Top Gear Show/Site Suggestions

SL65 AMG up against the SL63 AMG, and the old SL55 AMG, as there seems to be an argument over which is best at the moment, perhaps Top Gear could help to clear this up.

Edit: Maybe this could be combined with one of the two great looking roads in these posts

http://forums.finalgear.com/top-gear/what-exotic-driving-locations-should-top-gear-film-at-32802/#post868546

http://forums.finalgear.com/top-gear/what-exotic-driving-locations-should-top-gear-film-at-32802/page-2/#post869446

I'm not the one who posted these roads, please don't mistakenly give me credit for that. I did start the thread, it seems to have died however.

Edit: maybe this idea could be combined with the idea in this post http://forums.finalgear.com/top-gear/top-gear-show-site-suggestions-1987/page-27/#post846381 Making the show mostly about Mercedes, and making it possible to have the Stig drive all of these (minus the SL55, of course, as he already did that) around the track. It would also be interesting to see the ZR1's performance compared to the SL65 Black, as it looks like the lighter ZR1 is a better all rounder. Obviously, to Stig the Hayabusa, a professional rider will be needed. It would be nice to know the time for the 'Busa but, I think Jeremy should definitely keep it from being posted on the board.

I suspect that the SL55 AMG would end up being favored over the SL65 AMG or SL63 AMG, and that the Moss would be quicker and better than the SL65 Black, making the older Merc's better. I would still prefer to see the SL65 AMG, SL63 AMG, and the SL55 AMG tested on an epic road, separately from the other vehicles (that's not up to me though :?). I think it would be awesome to get lap times at the TG test track for the three SL's, the SL65 Black, whichever SLR could be used, the ZR1, and the 'Busa, as I'm sure there are literally "some" people (to steal a Clarksonian term), including myself, that would get a thrill out of it.

If this idea gets done http://forums.finalgear.com/top-gear/top-gear-show-site-suggestions-1987/page-26/#post843982 it would make the testing of the 'Busa much more interesting, as the four wheeled vehicles powered by the 'Busa's engine seem to be pretty quick.

Latest Edit: This should have been obvious to me, but I missed it. If, somehow, the new XKR could be thrown in with this crowd, I think it would up the ante and make things even more interesting. I'm not saying to drop one of the Mercedes' but, instead, make this part of the crowd.... Something like "so, we've now found that the old SL55 AMG is actually all out more fun to drive than either the SL63 AMG, or the SL65 AMG, but, however, there is a new car that isn't a Mercedes that makes all of these others somewhat, well, irrelevant!" and on comes the XKR
 
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It was mentioned that a new car is needed for SIARPC. While I realize that a manufacturers permission is probably needed for such a thing, here are some ideas: Something a bit more upspec, like the new Mazda 3 base model, would be something nicer, more mainstream, and not too different from what is being used now. Having said that, there are plenty of Korean cars that could replace the current Dae---errr Chevy:D . It would be quite funny to use something small and Japanese like the Daihatsu Copen, though that would probably be much slower.

Another idea would be to use something like the 1969 Dodge Charger was to the Dukes of Hazard. Something with some muscle, hard to break, and plentiful and easy to replace. Just slap some new paint on it and weld in a roll cage, then you have a "new" reasonably priced car. I'm not sure what this could be, being that I'm an American and all... perhaps something known for being powerful and having four doors, like a Lotus Carlton, only much slower, so the guests don't kill themselves

Edit: Copen link http://www.daihatsu.co.uk/copen/ Guess the Copen would be faster after all.
 
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It would be excellent if the 3 presenters were teamed up with a model or actress for a challenge. Three somewhat famous or famous people, who are interesting and intriguing, and that people would like to know more about. I think it should begin with them choosing a car, as a joint venture, where the presenters have some say, but the model/actress makes the final decision as to which car is purchased (for a pre-determined price). It would be great if James was paired up with someone who knew about cars, while the other two were not. I can just picture Jeremy pleading with his teammate not to buy a G-wiz, because it will never make it to the end. I think the challenge should include the teammate and the presenter trading off as drivers, and that they should have to spend a somewhat large amount of time with each other driving in the car. If it could be like some kind of endurance race, where they need to stop and do some extra things here and there, that would be ideal. Perhaps one of those timed races, where you are required to have a co-pilot and make it within a pre-set amount of time to each zone. I believe Clarkson's wife was involved in one of these, in which she drove a Westfield. I just googled the article, so that you can reference it here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article2880479.ece :) I think it would be best (for the presenters) to make it look like this is every mans dream, to be paired with one of these women, but at the end had them moaning for their wives (or in James' case, his "woman").

Edit: It would be excellent if the journey went on for more than one day and, due to money problems, they had to share a hotel room. It would also be good to give the presenters the option of sleeping in their car, instead of with their teammate.

Further Edit: If it were possible to get Angelina Jolie, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Keira Knightley, that would be hilarious. I do realize the outrageous improbability of that ever happening though. Any number of women that Mr. Clarkson has mentioned would work, I just picked these due to their recent mention, and his supposed adoration of them.

Even Further Edit: I think it would be good if the presenters had the option of taking one of their own sports cars, but were opposed to doing so due to a points reduction. That way, they would have a way out of going with what their teammate wanted if it was awful.

Even Further, Further Edit: After reading this,
I?m also sad that, in all probability, I shall never again fly in a jet fighter or ski down a black run or make fumbling lurve in the back seat of a car
I think it would be funny if Jeremy specifically uses a sports saloon, and perhaps even had purchased one for this challenge, as if he knew ahead of time the outlines of it. Perhaps it could be portrayed as though he snuck into the Top Gear office and read the challenge. Now that I've said that, I should add that I'm not encouraging Mr. Clarkson to ruin his marriage... Just thought I'd throw that last bit out there.

Link to the complete article http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/jeremy_clarkson/article5402442.ece

Further Edit Again:I have a link down the page for this. I think maybe these two ideas could be combined in some way, for a good test of luxury saloons.

Edit: Since the entire show would be a SIAC, perhaps SIARPC could be eliminated for it (this specific episode). That would make some whiners from here happy, while still accomplishing the same basic thing as SIARPC

I keep thinking that the song "The Girl From Ipanema" would really go well with this in some way. I guess it just really fits into the whole premise of being a fantasy.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=674pDDCOILs[/YOUTUBE]
 
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It would be great if Top Gear challenged The Long Way Round/Down guys to a race, with them riding their motorcycles, while Clarkson drove the new Ferrari California. I think James or Richard should go on one of their bikes with Ewan and Charlie, and that the one who doesn't go should have to race against Jeremy on public transport. I think that it would either make it easier for the one traveling on the public transport to get there, as they would be unencumbered by the other presenter. That, or they'll get horribly lost. If James were to be on public transport, perhaps he could attempt to fly something again, making his journey a bit more diverse and interesting. I think it would be great if this were filmed over the course of multiple days, leaving Jeremy to sleep in a hotel, and the bikers to sleep in tents. The person on public transport could sleep wherever it was convenient... hotel, on a train, etc. Perhaps the race could start in Greece, or Rome, or someplace that would be warm and sunny, with great colors and buildings. Maybe they could then embark on a somewhat dangerous journey around the Mediterranean, on their way to Egypt. James mentioned awhile back, in one of his articles, that he was in Syria. Perhaps he could travel through there, by whichever mode of transportation he is using, so that he can mention having visited. Perhaps also, the bikers could come down through Syria, and then Jordan. The Ferrari could go down through Syria and Jordan, crossing the Sinai Peninsula and the Suez to get to Egypt. It would be nice to see the Ferrari in Italy, and then see it parked in Egypt, with the Pyramids in the background. Reversing the course of things would also work I guess. I think it would be best to go straight from Italy to Greece on the ferry, avoiding the Balkans. Once they are into the countries South of Turkey, maybe some good music would be Dick Dale.

Edit: Perhaps in Jordan, they could stop at the city of Petra. Maybe stops like Damascus in Syria, Istanbul in Turkey, and Athens in Greece would also be good.

Further Edit: It would be cool if the bikes used were Moto Guzzis and/or Ducatis

Further Edit Again: Instead of using public transport, why not have the third presenter with Ellen MacArthur, racing in a sailboat or catamaran! http://www.ellenmacarthur.com/

team1.jpg


Since Ellen MacArthur apparently feels guilty about her use of the car:
I am as guilty as anyone of consuming the planet's resources in an unsustainable way, including lots of travel and not all using just the wind! The big challenge I, and we as a company, have is working out how to continue to develop, evolve and do exciting and rewarding projects in a way which is much more sustainable.
Perhaps the presenter on the boat with her could finish the rest of their journey in a sail-car or on a Quadricycle, taking Ms. MacArthur with them.

titelbild.jpg


http://www.zem.ch/en/index.html

mcknobby.jpg


http://www.lightfootcycles.com/microcar.htm

Hydration

Even Further Edit: Maybe at the end, Clarkson could take whoever had the motorcycle idea out on a rowboat, and do an ending scene like something from The Talented Mr. Ripley (without a presenter actually being murdered of course) :lol: Maybe, if the race is run from Maranello to Giza, this could be filmed before the journey began, but presented as if it was happening at the end. Perhaps also, this could be how one of the presenters winds up being deposited on Ms. MacArthur's sailing vessel. Maybe it could be portrayed as that presenter being the one that organized a motorcycle adventure, and then Jeremy could show up with the California, leaving two extra motorcycles that just happen to find their way into the hands of Charlie and Ewan.

I'm sorry for the rambling in this, and other ideas. I don't want to set any part of them in stone, and I want to provide a lot of content and alternatives. I think this is one of my best, but that's up to those who read them I guess.

Edit: This bike would be funny to see Hammond on, as it's right up his alley as a choice for the journey. Similar to his choice of the Zonda for driving through France, it is undeniably cool. Richard would most likely be saddle sore in the first two to three hundred miles, giving people a chance to laugh at his pain (I suppose any of the Ducati's may work well for this, I really wouldn't want to be the cause of a major problem by suggesting he ride a wholly inappropriate motorcycle). Though Moto Guzzis and Aprilias are not typically thought of as being well suited as distance cruisers, it would be interesting if Charlie and Ewan had the more practical bikes that these companies make for this type of journey. Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia. If James ends up being the presenter going on the ride, perhaps he could have something totally appropriate, but completely out of place, like the Honda Goldwing. The Goldwing is actually available with Anti-Lock Brakes and an Airbag, making it a somewhat comical, though practical choice.

I had this idea while reading this book. During my reading of the previously mentioned book, I also read James May's articles on his travels in Syria, one of which can be viewed here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/2750270/James-May-Steam-cleaned-in-Damascus.html

A new Ferrari needs a big introduction, and if this turns out to be a possibility, there would be few bigger ways to pull that off.

Directions from MSN Maps:

http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?wip=2&v=2&rtp=~&FORM=MSNH#JnJ0cD1wb3MucXpoZnp2ajE3NWZ0X1JvbWUlMmMrSXRhbHlfX19lXyU3ZXBvcy5xOXdqNWNqejlmY21fQXRoZW5zJTJjK0dyZWVjZV9fX2VfJTdlcG9zLnF2MXloM2tkZDhuNF8lYzQlYjBzdGFuYnVsJTJjK1R1cmtleV9fX2VfJTdlcG9zLnBra3ZrNW0wcjN0cV9EYW1hc2N1cyUyYytTeXJpYV9fX2VfJTdlcG9zLnAxd3BxY2t5czBidF9XYWRpK011c19fX2VfJTdlcG9zLm54c2Q4emt4YzloOF9FbGF0JTJjK0lzcmFlbF9fX2VfJTdlcG9zLnAwMTc5OGttMHp2MV9HaXphJTJjK0VneXB0X19fXyZydG9wPTAlN2Uw

This seems to have become something that could easily make a 2 hour show, I'd like to apologize if I have made this into something financially impossible.

Edit: Thought I would add some luxury Catamaran links and pics

DSC04799.JPG


Yapluka 65' from Yapluka Yachts

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07.jpg


05.jpg


Sunreef 62' Modern from Sunreef Yachts

I do think it best to let Ellen MacArthur choose her own sailing vessel. It may also make sense to have some former British Special Forces (even better if they've also been trained to speak Arabic), or some people of a similar attitude, traveling with each of the three crews for support in case of emergency (something tells me that it shouldn't be too hard to convince someone to go on an extravagant adventure vacation for a nominally small amount of compensation).

The African Queen on IMDB

Though this wouldn't be a struggle like in The African Queen, it would be somewhat of a struggle nonetheless (though I'm sure the luxury accommodations of a yacht would make up for that quite a bit). I guess there would be a bit of a role reversal from The African Queen, which would just be funny really.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s2r8_BwkQo[/YOUTUBE]

I'm admittedly not terribly fond of Easy Rider, though I think some of the scenery, ride sequences, and music in it are great, and could relate to this idea. I really don't like the cinematography of this film, or the way the scenes were pieced together. It also lacks depth, which makes it less than captivating.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in5uA5YXHIg[/YOUTUBE]

http://www.longwaydown.com/index.php

http://www.bigearth.co.uk/html/landing.html

As much as this could be a way of getting some interesting forms of transportation to the screens of Top Gear viewers, it could also be a bit of an extended launching point for the Long Way Down and the Long Way Round, and also a way for Ellen MacArthur to broadcast her initiatives. Perhaps this is how it could be sold to Ewan McGregor, Charlie Boorman, and Ellen MacArthur, as word of their work and initiatives would be reaching international audiences.
 
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A review of BYD motors on a whole, as few people outside of China even know it exists. Perhaps it could just be in the news, or maybe a trip could be made to China to actually drive one and see what it's like. Of course, if that is done, it will need to include the great wall and some olympics places. I suppose it would be possible to film the Chinese desert I posted about earlier in this thread as well, but that also may not be a very good idea in Communist China.
 
The new danish Zenvo vs. the swedish Koeegeeghhsssssniggggsgeggg CCXR.

The scandinavian battle!

Er well.. to get norway in:... Th!nk... yay:blink:
 
Jeremy doesnt really like Porsches - what about RUF?

Jeremy doesnt really like Porsches - what about RUF?

Twenty years after the small German manufacturer (not tuner!) RUF has made the legendary CTR "Yellow Bird" they make a new supercar called the CTR3 which is really an interesting one.

What would you think of a test which features both of these great cars where jeremy could find out if there is a "Porsche" he might really like?

And as I would like to see more tests of classics, why not compare the Yellow Bird against an F40 on the track (the Yellow Bird succeeded the F40 as being the worlds fastst road production car).

Further more, there should be tests of an AM DB4 GT Zagato for example or other legendary GT cars such as the 250 SWB or the California. I just loved the comparison between the E-Type and the DB5 and I am sure, many others too.
Why not make a special track times board for such classics?
 
James should be forced to learn how to powerslide on pavement in something powerful. Any number of cars would be good, I was thinking a Sunbeam Tiger with the 260 Ford, but something modern, like the Bristol Fighter (if they'd let it on the show), would be nice to see as well. I think the Fighter would really be awesome to see. Maybe, if you can get that on, he could go on to road test it and hand it to the stig.

Edit: If it is possible to somehow get the Bristol onto the show, I think that Jeremy should be kept away from it. James is well suited for a review of this car, which could give it some good publicity. I'd hate to think that James would never be allowed within 5 miles of a Bristol again, after Jeremy opened his mouth about the fighter.

BristolFighterComposition.jpg


http://www.bristolcars.co.uk/BristolFighter.htm

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNQwbmffktI[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnQoXsrf0-g[/YOUTUBE]
 
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I think it would be pretty funny to put Jeremy and Richard up against each other in the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe, and one of the new BMW 7-series cars. Then have James, driving in a Cadillac DTS, trying to prove that he has the right car for the job. I think if it were set up in a way that tested the performance (or lack thereof) of the cars, then went on to compete for the best level of comfort over bumpy and uneven roads, it would make for a good review. I believe that the President here rides in a DTS Limo, and while I don't think it would be appropriate to go back down the path of doing limos, it would be funny to mention that the President of the USA rides in a DTS. Presidential Limo from the TG mag website

Edit: Perhaps this could also be combined with a wine tasting journey in France, or even England really, as James has experience in that already.

Further Edit: I think if this is combined with a wine thing, it should mostly involve James trying to share his experience, while the other two try their best to avoid it and threaten him.

Perhaps this could be combined with the post in this link (and also located just up the page): http://forums.finalgear.com/top-gear/top-gear-show-site-suggestions-1987/page-28/#post869185

Edit: the DTS is available in two engine/performance guises, if the 292hp 288ft lbs of torque, performance version was chosen, I think that would be funnier, as it could be put down more often for not having any performance. The normal version makes 275hp, but it actually makes more torque, at 295 ft lbs. They also have two different versions of the same transmission. Perhaps James should be allowed to make the final decision, depending on what is available, if this idea ends up being used.

Explanatory Edit: I had the Jaguar XF-Supercharged listed for this idea, but I changed it up to the RR Phantom Coupe for a number of reasons. I think the largest reason is that I have watched a lot of Steve McQueen movies, and I like the original Thomas Crown Affair. I think that the XF-Supercharged would still work well for this, as I'm sure that a number of other cars would.
 
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Sorry to change the subject(but it has been a while since the last post). There's all this stuff about budget cuts(and no thread) so posted this in the show suggestions.

This show is said to have a viewership in the hundreds of millions so one small advertisement embedded while the show was airing (for example "today's news brought to you by pepsi") could help increase BBC income.
I'm guessing that could rake in a lot of money seeing as even the people who download would see that and if the sponsors weren't car related I don't think it would be a big deal.

Although I'm not an expert when it comes to television advertising but their audience > the superbowl's. The BBC should find a way to capitalize on that, without compromising the show's integrity.

I'll check back soon to see if this idea is flawed(it's mad early in the morning here in Canada) or if any of you agree.
 
