Top Gear - New Series

[C8RKH]

17 minutes ago, LotusLeftLotusRight said:

The current TG trio does seem to be regurgitating the old Clarkson trio era adventures, doesn’t it? Caravan holiday last week, Iceland next…

Yes, but like a regurgitated meal, it's never as good second time round!

[ramjet]

Yeah, that acidic reflux afterburn just ruins a good steak.

[exeterjeep]

22 minutes ago, LotusLeftLotusRight said:

The current TG trio does seem to be regurgitating the old Clarkson trio era adventures, doesn’t it? Caravan holiday last week, Iceland next…

They have been gelling together better as the series go along.

[Mark Blanchard]

I watched a couple of minutes of it and turned over.  Harris is quite irritating but at least you can take his opinions seriously, even if you don't agree with it.  However I just do have any time for that cricket plonker and No likey no lighty.

[Gjk]

I thought this Harris bloke was meant to be some sort of racing driver? So what is he doing on TV? I know the wages for TG are pretty good but, wouldn’t a “proper” racing driver want to be out on the circuit racing?

[Bibs]

He started off as a journo at Autocar and also races. Made more of a name for himself on YouTube before getting the TG gig. 

[C8RKH]

To be fair, he's a good racer and driver. Just needs to lose the Porsche prejudice and drop the Lotus chip off his shoulder. In other words, just be honest and balanced and not biased.

[blindside]

For me Chris Harris is the primary reason for watching the show. He really knows how to pedal a car and his energy and enthusiasm is infectious. The recent TG review of the Huracan STO is a classic example of his style. His review of the Mk4 Megane Trophy-R in the last series convinced me to get one. (OK I am a long-standing RenaultSport fanboy, but was still quite sceptical about its overall value for money until I saw his review). He also has an excellent working knowledge of the whole ‘fast car’ scene. If he thinks something is crap he say’s so without fear or favour. He has gained a lot of respect across the brand/marque divide because of this. 

I think his long-standing respect for Porsche GT cars is based on the consistently high standard, drivability and continuous improvements in their sports car offerings over many years.

I’m not convinced that he has ever had any prejudice, or axe to grind about Lotus. Everything I’ve heard from him, or seen in print, is invariably very positive, with a great deal of respect for the history and values. But there’s a high bar over new models and why not? He’s a motoring journalist after all and is paid to tell it as he sees it.

[exeterjeep]

4 minutes ago, blindside said:

For me Chris Harris is the primary reason for watching the show.

Agree, think the other 2 are just to increase the audience.

ps on another matter I see Fifth gear are back on shortly, with a new series, seems to have an emphasis on electric cars.

[Andyww]

Not sure if a show name with "Gear" in it really works with electric cars. They should keep that name for a classic car show.

[Bibs]

Just watched this weeks. Again, not brilliant nor a great advert for Next underwear!

I wonder how much of the driving Flintoff did in his review and after saying it's the best thing in the world and he wanted it covered in gravy and sent to his room, he said he preferred his Camaro once back in front of the camera.

[Barrykearley]

That corvette did look amazing. The yanks will be filling their boots with them at £45k to buy.

as for the rest - frankly it was a bit of a bore.

[exeterjeep]

Looked at a couple on Autotrader, much more expensive here, and found a couple of lhd ones an a rhd one. Do look like the yanks have made a car more in the European style.  

The program yesterday with Guy Martin , (and the previous weeks episode) were more interesting. He is brave to try what he built.!

[LotusLeftLotusRight]

^^^ well it only lasted 13 seconds! 😃

Not a great result after 6 months work and two trips across Europe.

[exeterjeep]

1 minute ago, LotusLeftLotusRight said:

^^^ well it only lasted 13 seconds! 😃

But he did better round his field and it seemed to pick up the grass. 

His race in the previous weeks episode was better. Certainly less health and safety the TG.

[mayevora]

Well that was a darn good episode - Nice contributions from Mike Kimberley and Barry Wills 👍😊

[exeterjeep]

And seem to recognise the lotus test track. - did have its name in a few places. Flintoff had a great go at being a racing driver as well.

[Kimbers]

I don't care. After 20 years of pushing buttons but never being in the front my old man finally got to speak. Now. Look out for that book!

[Bibs]

Very cool to see MJK on the show

[Spinney]

I’ve warmed to this new series enormously. Usually I record and just fast forward through the dross but have stuck with the episodes in real time for this series.  

Whilst I find Harris irritating at times he does, at least, know what he’s talking about and it was his test of the V6 Exige on the Hethel track that persuaded me to p/ex my much loved Elise. 

It was a real shame he had to retire the Ginetta in the GT race shown last night. I was looking forward to watching him climb the leader board as he can obviously pedal a race car very quickly. That piece a couple of weeks ago where he was only 1 second slower than Lando Norris in the Macca at Silverstone, tells you all you need know about his ability.  

Against my better judgment, I’ve also warmed (slightly😁) towards the other two, although McGuinness does still try my patience! 

[pete]

[bogle]

Yes, now that's an episode to watch!

[mayevora]

Tonight’s new series certainly didn’t make me want to visit the States for motorsport.

Donk racing…… Er no thanks.

Preview of what’s to come in the series looks ok. Lotus Emira and the Maserati MC20 will keep my interest.

Spotted this in the background for no more than a second in tonight’s episode.

 

[mayevora]

Emira being tested on Top Gear tonight. 

[Bravo73]

CH loved it. AF ordered one. Result.