Top Gear Australia

[chu]

Well it is only 5 days now until it screens for the first episode. At first I wasn't really pumped after watching some of the audition vid's but it started growing on me and then I saw the trailer for it. WOW. I wasn't expecting much of it to start off with being an Australian series but from the add the production quality seems awesome and they have some decent cars. Not just Ford Vs. Holden that I was expecting. It also seemed that they had challenges lined up as well. I now can't wait to watch it.

Anyone else really exited?

[ThePig]

Yep, counting the days.:)

Will never be better than the original though...

[downhiller_1]

i think there will be alot more on holden and ford over other car companys, but plenty of v8 smoking action i hopehttp://forum.streetcommodores.com.au/images/smilies/extras/drivin.gif

[scblack]

When is the first episode?

[ThePig]

When is the first episode?

Monday 29 September 7:30 pm.

Linky. (http://www.sbs.com.au/topgear/)

Check the video section for a preview.

[wombat]

I didn't have much faith until I heard that Warren Brown was one of the presenters. He did a good job with Peking to Paris (and that little 10 min show about famous cars), so hopefully he'll bring something to the new series too.

If SBS push the UK version in favour of the Aus. one though I'll be right pissed.

[Bocaj1994]

For some reason i thought they were having the British presenters. Ohh well as long as they do competitions I'm happy.

[chu]

If SBS push the UK version in favour of the Aus. one though I'll be right pissed.

Yeah. Especially seeing as season 11 of TG UK is absolutely crazy.

Yep, counting the days.:)

Will never be better than the original though...

Nothing will ever be as good as UK TG. But at least we will have something to fill in the days between seasons that we would normally not have any TG at all.

[slip]

I'm usually quite underwhelmed by Top Gear. Often silly things like caravans swinging from cranes, or shooting cars at a target. Cool, yes - but I want to watch a show about interesting (performance) cars, where they are pushed to the limit, and you are really given a feel for what it's like to drive one.

And don't get me started on their test track. Some (most that I've seen) of those cars are overdriven for the sake of the camera, crap lines taken etc. Them/the Stig have been round that track enough times, they should have nailed. Unfortunately, the fastest way is usually the cleanest and most boring to watch....

Unless... They started using good camera work to actually convey the speed and dynamics instead of a bunch of very short shots with a whole ton of shitty effects.

Car related entertainment, yes - but nothing more. I've enjoyed 5th Gear a lot more. More of a driver's show.

[fieldy]

I'm usually quite underwhelmed by Top Gear. Often silly things like caravans swinging from cranes, or shooting cars at a target. Cool, yes - but I want to watch a show about interesting (performance) cars, where they are pushed to the limit, and you are really given a feel for what it's like to drive one.

And don't get me started on their test track. Some (most that I've seen) of those cars are overdriven for the sake of the camera, crap lines taken etc. Them/the Stig have been round that track enough times, they should have nailed. Unfortunately, the fastest way is usually the cleanest and most boring to watch....

Unless... They started using good camera work to actually convey the speed and dynamics instead of a bunch of very short shots with a whole ton of shitty effects.

Car related entertainment, yes - but nothing more. I've enjoyed 5th Gear a lot more. More of a driver's show.


In one episode (I think it may actually be on one of the DVD's) Richard Hammond says that the driving they are doing is "TV" driving and not "good" driving. Atleast they are honest.

I'm abit sceptical about the Australian one though, I really hope they don't try to act too "blokey".

[chu]

In one episode (I think it may actually be on one of the DVD's) Richard Hammond says that the driving they are doing is "TV" driving and not "good" driving. Atleast they are honest.

I'm abit sceptical about the Australian one though, I really hope they don't try to act too "blokey".

When you are talking about the driving that they do. Are you talking about the timed lap or just them having a thrash around? If you are talking about when they are just thrashing around testing I would much rather watch them do burnouts, speed tests, etc. than race around as fast as they can. That's what the Stig is for.

Talking about Stig. Who do you think that the Australian Stig will be. I think that it would have to be one of the V8 Supercar drivers but I am not sure which one. Maybe Lowndes? I hope it is Lowndes:p

[slip]

The driving they do out and about is ok, but often shot poorly. Arty, visually exciting, yes. Doesn't tell us much about the car though.

It's like a glossy pretty mag, there's no substance, but I can't help wanting to look at it regardless.

[fieldy]

When you are talking about the driving that they do. Are you talking about the timed lap or just them having a thrash around? If you are talking about when they are just thrashing around testing I would much rather watch them do burnouts, speed tests, etc. than race around as fast as they can. That's what the Stig is for.

Talking about Stig. Who do you think that the Australian Stig will be. I think that it would have to be one of the V8 Supercar drivers but I am not sure which one. Maybe Lowndes? I hope it is Lowndes:p


That is when they are thrashing around just to clarify things.

[RampRider7]

That is when they are thrashing around just to clarify things.

Clarify how much smoke can they can put out of the tyres.:D

[Wellsey]

It's like a glossy pretty mag, there's no substance.

Kind of like DIRT you mean?

[mike-]

I'm just hoping one of the presenters is a synical bastard, always makes for good watching when they can pull off that role and make it funny.

[Dirt king]

I really am not all that excited. I mean it will be good for Australia to have a Top Gear, and for once our HSV and FPV cars will be regarded highly, but I just don't see how the three hosts will be able to be anything like the english presenters.

In some ways I wish SBS would broadcast both, but I guess an Aussie Top Gear is better than no Top Gear.

All that said though I am still in a way excited to see what it will be like and for once we will also have recent and up to date episodes, no ones from 10000000 years ago.

[ben_rides_a_bike]

i cant wait.
i love the uk top gear now and i rekon they will have so awsome outback challengers, hopefuly some good carsn no fucking gay vl turbos

[skivi]

Car related entertainment, yes - but nothing more. I've enjoyed 5th Gear a lot more. More of a driver's show.

agreed,

top gear has changed a lot from it's humble beginnings, now it's more like 'mythbusters' without the science or ingenuity, lets face it Clarkson, May and Hammond have a level of knowledge that any shmuck could attain via a quick study of current car catalogues, promotion campaigns and advertisements, it's just their perceived ability to string a few quick jokes together and replace over used adjectives with witty one liners that keep people watching, it's a pretty simple show really but none the less somewhat entertaining.

therrs nothing wrong with comedy and seeing expensive cars sideways but i hope the aus topgear can have all this and still aspects like car news/politics, buying guides and road tests for joe average.

[sockman]

All that said though I am still in a way excited to see what it will be like and for once we will also have recent and up to date episodes, no ones from 10000000 years ago.

Yeah, I don't take kindly to being told that the 2004 golf will be released later this year...

Should be good to watch, but no one can compare to Jeremy Clarkson.

[Viv92]

I basically watch it for the comedy, I have very little interest in cars. The later ones are absolutely hilarious though, so I'm happy to watch them. Hopefully the Australian one is just as good, but I think it would be hard for it to be.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

agreed,
, lets face it Clarkson, May and Hammond have a level of knowledge that any shmuck could attain via a quick study of current car catalogues, promotion campaigns and advertisements,


Dunno about that. Whilst I'm not entirely sure of Hammond and May's backgrounds, Jeremy Clarkson has been thrashing cars around for Top Gear and writing as a motor journalist since I was in Primary School. That's almost 20 years of taking cars to their limits on test tracks around the world, test driving everything from Veyrons for Top Gear to Vauxhall Astras for car mags as well as being schooled by formula one drivers and subjected to endless technical lectures from car industry boffins at countless motor shows and car launches.

Every Day for 20 years.

That's a hell of a pedigree, don't you think?

[...jim]

Car related entertainment, yes - but nothing more.

No, first and foremost it's a tv show that rates its tits off. Nothing more.

