The Top Gear MEGATHREAD!!!!

[edesignuk]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the definitive Top Gear MEGATHREAD :D

You know what it’s like, Monday morning comes, and what are all the blokes at work talking about? “Did you see that _________ on Top Gear last night!?!? I’d sell my kids to get one!”

It’s only right that the MacRumors community has the same place to share that passion, and this is it.


To kick off…


How about that Aston Martin DBR9? *grrrrrrrr* And that green thing based on an A Class that could extend and shrink, how cool was that!?

[Wes]

This morning my first topic of conversation was the funniness during the segment about the new Discovery going up the mountain. The line about sucking the moisture off rocks was hilarious, as was the farse of the land anchor pulling the whole of Scotland towards the car.

[edesignuk]

I had completly forgotten about the new Disco!

I was pretty impressed with it though, it's pretty good value, and is very capable. IMO the new Disco looks much better than the old one, I was never a fan of the old look.

[Blackstealth]

I was pretty impressed with it though, it's pretty good value, and is very capable. IMO the new Disco looks much better than the old one, I was never a fan of the old look.

I can't say I'm a fan of the new Disco (the 300 Tdi series was the best looking in my books) but it's good to see that it retains the capability of its ancestors.

As long as Ford keeps churning out Land Rovers that are capable of driving to the ends of the earth in mostly showroom spec (with a few selected accessories) then I'll be happy.

The DBR9 looks very tasty, it'll be interesting to see how it performs at Sebring before they cart it off the Le Mans.

[Mr. Anderson]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the definitive Top Gear MEGATHREAD :D Wow, this just sounds so exciting :D ;)

Is this show only limited to UK viewers and vehicles?

D

[edesignuk]

Wow, this just sounds so exciting :D ;)hehe, I know, doesn't it? ;)
Is this show only limited to UK viewers and vehicles?

D
Oh no, everyone's welcome! It's just that I know Top Gear is the biggest car show over here, and is also watched my many in the US and over the world on international BBC channels, so it seemed like a good name for it.

Why, got a cool car you wanna talk about? :D

[paxtonandrew]

This morning my first topic of conversation was the funniness during the segment about the new Discovery going up the mountain. The line about sucking the moisture off rocks was hilarious, as was the farse of the land anchor pulling the whole of Scotland towards the car.

I have always been a LR Discovery Fan, and was given VIP tickets to its Australian release, but with the models starting at AU$55,000 it will be out of reach for many families. I will be taking a serious look at it, and the X5's again, for my next car. The Disco has all the off road capabilities that I don't need, but the on-road handling seems perfect with that new 6 speed auto. Only one question although, what about the Quality of the car? That is not one of Land Rover's strengths, and that it why I bought an X5 last time.

[edesignuk]

Only one question although, what about the Quality of the car? That is not one of Land Rover's strengths, and that it why I bought an X5 last time.That's one point they commented on, they said it seems to be built well and is very solid, unlike other Land Rovers of late. So things are looking good :)

[iGav]

Observations...

How not so good does the new Dodge Viper look... not only is it slower around a track than a CSL (both in the wet) it sets fire to it's interior and doesn't go around corners at all well.

And it's engine is the epitome of lazy arsed engineering.


The new Disco is cool as... more so in the flesh. It's HUGE as well and looks like it's carved out of granite, and far more impressive looking than the Range Rover. Shame it weighs 2.7 tonnes. :eek: Totally over engineered, but nothing short of a military Hummer would see which way it went off road though! :D


The Enzo last week was truly glorious and I'm inclined to believe it'd lap the 'Ring faster than any other production car on the planet.


How bad was that Bugatti Veyron watch.... £140k, completely useless because it doesn't have the car to go with it.


Anyway... it's 5th Gear now, and I'm off to get my weekly dose of Vicki!! :D

[edesignuk]

Anyway... it's 5th Gear now, and I'm off to get my weekly dose of Vicki!! :D
Watching that now ;) Glad to see they just gave the Mini the thumbs up (again!).

I really don't like the new Viper, the engineering is pathetic, how in the world can you give someone an 8.3ltr engine, and then only get 500bhp out of it? BMW do that with 5.2ltr (the new M5). Not only that, the new Viper looks no where near a mean or extreme as the old one, and the bodywork actually catches fire because the exhausts that run down the side of the car get so hot! That's ridiculous! I wouldn't wanna go near a petrol station with it :eek:

edit: one more thing: then they want £80k for it, you must be ******** me, I can think of MUCH better ways to spend £80k on a car.

[MacDawg]

My tastes are just too old fashioned, the muscle cars of the 60's, etc.

Z28
Super Sport
GTO
Roadrunner
Boss 302

I come from a different generation :(

[sparky76]

I have a client who drives a Mercedes M class and loved telling him today he had the worst car in the UK. Is the whole survey out yet or just in the magazine?

[edesignuk]

I have a client who drives a Mercedes M class and loved telling him today he had the worst car in the UK. Is the whole survey out yet or just in the magazine?
I loved that, I never throught much of them, and it's always Mums or business men with their head up their own arse that drive them (sorry if anyone here drives 'em :p). Perfect :D

[WinterMute]

So, this is an edesignUK masterclass in how to talk a thread up is it? ;) :rolleyes: :D :D

I'm a big Topgear fan, I loved the attempt to kill that Toyota pickup last year, they dropped a 15 storey block of flats out from under it and it STILL started.... How hard is that?

I'll go with the Aston, luvverly.

[Wes]

I'm a big Topgear fan, I loved the attempt to kill that Toyota pickup last year, they dropped a 15 storey block of flats out from under it and it STILL started.... How hard is that?

Was that before or after they let it float in the sea and then dropped a caravan on it?

[edesignuk]

So, this is an edesignUK masterclass in how to talk a thread up is it? ;) :rolleyes: :D :DYup, it's all in the marketing you know ;)
Was that before or after they let it float in the sea and then dropped a caravan on it?
And was that before of after they set fire to it? :D

[edesignuk]

How about last week? The F60 (aka Enzo) is quite a machine, £500,000, if they will let you buy one :eek:

[russed]

i have missed it for the past 2 weeks (yes i know i have sinned) but in the 1st week i liked the ice cream van trying to jump bouhcy castles. oh and i would so love to go playing on that big beach in wales. it looks great fun!

[stevehaslip]

top gear has to be one of the best things on tv, not only does it have loads of cool stuff about seriously fast cars and cool things like jumping an ice cream van over cars but its also very funny. I know some people hate Clarkson's sense of humour and say that hes a jerk but i think hes incredibly funny, the humour is always what gets me! :D

it was very funny that the new viper's (ridiculously positioned) exhausts tend to set things on fire! :D :D

Yeah i think the new disco is cool looking, but because of new car pedestrian crash related guidelines due to be enforced in a couple of years time all new cars and 4x4's will look radically different. The bonnets have to be drastically lower, it really will change the way everything we drive looks. Imagine how seriously injured you'd be if that stonking great landrover drove into you?

[edesignuk]

Imagine how seriously injured you'd be if that stonking great landrover drove into you?
The front of the Rolls-Royce Phantom would smart a bit too! :eek: It's gotta be the biggest, flatest, front of a car I have ever seen :cool:

http://images.yo-momma.net/CWMotorShow04/thumbs/rolls1.jpg (http://images.yo-momma.net/CWMotorShow04/full/rolls1.JPG)

...but then, there's probably not much chance of running in to a £250,000 car everyday...

[evoluzione]

and is also watched my many in the US


no ****??? do you know where/how??? i miss top gear and i've yet to find it on telly over here. maybe i should do a tivo search, never thought it would ever be on! top gear and match of the day, if i could get both of those i'd be the happiest guy alive, at least for a minute anyway.

all i'd need then is murray walker on the grand prix shows here.....

[edesignuk]

no ****??? do you know where/how??? i miss top gear and i've yet to find it on telly over here. maybe i should do a tivo search, never thought it would ever be on! top gear and match of the day, if i could get both of those i'd be the happiest guy alive, at least for a minute anyway.

all i'd need then is murray walker on the grand prix shows here.....
I think when Top Gear has come up before people have said it's on BBC America or something? I'm not sure, maybe someone else can help here?

[robbieduncan]

I have a client who drives a Mercedes M class and loved telling him today he had the worst car in the UK. Is the whole survey out yet or just in the magazine?

Just in the magazine at the moment. Some results are available on the top gear site (http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/survey_2004/01/)

[WinterMute]

Was that before or after they let it float in the sea and then dropped a caravan on it?

That was after, plus they'd set it on fire and crashed it into a wall too... :eek:

Bloody thing just wouldn't lie down and die, in the end they didn't have the heart to try to kill it any more, it would have seemed petty. They drove it into the studio, all they used to get it running were basic tools and WD40.

Mind, thats all you ever need isn't it?

[edesignuk]

all they used to get it running were basic tools and WD40.

WD40 is the answer to everything though ;)

[WinterMute]

WD40 is the answer to everything though ;)

The only two kinds of maintenance I understand: Liquid and impact.

If WD40 doesn't fix it, hit it with something heavy... :D

[garybUK]

A good freind of our family his brother drives a V12 Vanquish.... absolutely stunning car! very fast if you want it to go as well...

I loved when Jeremy Clarkson drove the DB9 from London to Monaco and beat the TGV train :)

[edesignuk]

I loved when Jeremy Clarkson drove the DB9 from London to Monaco and beat the TGV train :)
That was classic, the DB9 needed a hell of a good wash though, sooooo many dead bugs all over that beautiful car :eek:

[Savage Henry]

Glad to see they just gave the Mini the thumbs up (again!).

Mini ... Pah!! ... Mercilessly overrated pile of gubbins if you ask me .. (which nobody did .. but I said it anyway;))

I gave up on 5th gear when they .. er... started heaping gargantually sycophantic praise on the new Mini

On a lighter note, I too found the 'sucking moisture off a rock' remark made me laugh out lound, and I look forward to using it in a totally inappropriate way at work today. :)

[edesignuk]

Mini ... Pah!! ... Mercilessly overrated pile of gubbins if you ask me .. (which nobody did .. but I said it anyway;))
:eek: :eek: Don't look at my .Mac gallery then!

[iGav]

The only trouble with Top Gear is that it's full of inaccuracies, and the road test are full of JC's *************... :eek: :p

5th Gear kinda pi$$ed me off totally last night as well... because Aston, Jag, Bentley, and MINI are NOT British car makers anymore, and it's wrong to call them that :rolleyes: it's like proclaiming NISSAN as a British car maker, because they knock stuff out up in Sunderland! :rolleyes:

And the Bentley looks more like an MG Rover Tiff... :eek: silly boy :p

[evoluzione]

a hammer, and a roll of black electrical tape.....now THEY fix everything :)


edesignuk, i'll have to check that out on BBCA, i always liked Clarkson for some reason, maybe because he's just so random.

no one has it on their computer do they? there must be someone out there that can get it into their mac and qt it....

[Savage Henry]

:eek: :eek: Don't look at my .Mac gallery then!

Objectively, as a visual feast, the Mini does look the part ... I'm happy to admit that. But it's a case of form ahead of function and I think BMW could have had a lot more to show from their R&D expenditure. It's just my very humble opinion, so bear it no consequence.

As for Top Gear, I wish they'd lose the 'sleb spot ... I couldn't give a monkeys how fast Gladys Grimthorpe from Coronation Street drives a car in a circle ... which I consider less 'opinion' and more 'valid point'.

;)

[Counterfit]

BMW:
507 HP (373 kW) @ 7750 rpm
520 Nm (383 ft.-lb) torque @ 6100 rpm
Viper:
500 horsepower at 5,600 RPM
525 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,200 RPM

How in the world can you give someone a 5.2 liter V-10 and only get 383 ft.-lbs. of torque from it, at 73% of redline?! :p
[quote]edit: one more thing: then they want £80k for it, you must be ******** me, I can think of MUCH better ways to spend £80k on a car. How about better ways to spend $85k? Looks like Daimler Chrysler is doing the same thing as Apple with you guys ;)

[stevehaslip]

no ****??? do you know where/how??? i miss top gear and i've yet to find it on telly over here. maybe i should do a tivo search, never thought it would ever be on! top gear and match of the day, if i could get both of those i'd be the happiest guy alive, at least for a minute anyway.

all i'd need then is murray walker on the grand prix shows here.....

have you thought of looking on bit torrent? i've seen some small british shows on there so it might be worth a look.

[aloofman]

The new Disco is cool as... more so in the flesh. It's HUGE as well and looks like it's carved out of granite, and far more impressive looking than the Range Rover. Shame it weighs 2.7 tonnes. :eek: Totally over engineered, but nothing short of a military Hummer would see which way it went off road though! :D


What is the fascination with Land Rover? Am I the only one who thinks they're terribly overpriced and poorly built? I've known three people who have bought a Land Rover and all three regret it so much that they bring it up unprovoked in conversation just to complain about it.

I mean, I can understand lusting after ridiculously expensive cars that do far more than anyone needs. After all, most of the cool cars ever made fit that description! But Land Rover....come on!

[iGav]

But it's a case of form ahead of function and I think BMW could have had a lot more to show from their R&D expenditure. It's just my very humble opinion, so bear it no consequence.

That's exactly how I've always felt about the new MINI (same goes for the new Beetle as well).

The original MINI was incredibly innovative for it's time, and this seems to have been completely lost on BMW, who have taken the aesthetic of the original, given it a straight forward f***over and proclaimed it the new MINI... completely missing eveything that made the original one of the most important cars ever built.

Personally I've always believed the Audi A2 to be a true spiritual sucessor to the original MINI, from it's innovative construction and engineering layout, to it's overall aesthetic, I can well imagine Issigonis giving it the thumbs up because it takes the spirit of the original MINI and places it within 21st century lifestyles, instead of being merely retro/modern pastiche of the originals.

And Tiff... it ain't a British car... MINI has never been British, it's always been German :rolleyes:

[Savage Henry]

That's exactly how I've always felt about the new MINI (same goes for the new Beetle as well).

