All new Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson - 8pm on Sunday [Archive] - Page 3

Confucius

21-07-2003, 11:09

Originally posted by Ruskins
car bores :help:

Well, what on earth did you expect from a thread entitled "... Top Gear ..." !!

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Philc, all I can say is that all the information that I had seen in the past indicated both 240 ps and Euro4 compliance. A likely scenario is that Mazda thought the original spec would meet Euro4, but were mistaken. I would also say that the use of 'ps' and/or 'bhp' to 'qualify' any particular figure is the down to the discretion of the company involved. It would not be the first time a manufacturer has 'mistakenly' muddied the waters over power output.

As I mentioned earlier I'm well aware of the availability of high-octane fuel in Japan, though I say yet again my original, and I believe still valid objection, was the intimation that UK (and US) fuel was somewhat sub-standard - it was simply one further example of people knocking our Great nation for no reason at all other than churlishness This is clearly not a case of sub-standard fuel, it is simply that Jap fuel is the 'odd one out'. Fuel in the rest of the world has not been available as 'high' octane for many, many years (remember 5 star?). For a major car company - affiliated with Ford no less, it is, frankly, daft - at best short sighted, to design cars ostensibly for the world market which cannot run on the vast majority of the fuel available.

cedge

22-07-2003, 19:47

What was the music from they were playing when Richard Hammond was driving the excellent TVR, it sounded awfully familliar and fitted in with the style of the feature.

CLH

23-07-2003, 08:43

PhilC etc, my brother this week had the opportunity to buy an RX7 at just over £10k.

Problem is at 27 it's just nigh on uninsurable.

Panavision

23-07-2003, 19:42

Originally posted by cedge
What was the music from they were playing when Richard Hammond was driving the excellent TVR, it sounded awfully familliar and fitted in with the style of the feature.

Are you refering to the music which is used in the Royal Mail business ad? If so, Part of it is heard in Matrix 1, I think.

Anyway, great show, Clarkson and Hammond are a good partnership, the other guy doesn't fit in, not to say he is bad, but does fit in with the style of the show.

With the exception of Deal on Wheels, nothing comes close to Top Gear.

Roy

23-07-2003, 20:35

The only thing with Hammond is that he's too influenced by Clarkson and tends to fall into doing a kind of weird imitation of him...

Starstruck I suppose.

Panavision

24-07-2003, 07:34

Yeah, Hammond doesn't deliver his opinion very well when he's with Clarky.

Panavision

15-10-2003, 12:25

Any idea when the new series will start?

Radiohead

15-10-2003, 12:27

Digiguide has a listing for 26/10/03 at 8pm....

Grandmaster

15-10-2003, 14:05

Originally posted by Panavision
Are you refering to the music which is used in the Royal Mail business ad? If so, Part of it is heard in Matrix 1, I think.

I think it's called Clubbed to Death by Rob D. Available on his decent album, Furious Angels.

Panavision

20-10-2003, 20:01

It IS the 26th, ta :)

turbo

20-10-2003, 20:15

Originally posted by Panavision
VBH does my head in but would give her one... :norty:

She does my head in too. Nearly anoying as Clarkson. When will Top Gear actually get presenters who know about cars and say sensible things about them.

CLH

21-10-2003, 07:27

Originally posted by turbo
She does my head in too. Nearly anoying as Clarkson. When will Top Gear actually get presenters who know about cars and say sensible things about them.

You might disagree with Clarkson but I guarantee you he knows cars.

Panavision

21-10-2003, 12:17

Doesn't know have they work, though.

CLH

21-10-2003, 13:00

Agreed. I was going to post that as well!

CARL

26-10-2003, 18:03

heads up on in an hour

takuly

26-10-2003, 20:01

They killed off the stig!!!!!!!! :eek: :cry:

Nick[Blarg]

26-10-2003, 20:03

Clarkson in the Lupo :notworthy :clap:

The Stigg!! :eek: :cry:

Dan

26-10-2003, 20:07

Loved the GT40 and the GT3. :D

Wonder what's gonna happen with The Stig now.:confused:

swanny

26-10-2003, 20:49

damn i missed it :(

gagsy

26-10-2003, 21:02

The car-remote-to-head thing; more entertaining than Derren Brown! But I'm mildly surprised he didn't know about it. I've read such a procedure be recommended for when the remote has a fairly flat battery.
A similar effect can be achieved with a drinks can as well.

andy30

26-10-2003, 21:02

Does anyone know if it's repeated, Sky+ screwed the recording up.

gagsy

26-10-2003, 21:13

Originally posted by Dan
Wonder what's gonna happen with The Stig now.:confused: It was all a dream, and he'll come strolling out of the shower with his big shiny helmet gleaming in the light.