Top Gear team - post your races and specials on Google Maps.
 
I think it would be absolutely incredible, awesome, amazing, if it were somehow possible to put the three presenters up in a Eurofighter, an F-15, and an SU-30, or the SU-35UB(though I'm not sure if there was ever more than one of those built). If the presenters were allowed to fly for awhile, that would also be very cool. I think it would be best if this was put up as a challenge, and they were to ride along in a fake dog-fighting scenario, in which each plane would be responsible for shooting down the other. This would be particularly good for the F-15, as it is said that one has still never been shot down in combat. I would love to see the presenters riding in the back, vomiting, as the pilots did their best to outmaneuver each other.

Edit: If this is even possible at all, I think it would be a good idea for James and Jeremy to hit the gym ASAP.

Further Edit: Driving to the airfield in cars that match the year and country from which the plane they are flying in was made, would be interesting. Stuff like a Corvette, a Land Rover, and a Yugo would go well.

Even Further Edit: It would be hilarious to have some clips of the gym

Even Further, Further Edit: The getting into shape bit would be even better, if it was handed to them as a challenge, and they didn't know why they were to do it. I think that then they could go through military boot camp, complete with drill instructor. The best part would be that they wouldn't be able to mess around and act as though it didn't matter, as they would have someone to answer to (though I'm certain they would anyways). At the end of their fitness training, they could be put into the centrifuge g-force trainers and flight simulators, giving them an idea of what they're about to do.

If it were possible to get R. Lee Ermey to be part of the boot camp, that would be outright hilarious.

http://www.rleeermey.com/introindex.php

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Nf1MK7lts[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPuzcm4Hvts[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjg6mRFzZzE[/YOUTUBE]

I forgot to mention, something should be said about the planes being chosen partly for their history, and partly for their having 2 seats.

8 Weeks of Boot Camp!!! How hard can it be?!!!!!!

After reading this: http://www.topgear.com/uk/jeremy-clarkson/clarkson-massage-2008-12-01

I thought that I should add that going through boot camp or going to the gym would only be temporary, as the presenters would need it to be in good enough shape to handle air combat. I'm not trying in any way to promote exercise. :D
 
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It was mentioned that a new car is needed for SIARPC. While I realize that a manufacturers permission is probably needed for such a thing, here are some ideas: Something a bit more upspec, like the new Mazda 3 base model, would be something nicer, more mainstream, and not too different from what is being used now. Having said that, there are plenty of Korean cars that could replace the current Dae---errr Chevy:D .

The only possible solution is the Dacia Sandero
 
I have been thinking about this post a lot lately.

http://forums.finalgear.com/top-gear/top-gear-show-site-suggestions-1987/page-23/#post766425

A lot of Americans have no idea about any Lotus'. Having grown up being exposed to vintage cars, I think it would be cool to do something like the old Lotus challenge listed above, using cars from the period in which Colin Chapman was living, cars few Americans would know about, like the Elite, Eclat, or perhaps the better known 60's Elan or the original Europa. There are other cars, from after Chapman's death, which few Americans know about. Cars like the more modern front wheel drive Elan, the Lotus Excel, or even the Lotus Carlton, would all be cars that would be fun to see on the show in England, and would be cars to introduce to the viewers on BBC America.

http://www.carandclassic.com/car/C73225/#

http://www.carandclassic.com/car/C71625?pt=pf

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-page.php/carno/44510

Maybe, since Lotus has been a big part of the show in the past, and since they designed part of the track, the cars could be handed over to Lotus at some point, to improve their performance.
 
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Build hot rod riding mowers, test them at the track, then temporarily take over a mowing companies route, giving each presenter the chance to mow at least one lawn. Maybe then, they could go on to compete against other hot rod riding mowers in some kind of race.

http://www.nwlmra.org/

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LXFSLK3otM[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5M_BpcC67o[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWmozLhuuXo[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xanOeYcQpcM[/YOUTUBE]

It would be extremely funny if it was possible to drive these on the road to their destinations.
 
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Haha like that, it could be really funny. Clarkson would probably try fitting his V8 engine to it, would be better then the V8 rocking chair or blender and way more entertaining watching him try to drive it. Those mower races are great to watch and watching the TG3 try to do one would be funny. Seeing their attempts at mowing a lawn in a hot rod mower would be rather entertaining too :p
 
I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but apart from making videos on TG UK not playable in America, they have now removed the link to TG UK from the US website, with www.topgear.com automatically redirecting you to www.topgear.com/us if your in America. Please bring back the little flag link because I prefer the UK version of the site to the US one.
 
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