The original MINI was incredibly innovative for it's time, and this seems to have been completely lost on BMW, who have taken the aesthetic of the original, given it a straight forward f***over and proclaimed it the new MINI... completely missing eveything that made the original one of the most important cars ever built.

Personally I've always believed the Audi A2 to be a true spiritual sucessor to the original MINI, from it's innovative construction and engineering layout, to it's overall aesthetic, I can well imagine Issigonis giving it the thumbs up because it takes the spirit of the original MINI and places it within 21st century lifestyles, instead of being merely retro/modern pastiche of the originals.

And Tiff... it ain't a British car... MINI has never been British, it's always been German :rolleyes:

Hate to go Flanders-style Spookily Dookily on you here, but in my original text I was gonna mention (a) the monsterification of the Beetle as a comparison and (b) the fact that my wheels are an A2 ... and I love it to bits. But I recall that them folks at Top Gear (2 seasons ago) put the A2 in the 'uncool' section of their giant Fuzzy Felt board :eek: .... Philistines! :mad:

[iGav]

How in the world can you give someone a 5.2 liter V-10 and only get 383 ft.-lbs. of torque from it, at 73% of redline?!

also knocks out 331lb ft of torque at 3500rpm though ;)

either way... there's no excuse for the lazy arse engineering behind the engine in the Viper.... :p



the fact that my wheels are an A2 ... and I love it to bits.

you kept that one quiet Savage... :) I was thinking about buying one for use in the City, but keep thinking better of it and using the tube.

what engine?? I was thinking either the 1.6 FSI (converted if poss to run on LPG so it's exempt from the Congestion Charge) or maybe the 1.4 TDi (90PS) because of it's 230 NM of torque thwack!! :)

what's you general thoughts on it?? :)

[Counterfit]

also knocks out 331lb ft of torque at 3500rpm though ;)

either way... there's no excuse for the lazy arse engineering behind the engine in the Viper.... :p *cough* (http://www.viperalley.com/viperinfo/vimages/500-dynosheet-large.jpg) And where's the laziness? Using pushrods instead of overhead cams makes sense in a front engined car with an engine this long (:D), and I'm sure the crankshaft is pretty damn well designed, as handling all that torque over that length puts über-stress on it. Of course, they could have taken the M-B route and just slapped a pair of turbos on it :rolleyes:

[Savage Henry]

what engine???
The first gen petrol 1.4 nearly 3 years old and it is the sweetest thing that has ever graced the sole of my shoe.

I was thinking either the 1.6 FSI (converted if poss to run on LPG so it's exempt from the Congestion Charge)
CC exemption would be a big yay in my books and wouldn't think twice about driving the burbs of London with that model. In fact I'd say my next purchase would be a non-converted one (being country folk 'n all;))

or maybe the 1.4 TDi (90PS) because of it's 230 NM of torque thwack!! :)

what's you general thoughts on it?? :)

But the TDi was a super tasty machine when I purchased, yet I still chose petrol over derv: it felt a smoother drive, hugged the road as though it fell in love with the tarmac and yet had more punch that it's larger engined petrol rivals (opinion, obviously.)

Test them both, see what you think. But my next won't be anything else. :D

[jeffy.dee-lux]

the only Top Gear stuff i've seen is the enzo thing last week, and the Ford GT stuff from a while back, when he ran out of gas on the track. For those of you in the states lookin for a top gear fix,

www.sleepy-fish.com has a bunch of videos, although it seems to be down at this moment.

As far as the whole specific argument goes. I agree that the viper engine isn't all that impressive. But to me, you've gotta look at the benefits from using a smaller engine. I don't think you should compare hp/litre of displacement. You should compare hp/mpg or hp/cost or hp/cost of maintenance. STuff like that.
Doesn't a higher revving engine wear out quicker?

[EGT]

I have a question for you all....

What car do you want to win the restoration thingy? I think that Chrysler on the last show should be restored but it'll be good to see whatever one is picked.

[jeffy.dee-lux]

For those of you in the states lookin for a top gear fix,

www.sleepy-fish.com has a bunch of videos, although it seems to be down at this moment.



well that's funny, the day i post this seems to also be the day that sleepy fish takes down all their top gear videos.... too bad, there were a couple things i wanted to watch/ show friends.

[iGav]

And where's the laziness?

from an engineering point of view, only getting 500bhp from over 8 litres is lazy engineering, one could assume that someone like BMW would get near or indeed exceed 800bhp from such a displacement.

that in itself I guess could be forgiven if it didn't look like the worst handling car on the planet and didn't set fire to bits of its interior :eek: :p

[iGav]

My tastes are just too old fashioned, the muscle cars of the 60's, etc.

Z28
Super Sport
GTO
Roadrunner
Boss 302

I come from a different generation :(

what about a '68 Camaro though... :D after playing Driv3r, I'd love one of those bad boys.. :D

[Swinny]

I have a question for you all....

What car do you want to win the restoration thingy? I think that Chrysler on the last show should be restored but it'll be good to see whatever one is picked.

Ah good point...I was all up for James Dean's Lotus until they rolled out Keith Moon's Chrysler this week! Its a toughy thats for sure! Would be nice to see them all saved really, as seems all 3 so far have a pretty unique place in our motoring and wider cultural heritage.

My general observations from this series so far:

The Enzo feature was fantastic - but the 90s V 00's Supercar feature that followed it wasn't...proof if ever it were needed that Clarkson is more than happy to bend the truth a little when in need of a good soundbite.

The Disco feature, whilst impressive was a little OTT in my opinion - I can't help thinking there were other ways of proving the car's ability without needlessly ripping up a peat bog (a protected habitat no-less) just so JC could reel out a few (admitedly very funny) Ray Mears/survival one-liners.

Their hatred of Chris Bangle is getting a little out of hand - OK, so the new BMWs aren't to everyone's liking, but its just getting a little silly that they seem to have to mention he's "ruined" them everytime a new BMW is shown. He's actually made BMW's interesting ferchrissakes! (Nothing to do with the fact that I'm biassed cos he penned my car over a decade ago when the thought of flame-modeling a BMW 7-series was but a distant dream in his mind!)

[Applespider]

The front of the Rolls-Royce Phantom would smart a bit too! :eek: It's gotta be the biggest, flatest, front of a car I have ever seen :cool:

http://images.yo-momma.net/CWMotorShow04/thumbs/rolls1.jpg (http://images.yo-momma.net/CWMotorShow04/full/rolls1.JPG)

...but then, there's probably not much chance of running in to a £250,000 car everyday...

Unless, like me, you work across the road from a RR mechanic and have to dodge them on the zebra crossings round Chelsea. RR drivers don't appear to believe that normal road rules apply to them

[iGav]

Their hatred of Chris Bangle is getting a little out of hand - OK, so the new BMWs aren't to everyone's liking, but its just getting a little silly that they seem to have to mention he's "ruined" them everytime a new BMW is shown. He's actually made BMW's interesting ferchrissakes! (Nothing to do with the fact that I'm biassed cos he penned my car over a decade ago when the thought of flame-modeling a BMW 7-series was but a distant dream in his mind!)

and the really funny thing is that Bangle doesn't actually design BMW's... the 7 can be laid at the feet of Adrian van Hooydonk, Bangle just instigated the flame-surfacing aesthetic. ;)

[evoluzione]

yeessss! i saw an episode!!! i am missing the old Top Gear theme though ( good ol' iTMS! (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=3479220&selectedItemId=3479212) ) just isn't quite the same without it....not sure about some of the crappy camera movements either.

so the episode i saw was "Drunk vs Tired". how old is that one for you lot back home???? was strange to see my crap hometown too, they stayed in the Moathouse Hotel (i think that's what it's called) in Bedford, good base for Millbrook I guess. ahhhh brings back memories of chasing a sapphire cossie in my corolla, hitting 70 and launching off the bridge just before the hotel.....nearly landed on a cop too! :eek:

[edesignuk]

-evoluzione

I didn't even know each "episode" had a title :p What cars were on the one you saw?

On a car related topic, I tried getting a quote on what a Honda S2000 would cost me to insure (21 years old, driving 3 years, 1 accident <- damage to my car only). Care to take a guess??





£3.7k!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[robbieduncan]

-evoluzione

I didn't even know each "episode" had a title :p What cars were on the one you saw?

On a car related topic, I tried getting a quote on what a Honda S2000 would cost me to insure (21 years old, driving 3 years, 1 accident <- damage to my car only). Care to take a guess??





£3.7k!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Who did you get the quote from? I found that there was a massive difference between companies when I insured my XK8. Some companies wanted 5k, finally got it insured for 1k. confused (www.confused.com) is a very good service for getting quotes (UK only)

[edesignuk]

Who did you get the quote from? I found that there was a massive difference between companies when I insured my XK8. Some companies wanted 5k, finally got it insured for 1k. confused (www.confused.com) is a very good service for getting quotes (UK only)
That was through elephant who had given me the best quote for my mini cooper, I'll give confused a go though, thanks!

[edesignuk]

um...ok, tried confused...


They either didn't want to know, or wanted £7-8k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[evoluzione]

-evoluzione

I didn't even know each "episode" had a title :p What cars were on the one you saw?




they had the "small" Maybach, and the BMW 530i, and they had tiff and quentin driving around millbrook, either drunk or tired.

[robbieduncan]

um...ok, tried confused...


They either didn't want to know, or wanted £7-8k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow they really don't want you to have that car! I'm with Elephant at the moment as well :)

[edesignuk]

they had the "small" Maybach, and the BMW 530i, and they had tiff and quentin driving around millbrook, either drunk or tired.WOW, that must be old, I can't remember that at all.
Wow they really don't want you to have that car! I'm with Elephant at the moment as well :)
UK insurance companies suck, they'd rather you just didn't drive at all. Even the most mundane of cars cost a small fortune. Bastards.

[WinterMute]

WOW, that must be old, I can't remember that at all.

UK insurance companies suck, they'd rather you just didn't drive at all. Even the most mundane of cars cost a small fortune. Bastards.

You're 21, in the south and you drive fast cars, you're obviously a yob, a knob or a psychopath. :eek: :D ;)

Do what I did, shack up with a woman 10 years older than you, buy the Honda and get her to insure it. I bought a Renault 19 16-valve in 1988, they wanted nearly 2K then, and I was 24, she insured it for £500!

Plus those older women are grateful.... (ducks VERY quickly indeed) :D :D

[Counterfit]

from an engineering point of view, only getting 500bhp from over 8 litres is lazy engineering, one could assume that someone like BMW would get near or indeed exceed 800bhp from such a displacement. that doesn't prove laziness... :rolleyes:

that in itself I guess could be forgiven if it didn't look like the worst handling car on the planet From the Road & Track road test summary, which lists every car they tested in the last 5 years or so: Viper SRT-10, skidpad: 1.04g (highest of all tested, except nonproduction cars), slalom: 68.6 mph, some cars it beats: Porsche: 911 Carrera, Targa, and Turbo, Boxster, Ferrari 360 Spider (by a full 2 mph :eek: ), Subaru Impreza WRX STi ( :eek: ), Lamborghini Murciélago, Ruf RTurbo, Nissan 350Z Track and Touring. Some cars it doesn't beat: Porsche 911 GT2 and GT3 (0.01 mph off ;)), Boxster S (71.6 mph :eek: ) Enzo Ferrari (73 mph :eek: ), Mini Copper S (69.5 mph), and here's the kicker, it outbrakes and out gasmileage-s a 360 Spider :p (wish they had numbers for the coupe...)

[edesignuk]

that doesn't prove laziness... :rolleyes:Yes, it does.

[iGav]

that doesn't prove laziness... :rolleyes:

it doesn't exactly represent the epitome of engineering though does it... :p


From the Road & Track road test summary, which lists every car they tested in the last 5 years or so: Viper SRT-10, skidpad: 1.04g (highest of all tested, except nonproduction cars)

Great it's got grip in specific throttle conditions... (but then so has a Landie Defender) it still doesn't excuse it for possessing the kind of oversteer that ages you in a instant, for being slower than a M3 CSL around a track, oh and setting fire to it's interior... hahahahaha! :p :p :p

Seriously though... after seeing it on Top Gear it was hard to feel anything other than disappointment, sure it goes hard in a straight line, and looks a lot of fun spinning it round and around and around. But it's worrying when it looks like it's got far too much power for the chassis has snap oversteer the likes of which haven't been seen since an '80's 911 and after a bit of hard driving the door, door seals and interior panels catch fire because of a poorly thought out exhaust system, I just expected so much more from this car since the original one was sooooooooo f**kin' blinding...

Mr ed... I'm not surprised by the S2000 quote, it's got a bit of a rep for slinging you off the road (so say Autocar) what about an Elise?? lower displacement, faster around a track... and it's a Lotus ;) or even a VX220... Andy172 (I can't remember his exact username) has one on these boards, and swears by it... ;)

Anyhow what's on Top Gear this week?? I forget...

[edesignuk]

Mr ed... I'm not surprised by the S2000 quote, it's got a bit of a rep for slinging you off the road (so say Autocar) what about an Elise??That's the other car I'm looking at ;)
Anyhow what's on Top Gear this week?? I forget...
Ferrari 575 vs Aston Martin Vanquish S :cool:

[robbieduncan]

That's the other car I'm looking at ;)

The S2000 is group 20. New (i.e. post 2000 by the look of things) Elises are also group 20 so the insurance will be very similar. Best bet looks like a standard Elise from the 96-200 models as it's group 17 (or a 1999 111s is group 18).

[edesignuk]

The S2000 is group 20. New (i.e. post 2000 by the look of things) Elises are also group 20 so the insurance will be very similar. Best bet looks like a standard Elise from the 96-200 models as it's group 17 (or a 1999 111s is group 18).
I know, I know. The Mini is an 8E and the best quote I've had to insure that is £1.5k :eek:

Me and fast cars are just not meant to be for some time yet...apparently...:(

[robbieduncan]

I know, I know. The Mini is an 8E and the best quote I've had to insure that is £1.5k :eek:

Me and fast cars are just not meant to be for some time yet...apparently...:(

Basically you need to wait till you're 25. By then you should have built up some no-claims as well. That said 1.5k for group 8 seems a bit steep. When I was 24 I was able to get insurance on a group 13 Xsara for less than 1k with 1 years no claims.