:p

Mere rampant supposition on my part, but I'd imagine they will replace him with a better known racing driver. Johnny Herbert, Damon Hill, someone like that.

Pistol Pete

26-10-2003, 22:24

You are all aware that the stig is 'Perry McCarthy' don't you.

Just checking.

takuly

26-10-2003, 22:29

Originally posted by Pistol Pete
You are all aware that the stig is 'Perry McCarthy' don't you.

Just checking.
Yep :lol:

kcxdev

27-10-2003, 08:39

If they have, they don't really need to kill the Stig off, all they had to do was replace Perry McCarthy and no one would have knew.

Dan

27-10-2003, 17:42

Originally posted by kcxdev
If they have, they don't really need to kill the Stig off, all they had to do was replace Perry McCarthy and no one would have knew.

Perhaps they want someone who will give an idea how the car performs around track by providing a running commentary.:)

Dan

02-11-2003, 20:42

That BMW was well nice.:D

Failed to see the point in having a new Stig, they might as well stuck the new guy in the same overalls.

ShaneC

02-11-2003, 21:55

Anyone know who the 'new' stig is (or is he new??). Not sure about the BMW, give me a 911 anyday :D

Nero

02-11-2003, 23:17

Did not understand the Stig thing, as DAn said just put someone else in the same race suit and crash helmet would not know anything different.

The BMW was ok but £20k over the price of an M3 :nuts:

kcxdev

03-11-2003, 08:35

Originally posted by Dan
That BMW was well nice.:D

Failed to see the point in having a new Stig, they might as well stuck the new guy in the same overalls.
hey, thats what I said :p
Rumours say its Damon Hill but I thought it was too short to be him.

Philc

03-11-2003, 09:30

Well the Rx-8 was not featured :(

Damn crap listings mags!

JonnyO

03-11-2003, 09:47

Philc - may I politely draw your attention to this thread (http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=224363&perpage=20&pagenumber=2)
All others - please ignore...

GoblinUK

03-11-2003, 10:12

Anyone know the music they played during the bit about the new M3...i recognised it and like it but dont know what it was

GAmbrose

16-11-2003, 18:29

Bump, it's on in 30 minutes.

Gary A

JonnyO

17-11-2003, 08:51

How much do I want that BBR conversion for my Cooper S! 275bhp, thats just mental. I'm surprised they reckoned that the chassis could just about cope with it. After all the Alfa GTA cannot cope with 250 and the Focus RS needs a trick diff to cope with 220.
Pity they didn't tell us what times the 4 modified MINI's did on the test track. It would have been nice to see how they compared to things like the Alfa.

Grandmaster

17-11-2003, 09:04

Originally posted by GoblinUK
Anyone know the music they played during the bit about the new M3...i recognised it and like it but dont know what it was

I'm not sure if it is the right music for that particular piece, but Top Gear is using the entire Rob Dougan library it would seem. They've used music from his Furious Angels CD in every show. You can buy it for a tenner from Play. Make sure you get the two disc set with the instrumental CD to avoid Rob D's Chris Rea-like voice.

They are also using Rob D's tune "Chateau" a lot (they used it on the MINI piece last night). This is from the Matrix Reloaded soundtrack. It's the bit of music from where Neo fights the Merovingian's hirelings and rather splendid it is too.

I now want a Works Cooper S :D

Panavision

17-11-2003, 12:48

Wonder what's so special about next week's show!!!

JayX

17-11-2003, 12:57

is it repeated at all? i'd like to see the part on the countach, but i was out at the time :(

GAmbrose

17-11-2003, 13:03

Nope.

You would think with all these BBC digital channels that they might repeat it somewhere, but alas they do not.

Gary A

Philc

17-11-2003, 16:03

Go for the 275bhp BBR Phase 4 conversion which will set you back a cool £15k on top.

:nuts:

CLH

18-11-2003, 07:45

Originally posted by Panavision
Wonder what's so special about next week's show!!!

Dunno, I'm guessing they either:

a) blow up the pickup OR

b) get it to go round the track faster than the Lambo.

I have a sneaky feeling b) but I don't see how!

And Murcielago :notworthy

Toothy

18-11-2003, 08:33

Originally posted by GAmbrose
Nope.

You would think with all these BBC digital channels that they might repeat it somewhere, but alas they do not.