[Pete J]

Fifth Gear beats that bollocks any day! :D

[chu]

Dunno about that. Whilst I'm not entirely sure of Hammond and May's backgrounds, Jeremy Clarkson has been thrashing cars around for Top Gear and writing as a motor journalist since I was in Primary School. That's almost 20 years of taking cars to their limits on test tracks around the world, test driving everything from Veyrons for Top Gear to Vauxhall Astras for car mags as well as being schooled by formula one drivers and subjected to endless technical lectures from car industry boffins at countless motor shows and car launches.

Every Day for 20 years.

That's a hell of a pedigree, don't you think?

A quick wiki shows that James May was sub editor for Autocar magazine a long time before ever coming apart of Top Gear, as well as writing regular atricals in UK Car Magazine and of Top Gear.

Another quick wiki shows that Richard Hammond he grew up in an automotive background with his grandparents being mechanics. Thats about it really before Top Gear came along.

[Caffeine]

I scored a ticket to the taping of episode 2 last saturday. It was quite interesting to see the behind the scenes stuff :)

I won't give away what happens, but it's got some funny bits and is a lot better than any other australian motoring car show we have at the moment!

It's similar to the early episodes of the UK TG, some stuff will take a while to catch on, but it should get there :)

[Vicious_Fishes]

great, a commodore & falcon-fest... just what every dumbass boofhead australian needs.

[Ivan]

great, a commodore & falcon-fest... just what every dumbass boofhead australian needs.

Nice work sharing your hate with us. There's nothing wrong with Australians who like their local car manufacturers.

Can't wait for TGA.

[top_dog]

I don't think TGA will be able to completely bag out a car like TGUK can, they'd never get anther one.

[olly1oo6]

Nice work sharing your hate with us. There's nothing wrong with Australians who like their local car manufacturers.

Can't wait for TGA.

Well if it DOES end up being a falcon vs commodore shootout every episode, I'll happily go back to watching downloaded reruns instead.

The last thing I care about is whether a falcon is faster than a commodore. Anyway, everyone knows the new FG falcon takes the win this round.:p

[do-a-flip]

the second host on the video had a dead banger with nigel thornberry...

too many kiddy shows i watch:p
looks to be ok well have to wait n see when it comes to air.

[chu]

Well if it DOES end up being a falcon vs commodore shootout every episode, I'll happily go back to watching downloaded reruns instead.

The last thing I care about is whether a falcon is faster than a commodore. Anyway, everyone knows the new FG falcon takes the win this round.:p

+1white....

[placebo]

It's sort of set itself up to fail. The original Topgear has a lot of entertainment value, the rapport between the presenters, despite their differentiated personalities contributes a great deal to the dynamic of the show. The early repeats on SBS show that it took a while for it to gel. If the presenters don't offer as much individually as those in the original, if they don't have the same easy rapport, then it's pretty much a basket case, no matter what they drive. Mimicking the format, I doubt they'll have as long to get it right.

Warren Brown. Why? I've had one look at him in some show I can't recall, and it was underwhelming. His cartoons are simplistic and banal, possibly because they are in the Daily Telegraph. Leunig or Tandberg he aint. Who are the other two??? The whole point of the challenges on the show, in ridiculous shit that you would have trouble finding, yet alone want to drive, is to allow them to interact, while still driving, without talking about driving on a driving show.

Clarkson drives alright too. The last Vauxhall (HSV) test I watched, he's got that thing drifting while calmly pointing out it's negatives as a lovely backhanded compliment. His newspaper columns are a great read as well.

Kind of like DIRT you mean?

They actually have the balls to give an opinion about a bike or product, and usually a justification for doing so, unlike other mags. Steve Jones is idiosyncratic, but at least puts his views and reasoning out there, and is prepared to back it up, instead of a couple of hundred words of waffle, then an innocuous, meaningless number at the end of it. Just make sure every bike scores between 7.5 and 9.5 so as not to piss off any potential advertisers, and always focus on the fork, tyres, seat and grips. I noticed in the last AMB I read it didn't have that stupid graph at the end of the reviews. His 1:04 series was one of the most interesting series of articles I've ever read in an MTB mag.

[Ivan]

Clarkson drives alright too. The last Vauxhall (HSV) test I watched, he's got that thing drifting while calmly pointing out it's negatives as a lovely backhanded compliment. His newspaper columns are a great read as well.



Clarkson loved the HSV. it's a shame he was comparing it to an M5. Why am I defending aussie cars???????????

[Knopey]

So much pre-jedged negativity... It's better to wait and see with an open mind surely?

Particularly when someone who went to a filming said it went alright. And also bearing in mind that it's not going to start off as "polished" as the original is now, of course. (Imo that's good anyway, it will let it develop its own identity.)

[scblack]

Clarkson loved the HSV. it's a shame he was comparing it to an M5. Why am I defending aussie cars???????????
They compared it to a Chrysler 300C and they reckoned it was better than the Chrysler. I think a Jag was also compared then too, I don't quite remember, and it was reckoned better than it too. That was a test on a beach somewhere.

Ivan, you are right, why are we defending a bogandore?

[Ivan]

They compared it to a Chrysler 300C and they reckoned it was better than the Chrysler. I think a Jag was also compared then too, I don't quite remember, and it was reckoned better than it too. That was a test on a beach somewhere.

Ivan, you are right, why are we defending a bogandore?

They have compared the current HSV with the M5, compared the old Monaro with the 300C and Jag as you mentioned above, raced an old clubsport (vt?) against a little ford capri. They have also done a test on the monaro on it's own.

All of which are pretty interesting to watch (search on youtube).

[Dylan77]

I can give away one thing TGA might at least comment on...I was at the Birdsville races this year, and TGA drove an Audio R8 out there!! That means they drove a $350 000+ car over 500km of rough dirt roads!! They didn't seem to have any video cameras, but took a a lot of photos.

They took some photos of it outside the pub, dam hilarious...one of the biggest contrasts I have seen.

[Dylan77]

I can give away one thing TGA might at least comment on...I was at the Birdsville races this year, and TGA drove an Audio R8 out there!! That means they drove a $350 000+ car over 500km of rough dirt roads!! They didn't seem to have any video cameras, but took a a lot of photos.

They took some photos of it outside the pub, dam hilarious...one of the biggest contrasts I have seen.

Sorry to re-post - but here's a pic

http://www.farkin.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=116864&stc=1&d=1222498647

[Simmo.]

Yeoow, couple of hours to go.:D

[sam_hill]

I can give away one thing TGA might at least comment on...I was at the Birdsville races this year, and TGA drove an Audio R8 out there!!

Mate Whats an Audio R8? :D:D

Anyway I am tuning in tonight to see what it will be like. No doubt it wont be as good as Top Gear UK. Any betts on who the Aussie Stig is because I think the UK one is Damon Hill....

[Tomas]

Shithouse. What a waste of a timeslot. I love UKTG so much, but this was like a stupid, unfunny youtube parody.

[Viv92]

Shithouse. What a waste of a timeslot. I love UKTG so much, but this was like a stupid, unfunny youtube parody.

I watched it for about 5 minutes. How boring. Jumping a crappy 4WD off a sand dune was alright though, same as when he got it sideways. Rest sucked.

[do-a-flip]

wow. really just terrible...

poms win again.

[Tomas]

I watched it for about 5 minutes. How boring. Jumping a crappy 4WD off a sand dune was alright though, same as when he got it sideways. Rest sucked.

Ill admit, that was cool. Went steeply downhill as they started talking.

[Downhill Domination]

It is nowere near as good as the UK version, was watching the stretch Hummer around the track!
Seems to be pretty boring, don't think it will go very far! :rolleyes:

[Tomas]

Who the fuck is that guy with the mo? What a tosser.

[Plow King]

"WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?"

Ironic.

[FR Drew]

Presenters are boring, their Stig looks like an amateur the way he was throwing a few of the cars around. Obviously hasn't had enough time to get sorted on the track yet.

Cars: Check
Personalities of presenters: Fail
Quirkiness: Fail
Comedic content: Fail
Test circuit: Fail

Overall: Fail

And as for referring every 5 minutes to how amazing it was that they've got this far through the show, or this is the fastest lap time so far, etc etc etc the joke was unfunny the first time, repeating it just makes it more lame.