[edesignuk]

25 is a long, long, way a way :(

[evoluzione]

25 is a long, long, way a way :(



my first motor was a Lancia Delta HF Turbo, a 1.6 turbo, and i was 18/19. cost me £1,300 to get that insured from what i remember. everyone loved that car, if they knew what it was, well, even if they didn't before they got taken for a ride in it. my Mum wasn't too happy mind, but she was the only one, the ride was too hard, and my acceleration was too hard also :cool: :D

[MacsRgr8]

Yes!! :cool:

The best TV programme there is.. TOP GEAR!
And therefore tnx to edesignuk, the best thread there is! LOL!

Even one of our Dutch commercial broadcasters transmits it.
Luckily we can get BBC over here. So, no need to wait! (and does wonders for one's English language knowledge)...
I have to admit that I am not a real car enthousiast, but I am a Top Gear enthousuast, since about a year orso. There is no way there is better entertainment on TV!! (apart from Blackadder, maybe...)
There even is a site dedicated to rippin' the shows to AVI and sharing them with with the rest of us via internet....

BTW.... a IMHO the "Toyota Hilux" was a real classic.... love the commercial too! :D

So, see ya guys after 8 pm Sunday (GMT)!!

[edesignuk]

There even is a site dedicated to rippin' the shows to AVI and sharing them with with the rest of us via internet....On behalf of our american counterparts can I ask...

LINK PLEASE!?

[MacsRgr8]

On behalf of our american counterparts can I ask...

LINK PLEASE!?

Just for you:

Sent you a PM....

[andym172]

Mr ed... I'm not surprised by the S2000 quote, it's got a bit of a rep for slinging you off the road (so say Autocar) what about an Elise?? lower displacement, faster around a track... and it's a Lotus ;) or even a VX220... Andy172 (I can't remember his exact username) has one on these boards, and swears by it... ;)


lol not far off ;)

S2000's are cracking cars, my only gripe being that you have to row it down the road (there's relatively little torque at low revs and so you're constantly needing to change gear).

The S2000 and Elise/VX220 are totally different cars and shouldn't really be placed in the same 'bracket'. If you want a GT that can turn its hand at being a sports car then the S2000 is the route to go, if you want a sports car that can't turn it's hand to being a GT then the Elise/VX route is the one to choose - having said that I drove from Liverpool to St Tropez in 24 hours in my previous VX and it coped admirably :)
As an only car you have to be committed if you choose the Elise/VX route. Prime example: cold mornings are a pain as the heaters in them are appallingly bad. Having said that the pro's far outweigh the con's - I can't help but smile every time I drive mine.

One thing's for sure, if you're in the market for an Elise DEFINITELY try a VX.

p.s. try Tesco insurance

[Counterfit]

it still doesn't excuse it for possessing the kind of oversteer that ages you in a instant, for being slower than a M3 CSL around a track, oh and setting fire to it's interior... hahahahaha! :p :p :p

Seriously though... after seeing it on Top Gear it was hard to feel anything other than disappointment, sure it goes hard in a straight line, and looks a lot of fun spinning it round and around and around. But it's worrying when it looks like it's got far too much power for the chassis has snap oversteer the likes of which haven't been seen since an '80's 911 But snap oversteer puts the fun in driving! (and hair on your chest ;))

And I'll say it again (er, not actually again, because I've only implied this before...): Torque is more important than horsepower.

[cb911]

well... it's a shame that we dont' get Top Gear over here in Aus, a pretty good car show. funny blokes as well. :p

but as mentioned i do get some of the shows via the, uhhherm.... web distribution method. :D

i do have one comment to make about the cars they feature... specifically that Toyota Hilux ute they had on. :D what a legendary car. :D

and they had the Monaro as well... that was a funny one... (yes, i know the Monaro and the Hilux were a while ago, but i haven't got any new episodes lately... :()

*Jeremy tries to turn on traction control...*

[car built-in computer]
"Poofta! Poofta! Poofta!!"
[/car built-in computer]

:D

[MacsRgr8]

Anybody fancy a game of conkers?

:D :cool:

[edesignuk]

Yes, but first...

I need to find a way to have enough money to get a Zonda :D

Can't believe what Ford are doing to Clarkson with his GT40 :eek:

[MacsRgr8]

Can't believe what Ford are doing to Clarkson with his GT40 :eek:

Yeah.. especially as they know it will be brought up in his show!
Not the best advertizement..... :rolleyes:

[stevehaslip]

The conkers game was awesome! But what did everyone think of the mighty fine zonda? Or the amazingly fast jimmy carr!? who saw that coming?!? I think ford must be crazy to be screwing around with the guy who constantly badmouths everything that annoys him! And if he doesn't mention it then James or Hamster Hammond will because they like to rib him!

[edesignuk]

I cannot BELIEVE Jimmy Carr was that fast, I NEVER would have thought it :eek:

[Wes]

To be honest I had an inkling he had won it. He went around that track so quickly in the Hyundai, good track conditions too.

He's a very funny guy, have you watched Distraction?

[Chimera]

That was another great episode, Jimmy Carr on the radio this morning said that his lap was 'reasonable' a bit of an understatement, they constantly come up with funny ideas; i loved the conkers and the smart roadtest wasnt bad either,

I do think the show would fall apart without Clarkson though, but as long as he's there an hour of my Sunday nights will always be taken up :cool:

[mfacey]

To be honest I had an inkling he had won it. He went around that track so quickly in the Hyundai, good track conditions too.

He's a very funny guy, have you watched Distraction?


Its a SUZUKI! Shame on you!

[Wes]

Sorry!

Confirmation :D

http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/laps.shtml

Looking at pics 'the Stig' did it in 1m46, and Carr in 1m46.9, very close!

[mfacey]

Basically you need to wait till you're 25. By then you should have built up some no-claims as well. That said 1.5k for group 8 seems a bit steep. When I was 24 I was able to get insurance on a group 13 Xsara for less than 1k with 1 years no claims.


You guys are all gonna hate me, but I work for an insurance company here in the Netherlands. I get..... 60%!!!! discount off any car insurance ON TOP of my no-claim bonus!! :cool:
Lucky me!


EDIT: But the downside is they use windows at my office...

[russed]

mmm... top episode today!

the zonda rocks! i have loved them ever since i first saw them in gt3! much better than a ferarri just for novelty value!

[Savage Henry]

I'm even more convinced that Moon's car should be restored
Jimmy Carr still annoys me, but at least he knocked Cowell off the top
Even comedians prefer Aston to Ferrari (sorry iGav)
Smart cars are becoming a little too pretentious ... even for me
I should have brought the chicken out the oven 10 minutes earlier, which is less about the program and more about what I ate whilst watching it.


I trust this has been of great help to everyone :)

[Bob21]

Very surprised to see Jimmy Carr at the top of the lap board. Jay Kay must be itching to get back on the show.

So, which would you choose - the Aston Martin Vanquish S or the Ferrari 575? Personally I'd choose the Aston, though I'd save myself £60k and go for the DB9 :D

[robbieduncan]

So, which would you choose - the Aston Martin Vanquish S or the Ferrari 575? Personally I'd choose the Aston, though I'd save myself £60k and go for the DB9 :D

Couldn't agree more. One day I'll have a DB9!

[edesignuk]

Very surprised to see Jimmy Carr at the top of the lap board. Jay Kay must be itching to get back on the show.

So, which would you choose - the Aston Martin Vanquish S or the Ferrari 575? Personally I'd choose the Aston, though I'd save myself £60k and go for the DB9 :D
I'd always take an Aston over a Ferrari ;), as much as I like the Vanquish, the DB9 seems like the better deal, and the better car. Yeah, I'll take a DB9 please :D

[Counterfit]

Once Aston wins a F1 championship, then maybe I'd take one over a Ferrari (but I'd get both if I had the $/€/£ ;)). But wait, what's that?! Oh yeah, Ford's not putting anymore $/£/€ into F1, for now :p :mad:

[robbieduncan]

Once Aston wins a F1 championship, then maybe I'd take one over a Ferrari (but I'd get both if I had the $/€/£ ;)). But wait, what's that?! Oh yeah, Ford's not putting anymore $/£/€ into F1, for now :p :mad:

What if the win Le Mans (http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view.asp?cid=28&nid=102299) instead?

[iGav]

My observations... bit of a downer this week.

I guess I must be in the minority... I hate the Zonda... :eek: hate it, looks odd, from the side profile it looks like you sit on the front wheels, no visual balance at all, oh and the interior is naff as they come. :eek: it may have a great engine (Merc) but the rest just looks so... bad.

Smart have lost the plot...

Ferrari Vs Aston.... I was actually going to post just before the start of Top Gear saying that they'd find that the Ferrari would be sooooooooo much better, faster, etc etc but such is JC's downer on all things Maranello at the moment that it could've been Ferrari vs a Ford Capri and he'd still vote against the Ferrari.

I still can't believe how bad the Aston Martin's reliability was... (it's not unique to this show either) I've read reviews of it burning out it's clutch, gearbox ceasing to work completely and even bits falling off it's Mondeo interior... just doesn't sound like an Aston Martin to me... more like a TVR. :eek: :p

Either way... it's difficult to take someone seriously when they pick a car which is just several leagues behind it's competitor in every area save it's looks (which are subjective anyway, I'm not partial to either) and because of the noise it makes. :rolleyes:

The conker thing... well I've not seen that before on a JC show have I :rolleyes: But I don't really give a ***** about stuff like that, same with the Smart 24 hour thing... they're fillers nothing more.

Shame Ford have priced the GT at £130k :eek:

As for the TG-Resto thing... I'd go for the Clockwork Orange Probe ;)

[cb911]

someone please tell me - what are Ford doing to Clarkson with his GT-40? :eek: :confused:

[Savage Henry]

someone please tell me - what are Ford doing to Clarkson with his GT-40? :eek: :confused:

Milking it for all it's worth ... £130k and rising :D :eek: :D

Sure, bad publicity in the short run, but it's got people talking about the worth of the car.

(imho no ford is worth over £100k)

[iGav]

I still can't believe how bad the Aston Martin's reliability was... (it's not unique to this show either)

how prophetic of me... :p :p :p

[edesignuk]

how prophetic of me... :p :p :pDid you see it in 5th gear last night then? They had to get the engineers out twice to fix it :eek:.

[iGav]

Did you see it in 5th gear last night then? They had to get the engineers out twice to fix it :eek:.

oh yes... :p :p :p

I found it amusing that yesterday I'd had a little rant about their reliabilty and then another Vanquish S that is reviewed for a second day running on telly ******** up with a totally different problem that again disabled the car. :eek:

Unbelievable the excuse the guy from Aston Martin gave... :rolleyes: like yeah right... abit of oversteer and the engine stops working... :eek: :rolleyes:

[edesignuk]

Oh my, that Morgan Aero 8 GTN is mighty fine :D 0-60mph in 4.3 :eek: That'll do for my weekend car ;) Incidentally, I agree with hobbit Hammond, I think it looks great! :cool:

Clarkson going round the track with that german woman was hysterical! :D And when talking with her afterwards, she just kept taking the piss....and then, she owned him on the track! :eek: :cool:

[Wes]

The highlight of the show for me was the Historic Van Championship and the s-type spin on the track. :)

[andym172]

Oh my, that Morgan Aero 8 GTN is mighty fine :D 0-60mph in 4.3 :eek: That'll do for my weekend car ;) Incidentally, I agree with hobbit Hammond, I think it looks great! :cool:

Clarkson going round the track with that german woman was hysterical! :D And when talking with her afterwards, she just kept taking the piss....and then, she owned him on the track! :eek: :cool:

Sabine (the German lady) actually owns the bar he was sitting in as well :D

So, she's relatively good looking, she can drive and she owns a bar...

The Morgan doesn't really 'do' it for me - it tries too hard if you know what I mean. The fact that it's got VW Beetle headlamps doesn't help either...

The Merc SLR though, what a gorgeous car.

Eagle E-Type or Merc SLR?

Daddy or chips?! (Brit joke..:))

[edesignuk]

Eagle E-Type or Merc SLR?If you're a brit, out of principle, there should only be one answer to that question ;)

[Counterfit]

What if the win Le Mans (http://www.crash.net/uk/en/news_view.asp?cid=28&nid=102299) instead? I think Ferrari has won that more times too ;)

[iGav]

My observations...

That Morgan sure looked like it handled... even in the wet! I'm really not a fan of them though, that said I do hope that in the quest for U.S. sales that they don't totally lose their character.

Still confirms that the 300 SL remains one of the most beautiful cars ever... not sure I agree with him about it being the first supercar though.

The MPV race was a waste of time, much like the caravan conker game... just filler material.

hobbit needs to spray his Charger black, and pronto... :p

And is it just me or can JC really not drive?? I don't think he hit the right line once... :rolleyes:

Sabine... sublime as always. ;)

oooh I'd take the SLR over an E Type... I love the SLR's front/mid poise, however there's a couple of things I'd change if I ordered one.

First... the interior is pure tat in an ALBA/AIWA cheap hi-fi kind of way, worse even than the ludicrously naff Zonda interior, so that'd need some ticks in the options box to try and sort that one out, I'm sure McLaren could accommodate though! ;)

Second... those taillights :eek: what on earth were they thinking?? they spend zillions developing the car only to blow it down Halfords for the taillights... :p

But apart from that, yeah... in black please :D

[iGav]

This weeks observations...

The new Golf GTi looks rather handy... (there was a better review of it on 5th Gear last week with a DSG) it's certainly a big improvement on the nasty MK3 and MK4 GTi's though which were near sacrilegious in their execution.

