I am not a fan, but I think that a controversial figure is just what is needed. In a lot of ways that is what makes TGUK work. Clarkson is about as controversial as one can get, and May... well may is controversial in his own way. Hammond is the "guy next door" kind of thing. The mix works there. I just hope he keeps his vulgarity in check.
I think the thing that everyone needs to prepare for is that this will be Top Gear US, not UK. If they were to have people try and fill the slots of the UK guys, it just wouldn't work. Better to try and get a uniquely American mix that can bring a similar quality to the show, while being unique to itself.
I don't want Clarkson with an American accent.<shudder> I want someone who will actually say that the Jag has become an obsolete piece of afterthought built for short islanders. I want to learn about some of the obscure supercars built in America, and maybe even acknowledge they are good too. Not grudgingly because they happen to have beat the Veyron at its own game on a fraction of the budget. You know, not all supercars are built in a shed in Sheffield. We actually do a pretty good job of it on occasion.
What could eventually be really interesting is to have a challenge between the US, UK and Aussie show hosts once or twice a season. I mean, acknowledge they are there, that they are differenent, and we are better.