Yawn, rather watch repeats of TG UK.

[gravelclimber]

It's growing on me. The bloke playing Clarkson is a bit of a tosser though. Even doing the tory thing which is a little sad. Rest is OK.

[S.]

It might actually come across as ok if they stopped SOUNDING LIKE THEY WERE YELLING ALL THE TIME. Doesn't really compare to the original though, it's pretty clearly a cheap imitation.

[Breaka]

Who the fuck is that guy with the mo? What a tosser.

Cartoonist Warren Brown. He's pretty cool, dunno how he goes on top gear Aus though.

I only gave it five mintues. I didn't really expect much of it to begin with so I wasn't all that disspointed when I saw how shit it was.

[andrew_o]

Seriously I am half way through it at the moment. IT FAILS HARDCORE! The jokes are down right stupid, the reason I loved the UK series is because of the chortle like humour etc. The Australian series simply does not fill the criteria of Top gear in my oppinion.

[Sputnick]

All i can say is FAIL!

I want the old one back.:(

[velolove]

I like it so shuddup noobs

[Sethius]

well im happy enough- but i had NO expectations :p least there is snow and sand and stuff. Vince talked for wayyy to long though.

[b_S]

Brown was the redeeming factor, but not by much. I like Top Gear for the presenters moreso than the format, ahh well...

[Simmo.]

well im happy enough- but i had NO expectations :p least there is snow and sand and stuff. Vince talked for wayyy to long though.

Whose Vince? (Don't you mean Charlie)
Anyways I'll be watching it again next week, I wanna see how the Holden vs Ford thing goes.

[MrPlow]

Well, as expected I watched 3 minutes and could no longer stand it.Sorta like a tribute band. They just don't cut it.

For those interested they are filming here in Toowoomba as we speak though. Woot:rolleyes:

[Cameo]

They sure do like their ECU, zoom in zoom out DOF nature/detail shots.
Rap/50 Cent jokes were lame, so was the convoy of police vehicles and money in briefcase, and that intense 'action' section of the shark diving moke experiment, that heavy breathing in the background did my head in!

[Cameo]

Whose Vince? (Don't you mean Charlie)
Anyways I'll be watching it again next week, I wanna see how the Holden vs Ford thing goes.

Vince Colosimo. The guest actor.

[bob_jane]

FAIL!!! i didnt learn anything about the "softroaders", very disapointing

[nick_dales]

That was just so shit, what were the producer's thinking!

[howie_two4]

Well, as expected I watched 3 minutes and could no longer stand it.Sorta like a tribute band. They just don't cut it.

For those interested they are filming here in Toowoomba as we speak though. Woot:rolleyes:
Yeh? What for?

[sawtell]

it wasnt really that bad.. but it was very lame.
every joke and punch line was so heavily scripted, you just knew it was going to happen, some one would say somethign then a pause as some one else jumped in with a crappy remark.

vince did talk for way to long. trying to be funny.

[Regan of Gong]

I don't think you can write it completely off after 1 episode. That would be silly. Give it a chance.

BTW, I thought it was solid. Not brilliant, but passable. I laughed a few times, it just needs more of its own identity- many awkward pauses I thought.

[Daver]

Who the fuck is that guy with the mo? What a tosser.

No way, he's the only good one on the show. The other two get on my nerves.

[Steve-0]

They need to write the script to suit the presenters. It sounded EXACTLY like the UK script, as said above, you knew when the jokes were coming. In the UK version, you knew they were coming but they were still funny, but this time it sucked.

The cars tested were great and the news was current and relatable. I hope they either change the scripting dramatically or get the UK guys in the aus format. (FYI over 4000 people auditioned to be presenters)

And LOL @ the dickhead crashing the rav4....

[csd]

That was bad, I can't see it lasting for too long. Half of the audience looked like rapists...

[Jroome]

Nothing new, could have been more... Unique.

Ohwells.

[Crowie]

i recon the need somthing that will define top gear australia. possiably a chalange or segment to get it away from a (tribute band) like show. but i think it was ok, better than idol :D

[jackmac91]

Jesus fucking christ! theres alot of hate floating round in here!
I didn't mind it, No it wasn't as good as the U.K version and yes the script was a bit weak but shit, It's a show about cars!
I'll be waiting a few episodes at least before passing any judgment.
I'll be tuning in next week for the Ford V.S Holden showdown.
You guys sure do love to hang shit on stuff ey?

[U.D.O]

They need to write the script to suit the presenters. It sounded EXACTLY like the UK script, as said above, you knew when the jokes were coming. In the UK version, you knew they were coming but they were still funny, but this time it sucked.

The cars tested were great and the news was current and relatable. I hope they either change the scripting dramatically or get the UK guys in the aus format. (FYI over 4000 people auditioned to be presenters)

And LOL @ the dickhead crashing the rav4....

i agree, they need a less UK script.
like when the were going to show the celebrity lap they ask 'so do you want to see the lap?'. which is exactly what the UK guys do and it should stay that way, because no matter what the answer is to that question they're still going to show the lap :confused:

i wasn't to dissapointed though, appart from the script and the wanna be funny presenters it wasn't to bad. the car reviews were alright. ford vs holden next week should be good!

[will...]

And LOL @ the dickhead crashing the rav4....

Also, LOL @ the dickhead who put the Subaru steering wheel shot in while they were driving the Toyota :rolleyes:

[MrPlow]

That was bad, I can't see it lasting for too long. Half of the audience looked like rapists...
That's a bloody lame thing to say mate.

[wombat]

For those interested they are filming here in Toowoomba as we speak though. Woot:rolleyes:
Ah shit, how many episodes have they produced already then?

I'll give it another couple of weeks, maybe they were nervous with early shooting, or the writers were trying to settle down into something original; but if that episode sets the benchmark for the rest of the series, then I hope SBS at least grant it a quick and painless death.

[Simmo.]

Vince Colosimo. The guest actor.

Ah, I knew I missed something, sorry mate.
Yeah he did talk too long haha.
Like I said, I'll be hanging around for next week's episode.

[kitson21]

Well remember top gear uk wasn't the best at the start (thats what i think and mainly because of the budget). But i reckon that it will get better and as the ratings come in they will start to fix things.
But seriously some of them jokes were shit.

[jackthewolverine]

It wasn't THAT bad, but still it was to much like the UK version.
Give it a while to "warm up.

[Bomb446]

The host that's a driving instructor or something got really annoying after a little while...it was alright...it has a lot to compete with though.

[W2ttsy]

the ford v holden episode is going to be shit. for starters, its a HSV r8 vs a FPV F6 Typhoon so the cars aren't even matched, plus the poor dialogue will likely be based around bogan euphemisms for toilets.

i was curious as to how they managed to shut the city link long enough to do the maybach spot. Nice car, needed more show time though.

W2ttsy

[{ScarFace}]

Why did they pick a cartoonist as a presenter in a car show?

Why did they again choose the old conservative prick, the nerdy bloke who can't drive and the short guy with a sense of humor?

How was that stupid shark thing relevant to anything in the show and the outcomes it produced?

Why did they have a 3 minute promo about the Maybach Review only to have him sit in the back for 30 seconds, then hold up pictures in the studio.

Seriously, I know that it's just a warm up and Original Top Gear was shit in the beginning, but they need to have some serious script changes and a more original concepts. Personally, I really hope that these don't get shown to the rest of the world, the show doesn't represent Australia and its Automotive cultures and, if this episode is anything to go by, they never will.

[S.]

Ah shit, how many episodes have they produced already then?

I'll give it another couple of weeks, maybe they were nervous with early shooting, or the writers were trying to settle down into something original; but if that episode sets the benchmark for the rest of the series, then I hope SBS at least grant it a quick and painless death.

In fairness, the first couple of seasons of the UK Top Gear were pretty friggin lame too. This episode was pretty try-hard but if it gets better then fair enough.

i was curious as to how they managed to shut the city link long enough to do the maybach spot. Nice car, needed more show time though.