Have to admit I'm not a big fan of the new (non-GTi) Golf, looks a tad banal to me, nevermind looking half a decade old, but for some bizarre reason it works with the new GTi, I think it'd be better in black though, 'cos you get the '80's red pinstripe in the grille :D

Can't say I'm a fan of any hot hatches, I thnk if I were in the market for one though, I'd probably go for the Megane 225, it's more risky than the Golf, and a league ahead of the Civic Type-R.

Apart from that the only other thing worthy of a mention was the 'Buy a Porsche for £1500' feature... :p I thought Hobbit had a stroke of genius buying a 924, until he ripped out it's interior and stuck flames down the side that is... :eek: :p

Also reminded me that even after all these years, the 928 is still a damn fine looking piece of kit! :) made a nice table by the way! heheh :D

[edesignuk]

The "buy a porsche for £1500" thing was absolutely brilliant! Much more amusing than the normal (and boring) caravan bashing :rolleyes:.

[iGav]

The "buy a porsche for £1500" thing was absolutely brilliant! Much more amusing than the normal (and boring) caravan bashing :rolleyes:.

Certainly was... :) it's just more entertaining that the usual filler stuff that they throw in when they've got nothing else to report.

Even more disturbing though is that its made me really want to buy a 928 and spend several grand doing it up... :eek: :p

5th Gear got in on the caravan act last week, and that was only mildly more amusing because Tiff got a good hiding and ended up flipping his caravan almost taking the Sierra with it :D

What car are you thinking they should restore?? the Cooper from last night is probably the one most deserving of being restored, purely from it's historical significance, but I think I'd still like to see the Probe (Clockwork Orange car) restored, there's only a handful of them and it's just so damn unusual. :)

[Savage Henry]

The coffee table intrigued but the lounge chairs scared me ... what sort of freak would want to buy them, Pawsh or nort?!

I still think the 'sleb drinving around the circuit has ben done to death now. I mean, Cliff Richard?!!, honestly..... Still, the blind bloke beating Whitely was a good twist.

And my final remark: it still has to be Moon's Chrysler.

Luxembourg, your points please ......

[russed]

The "buy a porsche for £1500" thing was absolutely brilliant! Much more amusing than the normal (and boring) caravan bashing :rolleyes:.

it was sheer genius. even my girlfriend found it funny and she hates top gear. i think they were stooping a bit low getting cliff on, seriously that guy needs to retire just to save all of our sanity. and that new gold looks rather nice, it makes up for the last few efforts. the last version was sooo poor.

[Wes]

The table was amazing, I need to find a V8 block and do something like that.

[mpw]

...Even more disturbing though is that its made me really want to buy a 928 and spend several grand doing it up... :eek: :p
...

There's a 928S lives a few doors down from me which is used daily but is still in showroom condition (except the leather interior which is suffering a decade + of arses'). Black with black interior.

I was always a fan of the 928 and it's nice to walk past this well looked after example.

It was sad to see the 928 & 944 looking so tired on the show. I have fond memories of a sunny afternoon spent in a 944 Turbo Convertible just after I passed my test in '92/3. My boss blocked my Fiesta in at work and when I asked him to move he just handed me his keys and said I could use his car. He was the coolest boss, with a massive collection of cars including an F40, at least two other Ferraris and several Bentleys amongst others. He once handed the keys over to move a £600,000 vintage Bentley! Tempting but I had to decline.

[russed]

is it just me or is fifth gear really really rubbish? i watched it for the first time last night and it is pants! they are too sensible - who gives a damn about human crash tests (leave that to the designers) show us some decent cars!

[edesignuk]

is it just me or is fifth gear really really rubbish? i watched it for the first time last night and it is pants! they are too sensible - who gives a damn about human crash tests (leave that to the designers) show us some decent cars!
Yes. Far to serious. If I want a serious review of cars I might actually be able to afford I'll buy car magazines. If I want to watch TV car programme, I want something exciting!!!

[russed]

Yes. Far to serious. If I want a serious review of cars I might actually be able to afford I'll buy car magazines. If I want to watch TV car programme, I want something exciting!!!

yeh who cares who far human knees are meant to bend legally and how soft bumpers are?

oh and that new ferarri 440 or whatever it is, looks like some really horrible american car from the front. those two triangle shaped things at the front, they look really odd!

[iGav]

is it just me or is fifth gear really really rubbish?

I quite enjoy it... it's the perfect antidote to 'Top Gear', but just to play devils advocate... :)

What I like about it is that it takes the original Top Gear format i.e. actually gives useful information about the car, what it's like to drive etc and presents it. It also covers a range of cars. Sure it's not as entertaining as such as 'Top Gear' but it 1000x more informative and accurate + it has VBH as well! :D

The problem I have with 'Top Gear' is that it lacks cars, period. (5th Gear crammed 3x as many reviews into half the time) Sundays show featured the Golf GTi (which wasn't an especially good review 5th Gear last week was better) but apart from that. nothing. Except a feature on £1500k Porsches which was funny, but not worthy of taking up as much time as it did and lets not mention Cliff 'f**kin' Richard... eh'! :p

I also hate it's inaccuracies, like JC calling the Ferrari Enzo Ferrari, an F60.... WTF! It doesn't stop there, I find 3-4 major inaccuracies per show without even thinking about it, that's too many.

I also dislike JC's limited vocabulary, which seems to consist of 'astonishing' and 'sensational'... :p and his self opinionated views as in the case of the Aston Vs Ferrari feature, even though the Ferrari was faster, better built, more reliable and without doubt the better car he chose the Aston because he's bored of Ferrari's.... :rolleyes: so he chooses a car which breaks down (alot), is slower, doesn't handle as well etc because he's bored of Ferrari??????? :rolleyes:

But 'Top Gear' is a more entertaining show to watch, is very funny and I love JC's dry wit. I love the way it's shot, very stylised and makes good use of post production (like the slow mo's of Aston and Ferrari wheel spinning). And of course they have the Stig where 5th Gear has Tiff... but then 5th Gear has VBH... heehee.

Anyway.. I watch 'Top Gear' for the humour and the thrashing of supercars, but I watch '5th Gear' to actually know what the cars are actually like.


new ferarri 440 or whatever it is, looks like some really horrible american car from the front. those two triangle shaped things at the front, they look really odd!

I'm not a fan either... it looks odd as you say. I never liked the 360, and the F430 is kind of the same car especially in profile.

But it looks damn good to drive, superb oversteer control and balance and that trick diff.... :) and it was interesting to see the differences the driver aids make... and the auto-blip on the downshift is in the words of JC... 'sensational'... heheheh.

I would have a dilemma though, if I won £10 million on the Lotto on Saturday, there's not one new Ferrari I'd buy... and in all honesty there is something very, very wrong when that is the case.

[russed]

... but then 5th Gear has VBH... heehee.


she has to be one of the worst racing drivers i have ever seen. i went to oulton park back in the good old days of touring cars, and in two races that she took place (renault spider cup and something else) she managed to crash in front of me. they were such basic mistakes and just made her look silly!

she isnt as nice looking as she used to be also!

with regards to the ferarri, the driving side of it looked pretty tasty but i think the entire range are getting a bit bloated look wise and i think they are trying to appeal to the american market a bit more (especially with the growth of f1 following in the us). what happened to good old pininfarina styling?

[edesignuk]

I would have a dilemma though, if I won £10 million on the Lotto on Saturday, there's not one new Ferrari I'd buy... and in all honesty there is something very, very wrong when that is the case.So what would you buy? :D

[iGav]

she isnt as nice looking as she used to be also!

But... she's a damn sight more attractive than the Top Gear mob... :eek: :p and I reckon she's a better driver than all them as well... (Stig excepted of course) ;) did you see her feet when she was driving a Radical?? the girl has some fancy footwork I can tell you.. ;)


what happened to good old pininfarina styling?

I asked exactly the same question in the Superamerica (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=98728) thread... :(


So what would you buy?

Honestly I'd need to think about it... none of the current Ferrari's (except the Enzo and that's now out of production) really do it for me, same goes for Porsche and Lamborghini.

I do like the new Aston Martin DB9, it's a fine, understated car. But I'd be worried about it breaking down if it's anything like it's big brother and such doubt shouldn't enter the equation at that price.

I doubt I'd go for a supercar, unless I won so much that repairing it wouldn't be a problem, not that I think I'd smack it up or anything :p , but we live in a country that has it's fair share of scumbags who'd be only too willing to add an engraved go-faster-stripe down one side. :rolleyes:

Imagine owning an Aston Martin though and coming back to find it'd suffered a similar fate as your MINI did in a car park... :eek:

[edesignuk]

I do like the new Aston Martin DB9, it's a fine, understated car. But I'd be worried about it breaking down if it's anything like it's big brother and such doubt shouldn't enter the equation at that price.
I get a DB9 in a heart beat, an Aston has always been my dream car, even in the DB7 days :eek:

The DB9 seems solid. Did you see the run where clarkson went up against the other guys going by train to where ever it was? (crap description, I know). The Vanquish would have broken down pulling out the car park :rolleyes:, the DB9 was flawless :cool:

[russed]

i think i would have to have a bentley continental gt to start off with and a lupo gti as my fun car then possibly something like a nissan skyline (for novelty and fun) and then my super car is still available

[mpw]

So what would you buy? :D

Start with a Noble M14, Bentley Arnage, AC Cobra (original), Audi s4 conv., Lancia Delta IntegraleHF, Rover P5, DodgeRAM pick-up, Triumph RocketIII...How much I got left?

[andym172]

... none of the current Ferrari's (except the Enzo and that's now out of production) really do it for me


Contrary to popular belief, there are quite a few Enzo's available with delivery miles for list price, or slightly below.

If I had the choice I think I'd buy a new Carrera GT and send it straight to Ruf - let them work their magic on it :)

[iGav]

Contrary to popular belief, there are quite a few Enzo's available with delivery miles for list price, or slightly below.

That's what's annoying about Ferrari limiting numbers, initial speculative investment buying nonsense... :rolleyes: Shame it's not still in production though, atleast they'd be a Ferrari I'd be able to order from Maranello. :D

Judging by the interest in the car, I'm surprised Ferrari didn't up the numbers like it did with the F40, the same way Porsche has done with the Carrera GT.

Anyway, I'm still thinking what I'd buy... although I think I'd be tempted to source a Ford RS 200. :)

Group B.... those were the days. :D

[evoluzione]

ok, so i'm currently getting to watch 2 episodes a day of fifth gear, albeit from 2001/02 it seems, but, it's much better than nothing at all!

so, let me get this straight, there's a fifth gear AND a top gear back in england???? tg still has clarkson eh? fifth gear is still on with tiff and q? i'm assuming tg went the way of match of the day at some point and then was revived? i seem to remember when i was living back in blighty that they stopped it...how long has it been back?


oh, and what's this lpg thing? liquified petroleum gas??? how is this better than regular petrol?? (in an environmental sense)


thanks guys :D


oh, and i also think the zonda styling is terrible.....oh, and the ford gt over here is $130k, from what i can gather, someone needs to tell clarky to get one from here and save almost half!

[evoluzione]

Group B.... those were the days. :D


indeed they were, some of the finest in motorsport history :)

6R4, delta S4, Stratos, Ti16 (if memory serves me)

[iGav]

so, let me get this straight, there's a fifth gear AND a top gear back in england???? tg still has clarkson eh? fifth gear is still on with tiff and q? i'm assuming tg went the way of match of the day at some point and then was revived? i seem to remember when i was living back in blighty that they stopped it...how long has it been back?

5th Gear is Five's car show, back in the day after JC left Top Gear back in the '90's Top Gear went on with Tiff, VBH and Quentin.

Then BBC 2 had a new head of programming (a women, who hated cars) and Top Gear was cancelled, Five seeing the opportunity of having some 4 wheel action before the softporn kicked in at 9pm signed up the whole of Top Gears presenters (excluding JC who wasn't part of Top Gear anymore) as well as the format. So basically 5th Gear is exactly the same as the old Top Gear.

After JC's failed talkshow, and a change of programming BBC re-commissioned a new series of Top Gear but with JC back at the helm, but because 5th Gear pretty much was Top Gear, they changed the format and basically added more cars to the previous JC Talkshow program, and bam. instant car program.

[iGav]

oh, and what's this lpg thing? liquified petroleum gas??? how is this better than regular petrol?? (in an environmental sense)!

It's cleaner and much cheaper. Generally you have a car converted to run on LPG, but it doesn't replace petrol. You have a switch you flick and the car then runs on LPG. Ideal for city centres because it's relatively clean.

Also in London, LPG cars are exempt from the Congestion Charge, which is likely to rise to £8 soon... :rolleyes: and they see a small reduction on car tax.

Good call on the Zonda... ;) have you seen it's interior?? :eek: :p

[evoluzione]

It's cleaner and much cheaper.

<at risk of sounding like the Cat on Red Dwarf>

yeah, but what is it???

[Wes]

<at risk of sounding like the Cat on Red Dwarf>

yeah, but what is it???
http://www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk/

[MacsRgr8]

Who would've thought.....

The Vauxhall ??
The Golf GTI ??
The Aston Martin DB 9 was a no-brainer ofcourse! (and rightfully so)
The Who ?? :D

[Counterfit]

not sure I agree with him about it being the first supercar though. I don't know how I missed this for so long...

Anyways, I think the first Supercar would have to be the...






Stanely Steamer :D

[russed]

it wasn't really on top form last night i dont think. not the most amusing episode ever. there isnt anything i can really comment on! oh the most amusing handling was fun!

[iGav]

it wasn't really on top form last night i dont think. not the most amusing episode ever. there isnt anything i can really comment on! oh the most amusing handling was fun!

I thought it was pretty good... atleast it actually had some cars on it for a change, unlike last week :eek: :p

I don't think this series has been entirely successful though, it's lacked decent content on a major scale and had it's fair share of low points like last week where only 1 car was reviewed and they resulted to that self righteous tosser Cliff.

Observations...

