Top Gear Coming to America

[The Architect]

Because they knew it wasn't going to be that fast?

Is Ford one of their advertisers?  Or are they looking to not upset the nascar crowd?

I'm bothered that Mercedes is one of their sponsors.  Any chance we'll see them bashing a Mercedes? 

[duccarlos]

Once they learn how to drive Mercedes might allow them the use of one of their cars.

[The Architect]

So I'm watching the new season.  The cast is getting better but they still have a long way to go.  The shows budget and production is helping.  And it still seems like a knockoff of the original.

I also starting watching The Car Show on Speed.  It's almost the complete opposite.  The crew work well together but the budget and production is a little lacking. 

I seem to be enjoying The Car Show a little more.

[AJ]

I'm still traumatized by the season opener.  No way in hell I'm watching that mountain of steaming skunk poo again 











I'd managed to forget it existed...but then you revived this thread...and I'm now going to go rock in the corner...

[The Architect]

Sorry to dig up an old thread.

There is a part of me that wants these shows to succeed.  I want to see people interrested in cars, car design, etc.  Cars are such a big part of our lives.  If we show more interest and educate the general public maybe the manufacturers will improve their product.

[AJ]

There is a part of me that wants these shows to succeed.  I want to see people interrested in cars, car design, etc.  Cars are such a big part of our lives.  If we show more interest and educate the general public maybe the manufacturers will improve their product.

I think that'd be awesome, but I just don't see Top Gear (USA), given how tepid/effing painful it is, generating that kind of benefit to society. 

I love 77south's ideas   I think that would get people engaged & interested, especially given the economy for the last 3 years.

They need a show called first gear.  One week they compare head to head unrestored american sports cars from the late 70s ($6000 maximum budget per car, no less than 100,000 miles).  The next week, each host has to ride shotgun with a brand new 16 year old driver who had a license for less than a month, each in a car that cost less than $10k.  They could race stock honda civics, then give them to local kids each with a $3000 budget to make it go faster, then race them again. 
    I just think there is more opportunity for creativity when you go old and cheap then when you go new and expensive.   Plus new and expensive has been done to death.
other ideas off the top of my head:
Off roading with mid '80s domestic luxury sedans!  Cadillac vs Lincoln!
Ice racing on Harleys!
Hill climbs in econoboxes  (Pikes Peak anyone?)!
Pizza delivery challenge!
Spring break road trip throwdown minivan vs SUV! 4 people per vehicle minimum at least 2 guys and 2 women per vehicle! 26 hour minimum drive and everyone has to drive at least 4 hours.
Hosts who are not all white guys!
Goth Racing: Hoopty Hearses Head to Head!

[Scooter Montgomery]

The Car Show is the Man Show with cars added.

Sponsered by TireRack.com, friend them on facebook and follow them on Twitter. (repeat this last sentence every 7 1/2 minutes)

[duccarlos]

The Car Show is the Man Show with cars added.

+1 So much better than TGUSA.

[ducrider45]

Im going to have to check out The Car Show now.

[Duc Buz]

US Top Gear is painful, and god knows I have tried to give it a chance.  I want it to be a success.  I was completely floored when I saw it was back for another season.  I will try to get through an episode.
The chemistry and writing on UK Top gear can't be replicated, and the dorks on the US version are just not likeable or natural.
That Tanner jack-hole gets on my nerves ever since the show he was on competing against Paul Tracy, the big guy has about as much charisma as an earplug, and the other bloke is just all wrong.
The Car Show (Man Show), I don't know, the jury is still out, but I am trying.

UK Top Gear new season soon, YES!

[ute]

The car show is what TGUSA should have been

They do need to lose the basketball player I see no use for him in the show

[stateprez]

The ZR1 vs Ferrari 458 track test lost all my respect for their ability to review cars.  Watch this clip of the 'Vette....and it's faster than this 458 with aftermarket 22's on it, but you're just going to have to take our word for it.

I'm not saying that stock vs stock wouldn't be the same outcome, just isn't really objective.  Regardless, I bet they never get another car from FNA.

[pennyrobber]

The car show is what TGUSA should have been

They do need to lose the basketball player I see no use for him in the show

Apparently Carolla was approached originally to host TGUSA but declined.

I am happy with watching old episodes of Top Gear on NetFlix as they are still entertaining even after years and years.

UK Top Gear new season soon, YES!

It's a good one. Just ended about a week ago.

[A.duc.H.duc.]

I can't lie, TGUSA started really slow, but I really enjoy it now. Sure the 'Vette vs. 458 was tilted in the 'Vette's favor, but the Vette probably actually is faster, and can you blame them, it is TG "USA".

I personally can't stand Adam Carolla.

[sugarcrook]

I also can't stand Carolla, but he's not overwhelming in The Car Show.  IMO it's far better than TGUSA.