W2ttsy

The Eastlink has only been open a couple of months - at a guess I'd say they filmed there before it was officially open.

[Tomas]

You guys sure do love to hang shit on stuff ey?
Yes.

Well remember top gear uk wasn't the best at the start (thats what i think and mainly because of the budget). But i reckon that it will get better and as the ratings come in they will start to fix things.
But seriously some of them jokes were shit.

Improve the show? New hosts. Is it just me, or does any one else find them particularly un-funny. TGUK isnt motoring journalism, its comedy and entertainment. Cookie cutter that, not pseudo-journalism.

[nizai]

Why did they pick a cartoonist as a presenter in a car show?



Why did they pick a journalist and a radio personality for the UK version? Who cares. He was the best of the three presenters.

[fastrider_ben]

tg australia fail

[Lemontime]

Not too fond of the aussie show.. But that cartoonist bloke is definitely the pick of the group. The little dude's just annoying and I kind of feel embaressed for him.. The one that's meant to be Clarkson really isn't hate-able enough, it's just not right..

[LJohn]

short guy with a sense of humor?



I couldn't find this.

It was pretty poor, but early days.

They are trying to emulate identities, they need their own.

They aussied up too much, I swear he called the Carrera a 'grouse car'.

They really need to loosen up.

And the Clarkson V2 should be more of an ass if he isn't going to pick his own identity to act.

[Booost]

I don't understand why they only had a tiny piece of the show on the $1million Merc, like 3 minutes and we got to see no features or anything!

[Hopper]

They really need to work out the camera angles for their test track. I I have pretty much no picture of what the track actually looks like in my head.

[Matt H]

I don't understand why they only had a tiny piece of the show on the $1million Merc, like 3 minutes and we got to see no features or anything!

He showed us the awesome car phone... :rolleyes:

I agree though, I don't even understand why the had that segment there.

[Vicious_Fishes]

the guy with the long hair. his voice. argh.

they need a variety of presenters. you know, someone young, someone old & someone thats pretty knowledgeable but "controversial as well".

the UK lunacy just isn't there.

the presenters really have nfi how to present.

FAIL

[NeBoS]

the guy with the long hair. his voice. argh.

they need a variety of presenters. you know, someone young, someone old & someone thats pretty knowledgeable but "controversial as well".

the UK lunacy just isn't there.

the presenters really have nfi how to present.

FAIL


Well I don't think it was a total failure, but it definitely needs improvement - like S mentioned before Top Gear UK was pretty crass when it first came to the tele.

Top Gear Australia I though was trying too hard to be like the UK version - from the various segments down to the actual mannerisms of the presenters, they are trying way too hard to replicate the UK show. I would rather they present a more Australian show - what i mean is something more original: its like watching a crummy version of the original... Crass! And that dude who tries to be funny all the time needs to quit those crappy puns!

On the flip side - I thought that the 4WD segment was pretty good, and quit original. Also liked the range of cars they were testing, although they could have fanged the Porsche a bit more..

Will be good to see next week when they drift the Aussie V8's - showing their driving ability..

[Ivan]

the ford v holden episode is going to be shit. for starters, its a HSV r8 vs a FPV F6 Typhoon so the cars aren't even matched,

W2ttsy

Yes, they are perfectly matched. They're the fastest car that each manufacturer/specialist onseller make? I don't see your point?

I can't wait.

[Viv92]

Yes, they are perfectly matched. They're the fastest car that each manufacturer/specialist onseller make? I don't see your point?

I can't wait.

Cylinders maybe?



It was pretty bad IMO, I only managed 5 minutes. However the Brit version sucked too early on, and only came good after a few seasons. It could come good.

[kurto]

going to give it a few more watches
but
stop trying to emulate the UK one
we dont need to be like their show
they found a winning formula now we need to
i didnt understand alot of the show last night
why did they show the Lambo and not do anything with it or show us the interior??
Maybach WTF it comes with headphones Who cares
and why did they do that to a Moke what was the purpose of that

seriously
its easy
get in ridiculously expensive fast car
smoke tyres or drift it
tell us how crap it is
then tell us we cant live with out it

easy
and stop doing scripts
TGUK works because they are just being honest
Aussies arent cynical like the poms so stop trying to be

just my thoughts
im dissapointed but im not giving up just yet

cheers
Kurto

[top_dog]

The friggen idiots put the Porsche up on the board as 911 PDK, when he said about 9 times it was the manual.:o

Jason Bargwanna is the Stig.

Warren was the only presenter that didn't grate on me.

They needed more cameras, I couldn't get a sense of the where the tracks/challenges went.

Oh, the Porsche road test was a joke. It looked like he was doing 60km/h the whole time, and he didn't even mention how it drove, just about how enviro friendly it is.

[MasterOfReality]

Well that was a bit shit. I watched 3/4 of it before turning it off.

Crappy jokes.

Too much blokey matey yelling at each other.

The test track looks like a go cart compared to the UK version.

They had some sort of comparo of soft roaders, but they didn't conclude which was the best one, so what was the point?

Vince Colosimo came off as a complete dickhead.

And still, one of them sounds like a Pom.

[W2ttsy]

Yes, they are perfectly matched. They're the fastest car that each manufacturer/specialist onseller make? I don't see your point?

I can't wait.

they arent. One is a forced induction inline 6 and the other is a N/A V8. The 8 will have the upper hand thru the first 3000rpm then the turbo will take the lead when it hits on boost. They havent even got a fair mechanical comparison, so it will probably come down to something asinine like price, amount of leather and who has the better integrated GPS system.

Episode 10, season 10 of TGUK was a good example of how to match cars, MB C63, BMW M3 and Audio RS4. all the same engine (for the most part) and very similar drive trains and levels of comfort.

It needs to be the GTS vs the GT-P to be fairly matched.

W2ttsy

[m_g]

lame---couldnt watch more than 10 mins of it...agree with previous posters, it just seemed like a bad copy of the UK version...axe it!

[scblack]

The friggen idiots put the Porsche up on the board as 911 PDK, when he said about 9 times it was the manual.:o
You must have been watching a different show to the rest of us:confused:.......The steering wheel paddles kind of gave it away that it is NOT a manual. On the hot lap the Stig did use the floor shifter, but it was not a manual. NO ONE mentioned it was a manual........

They needed more cameras, I couldn't get a sense of the where the tracks/challenges went.
Agreed.

Oh, the Porsche road test was a joke. It looked like he was doing 60km/h the whole time, and he didn't even mention how it drove, just about how enviro friendly it is.
People, People, it is just the first show, give it a chance.

But it was too much just a direct copy of what the UK show is and says, and trying to make the same jokes. Came across as completely unnatural, and slapstick and silly really. A bit too try-hard, without doing anything of their own. Stop trying to force out the humour, they are OK presenters, but do their own thing, don't copy the jokes the UK guys do.

I'll watch it again but see how it pans out.

[scblack]

they arent. One is a forced induction inline 6 and the other is a N/A V8. The 8 will have the upper hand thru the first 3000rpm then the turbo will take the lead when it hits on boost. They havent even got a fair mechanical comparison, so it will probably come down to something asinine like price, amount of leather and who has the better integrated GPS system.

Episode 10, season 10 of TGUK was a good example of how to match cars, MB C63, BMW M3 and Audio RS4. all the same engine (for the most part) and very similar drive trains and levels of comfort.

It needs to be the GTS vs the GT-P to be fairly matched.

W2ttsyIt is a perfect match, one is a Commodore, the other is a Falcon. Exactly the same market segment, price is similar, they are each a performance version of a taxi.

Each is the best performance version they offer. It is a comparison of the cars as a package, not just the V8 engines they have available. Just because the Falcon has a turbo and not a Canadian made V8 does not make it a different car.

[...jim]

It was a bit dissapointing to see a cookie cutter copy of the UK version - but then again, that's what works so well - so there's your starting point. Hopefully the au show will grow in it's own direction (if it's given room to breathe).