I do love that new Mustang. Ford have done a sterling job translating the qualities and brand values of the original, especially considering how pants the '80's and '90's ones were. Not sure about the rear 3/4 windows though they look a little odd, I'd have preferred it had Ford not added those. But in black and without those naff spot lights and boot spoiler it's damn fine. The biggest question though is why didn't they go the IRS route? :eek: ooooh and it's so expensive over here as well £25k ($47k) yet in the U.S. it starts from $18k or £9k. :mad:

Interesting to see exactly how quick the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 MR FQ400 is... :D Impressive stuff especially against a Lamborghini Murcielago, It's a shame he tried to spoil it though, especially with his comments about turbo lag... of course a car which generates 400bhp+ from a 2 litre turbo is going to have poor response at 30 in any gear other than 1st or 2nd :rolleyes: frightening service intervals though... :eek:

I found the Prius feature to be interesting, especially the explantion to how it actually works. I can't help but feel that such technology would be better used on a TDi car though, and like they said a Lupo TDi can do way into the 75mpg range whilst the Prius struggles in the 40's. And the Prius is just the nastiest looking piece of kit as well, a could do better car.

I still think the Probe should be restored. ;)

And the awards were just an utter waste of time... fancy having an Enzo competing in a 2004 car of the year. :rolleyes: it was released in 2002 boys. But a DB9 better... my arse is it.

And is it just me, or does the Monaro look atleast 10 years old... :p

[edesignuk]

So which would you have (talking to anyone here ;)), the "new" Boxter, or the new SLK?

[iGav]

So which would you have (talking to anyone here ;)), the "new" Boxter, or the new SLK?

I forgot about that... :)

I wouldn't take either, the ONLY reason you'd buy a Boxster is because you can't afford a 911, and the Mercedes is abit of a footballers wife car. :eek: :p

[mpw]

So which would you have (talking to anyone here ;)), the "new" Boxter, or the new SLK?

Very close call. The SLK on looks, just, but until I've driven both I'll not commit further.

[edesignuk]

I forgot about that... :)

I wouldn't take either, the ONLY reason you'd buy a Boxster is because you can't afford a 911, and the Mercedes is abit of a footballers wife car. :eek: :p
EXACTLY! You'll like this :D

http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/forums/AdBoxster.jpeg

Read the (very) small print ;) :D

[iGav]

Very close call. The SLK on looks, just, but until I've driven both I'll not commit further.

The SLK kind of looks like a mini MacMerc SLR doesn't it... but the only people you'll see driving one are footballers wives. heheheh.

I'd take the new Mustang over either, sure it's far too expensive and has dodgy rear suspension. But it has a sense of occasion that neither the Boxster or SLK can match.

[iGav]

EXACTLY! You'll like this :D

http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/forums/AdBoxster.jpeg

Read the (very) small print ;) :D

heheheh, but it's true. All Boxster owners are boring, it's the safe option the Burberry cap of the car world, the car that waters down a brand by making it too accessible.

They're just so... so bland. Porsche need a kick up the arse in the aesthetic stakes, especially after the NOS 911 they've just released and the Carrera GT before that. Yawns.

I really don't know what is going on in car design at the moment, it's not the lack of talent coming through that's for sure, you can see that just from visiting Coventry University and the RCA's Automotive Design Degree shows, but the majority of designs being signed off at the moment are either retro (GT, MINI, Mustang) or insipid (Astra, Golf, 911, Boxster).

Whether people like BMW and their new direction or not, atleast they're doing something that generates discourse and forces people to have an opinion about, which I think is what all design should do.

[Savage Henry]

... a thread that comprehensibly elicidates the feelings I have for Boxters and the people who drive them. :D
majority of designs being signed off at the moment are either retro (GT, MINI, Mustang) or insipid (Astra, Golf, 911, Boxster).
I think the next phase will be more contemporary-concept-based aimed at the mainstream consumer level, making the purchaser feel more unique than sheep; and sexy looks on cars are aging faster than lead actors from Friends and are not sustaining the level of loyalty that they would hope.

[russed]

So which would you have (talking to anyone here ;)), the "new" Boxter, or the new SLK?

if i really had to have one i would go with the slk, the boxter makes you look like a wannabe. you want to say you have a porsche but yet again you wouldnt admit to it being a boxter.

also, that mustang was sooooo bad. it looked dreadful. well i at least suppose it kind of has the looks of the original but it is so bloated and its a million miles away from the original.

[iGav]

also, that mustang was sooooo bad. it looked dreadful. well i at least suppose it kind of has the looks of the original but it is so bloated and its a million miles away from the original.

I see it as more of an evolution of the original, sharp lines and all. Bloat was the '70's version :eek: I'd have one tomorrow, it'd certainly stand out amongst the TT's, Z's etc. I just can't believe the mark up Ford will charge in the UK... it's not worth £25k.

The Shelby version is supposed to have IRS... but at what cost?? :eek:

[edesignuk]

I see it as more of an evolution of the original, sharp lines and all. Bloat was the '70's version :eek: I'd have one tomorrow, it'd certainly stand out amongst the TT's, Z's etc. I just can't believe the mark up Ford will charge in the UK... it's not worth £25k.

This (http://www.highresautoimages.com/1600/ford/mustanggtr.html) version (GT-R Concept) looks better :D

[russed]

This (http://www.highresautoimages.com/1600/ford/mustanggtr.html) version (GT-R Concept) looks better :D

i agree, that is a lot better! would still rather have a nissan skyline though!

[iGav]

This (http://www.highresautoimages.com/1600/ford/mustanggtr.html) version (GT-R Concept) looks better :D

it would if you removed that stupid spoiler and painted the bonnet the same colour! heheh

[evoluzione]

i hate ford. i'd never own one (unless it's over 30 years old!). until i saw the new mustang, i love it! finally some decent design coming out of the states. it's spot on in it's mix of classic retro 'stang, and modern styling.

there's some very nice cars coming from the US companies these days. i must say i love the new Chrylser 300 too, a bit empty on the inside, but outside, fantastic, and the engine is a great one.

if only they'd get a decent mileage, over 30mpg for once, my beaten up old jetta gets that and it's not even running right.

oh, another car i love is the infiniti fx45, very very nice.


anyway, good work on the mustang ford, shame about the rest of your range though, the ford five hundred?? must try harder next time boys.

[mpw]

The SLK kind of looks like a mini MacMerc SLR doesn't it... but the only people you'll see driving one are footballers wives. heheheh.

I'd take the new Mustang over either, sure it's far too expensive and has dodgy rear suspension. But it has a sense of occasion that neither the Boxster or SLK can match.

There's certainly a resemblance but to me the smaller car pulls the look off better. For some reason(or reasons) I can't stand the SLR.

Didn't see TG last night but would take the Mustang over the two Germans again on looks alone. Are Ford bringing it in in RHD?

To be honest there aren't a great deal of 'sports cars' in the £20-£30k range that really take my fancy compared to some of the saloons they compete with on price.

[iGav]

There's certainly a resemblance but to me the smaller car pulls the look off better. For some reason(or reasons) I can't stand the SLR.

It's the snout and and the way the cabin seems set so far back on the SLK that just makes it look like a mini-me SLR, I don't mind the SLR there's a couple of bits I'd want to change, the interior is pretty natty and those tail lights are pure tat, but I'm down with everything else.



Didn't see TG last night but would take the Mustang over the two Germans again on looks alone. Are Ford bringing it in in RHD?

At the moment it's LHD and import only... I really don't see why Ford wouldn't want to bring it over though, since the demise of the Puma and Cougar Ford don't gave any coupes, and I think the Mustang would sort that out just dandy.

I'd love to find out how it handles though, that live rear axel must make it pretty lively... maybe we should pester evoluzione to go take one for a testdrive :)

[Counterfit]

anyway, good work on the mustang ford, shame about the rest of your range though, the ford five hundred?? must try harder next time boys. I'll have to disagree with you on this. The new Mustang (and the GT too) are just slightly restyled bastardizations of the original cars. The Five Hundred though, it's hard to mess up when you start from a Volvo platform (and Ford would have been able to pull that off :D)

[iGav]

The Five Hundred though, it's hard to mess up when you start from a Volvo platform (and Ford would have been able to pull that off :D)

I think the Five Hundred is actually quite a handsome car, but then it's a rip of the Mondeo, which itself was a rip of the VW Passat so no surprises there, the biggest problem it has (apart from its name) is that aesthetically it's pushing a generation behind the cars it has copied, err I mean has been influenced by and that makes it look dated even before it's released. Shame about the name though, if you're gonna call a car 'Five Hundred' it better have something to justify that tag. heheh

I just don't get Ford sometimes, in the late '90's they were knocking out some quite daring, class leading designs (Puma, Focus, Ka) and even to a degree the Cougar. All of the above were responses to the criticism they deservedly got for knocking out the Mk 5 Escort back in '90 which itself was a reaction to the radical Sierra back in '82.

But they seem to have lost it all again with the Fiesta, new Focus, C-Max and that other Fiesta spin off ditching the visual dynamism that was really beginning to change peoples perception of the Ford brand.

[evoluzione]

But they seem to have lost it all again with the Fiesta, new Focus, C-Max and that other Fiesta spin off ditching the visual dynamism that was really beginning to change peoples perception of the Ford brand.

the cars on different sides of the atlantic are so different. it's quite interesting watching fifth gear (even if it is two years old)

never did like the Ka, but the new range topper is passble, i'd drive one. i just can't stop thinking that they build cars that are so cheap in quality, but not so in price. the new 'stang however, looks sharp

[iGav]

never did like the Ka, but the new range topper is passble, i'd drive one. i just can't stop thinking that they build cars that are so cheap in quality, but not so in price. the new 'stang however, looks sharp

I loved the Ka design when it came out, it just dated everything else instantly, even now coming up to to 9 years old, it still looks fresh. I wouldn't want to own one though. heheh

Ford UK aren't that bad for quality now, they kind fixed that with the Focus in '98, and the new Mondeo, Fiesta C-Max etc are all superbly screwed together, not quite VW standards (Ford admit they use VW as a quality benchmark) and really do have rather swish bespoke Sony stereos that intergrate and define the quality interior aesthetic in many models.

But they've lost that zing that they were beginning to develop back in the late '90's, whether you like the Ka, Puma, Focus etc... at the time they just totally ripped up the rule book regarding how mass produced cars could actually have that quality of design and they seemed to have lost that recently, since the new Mondeo was released and the designer was telling anyone that would listen that they used the Passat as a benchmark (so I believe, he also designed the Passat) they've dulled down again with a range that doesn't have anything inspiring anymore, that's why Ford need to do the right thing and officially import the Mustang pref without the Boxster'esque price tag though!! :eek:

Anyway... that's all gravy... what I want to know is when are you going to visit your local Ford dealer and take a testdrive of the new Mustang and give us your 'Official evoluzione' review?? :)

[Wes]

Anyway... that's all gravy... what I want to know is when are you going to visit your local Ford dealer and take a testdrive of the new Mustang and give us your 'Official evoluzione' review?? :)

I hope he can provide us with a video like this of his test drive:

http://media.ebaumsworld.com/testdrive.wmv

Sorry about the .wmv, it's a good vid.

[mpw]

...But they've lost that zing that they were beginning to develop back in the late '90's, whether you like the Ka, Puma, Focus etc... at the time they just totally ripped up the rule book regarding how mass produced cars could actually have that quality of design...

I'm sure you're aware that Ford own a large chunk of Mazda, but have you ever noticed that quite a few new Mazda's seem to be testing the water for new designs which (when succesful) are launched by Ford and heralded as new directions.

The 323 that came shortly befor the orig. Focus had a certain look to it that I saw as being a taster of the Focus.

It may just be the platform sharing showing how designers are being pushed into corners with limited scope for anything original.

It also amazes me that Ford don't use the RX8 (with the Wankel or one of their own engines) tweak the styling lose the rear doors and hey presto release a new affordable Capri!

[evoluzione]

I hope he can provide us with a video like this of his test drive:

http://media.ebaumsworld.com/testdrive.wmv

Sorry about the .wmv, it's a good vid. though.


haha, what an idiot that salesman was, he deserved to get into trouble for that.



iGAV ... there's no GTs at the local dealer, i guess i'll have to try the V6 :(

[mpw]

This week's show's just finished and I guess I'm the first to comment.

Loving the Ferrari 4seater, since launch I've wanted one of these and it's the first time I've seen it pictured moving. I love the way Clarkson slide it to a halt outside the lodge.

What about the highstreet vs classic racers? No surprise that the Focus outdid the Escort but not sure if I'd agree with the other pairings. Shouldn't Clarkson have pited the Ford with the modern GT and Audi with say next months S4?

[edesignuk]

The Ferrari thing was fun and all, but it's been done before with the DB9, maybe they're running out of ideas?

I'm not a huge fan of the new Ferrari, it looks OK, but nothing I'd drop £180,000 on! :eek:

[mpw]

...I'm not a huge fan of the new Ferrari, it looks OK, but nothing I'd drop £180,000 on! :eek:

If I ever buy a car at more than £30k It'll be because I'm in a position not to care that it's £50k or £500k! Once in that realm the cars I buy will be bought because it's a good car not because it's economical or sensible.

[Savage Henry]

...maybe they're running out of ideas?
I think you said it there, sir.

And I think the same can be applied to Ferrari as well ;)

[iGav]

I love the way Clarkson slide it to a halt outside the lodge.


I thought exactly the same when it came to a stop...

I'm still not sure if I like the 612 or not, from the rear and side it's supremely elegant, like a classic GT should be. But I'm still not convinced by the lights and grille, it's still a fine car though, a usable 4 seater with arguably the sweetest sound of any car on earth, a Ferrari V12.

I can't think of any 4 seater that comes close... it's just that snout that I have doubts about.


What about the highstreet vs classic racers? No surprise that the Focus outdid the Escort but not sure if I'd agree with the other pairings. Shouldn't Clarkson have pited the Ford with the modern GT and Audi with say next months S4?

I thought the same again as well... hahahaha, the GT40 against the GT would have been more relevant.

The same with the Audi... they could've done the original Mustang versus the new one as well.

It interesting that they didn't dare try a Focus RS against the mighty RS 200 though... :D


And I think the same can be applied to Ferrari as well

I think you got Ferrari mixed up with Aston there mate... ;) heheheh


Anyway, general observations.

JC's still on the anti-Ferrari rant then, several digs at the 612 until it warmed him over with it's true cross-continental ability even in the ice and snow. Then the Enzo at the end... boy do I wish Schumi and Brawn would bring over a F2004 over just to pi$$ on the guys parade. It's getting tiring every week now.... just change the ********* record you dick.

A missed chance with the 'Old vs New' just like they missed it with the old supercars vs the new at the start of the series, they could've gone into more detail about what the old ones were like to drive etc etc both the Audi and Escort looked awesome to drive though.

I wasn't at all surprised by Hopkirks Mini winning the resto comp, a worthy winner purely because of the cars legendary history. I still would've preferred to see the Probe restored though, only 2 or 3 of them left in the world, fantastic futurist design. They simply do not build them like that anymore (for good reason too) heheh.

Cars Vs Bobsleigh, well you gotta admit more impressive than caravan conkers :p I thought the car did incredibly well to get anywhere near it, awesome driving skills... I wonder which is faster up the hill?? heheh

[iGav]

Last show of the series... so then final observations.

I'd have to disagree with them on the BMW 1 Series, I think it's a fine small car and what they layed into it for applies to several other cars as well.... another example of Top Gear's presenters getting a bee in it's bonnet rather than offering objective opinions.

Firstly its screwed together better than a Golf, it's interior is more tactile than the sublime Alfa 147 (GTA excepted with it's incredible Muira interior) and it's visually more dynamic than any other car in it's class, whether you like it or not is subjective of course but at Rockingham when they had it parked next to the new Astra *yawns* new Golf *yawns* and 147 only one of them stood out ;)

I didn't think the rear was uncomfortably cramped when I sat in the back of it for a skid pan session with my bro, and I'm not exactly small at six foot three and chunky! :D but is any car in this class really what one could consider roomy?? thought not.

I can't comment on the 116i on the road, but on the track it's not a bad car at all offering decent enough performance, but the gem is the 120d with it's huge slug of torque, 7's to 60 and in gear times that'd give a Boxster a serious hiding.

They didn't mention the stability issue under heavy braking with the DSC switched off, (but then they don't exactly test the car do they) I found the back end of the car to be REALLY twitchy, to the point where you have to catch it with a handful of opposite lock to stop it switching ends, not quite a Scandinavian flick but really not as far off as you'd think. I think for people that have never driven a RWD car, or a RWD car without a host of de-facto driver aids they'd probably be on the end of a nasty surprise if they ever accidentally switched the aids off.

How mad was that Merc G Wagon??? G 55 AMG.... hahahahahahaha I love the G Wagon, in bog trim it looks the bomb, wasn't sure about all the body kit on the AMG version though looked a little 'Pimp my Ride' for my taste, but the illuminated scuff guards were very cool and the Cayenne matching performance would be abit of a giggle come winter time. :D

I can't stand Trinny and Susannah... they should come with some sort of ' Irritant' label.

And even less should be said about the Korean group test.

I'm also surprised (actually I don't think I should be after all this is the same team who had the Enzo in the Car of the Year 2004 category :rolleyes: ) they've only just got around to testing the Ariel Atom... it's not like it's just come out is it.

How much fun does it look though... 2.9 to 60 :D all for £20k. I really expected it to beat the Enzo around the track and was really surprised when it didn't. It did knock the Carrera GT down to 3rd though which demonstrates that it's got serious track pace. Not quite practical day to day though is it. heheh

[edesignuk]

Right, time to start saving up for an Ariel then, that was just incredible :eek:

[Wes]

Right, time to start saving up for an Ariel then, that was just incredible :eek:

The contortions of his face were AMAZING!

[Rogier]

Right, time to start saving up for an Ariel then, that was just incredible :eek:

Thats for sure! It went around the track like a go-kart and with 0-60 in under 3 secs... VERY cool!

The item about the asian cars was pretty funny... British humour, i would say :D

[WinterMute]

Right, time to start saving up for an Ariel then, that was just incredible :eek:

Damn right, I've always fought shy of getting a big bike in London, cos it's too bloody dangerous and I've lost friends to stupid drivers, but that little car is a revelation, all the pluses, none of the downsides, a good set of leathers for the weather, a decent pair of ski-goggles and plenty of fun at the traffic lights!!!!

I love JC's comment about the 0-60 time; "If you can change gear fast enough...". Classic. :D

Course, you'd need to get a retro flying helmet to disguise the iPod headphones!!

[mpw]

...How much fun does it look though... 2.9 to 60 :D all for £20k...

I thought they priced it at nearer £30k for the supercharged version as tested, and don't forget things like lights and a habdbrake are optional extras. (but then if you read JC's review in the Times it has a 5935cc V12 that revs to 8200! so maybe figures aren't his forte)

[Wes]

http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/04/used.htm

Nice :)

http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/04/latest_01_04/web_rear_static.jpg
(It seems Honda are using it to race too.)

I need a 1280x1024 desktop of this car, anybody seen one?

[iGav]

I thought they priced it at nearer £30k for the supercharged version as tested,

Ah right, I must have misheard then.

I think if I was wanting to buy a trackday car, I'd still take the Radical over the Atom...

I just wish Ferrari would release a track day special, now that would undoubtedly make some headlines. :D

[edesignuk]

Ah right, I must have misheard then.
They said prices start at £20k, but the model that tested was £29k. Turbo Charged, and with the brakes that won't get you killed :D :eek:

[iGav]

They said prices start at £20k, but the model that tested was £29k. Turbo Charged, and with the brakes that won't get you killed :D :eek:

Well I suppose it's cool that atleast now I'm beginning to totally ignore them :D

I'd still buy a Radical... it'd eat it for breakfast, whilst being that little bit safer I suspect.

Anyway... to other car matters... I'm off to the 'Ring soon to drive the new M5... :D

[edesignuk]

Anyway... to other car matters... I'm off to the 'Ring soon to drive the new M5... :D
http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/macros/homerexplain.jpg

:D

[iGav]

http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/macros/homerexplain.jpg

:D

Okay...

In the coming months I shall have the opportunity to drive (crash test probably) BMW's new M5 on the 13 miles and 73 corners of tarmac known as the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

I might even have an in car camera to record the event. ;)

[edesignuk]

Okay...

In the coming months I shall have the opportunity to drive (crash test probably) BMW's new M5 on the 13 miles and 73 corners of tarmac known as the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

I might even have an in car camera to record the event. ;)And how the hell did you get so bloody lucky! :cool:

[iGav]

And how the hell did you get so bloody lucky! :cool:

that, mr ed would be telling... ;)

the biggest hurdle is filming it... car cams are banned, I have somebody on the case though. ;)

[edesignuk]

that, mr ed would be telling... ;)

the biggest hurdle is filming it... car cams are banned, I have somebody on the case though. ;)
Well, it sound like it should be great! Be sure to tell us more when the time comes, I want pics & movies! :D

[iGav]

I want pics & movies! :D

of iGav doing a Senna.... :eek: :eek: :eek:

[evoluzione]

there is no word to describe what you are right now iGAV...Jammy goit comes close mind ;)

and yes, let's have another write up after yeah??? your previous test was great. :)

and at the 'ring no less...

[WinterMute]

Hmmmm, and this after you saw the crash test results on the 5-series?

Does the phrase "dead by the 4th corner" mean anything to you?

Have fun.

[iGav]

Hmmmm, and this after you saw the crash test results on the 5-series?

heheh I know... it's a bit worrying isn't it... :eek: :p but I have complete confidence in the car! :D


Does the phrase "dead by the 4th corner" mean anything to you?

Imagine crashing on the last corner though... like how miffed would you be if that happened! :eek: :p

I've got the track down in my head, I've been spending the last month or so on the 'Ring using GT4, allegedly a spot on recreation of the track, I'm not expecting it to have every bump but I've memorised the corners which will come in handy when I do my first flyer. :D



and yes, let's have another write up after yeah??? your previous test was great.

Why of course... although at 13 miles long it might be more of a book... :p

I'm hoping that something will come of the car cam, they're pretty strict on the no photography rule, so I'm hoping that the girl who's M5 I'll be driving will have something elaborate fitted to document it... :)

[iGav]

I know it's not Top Gear but did anyone watch 5th Gear last night?

Totally love VBH... :D love the looks, the girlish squeal, and that naughty girl grin heheheh, especially like the way she caught that opposite lock slide one handed in the SL55 too :D yep she's damn fine. :)

The Tiff piece in Sweden or Norway (I forget) was enlightening... even though there is nothing more annoying than ESP/DSC and TC in the dry, the benefits in slippery conditions were plain to see, impressive stuff. Especially how the TC allowed Tiff to drive up that sheet ice hill, and how ESP allowed him to maintain a degree of control at 70mph on snow/ice.

[edesignuk]

yup! I saw it ;) :D
She was bricking it when that roll bar shot up! I would have been too mind :eek: :D
They liked the new 3 too, which is good for BMW. It needed to be good.
The ESP was amazing, hell even the traction control & ABS was amazing. You really don't realise until you see a demo like that the difference it can make.

[robbieduncan]

The Tiff piece in Sweden or Norway (I forget) was enlightening... even though there is nothing more annoying than ESP/DSC and TC in the dry, the benefits in slippery conditions were plain to see, impressive stuff. Especially how the TC allowed Tiff to drive up that sheet ice hill, and how ESP allowed him to maintain a degree of control at 70mph on snow/ice.

I watched that and I have to admit I was thinking "rubbish". The traction and stability control on my Jag did not help me keep control on a smooth dry piece of road! OK he was testing the latest and greatest but on the slow motion you can see him correct the slide before the ESP even noticed it was there!

Still good stuff, and I'm sure the latest stuff is a lot better than the system that was fitted to a 7 year old car (so probably nearer 10 years old in terms of system design).

Will my next car have stability or traction control? Probably not!

[iGav]

She was bricking it when that roll bar shot up! I would have been too mind :eek: :D

I'm not surprised... heheheheh they were F'in lethal in the previous SL :eek: take your head off :p loved that dirty girl look she gave out the side window just afterwards though... what's the word I'm looking for...??? saucy! yep, that'll do nicely. heheheh :D

Loved the way she caught that slide one handed as well... :D had the car snapped back though she would've been in the ***** big time! :p


They liked the new 3 too, which is good for BMW. It needed to be good.

The only thing that bothers me about the new 3 is the rear, it looks like they've just not bothered, instead tacking on the previous generations rump. Really ruins it for me.

I can understand why BMW played it a little safe with the rear on their main model, but it's just totally insipid when you consider the other BMW models.

The ESP was amazing, hell even the traction control & ABS was amazing. You really don't realise until you see a demo like that the difference it can make.

T'was very impressive... I didn't realise just how affective ESP/DSC and TC are on what was essentially sheet ice. :eek:

They still have no place on dry roads though :D

[iGav]

At least we've had it confirmed by Tiff and Plato that the latest Dodge Viper is crap. heheh :p Not that the new 'Vette looks any better either though. :rolleyes: :p

It just looks plain lethal to drive... :eek:

[edesignuk]

At least we've had it confirmed by Tiff and Plato that the latest Dodge Viper is crap. heheh :p Not that the new 'Vette looks any better either though. :rolleyes: :p

It just looks plain lethal to drive... :eek:
I remember seeing the new Viper on Top Gear....catching itself on fire!!!!! :eek: :eek: :rolleyes:

[iGav]

I remember seeing the new Viper on Top Gear....catching itself on fire!!!!! :eek: :eek: :rolleyes:

I know... look at the first couple of pages of this thread where we gave it a right pasting heheheh :p

Plato was most vocal in his vitriol. :p :p :p

[Lord Blackadder]

head, I've been spending the last month or so on the 'Ring using GT4, allegedly a spot on recreation of the track, I'm not expecting it to have every bump but I've memorised the corners which will come in handy when I do my first flyer. :D

A lap on the 'ring for real, eh?

You lucky b*stard...and I mean that in the nicest possible way! :D

One of the license test in GT4 uses an M5 on the 'ring, and I think the final test for the Super license is a full lap of the ring in a beautiful Merc 190 homologation special.

I was just racing around the 'ring last night in my Lotus Carlton...what would I do without GT4? :p

You have a lot to memorize, if I actually had to worry about losing my life I would probably be laughably slow. :o

[iGav]

A lap on the 'ring for real, eh?

You lucky b*stard...and I mean that in the nicest possible way! :D

I was supposed to go almost 3 weeks ago... :( some stuff cropped up (not my end) though that means we're having to rejig dates. :(

You have a lot to memorize, if I actually had to worry about losing my life I would probably be laughably slow. :o

I found it easier to split the track into 2 halves and learn it that way... didn't take me all that long to be honest, I'm surprisingly rententive when it comes to racing tracks :)

I'm not especially worried about crashing either... I'm very much aware of my limits behind the wheel, more so in a 60 grand car that isn't mine :eek: heheh.

[Lord Blackadder]

I found it easier to split the track into 2 halves and learn it that way... didn't take me all that long to be honest, I'm surprisingly rententive when it comes to racing tracks :)

Now I'm going to have to fire up GT4 when I get home from work and see how fast I can do it in the M5 without crashing( :rolleyes: ). The worst section for me is during the first third (I think), where there is a reasonably long straight that goes downhill, bends slightly left as the track rises, followed by a tight left, a right, slightly uphill then a hard left with a late apex in 2nd gear going immediately into a hard right. If I can get past that I'm good...sort of. :D

[iGav]

Now I'm going to have to fire up GT4 when I get home from work and see how fast I can do it in the M5 without crashing( :rolleyes: ). The worst section for me is during the first third (I think), where there is a reasonably long straight that goes downhill, bends slightly left as the track rises, followed by a tight left, a right, slightly uphill then a hard left with a late apex in 2nd gear going immediately into a hard right. If I can get past that I'm good...sort of. :D

Yeah I know the sequence you mean, that threw me the first couple of times as well, it's an unconventional combination (as opposed to what you find on modern day race tracks)

Depending on the car, I've found it best to take the straight completely flat, as you go uphill take the car to the far right of the track (literally the edge), brake and shift down whilst in a straight line, in RWD cars I prefer to do a slight Scandinavian flick to upset the rear of the car, this will create slight oversteer into the fast left, but will also correct the understeer that I found that even RWD cars experience during that corner, as you catch the slide the car should sweep to the right of the track (balance the throttle, don't hoof it) but be on the racing line and should be already set up for the following right. e.g. after catching the slide, it should be pointing towards the left of the track ready for the next tighter right.

I think the following right depends on the car you're driving, if you've got a car with excellent lower speed torque then you can get away with taking the right in a higher gear (you'll lose time changing down) but in a car with less torque or a car that produces it's torque at higher RPM, then you need to change down to keep the engine in the range.

I've tried a couple of approaches to the following tight left and right... if you've got the car to take the previous right in a higher gear, you can get away with taking the following tight left in a higher gear as well, whilst you encounter a slightly slower exit speed, it also eradicates the need to change in the short spurt before the right, whilst it's probably no quicker, it means you've got a more settled and stable car to position for the last right... allowing you to focus on the exit of the corner.

The other approach I tried was to change down to 2nd for the tight left, but whether it's my entry/exit speed, but I always seem to ping off the limiter way before the braking point for the right, so I find myself in a position where if I change up, I'll lose time, but if I stay on the limiter then I lose time as well, whereas taking that sequence in a higher gear (should the car be capable of it) then I find that not only is it far smoother, but also quicker because of the higher entry and mid corner speeds.

Of course there's always the balls out banzai approach... heheh :p

[Lord Blackadder]

I'm guilty of wanting to downshift to quickly, so that last left-right combo is always a challenge, like you say I often end up downshifting between the two corners, which unsettles the car and has me bouncing off the rev limiter on the exit.

The first few times I did the 'ring on GT4 I was using Pontiac Tempest GTO, which has so much torque that shifting is often unnecessary. On the other hand, it rolled like the Queen Mary so it was very easy to upset the chassis. I did it last night in a newly-won 600HP Chevy Camaro LM race car. OMG, what a rush going through the faster curvy sections at over 140MPH! I was able to run the course without crashing in under 6:30, though I made some dumb mistakes and lost a lot of time in a couple spots.

BTW, do you use a steering wheel? I had one for GT2 back in the day, but since then I have been stuck with the controller (which is very hard to use, although one gets used to it). For the next GT game they need to come out with a three-pedal full force feedback wheel to really separate the men from the boys. ;)

[iGav]

I'm guilty of wanting to downshift to quickly,

hahahaha I am as well at that particular corner :p it's not too bad if you're in a car with a 7 grand + redline, because that will mask the mistake nicely, but in a lower revving car... you just end up pinger that limiter and it sounds terrible... real amateur stuff heheh

so that last left-right combo is always a challenge, like you say I often end up downshifting between the two corners, which unsettles the car and has me bouncing off the rev limiter on the exit.

It's an odd combination corner isn't it... the apex for the left corner is in a strange place, it's almost blind as well, if like me you use the bumper view (I always find the view behind the car, off putting)

I was trying it out last night, and in the M5 I take a higher gear, it's a compromise, but if you can nail the 2 proceeding corners, then you should be carrying so much speed that any compromise of taking the higher gear is minimal, then for the final right I hook the right tyres over the right kerb and you can take the corner flat without worrying about it sweeping all the way to the outside... and no pinging of the limiter either. :D

BTW, do you use a steering wheel? I had one for GT2 back in the day,

Hahaha so did I... can't even remember what model though as I bought that back in late '99?? I forget.

but since then I have been stuck with the controller (which is very hard to use, although one gets used to it). For the next GT game they need to come out with a three-pedal full force feedback wheel to really separate the men from the boys.

I'm just using a DualShock 2 at the mo... I've had to get used to the analogue sticks though, as before I used the digital buttons... until 'GTA: San Andreas' forced me to switch to the sticks. :(

I don't mind the DualShock to be honest, I've grown to like the analogue sticks, although I'm still not as precise as I was with just the buttons... I've nailed the 'left-foot' braking technique with my throttle thumb though... :D that makes life so much easier, especially when balancing a car in the fast corners.

I'd love a wheel... but where would it stop? first you buy the wheel... then one starts thinking, 'I can't have the steering wheel, without a racing seat', then the next thing you know you're building yourself a replica of a racing car in your lounge :eek: :p

[Lord Blackadder]

It's an odd combination corner isn't it... the apex for the left corner is in a strange place, it's almost blind as well, if like me you use the bumper view (I always find the view behind the car, off putting)

I use the "cockpit" view where you can see over the hood, it feels the most natural to me. That left is the worst,the curb/kerb :D keeps going and going and the apex just isn't there, which really makes me want to attack way too early. Then I end up slamming the brakes to avoid going off, like a true n00b.

I was trying it out last night, and in the M5 I take a higher gear, it's a compromise, but if you can nail the 2 proceeding corners, then you should be carrying so much speed that any compromise of taking the higher gear is minimal, then for the final right I hook the right tyres over the right kerb and you can take the corner flat without worrying about it sweeping all the way to the outside... and no pinging of the limiter either. :D

A car with a wide powerband and flat torque curve like the M5 is ideal for that (aint it always?). With a peakier car you have to be bang on with the 4-3 shift after the first left and the 3-2 shift after the second. I've tried staying in 3rd for the late apexer - you can get away with it in some cars and the car seems more stable in my twitchy hands.

I don't mind the DualShock to be honest, I've grown to like the analogue sticks, although I'm still not as precise as I was with just the buttons... I've nailed the 'left-foot' braking technique with my throttle thumb though... :D that makes life so much easier, especially when balancing a car in the fast corners.

I still haven't fully come to grips with the analog throttle - especially since the digital buttons are pressure sensitive. But the analogs give better control. I'm trying to use it more, but right now I'm still quicker with the buttons. My brother bought a pair of wireless Logitech Dual Shocks, but they feel weird in my hands after using the Sony controllers for...oh crap, it's been nearly 9 years now! :eek: :eek:

I'd love a wheel... but where would it stop? first you buy the wheel... then one starts thinking, 'I can't have the steering wheel, without a racing seat', then the next thing you know you're building yourself a replica of a racing car in your lounge :eek:

Don't laugh, I remember seeing ads by companies that will turn the front clip of a car of your choice into a driving simulator.

Anyway, sorry for hijacking the thread a bit, I've never even seen Top Gear. Car-related shows in the US generally involve building customs for rap "artists" or hillbillys talking about NASCAR. :rolleyes:

[XIII]

Whens the next series of Top Gear..? :)

[mfacey]

Whens the next series of Top Gear..? :)


Starts May 22nd I believe.

[XIII]

Cool. :D Thanks.

I dunno if its ben mentioned before, but the best most recent TG moment is the trying to wreck the truck.. ;) man that made me laugh.. :p

[edesignuk]

Just a heads up, 5th gear get their hands on the new M5 this week coming ;) :cool:

[Platform]

Just a heads up, 5th gear get their hands on the new M5 this week coming ;) :cool:

That is one beast of a family car :D

[robbieduncan]

Starts May 22nd I believe.

Indeed it does. 8pm. Get ready...

[XIII]

Indeed it does. 8pm. Get ready...

25 mins!! :o :D

[russed]

25 mins!! :o :D


23!

[robbieduncan]

23!

I'm back from Star Wars just in time :)

[russed]

the tension is building, my life that has had no focus for the past six months, is now only 8 mins away from being back on track!

[Savage Henry]

What's this about the Toyoto Aygo (http://www.aygo.co.uk/aygo/microsite/aygo_content.htm?ac=RC9142&wbr=RC9141) having an iPod socket for the stereo as standard ....? Sign of things to come for all cars, one hopes.

[russed]

well its as good as usual.

how cool would it be having a job presenting that!

i want to play football in cars!

[Savage Henry]

I thought they would have made more about the 'Bus Protest' that found its way into the headlines.

Apart from that, it was quite good ... but I do wish they'd drop the Star blah blah Car ...

[robbieduncan]

What's this about the Toyoto Aygo (http://www.aygo.co.uk/aygo/microsite/aygo_content.htm?ac=RC9142&wbr=RC9141) having an iPod socket for the stereo as standard ....? Sign of things to come for all cars, one hopes.

It's not actually iPod specific. It's a standard Aux in socket. You can plug an iPod into it. Or you could plug a Dell DJ into it. Note that you do not get any of the features of the Alpine adaptor setup (i.e. it does not charge your iPod and it does not let you control the iPod via the stereo).

[840quadra]

:sigh:

The only Top gear I get in my location of the US, is an infrequent rip of the show that someone posts online, and a mag. living in the sticks in Minnesota can suck sometimes, but were I live, we have really twisty roads :D

[edesignuk]

I still have Top Gear on tape to watch. But I did see 5th gear last night, anyone fancy lending me about £60k for an M5?

[Wes]

:sigh:

The only Top gear I get in my location of the US, is an infrequent rip of the show that someone posts online, and a mag. living in the sticks in Minnesota can suck sometimes, but were I live, we have really twisty roads :D

The rip of the new episode is online...

[MacSA]

I wonder how much an episode of Top gear costs the licence payer...

All those cars they smashed up playing football must have cost a fortune. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I used to find top gear interesting, now its TV for the knuckle dragging moron.

[Wes]

I wonder how much an episode of Top gear costs the licence payer...

All those cars they smashed up playing football must have cost a fortune. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I used to find top gear interesting, now its TV for the knuckle dragging moron.

I don't know, but I get more return off watching that show than the cash paying those three sisters £600 a week.

[edesignuk]

All those cars they smashed up playing football must have cost a fortune. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:The manufacturer would have absorbed the cost :rolleyes:

[XIII]

Man, the cheap car modifying last week was so funny, as usual. Richard's exhaust pipes that lead to nothing, and his front spoiler cracked me up..

[robbieduncan]

Man, the cheap car modifying last week was so funny, as usual. Richard's exhaust pipes that lead to nothing, and his front spoiler cracked me up..

And what to we get this week? Sodding womens football (soccer for this in the USA). I hate football at the best of times but this is taking the biscuit. I thought the season was over, yet here we go, more cheating, spitting, shouting at the ref and that's just the fans! The players are worse.

All I want to see is some slightly annoying blokes destroy the planet in some really expensive cars!

[XIII]

And what to we get this week? Sodding womens football (soccer for this in the USA). I hate football at the best of times but this is taking the biscuit. I thought the season was over, yet here we go, more cheating, spitting, shouting at the ref and that's just the fans! The players are worse.

All I want to see is some slightly annoying blokes destroy the planet in some really expensive cars!

Haha, its a bit of a shame, IMO.. :( I love Top Gear, gives me something to laugh about before I realise its monday the next day.. :(

[iGav]

nothing sucks quite like the latest series of Top Gear.

[MacsRgr8]

"Sucks" is a bit harsh.....

But, yeah, I do agree it's far less entertaining than last year.

Seems they are running out of ideas:
Another race yesterday. 2 boats effectively had to break down leaving Hammond and May stranded making it too easy for Clarkson.
A racing DB9..... nice.... but what's the point? Why not let any ol' racing car around the track. We already had an F1, which made it clear that no super car comes even close to an F1.... did take that into perspective. But this DB(?)9 was pointless IMHO.

Their "hit-parade" is cr@p. Top Gear is about cars, not songs :rolleyes:

Still going to watch every sunday. It does make me laugh, and I assume it can only get better....

[mfacey]

I have to agree that TG is not up to last year's standard. However, I found yesterday's race very entertaining indeed!
The DBR9 was in true Top Gear style. Completely pointless, but very cool. The noise it produced made it all worth while!

I'm just wondering whether they're ever going to do a test of the new BMW M5! :confused:

[ham_man]

I don't really know if it is the same show, but I was watching "Top Gear" on the Discovery channel and it was hosted by a couple of British dudes, so I figured it was the same one. Anyhoo, the show was pretty cool, good enough for a return viewing. With that said, did any other Americans, or just those that get Discovery see this?

[MacsRgr8]

Hmm..... :rolleyes:

But did everyone see the runner's PowerBook?!?! :) :cool:

[emw]

Until tonight, I had no idea what this thread was about. Then, while sitting here bored in my Seattle hotel room, I flip through the channels and find Top Gear. So I sit and watch - and I can see why you all like this thing.

Tonight's episode, aside from the various car tests and the Porsche v. Ferrari track test, included a nice piece where they used an air canon to shoot cars at a giant bulls-eye. Sweet.

Guess I'll need to set the TiVo for this one too... :D

[iGav]

Top Gear is becoming more and more like 'This Morning' with every show :rolleyes:

The only vaguely interesting part was Sabine thrashing the Transit around the 'Ring... and they only seemed to show that for 5 minutes :rolleyes:

They just seem to have a total lack of content in this series. Really poor IMHO. :(

[mpw]

....They just seem to have a total lack of content in this series. Really poor IMHO. :(

Would it hurt to have them do a group test of say the Focus/Golf/Astra/307( :mad: )/Leon/etc.? Every time I switch it on their either testing something pointless like a £½m superbarge or doing something stupi like the 'cool wall'.

[Knox]

Would it hurt to have them do a group test of say the Focus/Golf/Astra/307( :mad: )/Leon/etc.? Every time I switch it on their either testing something pointless like a £½m superbarge or doing something stupi like the 'cool wall'.

I don't think the current format of Top Gear is not intended to be an informational show really, which is why they don't have many tests of 'normal' cars. It's entertainment, showing cars which the vast majority of people couldn't possibly afford, but ones that they are still interested in.

I like it precisely because there's no content in it :)

Until tonight, I had no idea what this thread was about. Then, while sitting here bored in my Seattle hotel room, I flip through the channels and find Top Gear. So I sit and watch - and I can see why you all like this thing.