Gary A

*cough*UKHorizons*cough*

But you`ll probably have to wait a month or two. :(

bobmartino

19-11-2003, 20:00

It starts tonight on UKHorizons, 10 oclock

Zath

19-11-2003, 22:53

Originally posted by kcxdev
hey, thats what I said :p
Rumours say its Damon Hill but I thought it was too short to be him.

I've always suspected Damon Hill was Stig since i saw him driving a Ferrari i think it was and had to stop because the reporter/presenter guy in the passenger seat was about to throw up. :)

I've never considered the height thing myself so am probably wrong on that one.

TungataZebiwe

20-11-2003, 10:11

Nearly right. Damon Hill was driving a Mercededs SL with the bald cockney guy from Right Car, Wrong Car, and he did actually vomit - out of the window and all down the side of the car!:lol:

raymondlin

23-11-2003, 20:01

That Toyota is indestructable!

Dan

23-11-2003, 20:04

Originally posted by raymondlin
That Toyota is indestructable!

:lol: Can't believe they got it going after it had been in the sea.

Zath

23-11-2003, 20:25

That's it, my next car is gonna be a Toyota, maintenance bils should be non-existant :p

Panavision

23-11-2003, 22:19

That Mazda was exceptional!!! :eek:

raymondlin

23-11-2003, 22:29

and simon Cowell got TOP of the driving league! NO WAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They have to invite Michael Scheumacher on there now just to get him off the top.

Zath

23-11-2003, 22:49

I really didnt think Simon Cowell would be that fast, nearly a full second faster than the two JKs. :eek:

Originally posted by raymondlin
They have to invite Michael Scheumacher on there now just to get him off the top.

Did you see after the credits when Clarkson said they have to get Damon Hill on next week :)

Philc

24-11-2003, 08:35

Originally posted by Panavision
That Mazda was exceptional!!! :eek:

I know! Well pleased with that review, all I gotta wait for is my complimentary driving day with prodrive. Shame it's in my car.

beaky

24-11-2003, 11:05

The Toyota truck :notworthy

:lol:

Toothy

24-11-2003, 17:46

I couldn`t help laughing at The Cool Wall bit, when JC held up a picture of the yellow Lambo.....and Hammond said Ferrari. :lol: :lol:

Dan

24-11-2003, 17:51

Originally posted by Toothy
I couldn`t help laughing at The Cool Wall bit, when JC held up a picture of the yellow Lambo.....and Hammond said Ferrari. :lol: :lol:

Yeah I noticed that as well.:lol:

What was the point in that wig test segment, seemed like unnecessary filler to me.

Roy

24-11-2003, 18:05

Hit and miss show this week imho.

Good segments on classic cars and the Mazda, toss like the pickup destruction and the wig test were a total waste of time and licence money.

The Mazda looks good, but not in any way practical. It has to be said that Clarkson can't actually drive, I've lost count of the amount of times when he reviews a car he nearly loses the back end, or doughnuts and makes out like it was deliberate :cuckoo:

Panavision

25-11-2003, 12:31

The cool wall makes no sense going on JC's theory.

Radiohead

25-11-2003, 12:34

JC makes no sense most of the time.

CLH

25-11-2003, 13:07

Originally posted by Radiohead
JC makes no sense most of the time.

Indeed.

His unpredictability is the entertaining thing.

Mind you it's so easy to mimic his presenting style now. Just pause and then say a small phrase in a deeper voice with a cadence in the middle. Try it for yourself.

"this bread is superb value, white, tasty and with little crusts on the edge. But it's far from perfect. The packaging is poor and on my example some of the crusts fell off. All in all then an average package...........

.................but then you eat it."

(Rambles on here)

Sex Pest

25-11-2003, 14:25

Slightly off topic but can you view the 'Cool Wall' anywhere?

Roy

25-11-2003, 15:25

:lol: @CLH.

Spot on.

Nick dVl

25-11-2003, 19:24

I actually get more enjoyment out of watching Fifth Gear and Top Gear bash each other. Last nights' FG: "no runways", "a track for real drivers" etc...so obviously digs at TG :lol:

Toothy

26-11-2003, 02:33

Yeah...those subtle digs are great. :lol:

I recall when Tiff tested the SL55 AMG and the 911 Turbo......it was obvious which was going to win. Tiff has always been a Porsche man but he still managed to get in.....` yes top gear is a little long but change into 5th....and things start to improve`

:lol: :thumbs:

Panavision

26-11-2003, 12:24

Toothy :lol: Classic dig. I enjoy JC style of hosting, but his dress sense is awful, it really is badder than bad

RobDickinson

26-11-2003, 14:26

Originally posted by Roy
The Mazda looks good, but not in any way practical.