Some of the immitation needs work - the style of the camera and editing is close, but not as elegent as the UK version - and yeah, it seemed pretty tightly scripted - or at least the trio have yet to gel on camera enough to step away from the formula.

On the Lambo/Maybach front - ya gotta remember how many of those there are in Australia. In the UK, they could likely whistle one up from the European factory in a day or two - and would likely sell a buttload off the back of a decent showing. Here, thery're no more than a novelty. Given they clearly weren't allowed to drive either - they gave them about what they deserved. Would it be good to see more? Sure - but the industry is going to have to come to that party before that happens.

The best bit was when Warren Brown started drawing shark cartoons. Gasp. New. Different. Simple.

[do-a-flip]

People, People, it is just the first show, give it a chance.

But it was too much just a direct copy of what the UK show is and says, and trying to make the same jokes. Came across as completely unnatural, and slapstick and silly really. A bit too try-hard, without doing anything of their own. Stop trying to force out the humour, they are OK presenters, but do their own thing, don't copy the jokes the UK guys do.

I'll watch it again but see how it pans out.
yer definately agreed. the presenters are alright but it was trying to hard to be a complete copy of the UK version. i would have loved it if they had put some complete aussie bogans on who could just yap about how big their engine is, but i doubt all the car enthusiests out there would like that idea:o i would have just like australia to put their own twists in it..

[kurto]

i only just realised that the Clarkeson clone also had a bitch about the paddle shift ala Clarkeson
yep too cookie cutter is a good analogy
mosy of us will never drive these cars so i dont get the point of bagging it the same way he does

and was the test track at Camden airport ???

[DARTY18]

Wasnt too bad for a first run,
better than any other aussie shows on in that time slot

I reckon swap the short annoying 50 cent guy with grant denyer, he has way better jokes

[team get sum yer goose]

THE FIRST EPISODE WAS DISGRACEFUL! they have tried to copy the UK series way too much, all the angles used when the stig was driving the cares were MUCH too close you couldnt get a feel of the track. plus that mini moke they destroyed are bcoming a rare car these days. and they killed it!

but i do have to say that enev the UK series is stooping, they just do ridiculous stuff the whole time these days, they dont do enough car journalism.


all in all, aussie Top Gear... i hate you.

[lockieoc]

It brings shame to the name top gear. Personally i thought it was a poorly scripter cheesy piece of crap just trying to recreate the original characters and doing a terrible job of it. We loved Top Gear UK because of the hosts (Clarkson, May and Hammond) and the fact they try to rip them off really pisses me off i think they should try and follow there own paths and try putting down the script for just two seconds. i will watch the next episode hoping they will redeem themselves but i doubt it. i gave it 3.5 out of 10.

[top_dog]

My bad scblack, I thought he was saying he was using the manual.

[sockman]

Yes, they are perfectly matched. They're the fastest car that each manufacturer/specialist onseller make? I don't see your point?

I would agree with you if it was a walkinshaw r8 (475 KW from memory, blown V8) VS the F6.... The Walky would smash it in a heart beat, but at least it would be a Commonwhore VS a Falcon...


Jason Bargwanna is the Stig.


Who's this bloke?

they arent. One is a forced induction inline 6 and the other is a N/A V8. The 8 will have the upper hand thru the first 3000rpm then the turbo will take the lead when it hits on boost. They havent even got a fair mechanical comparison, so it will probably come down to something asinine like price, amount of leather and who has the better integrated GPS system.

Episode 10, season 10 of TGUK was a good example of how to match cars, MB C63, BMW M3 and Audio RS4. all the same engine (for the most part) and very similar drive trains and levels of comfort.

It needs to be the GTS vs the GT-P to be fairly matched.

W2ttsy

Win...

It is a perfect match, one is a Commodore, the other is a Falcon. Exactly the same market segment, price is similar, they are each a performance version of a taxi.

Each is the best performance version they offer. It is a comparison of the cars as a package, not just the V8 engines they have available. Just because the Falcon has a turbo and not a Canadian made V8 does not make it a different car.

While you have a valid point here, I think you missed the point of a ford holden shoot out... The cars need to be on par PERFORMANCE wise... no one watches these shows to find out who has a better GPS or the most comfortable leather. People want to see speed and smoke.

Wasnt too bad for a first run,
better than any other aussie shows on in that time slot

I reckon swap the short annoying 50 cent guy with grant denyer, he has way better jokes

Didn't Grant Denyer break his back or something? Think I saw something on one of those current affair type shows mentioning his struggle to walk again...

I'm not giving up yet... better to wait a few weeks for them to smooth out all the kinks.

[Knopey]

Yep Denyer fractured a disc landing a Monster Truck practice jump. It wasn't even a crash, just a harsh landing - he stopped, opened the door and sort of flopped himself out onto the ground... No mention of nerve damage though from what I've heard?

He would have been a prime candidate as a presenter, although Channel 7 probably pay him way more than SBS could. I don't see anything wrong with having "no-names" presenting though... just get a bit more personality, blokes! Of your own!

[Steve-0]

hahahah everyone in here is saying exactly the same thing. Anyway it'll get better, and because its sbs they wont axe it after 2 shows so hopefully it gets better by then.

Ford vs Holden? Its HSV's best car vs FPV's best car isnt it? walkinshaw isnt HSV its a 3rd party tuning company yes? i dont care either way, they'll rip a few brunouts and that'll keep me happy. Hopefully they dont do what most shows do and flog Ford vs Holden everywhere then not tell us whats better....also +1 for getting grant denyer in, hes a perfect candidate for the show.

[Nick53]

Top Gear Australia = Epic Fail

The jokes were lame and set up, the sand dune thing was alright apart from the lame joke when the guy didnt stop at the top. The jump was cool. In every race they have against themselves there's one presenter who is a way better driver than the other so you know who is going to win. Snow bit was shit. There test track looks garbage, basically from what I saw it has one chicane (sp?). The bit how the guy went in the $1m SLK was gay. They basically showed that you can use a phone on it...wtf.

Hopefully they either step up or get the original back on.

ATM there trying to copy TopGear UK.

Here's a wacky example...say TG UK is a downhill bike, TG Aus at the moment is like they have a XC bike and are putting downhill parts on it. It's just lacking in the main area's TopGear UK was great in (thats suppose to be the frame).


If that didnt make any sense...sorry

[sawtell]

Here's a wacky example...say TG UK is a downhill bike, TG Aus at the moment is like they have a XC bike and are putting downhill parts on it. It's just lacking in the main area's TopGear UK was great in (thats suppose to be the frame).




id almost sig that.!!

[stoff]

Who's this bloke?

A V8 supercar driver with a bit of extra padding on him, just like the Stig seemed to have last night.

[kyleman]

CRAP i missed it :(
is it available on podcast or anything like that?

[Simmo.]

CRAP i missed it :(
is it available on podcast or anything like that?

Here you go. Quick search on youtube found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkdWXL1ekwc - Ep 1. Part 1/6

I suggest going to the actual youtube site, and follow the links in the 'more info' box for the next parts.

[Simmo.]

For the first part, it's outta sync in those youtube videos, but I'm pretty sure the rest are good.

By the way, they've got a preview up for next week's episode.
http://www.sbs.com.au/topgearaustralia/episodes

[WolfCreekPsycho]

Can someone tell me what happened after they poured the blood into the water during the Shark choke on moke ? didnt set the recorder long enough : (

(and no youtube access)

[FR Drew]

They shook the camera around a la A Current Affair or Today Tonight "doorstep ambush footage" and showed shots of the sharks attacking bits of meat on hooks with no Moke in sight.

Had to rate as one of the biggest wanks of the entire episode.

[skivi]

... yes and unfortunately for us he wasn't killed or maimed.

