Those big plasma screens really aren't that expensive when you consider all the other things that go into a set - the monitors in a studio gallery are more expensive than the screens used on set.
They've decided the new chairs work as a set and so have decided to keep it. It's part of the evolution of the show from something just for petrol heads to something for people that enjoy cars and having a laugh.
The ratings show that Top Gears average audience member is male between 25 and 40 and probably working in an office - basically grown up lads up for a laugh and looking for an escape from the mundanity of every day life.
Jeremy said this in his recent column for
TG Mag.
Top Gear is basically for people that enjoy looking at cars, enjoy the spectacle of a fast or flash car and enjoy the whole 'boys own' stuff.
Thats what the new set is about - it's a laugh, it's poking fun at blokes getting older but still loving a laugh. Or at least that's my interpretation of it.