Huh, compared to what? It fits 4 adults (of almost any size) in, has a boot thats almost as big as my focus was, is extreemly comfortable and easy to drive when you want it to be, airbags all over the place, ABS DSC etc. OK , so I wont be going to Ikea and carting a load of wardrobs home, but ever seen people despratly trying to crap that stuff into a small hatchback anyhow?

As to Top gear/fifth gear, Fifth is way more proffesional and more journalistic, TG is lads hooning fast cars round tracks and taking the mickey out of poor cars, having a motoring laugh with a guest.

As with all reviews take em with a pinch of salt, and go experiance the car yourself.

Tiff said the RX-8's gearstick is uncomfortable and the handbrake gets in the way. I find the opposite is true, love the gearstick, handbrake is just right there and usefull, I never used to use the handbrake in the focus, use it all the time in the RX-8.

Roy

27-11-2003, 18:30

I meant in terms of reported fuel and oil consumption Rob.

I'm not saying it's *****, in fact it's probably a right laugh, but thirsty oil burners are a bit impractical.

jolt

27-11-2003, 20:59

I'd get a Nissan 350Z

Actually I'd want a Skyline but they cost more...

Toothy

28-11-2003, 06:16

I`d take the 350Z as well...although I`d be tempted by the high-revving engine, the RX8 is far too compromised a package.

Radiohead

28-11-2003, 08:02

Originally posted by Toothy
I`d take the 350Z as well...although I`d be tempted by the high-revving engine, the RX8 is far too compromised a package.

As a track car yes, but it's not meant to be a track car. It's meant to be a quick, affordable, reasonably spacious 4-seater with all the aesthetic benefits of a coupe, and I think it succeeds.

Roy

28-11-2003, 18:33

The RX8 is priced well in terms of initial purchase price, but if the running costs are as high as they say it's not affordable at all..

I'm interested in what an actual owner says though, Rob?

snoopstah

07-12-2003, 20:14

Argh! The TiVo switched channels to record Foyle's War at 9pm, and as BBC2 are incapable of running anything to schedule ever ( :mad::mad::mad: ) , I didn't find out if they got the Toyota running again! It was turning over when the recording ended - so did it start?

(Oh, and useless trivia - the guy who owns the green Saxo sits next to me at work...)

Dan

07-12-2003, 20:15

Yes they got it started and they drove it into the studio at the end.

Boink!

07-12-2003, 20:30

I did think it was mean to put the Toyota on top of the block of flats, c'mon after all it's been through. Though I didi think it would survive enough.

thetope

07-12-2003, 20:32

Respect to the Toyota! Couldn't believe it still drove!

Roy

07-12-2003, 21:11

Decent episode tonight, I like Clarkson making the flexing cruisers look like pricks.

And he demonstrated again that he can't drive. He should stick to talking about cars, but he can't demonstrate them.

Philc

07-12-2003, 21:36

I can comment as an RX8 owner. I can honestly say it's one of the most rewarding cars I have ever driven. Very comfortable, quick and practical. It is a very good package for the money.

In terms of economy it ain't the best, but its on par with my old Subaru Impreza. If I wanted economy I would have got a Golf GT TDi but it does not bother me in the slightest. No way can I get a car with the same looks which has a diesel or economical engine.

In my opinion, it's better to drive than TVR's, Porsches and Mercs which I have driven in the past.

AngryFlower

08-12-2003, 05:51

Originally posted by Dan
Yes they got it started and they drove it into the studio at the end.

Looked to me like they'd done some work on it between the flats and the studio though - the engine looked a lot cleaner (and not skewed at an angle) and was that a brand new radiator on the front - it certainly wasn't covered with dust or bits of flat; looked very black and new.

That Aussie car looked very worrying in a spin though, the wheels were almost falling off - not what I'd want in a 28K car..

CLH

08-12-2003, 09:01

Originally posted by snoopstah
Argh! The TiVo switched channels to record Foyle's War at 9pm, and as BBC2 are incapable of running anything to schedule ever ( :mad::mad::mad: ) , I didn't find out if they got the Toyota running again! It was turning over when the recording ended - so did it start?

(Oh, and useless trivia - the guy who owns the green Saxo sits next to me at work...)

Give him a dead arm from all of us!:D

Don't take this the wrong way but Sky+ will cure that run over problem now adding soft padding to either side whilst dual recording. Not TIVO bashing, just trying to help!

Panavision

08-12-2003, 09:48

I prefer subtle car modding, not huge bodykits. Following a lowered car on a road full of humps is a nightmare!!!

Panavision

08-12-2003, 12:44

Next week's top gear starts at 7.00!

RobDickinson

08-12-2003, 15:17

Originally posted by Roy
The RX8 is priced well in terms of initial purchase price, but if the running costs are as high as they say it's not affordable at all..

I'm interested in what an actual owner says though, Rob?

Running costs :

Its not light on fuel, but its a performance car, very few are (apart from prehaps the Elise).

You wont get better MPG out of the 350z, and not much better out of the TT v6 either.

I get better MPG than my bro-in-laws late 9-'s v6 saab 900.

Performance :
Its fast in a straight line, but even better round corners on REAL roads, not a track. If you want to live with Zero suspension day in day out and loose both kidneys every pothole go get an EVO.

Its handling is superb, the 50/50 wight distribution, with MOST of the weight as close to the centre of the car as possible gives it very low polar moment, realy shows when you drive it.

Ahh, off for a drive now...:)

Roy

08-12-2003, 15:31

So in actual fact the running costs are pretty average then? Just another reminder not believe everything you read in the mags.

It does look good fun, it isn't really practical enough for me but you sound very happy with it, I'd love one a s a second car :D

stoneranger

08-12-2003, 20:08

Originally posted by RobDickinson
Running costs :

Its not light on fuel, but its a performance car, very few are (apart from prehaps the Elise).

You wont get better MPG out of the 350z, and not much better out of the TT v6 either.

I get better MPG than my bro-in-laws late 9-'s v6 saab 900.

just out of interest, what mpg are you getting?

RooterRotor

09-12-2003, 07:16

just out of interest, what mpg are you getting?

I had a series 3 RX7 in the Eighties. Would generally get around 16mpg in town and approx 23mpg on motorway journeys...

Despite this, loved the car....even depite -

Dealer servicing not cheap - new clutch ( after contaminated by oil leak) £400+, new dashboard (after break-in) £800+, genuine replacement exhaust with heat exchanger - £1200 !! (Janspeed alternative - £200, but used to backfire a lot with this...One replacement suspension stut with 2 new shocks - £400+!! These prices all 1987 - 88...

Cheers.

RobDickinson

09-12-2003, 10:37

I'm getting between 19 and 24mpg. But thats a majority of urban driving, little motorway type crusing.

As for dealer servicing, Mazda are one of the cheapest main dealers for work, and services should be between £100 and £300ish depending.

snoopstah

09-12-2003, 13:30

Originally posted by CLH
Give him a dead arm from all of us!:D
Will do! He gets a fair bit of flak about it from most other people in the office, and he's actually just bought a 206 GTI to replace it - but now can't sell the Saxo! :D
Originally posted by CLH
Don't take this the wrong way but Sky+ will cure that run over problem now adding soft padding to either side whilst dual recording. Not TIVO bashing, just trying to help!
Yeah, I know. TiVo now has soft padding (well, third-party hack) but obviously can't do anything to fix this situation without dual tuners.

However, I can't afford (well, justify) Sky right now though (stuck with Freeview :cry: ) and even if I could, Sky+ wouldn't work as I live in an apartment, which does have a distributed Sky system from a dish on the roof, but wouldn't support two tuners. :(

And it doesn't run Linux, so is obviously vastly inferior. :D

Dan

14-12-2003, 08:20

Don't forget it's on 7pm tonight.:)

CLH

14-12-2003, 10:05

Originally posted by snoopstah

And it doesn't run Linux, so is obviously vastly inferior. :D

:lol:

On the subject of your mate again I passed an odd looking PUg yesterday.

It was basically a late model 205 with a 206 front end grafted to it and painted in two tone light blue/grey.

Reminded me of those "death" ships currently being dismantled oop north.

kcxdev

14-12-2003, 19:12

JC bashing his head :lol:

Roy

14-12-2003, 19:15

:D Yup, he deserves it.

That Noble was a mental car, it really was like a toy. :lol: @ at the apes in the audience "it's quick it must be the best".

Also funny, Clarkson saying how precise and controlled it was, then nearly losing it.

Dan

14-12-2003, 19:16

Why didn't the stig do a lap with the Merc?:confused:

CARL

14-12-2003, 21:11

Originally posted by Dan
Why didn't the stig do a lap with the Merc?:confused:

The one in the studio probably wasn`t a fully set up running car, Hence why they did the test drive in South Africa.

Don`t read below if you don`t want to know what happens next week.

Apparently next weeks guest is Carol Vorderman and she beats the lap time of Simon Cowell

Ridcully

14-12-2003, 21:16

Thought choosing the Morgan was poor, If they are going to use a 2 seat open top for that sort of test then they should have used a Caterham or Westfield.

