 Door have been sold for about a year as a Pontiac G8 in the US, and they where supposed to sell the pickup version also.
Now with Pontiac going away who knows what GM will do with this platform here. Hopefully they do what you said Chevelle and El Camino be the perfect choice I think.

Tonny

Yes I know, but I was thinking of the Bathurst version which is a killer car, I guess it will be the same engine in the upcoming 2010 Z28.


Jan

[LowchevyII]

Sorry man but since the site you're referring to is the BBC site for the States and we're shooting for Top Gear in the UK, I guess this will be more appropriate: [email protected] found that @ http://www.topgear.com/uk/contact-us

.

Dont be sorry thats perfect thats why i posted that the way i did so someone could hopefully find the right place in case mine was wrong. good lookin out Neki67

[evilzee28]

This thread seemed to have just just died after a lot of enthusiasm, has there been any more news as to whether anything's gonna come of it?? cheers....Nige

[phillym5]

I may have a good connect. Top Gear was here in the states to film with my friend/boss Ken Block. Im sure he has a good contact.

If some of you guys want me to "really" see if they are interested in running some of our car (i would be down to ship them mine as well)... i can check to see if they have any interest.

Maybe there is a connect there...maybe not. But i can check.

[Steve1968LS2]

I may have a good connect. Top Gear was here in the states to film with my friend/boss Ken Block. Im sure he has a good contact.

If some of you guys want me to "really" see if they are interested in running some of our car (i would be down to ship them mine as well)... i can check to see if they have any interest.

Maybe there is a connect there...maybe not. But i can check.

Do it.. It would be fun and who wouldn't want the Stig to drive thier car?

[rogue]

i know this is a crazy idea, but go out and drive your cars, and see for yourself how they perform against exotics...

Go to a track day and see for yourself how your car stacks up.

[Vegas69]

i know this is a crazy idea, but go out and drive your cars, and see for yourself how they perform against exotics...

Go to a track day and see for yourself how your car stacks up.

Tell me what you really think....:rofl: :rofl:

[monza]

Missed this thread until now.... sure sounds like fun!

[rogue]

Tell me what you really think....:rofl: :rofl:

I have no filter :lol: