[13x07] March 3rd, 2008

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SL65

SL65

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More motoring thrills and spills as Fifth Gear continues its 13th series, with Vicki Butler-Henderson, Tom Ford, Tiff Needell, Jason Plato and Jonny Smith at the helm. This week, Tiff feasts his eyes on the new V8 Lexus IS F. Tom ventures to the Arctic Circle to try out the Volvo XC70. Vicki test drives the new electric Smart car, before staging a shoot-out between two hot hatchbacks. And Jason sets a tough off-road challenge for England rugby skipper Phil Vickery.

In this week?s show, Tiff Needell gets behind the wheel of the brand new 5.0 litre V8 Lexus IS F ? a brute of a car from the Far East. This sleek and exciting sports car boasts a top speed of 168mph and can hit 60mph in just 4.9 seconds. The new model shows that the Japanese company is determined to compete with the likes of BMW and Audi in the luxury fast-car market, but how will it fare in a challenge with the BMW M3?

Tom Ford ventures to the snowy wastes of the Arctic Circle to test the off-road credibility of the Volvo XC70. Sheet ice, glaciers and potential frostbite are just a few of the sub-zero hazards. Will the Scandinavian-bred XC70 prove strong enough in its natural habitat to keep Tom sane ? not to mention warm?

Vicki Butler-Henderson, meanwhile, flies the flag for green energy by test-driving the first electric Smart car ? the Smart EV. The new car?s elder brother is the classic Smart ForTwo, a revolutionary city car that caused something of a stir when it first appeared in 1998. Potential buyers may be intrigued to hear the Smart EV will be exempt from road tax and the London congestion charge, but how does it fare where it really matters ? on the road?

After completing her Smart car assignment, Vicki stages another classic Fifth Gear shoot-out between two angry little hot hatches: the Vauxhall Corsa SRi and Ford Fiesta ST.

Also this week, England rugby captain Phil Vickery is put through his paces in an off-road challenge set by Jason Plato. How will this powerhouse of a man cope when he has to drive over terrain somewhat rougher than the average rugby pitch?
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This week, Tiff feasts his eyes on the new V8 Lexus IS F.


interesting. ANOTHER bmw M3 challenge. oh well, at least we can compare a bunch of cars to a standard.
 
Yay for Lexus IS-F :)

Boo for bringing back a rugby player :(
 
Another challenger for the M3? No problem. :p
 
It seems very much like the M3 knows exactly what it is and supposed to be. And does a very good job at it. But then here comes the Merc C63 and Lexus IS-F booming down the road to claim their crown as the "M3 killer". They have big powerful engines, chrome, gills and fins. But in their quest to punch BMW in the eye, I think they missed the point.

Like Nissan did with the GTR, Merc and Lexus should have just set out to create a great, original car.
 
I am by no means saying I'd choose the IS-F over the ///M3, but I would have it over the C63 and it'll be as reliable as the old "wood burning stove". It might not be the best driver's car, but it is one dandy Lexus.
 
OK - not too sure about this one. Strangely I will probably like the Fiesta ST vs Vauxhall/Opel Corsa challenge alot.
 
I'm obviously looking forward to seeing the IS in Tiff's hands. I wouldn't buy an IS-F myself, but still excited to see what the chassis can do!

Tom's segment is gonna be good for a few laughs I bet. Hope it's longer than say Jonny's Poland trip.
 
kekekeke said:
Shouldn't this be march the 2nd. ;)
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No, today, the 2nd, is a Sunday. Fifth Gear airs on Mondays.

Perhaps you're thinking of Top Gear...
 
i'm wondering if they are going to compare the lexus to the 4 door m3..... that would make a little more sense and make a few more of you happy.
 
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