Brad123

14-12-2003, 22:37

takuly

14-12-2003, 22:49

Originally posted by Brad123
Or an MR2.

How much are nobles:eek:
The best British car a MR2 :confused:

Nobles are around 50 to 60K if I remember rightly from the last time one was on.

I would buy one tomorrow if I won the lottery :)

CLH

15-12-2003, 07:17

Very good ep this week IMO (burnout aside). May really is the perfect foil to the two petrol heads!

I suspect the 1000bhp nitrous MG SV might be capable of causing severe brain haemarhaging (badly spelt) on Clarkson mind.

Island Swing

15-12-2003, 10:51

Is it me or are the times a lot quicker than last season, so therefore

1. The car is better
2. The new Stig is a better trainer.

:confused:

Originally posted by CARL

Apparently next weeks guest is Carol Vorderman and she beats the lap time of Simon Cowell

JayX

15-12-2003, 11:11

its the same noble he drove on the No Limits (i think) video yeah? we have a 75 here, so was nice to see it get some screentime even if it didn't get much of an applause (well, its not going to against the noble is it hehe) but its a gorgeous ride, can't complain.

Panavision

15-12-2003, 12:16

The new MClaren Merc:

Is this your car?

Yes

:lol:

turbo

15-12-2003, 14:35

Originally posted by RobDickinson
I'm getting between 19 and 24mpg. But thats a majority of urban driving, little motorway type crusing.

God, thats pretty bad. Before I started tweaking my renault 5 gt turbo, that used to do 36mpg on a damn good thrashing to work and back on quiet empty twisty back roads. (30mile each way journey). Not bad at all for a car which does 0-60 in 7seconds as standard.

Once I started tweaking it, the mpg dropped to 25mpg, but that was when it had 100bhp more than a standard car. 0-60... god knows how quick.

farmroad38

16-12-2003, 07:47

Due to an exceptionally inept bit of video programming, I watched the program last night and it stopped just as Clarkson said "And the time for the Rover is...".

What time did it do the lap in?

CLH

16-12-2003, 07:52

1:28 s odd.

About 1 s down on the GT2 IIRC.

Blokie

16-12-2003, 10:13

Originally posted by CLH
1:28 s odd.

About 1 s down on the GT2 IIRC.

..but the time for the Rover was in the dry, whereas the GT2 and CSL were in the wet, so a really poor time when you bear that in mind.

CLH

16-12-2003, 10:27

Originally posted by MarkBaron
..but the time for the Rover was in the dry, whereas the GT2 and CSL were in the wet, so a really poor time when you bear that in mind.

True.

Mind you I would expect the nitrous one to do better!

Radiohead

16-12-2003, 10:37

Buy why would you buy that Rover over a 911? It looks like it been driven into Halfords at 80mph and whatever stuck they left on.

hooj

16-12-2003, 10:46

Originally posted by MarkBaron
..but the time for the Rover was in the dry, whereas the GT2 and CSL were in the wet, so a really poor time when you bear that in mind.

Didn't Clarkson say that the 3rd gear was broken?

Still too much money though.
When I saw it at the motor show a year ago it was one of my favourite cars.
They hadn't sorted the interior, but what they did have in at the time was like a racing car, all stripped out. Looked great
Also that one Top Gear drove didnt have the big spoiler at the rear, which I think improves the looks.

CLH

16-12-2003, 10:50

Originally posted by Radiohead
Buy why would you buy that Rover over a 911? It looks like it been driven into Halfords at 80mph and whatever stuck they left on.

I wouldn't. Can't see why anyone would!

It's just nice to see the Brits come up with something that goes fast and handles well.

Mind you if they gave out Jennifer Garner with it ;)

Radiohead

16-12-2003, 10:52

Now you're talking.

Roy thinks she looks like a bloke

:cuckoo:

CLH

16-12-2003, 10:56

Originally posted by Radiohead
Now you're talking.

Roy thinks she looks like a bloke

:cuckoo:

He's ghey.

Radiohead

16-12-2003, 10:58

Truly.

turbo

16-12-2003, 11:06

Originally posted by hooj
Didn't Clarkson say that the 3rd gear was broken?

Still too much money though.

Nope, he said he wasnt man enough to actually change it into 3rd. Which he must have been saying sarcastically, since he was definately in 3rd gear at many times during the show.

It is a silly amount of cash though for an mg. I thought it looked very much like a rx8 with those wheel arches. I can see that is going to be the next fashionable styling for hot hatch cars...