[bradleyR513]

Wasnt too bad for a first run,
better than any other aussie shows on in that time slot

I reckon swap the short annoying 50 cent guy with grant denyer, he has way better jokes

dam straight its better than any of the other shows. Everything is either cop shows or something to do with dead people now. eg:
-City homicide
-CSI(3 0f them)
-bones
-CIA(crime investigation australia)
-Dexter
-Border security
-Rush
-Burn notice
-NCIS

the bloody list goes on and on and its getting old!!! although some of it is good, we dont need 10 of the shows!!!


Im glad for the new top gear, but the humour is way too try hard and they are trying to copy the success of the other show. The thing is the others are british and it just doesnt suit the aussies. Aussie accents sounding intellectual whilst trying to have fun in cars? nar doesnt work. I also noticed that they dont quite have the driving finesse either, but they will pick that up with a couple of solid weeks of just driving. They also need to put an aussie spin on it and say it exactly how it is in australia. Its all about the sound of the enigne and the performance in a straight line(not really but thats how it is over here), not $500, 000 cars that are precisely controlled by ECU and traction control computer systems. Im not saying in anyway holden vs. ford every day but i am saying muscle cars and race cars that have awesome sounding engines.

overall should turn out alright if they dont try too hard.

[bazza]

shows not as bad as everyone is crying about. ffs its still an sbs show and the production value is still pretty sweet. they need a better race track though. that ones pretty piss poor. also need to stop making so many shit jokes. get some decent joke writers! other than that the hosts are still alright, just play the WHO DO YOU HATE MORE game, makes it more fun that way. make a sliding scale of you hate the most and play it the entire episode and see who wins.

[Ivan]

they arent. One is a forced induction inline 6 and the other is a N/A V8. The 8 will have the upper hand thru the first 3000rpm then the turbo will take the lead when it hits on boost. They havent even got a fair mechanical comparison, so it will probably come down to something asinine like price, amount of leather and who has the better integrated GPS system.

Episode 10, season 10 of TGUK was a good example of how to match cars, MB C63, BMW M3 and Audio RS4. all the same engine (for the most part) and very similar drive trains and levels of comfort.

It needs to be the GTS vs the GT-P to be fairly matched.

W2ttsy

See that's where your wrong.

The F6 comes on near full boost well before 2000rpm and actually puts out a shiteload of torque low in the rev range. Where that holden V8 has been quite well known for years for it's screaming top-end.

If you were were loaded with cash and wanted to buy an extremely fast Aussie muscle car the two main choices are the F6 and the R8.

Forget the Walky HSV.......whoever pays $150,000 for a Holden Commodore needs a head examination.

[FR Drew]

In discussion at work we came to the conclusion that if you'd never seen TGUK, you'd probably be over the moon that this was the best motoring show on aussie telly in years/decades.

And as has already been said, the earlier episodes of TGUK with the tubby second hand dealer (instead of May?) didn't have the same chemistry either...

[nick_dales]

Argh more spam

[_Ajax_]

The Stig they used in the TGuk, do you think its the same Stig they are using in the Aussie one too.

[{ScarFace}]

The Stig they used in the TGuk, do you think its the same Stig they are using in the Aussie one too.

No not at all, apparently it's some fat V8 guy.

[colourclassic]

No not at all, apparently it's some fat V8 guy.

This bloke. Really ruins the "image" of the stig ey

http://www.globalspeakers.com.au/images/speakers/032919102007Jason_Bargwanna.jpg

[Knopey]

In the absence of actual evidence, I think it's little more than a rumour. If they can keep the identity of the UK Stig under wraps for so long, they can probably do the same for the Aussie one for at least a week...?

[Matt H]

In the absence of actual evidence, I think it's little more than a rumour. If they can keep the identity of the UK Stig under wraps for so long, they can probably do the same for the Aussie one for at least a week...?

I'm pretty certain that "The Stig" was actually multiple F1, rally, etc. drivers who randomly made appearances. Not just one driver.

[Knopey]

Maybe, but:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_stig#Identity ;)

[{ScarFace}]

I'm pretty certain that "The Stig" was actually multiple F1, rally, etc. drivers who randomly made appearances. Not just one driver.

The stig isn't changed on a regular basis, but does change from time to time. The most certain Stigs are Perry Mcarthy and Ben Collins.

Perry's Stig was killed off after he published his autobiography detailing him as the top gear performance driver.

After Hammonds big crash Top Gear was forced to release a detailed safety report to ensure the safety of the cast. This report detailed Ben Collins as The Top Gear Performance Driver and Safety manager, the same title Perry had as the Stig.

Ben Collins is a world Champion rally driver and a good friend of Jeremy Clarkson. Also the Stig hates Lewis Hamilton, Loves romance novels, and is the same measurements as Ben Collins.

[wombat]

Ben Collins is a world Champion rally driver and a good friend of Jeremy Clarkson
He does rallies too? I thought he was a sports car driver?

[JaRedy]

i saw it...personally i hated it, it just felt like another car review show. Boring.

There was too much acting in it, not enough suttle humor like in the uk one. It was all just whoah OMG Yell Yell Yell Scripted stuff...

I really hope they continue to show the UK one.

[{ScarFace}]

He does rallies too? I thought he was a sports car driver?

I'm sorry, I mixed up Rally with NASCAR.

He's a bloody good driver though.

[sockman]

hahahah everyone in here is saying exactly the same thing. Anyway it'll get better, and because its sbs they wont axe it after 2 shows so hopefully it gets better by then.

Ford vs Holden? Its HSV's best car vs FPV's best car isnt it? walkinshaw isnt HSV its a 3rd party tuning company yes? i dont care either way, they'll rip a few brunouts and that'll keep me happy. Hopefully they dont do what most shows do and flog Ford vs Holden everywhere then not tell us whats better....also +1 for getting grant denyer in, hes a perfect candidate for the show.

Well, Tom Walkinshaw was the guy who started HSV wiht Holden...sooooo, it's good enough to qualify.

See that's where your wrong.

The F6 comes on near full boost well before 2000rpm and actually puts out a shiteload of torque low in the rev range. Where that holden V8 has been quite well known for years for it's screaming top-end.

If you were were loaded with cash and wanted to buy an extremely fast Aussie muscle car the two main choices are the F6 and the R8.

Forget the Walky HSV.......whoever pays $150,000 for a Holden Commodore needs a head examination.

More reason not to compare an F6 with an R8 then, hey?
And that Walky HSV is an entirely different car to the W427... the Walky R8 can be had for something in the region of $80K. And that price includes lots of visual mods. Interior, bonnet scoop etc etc etc.

[Mugger]

To be honest - it wasn't that bad, but still needs some refining up to get up to any level close to TGUK.

One thing that I guess made the UK series so great was the ridiculous challenges they'd try an attempt, eg. cross english channel with cars.

Once they start getting some pretty original,creative ideas going it'll be better..... oh and the Clarkson wannabe is terrible, the guy that sorta relates to hammond (the porsche driver?) seems to be able to easily grab the main attention.

[Traumaboy]

I know episode 4 they test a masarati a lamborgini and an astin martin. My dad might be in that episode because he is the captain of the spirit of tasmania and for the test they take the cars across on the ship and he told me that they were filming on the bridge and that they got to drive and yeh.

[Simmo.]

Righto fellas, it's on soon in about 40mins. Hopefully they can string together a much, MUCH better episode than the first.

[W2ttsy]

See that's where your wrong.

The F6 comes on near full boost well before 2000rpm and actually puts out a shiteload of torque low in the rev range. Where that holden V8 has been quite well known for years for it's screaming top-end.

I guess after watching tonights TG you'll be reversing that statement. I don't like to argue, so i thought i'd leave the show to prove you wrong. The holden beat the ford off the line (as i said) and then the ford caught up in the top end.

I've driven both, but didn't think you'd pay attention to an anecdote.

W2ttsy

[sam_hill]

I really hope they continue to show the UK one.

Yer if you download it off something like utorrent, you can see the latest episodes. SBS have just finished showing Series 10 which is 2 years old.:eek: Series 12 is just starting in the Uk so I'll be watching by downloading!

[Wellsey]

Yer if you download it off something like utorrent, you can see the latest episodes. SBS have just finished showing Series 10 which is 2 years old.:eek: Series 12 is just starting in the Uk so I'll be watching by downloading!

Series 11 only finished a month or two ago. They have been airing series 10 as filler while they waited for the Australian version to start up.

[Sethius]

well that was Sh*T. last week was brillant compared to this weeks...

[JoshP]

well that was Sh*T. last week was brillant compared to this weeks...

nar i say this week was better than last week. this week had better cars and they didnt copy as much as the uk version. i reakon it will get better by time.

[kjf]

Oh wow.
That wasn't much better than last week's.

The smart car hearse? What the hell, TGA.

It's like as if they've already run out of ideas.


Although, I'm keen to see the junkyard segment and the BMW segment next week.

[Simmo.]

I reckon it was better this week.
Firstly, wtf was up with making a smart car into a hearse. I thought, oh ok, here we go, some proper car modding and stuff, and then ok, let's chuck some flowers onto the bonnet and leave a casket hanging out the back, and drive around town all day with people staring at us.
Secondly, I STILL can't get an idea of the track (whereabouts is it anyways?). More camera angles please.
All in all, I think it was better, the ute test was alright, hsv vs fpv was okay, the ford gt was sweet. Hopefully it gets much better over time, I'll be back again next week.:D

[NCR600]

Secondly, I STILL can't get an idea of the track (whereabouts is it anyways?). More camera angles please.


I think the track is made up on some of the perimeter roads and taxiways at Bankstown Airport. Could be wrong, but it's definately an airfield.

Personally I think the Australian version is better than the UK one, simply because that lantern jawed tosser Clarkson isn't on it.

[sammydog]

Either bankstown or possibly Hoxton Park.

----edit-----

Just did a google seach which came up with Camden Airport.

[Ivan]

I guess after watching tonights TG you'll be reversing that statement. I don't like to argue, so i thought i'd leave the show to prove you wrong. The holden beat the ford off the line (as i said) and then the ford caught up in the top end.

I've driven both, but didn't think you'd pay attention to an anecdote.

W2ttsy

You win. I was wrong.

Do you have a maroon forester? GTrydaz represent?

[Dirt king]

I think this weeks episode was a million times better than the first. I really think we all have to give the hosts sometime to settle into the job and for them to calm down. It is easy enough for us to sit here saying that they are crap etc etc, but I am sure if we were thrown into their job we probably could not do as well, even though I would love to call that my job.

I personally think they need more angles on their track, it is very hard to get an idea of where corners etc are and just for veiwers to be able to see more of the car, rather than showing 2 second, close up's of the car going past.

I think the Ford GT section was pretty good, the Ute test was quite a good test and the HSV vs FPV was good, just near the end where they were floggin the F6, I think that was a little overboard.

Although one critism I have of both shows is that they seem to get these cars and just spin the wheels and step them out side ways around corners. I mean it is cool to see for a bit, but when they do it to every car it is a little repedative and predicatable and really doesn't apply to the average driver. I think people would like to see them flog around the track staying to the apex's and trying to set a decent lap time, and then for interest turn the traction control off and attempt the same thing, or something along those lines.

But I was impressed with tonights episode and think it is just going to get better. ;)

[olly1oo6]

What disappointed me with this episode, and the weeks beforehand, was the lack of knowledge that they had when talking about the cars.

Sure its supposed to be a very entertaining show, but I think they are missing the biggest point; that it also needs to be insightful and informative. I hate shows that beat around the bush in order to make everyone happy; without giving a genuine appraisal of the cars strong and weak points.

Top Gear UK was great at that, because if the car was rubbish, they really said so, and usually still managed to find a situation in which the car might be suitable to somebody. The Holden vs Ford tonight was absolute crap; and they didn't even send them around the test track! Why not? So as not to upset half the viewers? They need to grow some balls.

Beyond that, I don't really know what everyone's complaining about. The hosts are still settling in, and a bit jumpy, but I think they are a good match, and a strong group. Their jokes are a bit silly for now, but that can all be ironed out when they relax and hit their second season. But please, please please, give us some real information about the cars you drive! Not just airy fairy crap that doesn't step on anybody's toes!

[W2ttsy]

You win. I was wrong.

Do you have a maroon forester? GTrydaz represent?

sorry if i seemed harsh btw. you just seemed quite certain, so instead or arguing, waited to see the results on TV.

and im lion through and through, so no, dont have a forester. Although the 03 and onwards ones are a good bit of kit apparently, especially the turbo'd ones!

personally im chasing a VZ senator as my next car :D

W2ttsy

[LJohn]

These are all prerecorded episodes though, so I don't see how the hosts can settle in. What's done is done.

It was a much better episode though.

[-|Sean|-]

THE second episode of motoring TV show Top Gear Australia has slumped in the ratings.
Producers had hoped to crack the one million viewer mark last night, but instead only 674,000 tuned in, down more than 250,000 viewers from its premiere the week before.

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24459517-5016681,00.html

[Wellsey]

These are all prerecorded episodes though, so I don't see how the hosts can settle in. What's done is done.

Are you joking?

[U.D.O]

Are you joking?

One would hope that he is.


Just think of Top Gear Australia like a squash ball, you have to warm it up before its any good.

Except Top Gear probably won't get hit at a wall continuously...
Well we don't know about that yet.


I thought it was better than the first, but the need to make it less scripted, it's just so irritating.

[a.davis12]

the show honestly made me quite angry.
:p
it was just too scripted and try hard real topgear. "warm up the tires" made me want to break the TV and although its extremely well done for an australian show (camera, lighting production etc) it was just crappy, and id rather sit on the internet then watch it.
but that's my opinion.

['Ross]

I watched about 20 seconds and thought pfffffffffffft could this old guy try to impersonate jeremy clarkson any harder? Seemed not genuine at all.

[Z100]

I don't really know what everyone's complaining about. The hosts are still settling in, and a bit jumpy, but I think they are a good match, and a strong group. Their jokes are a bit silly for now, but that can all be ironed out when they relax and hit their second season.

Sums up my thoughts quite nicely. Episode 2 was a great improvement.
I have never seen so many people watch 5-10 min of a show and declare it a fail. How can you possibly decide how brand new (nervous by the looks of it) presenters or a brand new show is going to go in 5 min?
As said earlier, go watch season 1 of UK Top Gear and see for yourself how non-exsistent the chemistry was. And for that matter how forced some of the episodes are.

[Fisher]

I prefer this one over the European (british?) version.

Actually using cars we see frequently in Australia.

[NH_]

I prefer this one over the European (british?) version.

Actually using cars we see frequently in Australia.

theres been 2 episodes and theyve already used both cars you care about, so yeah there your reason for liking it gone, id much rather watch euro cars anyday of the week anyway

[mattyd]

I have never seen so many people watch 5-10 min of a show and declare it a fail.

The reason we only had to watch 5-10 mins of it was because it just copies the much superior UK version we have already been watching for the last decade.

I took it upon myself to write an angry rant email to SBS:

The new Top Gear Australia was utter crap. They even had the most cliche car comparison Holden vs Ford and then they didn't even have the balls to declare one a winner.
The real Top Gear would have held back nothing. Made me fucking angry having to sit through it without even having the UK one to look forward to afterwards.
The stigs driving looked so slow too and their stupid track sucks balls.
Brink back the UK Top Gear you idiots.

[LJohn]

Are you joking?

Pretty much.

Not all of it is prerecorded. But I think as far as top gear goes, a lot of their segments are prerecorded and then edited in. The studio show is recent, but the segments depend on availability of cars, tracks, road, etc. etc. This is how they show previews of episodes throughout the series, they show the prerecorded segments.

A lot of it is current too.

And it is picking up. Next week looks like it could be OK, and the smart car wasn't a bad bit of fun.

[scblack]

and the smart car wasn't a bad bit of fun.
The Smart car bit was crap!:)

Lets shove a coffin out the back of a little black car, put some flowers on the front, wear a top hat and drive around looking like dicks.........