Was it on Discovery?

[Otto Rehhagel]

I don't really know if it is the same show, but I was watching "Top Gear" on the Discovery channel and it was hosted by a couple of British dudes, so I figured it was the same one. Anyhoo, the show was pretty cool, good enough for a return viewing. With that said, did any other Americans, or just those that get Discovery see this?

Maybe this could help for the people residing in American (Canada maybe?)

Top Gear Listing (http://dsc.discovery.com/schedule/series.jsp?series=30445&gid=0)

I caught one episode a couple weeks ago with the Lotus Exige Vs. Apache Helicopter. :D

Pretty good show compared to the crap usually shown on TV.

[iGav]

It's entertainment, showing cars which the vast majority of people couldn't possibly afford, but ones that they are still interested in.


thing is... it doesn't really show any cars at all anymore. :p

[Knox]

I don't really know if it is the same show, but I was watching "Top Gear" on the Discovery channel and it was hosted by a couple of British dudes, so I figured it was the same one. Anyhoo, the show was pretty cool, good enough for a return viewing. With that said, did any other Americans, or just those that get Discovery see this?

I'm blind, completely missed this post. There has been some discussion on a Top Gear related site (http://forum.finalgear.com/viewtopic.php?t=5625) about the American version. The shows on Discovery are very heavily edited versions of the UK Top Gear, picking individual items from different programs, even from different series, and using specially recorded studio links to tie them together. The consensus seems to be that it's OK, but doesn't work as well as the originals.

[ham_man]

I don't think the current format of Top Gear is not intended to be an informational show really, which is why they don't have many tests of 'normal' cars. It's entertainment, showing cars which the vast majority of people couldn't possibly afford, but ones that they are still interested in.

I like it precisely because there's no content in it :)
On the one show I watch, the hoster drove the 'cheapest' car in Britain. Was like 7K poounds. He said it was the closes car to the original Mini, which I thought was pretty interesting...

Was it on Discovery?
If I had to guess, it was...

[emw]

Was it on Discovery?Yes it was - does that make a difference?

[RedTomato]

Bumped into Jeremy Clarkson and the Stig, and the other bloke presenter last Monday.

I was at BBC White City to be filmed in a discussion about terrorism for BBC SeeHear, which is a magazine programe for Deaf people.

(it's entirely in British Sign Language, with voiceover/subtitles, goes out on BBC 2 every Saturday, usually at 12 midday give or take 15 mins either side)

We went outside for a fag break, and there was the the three of them, sitting in the BBC garden, having a natter as well.

They were very interested in us, as we were chatting away in BSL; they couldn't take their eyes off watching us signing to each other.

We played it cool, didn't say anything to them.

I vaguely remembered some media story about Jeremy Clarkson making some sort of anti-disabled joke, so I thought about going over and having a go at him, especially as he was staring at us.

But I was pretty tired, and anyway I knew he'd probably just make a joke about it on Top Gear the next week, something like

"Hey some Deaf nutter came up to me the other day and waved his arms at me, semaphore haha, why not get a job on an aircraft carrier hyuk hyuk"

Anyways if you wanna see me looking a plonker on TV, tune in to SeeHear on Saturday 23rd, BBC 2.

xoxo Tomato

[HydroMan]

Hey RedTomato watch out about how you say things on this MB-

"We went outside for a fag break, and there was the the three of them, sitting in the BBC garden, having a natter as well."

Ha Ha when I was working in Jacksonville FL. with a bunch of other Brits ( who had never even met an American before ) said things like- "I'm going outside to roll a fag" "Fancy a fag now" and "let's smoke a fag" they surely got some bad looks and were totally misunderstood until I explained what "fag" meant to the Brits (my Uncle is an American so I know better)
Hope this isn't deemed as being off topic, as for SeeHear what part of the programme is it, how will I know I've watched you perform/debate.

As for TopGear I love this show, the mix of presenters is perfect and they seem to have a real rapport with each other and they truly seem to enjoy each others company (at least for the show) and it's the only male orientated show on the box (as far as I can tell) and ticks all my boxes for unnecessary anything, like racing against trains, planes( including the good old Harrier Jumpjet ) automobiles, boats, tanks, snipers and humans, totally pointless but gratifying just the same, I am a man after all, I even feel a little guilty after spending an hour watching a programme and the only thing I've learnt is that the British Army will be able to blow numerous holes in you no matter how fast your car is ( a no brainer really ) and still be satisfied with the outcome (bang boom brrruuupp yeah!)

[XIII]

Hmm..... :rolleyes:

But did everyone see the runner's PowerBook?!?! :) :cool:

YES! :p

[mfacey]

Bumped into Jeremy Clarkson and the Stig, and the other bloke presenter last Monday.




So does the stig wear his helmet when he smokes? If not, can you tell us who he really is? :eek:

[sprstu]

Because I steal from the internet, I too have been blessed with Top Gear. I have not seen to many new shows, but some of my favs from the past include: the M3 SCL that they ran out in the Isle of Man, when they duked out the EVo 9 and the 05 STI (calling them the subaru "did you just spill my pint!" and the EVo "you, me, outside, now!") ummm when they took the new SVT out to whales and made fun of welsh "english" and the animals around the countryside, when they debuted the new R32 golf and ran it against all the other "hot hatches"... Man, there are so many good shows from them, I just wish i had the ability to watch them all the time. Anyway, cheers.

[mfacey]

For all of you who can't receive BBC there's a forum out there with all of the episodes of the last 2 seasons (i think) and loads and loads of videos of tests from older shows.
http://www.wrxfanatics.com/index.php?showtopic=19611&st=165

You have to sign up to download (its some kind of security measure), but you won't regret it! :cool:

[iGav]

Anyone watch Top Gear last night? they actually had some cars on it... :eek: yes, yes, yes... I know this goes against the current Clarkson/Parkinson'esque format for this show... but they actually showed some cars :eek: may'zin :p

The Ferrari F430 piece confirms exactly what I was thinking... the F430 looks far cooler in Spider form... it lacks the heavy 3/4 styling of the coupe. You'd have to be a total muppet to choose a DB9 convertible over one though. :p

And was it just me, or did The Stig ****** that start up big time??? that's what Launch Control is there for fella!! ;) :p

[mpw]

Anyone watch Top Gear last night? they actually had some cars on it... :eek: yes, yes, yes... I know this goes against the current Clarkson/Parkinson'esque format for this show... but they actually showed some cars :eek: may'zin :p

The Ferrari F430 piece confirms exactly what I was thinking... the F430 looks far cooler in Spider form... it lacks the heavy 3/4 styling of the coupe. You'd have to be a total muppet to choose a DB9 convertible over one though. :p

And was it just me, or did The Stig ****** that start up big time??? that's what Launch Control is there for fella!! ;) :p

I missed the begining so only cars I saw was the 'test' of the Audi/Nissan/Chrysler. Of course it wasn't much of a test drag racing on sand when only one car's got 4WD.

And what with marking the Nissan down because of the colour? Reminds me of my mum looking for a new car, I'd decided she should by a Clio so showed her a picture of a red one in a magazine, she didn't like the car at all so I got another magazine and showed her a 'different' car which she very much liked. She bought the blue Clio. ;)

I loved the insight of the verdict though. If you're in the market for a small convertible buy one that started life a convertible not a coupe with the roof missing, gee what would we do without expert advice. :D

Reminds me of a time when I was briefly working for a BMW dealer and we were sitting having lunch by the window when across the road this guy comes out of his office with an angle grinder and makes his car a convertible before driving it home. Everyone had a right old laugh, including me, of course I sat quietly as the guy across the road was my cousin. :o

[iGav]

Iwhen across the road this guy comes out of his office with an angle grinder and makes his car a convertible before driving it home.

hahahahaha :eek: :p :p although just out of interest... what did he do with the remains of the roof?

[mpw]

hahahahaha :eek: :p :p although just out of interest... what did he do with the remains of the roof?

Handy skip. I'm trying to remember what kind of car it was, all I can remember was it was a 70's american sedan de-badged and painted a very classy matt black :eek:

[mfacey]

Anyone watch Top Gear last night? they actually had some cars on it... :eek: yes, yes, yes... I know this goes against the current Clarkson/Parkinson'esque format for this show... but they actually showed some cars :eek: may'zin :p

The Ferrari F430 piece confirms exactly what I was thinking... the F430 looks far cooler in Spider form... it lacks the heavy 3/4 styling of the coupe. You'd have to be a total muppet to choose a DB9 convertible over one though. :p

And was it just me, or did The Stig ****** that start up big time??? that's what Launch Control is there for fella!! ;) :p

I'm sorry, but as far as looks go, the DB9 convertible is in a different league than that Ferarri. No modern ferrari even comes close to looking that good. I agree the coupe is better looking. but not by much!

[iGav]

the DB9 convertible is in a different league than that Ferarri. No modern ferrari even comes close to looking that good.

I disagree... (but good design is after all subjective) but that's because I'm of the opinion that Aston design has become staid, banal and far too familiar after a decade of knocking out the same form and aesthetic.

but as far as looks go

Which is the only time one can utter Aston Martin in the same breath as Ferrari... :p :p :p

[mpw]

I'm sorry, but as far as looks go, the DB9 convertible is in a different league than that Ferarri. No modern ferrari even comes close to looking that good. I agree the coupe is better looking. but not by much!

Have you seen a 612 Scagletti in the flesh, moving on the road? It's 100% better than you think it'll be from the pictures you've seen in magazines or even TV.

PS: I can't find it right now but I'm sure I've posted a story in these forums about a guy I knew who wrote-off his dad's Ferrari and his dad just laughed it off. Anyway the guy who crashed is the guy who took the new Bentley saloon to 208mph in this weeks Autocar Magazine.

[iGav]

Anyway the guy who crashed is the guy who took the new Bentley saloon to 208mph in this weeks Autocar Magazine.

There's a vid of that on the Autocar (http://www.autocarmag.com) site ;) amazing motor. :D

Speaking of vids... how about a lap with Sabine in a Ring Taxi (http://www.jwhubbers.nl/ring/joerund/legends.php) :eek: :eek: ;) :D

[mfacey]

Have you seen a 612 Scagletti in the flesh, moving on the road? It's 100% better than you think it'll be from the pictures you've seen in magazines or even TV.

PS: I can't find it right now but I'm sure I've posted a story in these forums about a guy I knew who wrote-off his dad's Ferrari and his dad just laughed it off. Anyway the guy who crashed is the guy who took the new Bentley saloon to 208mph in this weeks Autocar Magazine.


I'm not impressed by the scagletti, the 456 was a far more beautiful car. I've seen both in the flesh.
Fact of the matter is that, like clarkson, I'm bored with Ferrari. They're becoming too "common". Sort of like the Porsche 911. This is especially true for the lower end models like the 355 and 360.
If i was in the market for a car like this I'd be looking at lamborghini, just because it's not a ferrari. Nothing beats the brutality of a Diablo! :cool:

[mpw]

I'm not impressed by the scagletti, the 456 was a far more beautiful car. I've seen both in the flesh.
Fact of the matter is that, like clarkson, I'm bored with Ferrari. They're becoming too "common". Sort of like the Porsche 911. This is especially true for the lower end models like the 355 and 360.
If i was in the market for a car like this I'd be looking at lamborghini, just because it's not a ferrari. Nothing beats the brutality of a Diablo! :cool:
The Diablo isn't made any more and when it was wasn't a competitor to 911/355 but to the 959/512. The current competitor from Lamborghini for the 360 is the Gallardo, one of which I see most days and the finish just doesn't compare to the 360.

[mpw]

There's a vid of that on the Autocar (http://www.autocarmag.com) site ;) amazing motor. :D

Speaking of vids... how about a lap with Sabine in a Ring Taxi (http://www.jwhubbers.nl/ring/joerund/legends.php) :eek: :eek: ;) :D
Pretty impressive

[RedTomato]

Mfacey said:

>>Originally Posted by RedTomato
>>Bumped into Jeremy Clarkson and the Stig, and the >>other bloke presenter last Monday.

>So does the stig wear his helmet when he smokes? If not, can you tell us who he really is?

My mistake - I don't regularly watch Top Gear. I thought the short bloke who presents with Jeremy was called the Stig.

It was him (short guy) wot I saw in the garden.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hydroman said:

>Hope this isn't deemed as being off topic, as for SeeHear what part of the >programme is it, how will I know I've watched you perform/debate.

Big hint: they'll probably introduce me as Tomato (yes it's me real name :)

It's a debate about the validity of protest and violence on protests marches. (cos of the recent london bombs)

there's 3 of us - a big bloke, and an older bloke, and me who is neither big nor old (tho I'm getting there! - 30 this September!)

xoxo Tomato

[iGav]

one of which I see most days and the finish just doesn't compare to the 360.

especially the interior... whilst it's fine in an A4... in a Lamborghini however :p :p :p


Pretty impressive

Only 'pretty' impressive... :eek: :eek: :p

[edesignuk]

The segment that they *just* aired (where they went out on little bikes to drive pissed people home) was the best thing I've seen on Top Gear in ages, kudos to whoever it was in the Top Gear office that thought that one up, BRILLIANT! :D

edit: omg, M5 http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/smilies/drool.gif http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/smilies/drool.gif http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/smilies/drool.gif http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/smilies/drool.gif http://upload.yo-momma.net/uploads/smilies/drool.gif

[mfacey]

No one can now claim that Top Gear is no good. That was a truly awesome show. I think I'll go watch it again now :rolleyes:

[russed]

i love top gear. best show on tv by a long way, today wasnt the best episode this series (the woman in the transit and the race to norway were brilliant).

i think the star in a crap car is getting old now and is turning into advertising for the "stars" involved but everthing else is brilliant.

im not sure about hte m5, its fast but... it looks horrible and the idrive system is a dog.

who would use that scooter thing. yeh not just get a taxi!

and out of the golf, astra and megane - it would still have to be the golf every time.