Basically I though the car looked okay. Basically a mustang with a MG badge. The fact that there is a 1000bhp nitrous kit is irrelevant. You can bolt nitrous on any similar car and get loads of hp.

CLH

16-12-2003, 11:07

Originally posted by turbo
Basically I though the car looked okay. Basically a mustang with a MG badge. The fact that there is a 1000bhp nitrous kit is irrelevant. You can bolt nitrous on any similar car and get loads of hp.

Very true. Although most car co's won't do it for you.

If they could undercut the Noble it would be worth it.

GAmbrose

16-12-2003, 11:13

Originally posted by Radiohead
Now you're talking.

Roy thinks she looks like a bloke

:cuckoo:

She is rather Man-ish

Gary A

CLH

16-12-2003, 11:16

http://img1.photobucket.com/albums/1003/CLH007/offtopic1.gif

and it's all my fault :(

Mattie F

16-12-2003, 14:03

Originally posted by Ridcully
Thought choosing the Morgan was poor, If they are going to use a 2 seat open top for that sort of test then they should have used a Caterham or Westfield.

What “sort of test”? I thought it was just the best British car.

It was right (IMO) that Morgan, with their heritage, were included. As you say though, what about Caterham. And what about TVR – how can they have been left out? Three cars weren’t enough really.

It did get me thinking though about other small British car firms – are Marcos still making cars? And what about Bristol? Are they still producing – if they are I would have thought they could have won easily.

I must say I really did laugh when a shaken Clarkson after a spin in the Morgan said “I nearly fell out!”

Matt.

CLH

16-12-2003, 14:44

Perhaps the argument to an extent would be that those 3 cars were "original" concepts.

Caterham's 7 of course is a Lotus 7 so perhaps you could argue their exclusion on that basis?

Radiohead

16-12-2003, 15:02

As far as I'm concerned they were wrong to exclude cars that are no longer owned by British companies.

Lotus, IMO, is a very British companym regardless of who finances them. The same goes for Aston Martin in the same way that Lamborghini are still typically Italian, despite being owned by VAG. As soon as they eliminated those sort of marques they were always going to struggle with finding decent cars to choose from.

"Best Car" comps are pointless anyway - best at what exactly?

Of those 3 chosen they were all best at something. The Noble was the best sports car, the Morgan the best classic design and the Rover the best at transporting 4 adults with luggage in comfort.

CLH

16-12-2003, 15:25

Very fair points

GAmbrose

21-12-2003, 17:05

It's on at 7p.m again.

Gary A

raymondlin

21-12-2003, 18:59

the old cars are faster ? :confused:

Dan

21-12-2003, 19:00

Jonny Vegas :|

CARL

21-12-2003, 19:12

Originally posted by raymondlin
the old cars are faster ? :confused:

Hardly surprising with difference in power between them (4wd 300bhp against 2wd 220bhp :confused: )

Lets see a modern fomula one car against an old one or a modern porsche against an old one ;)

Roy

21-12-2003, 19:17

Vegas isn't funny.

Jennifer Garner is a masculine woman.

Clarkson is a showboat.

The new TT doesn't look good value, although Clarkson didn't do the DSG gearbox justice, aah remember when we talked about cars on Top Gear and not lifestyle choices.

Mk1 Golf looked as hot as ever, it's a shame the show is engineered around always proving Clarkson right :rolleyes:

raymondlin

21-12-2003, 19:26

Jennifer Garner was on there? :confused: :eek: :( :( :( :( :(

Roy

21-12-2003, 19:29

No mate, only on this thread as Radiohead and CLH obsess about my sexual preferences.

It's sad really, their vain attempts to turn me are failing miserably. :help:

raymondlin

21-12-2003, 19:31

Originally posted by Roy
No mate, only on this thread as Radiohead and CLH obsess about my sexual preferences.

It's sad really, their vain attempts to turn me are failing miserably. :help:

:lol: you better show them your "Hot Rod" ASAP :suspect: :p

Brad123

21-12-2003, 21:23

Nice to see my MR2 mark3 kicking booty.:thumbs:

Radiohead

21-12-2003, 22:23

It kicked a Mk1 Brad, hardly a surprise given that it weighs about 100kg less and has more power. Plus the fact that one engine was 15 years old and one was about 15 weeks old.....

Remember that yours wouldn't exist if the Mk1 hadn't....plus mine has pop-up lights so is clearly better.

Roy wants me and CLH in the sack, it's an open secret.

Jennifer Garner is whey hot.

Vegas isn't funny.

Roy

22-12-2003, 18:57

A bloke who was a naturist used to drive a Mk1 MR2 at a place I used to work.

Radiohead

22-12-2003, 21:26

:confused:

Matt KB

23-12-2003, 01:53

Originally posted by Roy
A bloke who was a naturist used to drive a Mk1 MR2 at a place I used to work.

That's nice... did he let you use his gearstick? :norty: :nono:

;)

Toothy

23-12-2003, 06:08

I`m increasingly growing weary of Top Gear, as it`s just a vehicle (no pun intended), for Clarkson`s ego.

I want to see interesting cars, cars I`ll never be able to afford, cars I can afford....I wouldn`t mind seeing the odd bike now and again. ;)

But what I don`t want to see is, D-list celebs in crappy cars trying to race round an airfield...I don`t want to see grannies doing donuts....I don`t want to see buses jumping over caravans or whatever. It`s just dumbed down TV for Wayne and Tracy in their Ford Sierra.

None of the presenters can drive a car on its limits, after all they`re just journos, (maybe Hammond can as he has an 911) :D, the only car Clarkson managed to really get to grips with, was the RX8. Which was probably down to the car flattering the driver. :oh-hum:

Although I might just nominate the DC2 Integra Type R, as a future classic.

It`s rare.....only 1600 were imported and they`re all individually numbered.

It`s interesting......the totally bonkers banzai engine....probably the finest N/A mass-produced 4 cylinder ever made....and of course the handling....it`s been called `the best handling front wheel drive car ever made`. :dork: :dork:

I much prefer 5th Gear now....at least they actually test cars on a real racetrack, (any fool can drive fast on a flat airfield), and Tiff and VBH have racing backgrounds. :thumbs:

AngryFlower

23-12-2003, 07:26

Originally posted by Toothy
I`m increasingly growing weary of Top Gear, as it`s just a vehicle (no pun intended), for Clarkson`s ego.

Come come now, you've only just realised this... And you drive for a living? :lol:

Personally, I find some of the stuff they do interesting - the Toyota destruction for instance; provides a valuable lesson about vehicle safety.

Agreed, the "uber-rubbish/cool" thing is just fluff, but at least Top Gear provides some entertainment to the straight reporting of 5th Gear, although their report on HGV crashes was illuminating.

And Clarkson knows he's a jerk, that's why he plays up to that to wind people up...and it's clearly working. ;)

As an all-round show, most of the stuff both programmes do has been nicked from Driven.

Roy

23-12-2003, 08:44

I'm inclined to agree with Toothy, I don't mind the odd bit of entertainment, but the constant shoehorning of comedy into their segments is annoying.

Hammond is fine on his own, Clarkson just introduces a fascetious (sp?) element to any review, James May is clearly the most intelligent and astute of the three.

I don't think Clarkson knows he's a jerk, I think he considers himself more of a chilled out entertainer, if you know what I'm saying.

mjb1975

23-12-2003, 10:05

Personally speaking, I think they've got it just right on Top Gear at the mo. I've always found Jeremy quite funny, entertaining, etc, with the side kick in Richard Hammond and the snobby (meant in the best possible sense) James May - who I think adds a helluva lot to the show, not least cos I also don't like newer cars and much prefer his features on older stuff.

It's essential viewing each week for me.

Radiohead

23-12-2003, 12:17

I'm with Roy and Toothy this - and do also prefer 5th Gear. Not only can Tiffany Dell drive a bit, but they also run genuinely interesting segments about things that affect drivers.

I like James May on TG though - he's a good foil for Clarkson, who just talks absolute nonsense most of the time and now believes his own hype...

Island Swing

23-12-2003, 12:22

James May is the man, he used to write the motoring column in the Scotland on Sunday and it was always a great read.

Top Gear isnt really so much about the cars, (thats what 5th Gear is for and VBH :luv: ) its about entertainment, which is why Mrs H is quite happy to watch it. Unlike 5th Gear.

Radiohead

23-12-2003, 12:32

Mrs R hates Clarkson with a passion.

:lol:

CLH

23-12-2003, 12:35

Originally posted by Radiohead
Remember that yours wouldn't exist if the Mk1 hadn't....plus mine has pop-up lights so is clearly better.

Roy wants me and CLH in the sack, it's an open secret.

Jennifer Garner is whey hot.

Vegas isn't funny.

Total agreement from me.

Roy'll have to wait. I'm all out of butter.

Watching LOTR yesterday they had that "clever" VW advert showing Golf's through the ages.

Strikes me that you can take the advert that some bloke had a Mark 1 Golf GTi. Sold it. Realised they got worse as they went on. Got to a Mark 4 then hunted down his original Mark 1 again. Hardly "clever" that.