I just got an email from SBS, I am probably going to the filming on October 21st, with 4 tickets.

[Jon]

I actually think that it wasnt too bad. I mean I like the original pommie one loads better because it is actually funny, while these guys were trying hard to be like Clarkson et al.
Taken in context however the British TV audience would possibly feel(cringe) at their version also.:confused:
Still Clarkson/May/Hammond are a funny bunch.

[PINT of Stella, mate!]

Taken in context however the British TV audience would possibly feel(cringe) at their version also.:confused:
Still Clarkson/May/Hammond are a funny bunch.

Nah, most people in the UK love (or can at least appreciate) Top Gear and those who don't generally hate it just because of Jeremy Clarkson.

[twitchy]

Gotta add my vote to the "Aussie Bottom gear sux bat" list, the show is crap.

[Jon]

Nah, most people in the UK love (or can at least appreciate) Top Gear and those who don't generally hate it just because of Jeremy Clarkson.
Well maybe it is just a case of the reality does not come up to the expectation:confused: Plus they dont have enough dead hookers

[Z100]

I took it upon myself to write an angry rant email to SBS:

The new Top Gear Australia was utter crap. They even had the most cliche car comparison Holden vs Ford and then they didn't even have the balls to declare one a winner.
The real Top Gear would have held back nothing. Made me fucking angry having to sit through it without even having the UK one to look forward to afterwards.
The stigs driving looked so slow too and their stupid track sucks balls.
Brink back the UK Top Gear you idiots.

So eloquently put. Im sure SBS will take your opinion on board.

[Simmo.]

What about tonight's show? I thought it was good, definately improved since first episode.:D

[Breaka]

Not the best but definitely one the only things I'll sit in front of the box for.

The paddock basher challenge was pretty good as it was something I can complete relate to. My mate's and I bought an old EA falcoon as a paddock basher and it absolutely ripped. I wish there was a little more driving and less shit talk. Not a fan of the set ups either, like when warren's camry wouldn't start. How the fuck did warren get his car at the starting line in the first place? And the guy helping warren reverse park the x6? It's just complete and utter stupid.

They still need to work on their stuff whilst talking in the top gear shed but once they get outside they seem to be fine.

[LJohn]

They even had the most cliche car comparison Holden vs Ford and then they didn't even have the balls to declare one a winner.


I also can't believe nobody mentioned if they did this, it would be equivalent to shooting themselves in the feet.

[chu]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

I completely forgot it was one. God fricken dammit. That is two weeks in a row I have missed. I really wanted to see the paddock basher segment

[Wellsey]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

I completely forgot it was one. God fricken dammit. That is two weeks in a row I have missed. I really wanted to see the paddock basher segment

That's too bad, coz it was really really good!

Salt rubbing aside, it has improved greatly since the 1st one, still not a fan of the old dude tho.

They need to sack whoever does his wardrobe and body language.

[alpinestar12]

That's too bad, coz it was really really good!

Salt rubbing aside, it has improved greatly since the 1st one, still not a fan of the old dude tho.

They need to sack whoever does his wardrobe and body language.

Yeah that guy really pisses me off too. Not a bad show tonight though.

[scblack]

I just got an email from SBS, I am probably going to the filming on October 21st, with 4 tickets.
I've got tickets!:)

I am going to one of next week's studio shows.

Woohoo!

It is at Bankstown Aerodrome - obviously where the track is too.

[Knopey]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

I completely forgot it was one. God fricken dammit. That is two weeks in a row I have missed. I really wanted to see the paddock basher segment
There are torrents for all episodes so far available on www.isohunt.com, just search for Top Gear Australia

[BT180]

I've got tickets!:)

I am going to one of next week's studio shows.

Woohoo!

It is at Bankstown Aerodrome - obviously where the track is too.

I'm going to tomorrow's taping. Should be a bit of fun. The show is growing on me...as long as I don't compare the hosts to the originals too much and take them on their own merits.

[Caffeine]

I've got tickets!:)

I am going to one of next week's studio shows.

Woohoo!

It is at Bankstown Aerodrome - obviously where the track is too.

Studio is at bankstown, track is camden airport (as a dry dusty shithole it is too!)

[scblack]

Studio is at bankstown, track is camden airport (as a dry dusty shithole it is too!)
Really? I assumed the indoor filming was done same place.

A few people have asked me if we will see them doing the timed laps there, which I assumed not, but even more so not now.

Cheers.

[Caffeine]

Really? I assumed the indoor filming was done same place.

A few people have asked me if we will see them doing the timed laps there, which I assumed not, but even more so not now.

Cheers.

Nah you stand around in the studio and they show the segments on various plasma tellies scattered around.

Be prepared to see the same studio stuff 4-5 times as they do plenty of takes!

[mattyd]

I've got tickets!:)

I am going to one of next week's studio shows.

Woohoo!

It is at Bankstown Aerodrome - obviously where the track is too.

Wicked, can you punch the guy with the moustache fair in the nose for me. He just has one of those faces.

Or at least wear a T-shirt that says "the UK show is heaps better".
That would be awesome.

[ben_rides_a_bike]

Wicked, can you punch the guy with the moustache fair in the nose for me. He just has one of those faces.

Or at least wear a T-shirt that says "the UK show is heaps better".
That would be awesome.

haha give him a punch from me to. or better off just give em all a punch

[scblack]

Or at least wear a T-shirt that says "the UK show is heaps better".
That would be awesome.
That would be cool, I may yet try it!

[mattyd]

I reckon they would either boot you out on the spot or really enjoy the joke and put you on telly.

Then you could punch them in the face because you will be close enough. Sweet.

[BT180]

I went to the taping last night. It was a loooong 3 hours of standing! My recovering torn calf swelled up like a mofo.

I don't know what the other nights have been like, but there seemd to be a LOT of people there...If you weren't in the right position for the next segment you couldn't see anything.

That said it was still a good experience.

James Morrison was the celebrity and he arrived in his Aston Martin and drove through the crowd outside the hangar before we went in. :cool:

[andrewG]

absolute RUBBISH!!

nothing compares to british humor, these aussie guys just aren't funny and it is so boring to watch. It's like the americans stealing our kath and kim, i mean WTF?! :confused:

[Caffeine]

absolute RUBBISH!!

nothing compares to british humor, these aussie guys just aren't funny and it is so boring to watch. It's like the americans stealing our kath and kim, i mean WTF?! :confused:

Then don't watch it.

[Breaka]

I don't think TGA will be able to completely bag out a car like TGUK can, they'd never get anther one.

They completely hammered the piece of shit BMW call the X6. Very little nice things were said about it.

[FR Drew]

Oh, come on, I'm surprised the cartoonist doesn't have splinters up his arse from how much sitting on the fence he was doing.

It's a sports thing so it's not really designed for off road. No shit sherlock.

It's a coupe and has the same rearward vision as an XA couple so it's a troll to reverse parallel park. Well blow me down with a feather!

It's okay on windy roads. BFD, so are 90% of the other BMW's on the road.

What are they saying? It's a compromise vehicle, it's a compromise, doesn't do microcar parking, doesn't do hilux offroading, doesn't do Porsche handling.

As I said before, no shit sherlock. It was never going to do any of this stuff.

What a pointless boring half arsed review of nothing in particular.

Someone please kill this show and bring back reruns of TGUK.

[smee]

What a pointless boring half arsed review of nothing in particular.

Someone please kill this show and bring back reruns of TGUK.

Don't do that, you'll put the ex AMB editor out of a job.

It is getting better, but still does not tell me alot.

The show is like macdonalds. A franchise. You know that what is inside will be similar, but not quite the same.

And yes the host are a bit precious, but give them a bit of time. The big guy in series 1 of UKTG got the arts, and hooray for it. Although he did have some good info. They need to play off one another and ths is not happening. Get rid of the Clarkson wanna be for some other and it may just work.

[alpinestar12]

Don't do that, you'll put the ex AMB editor out of a job.


What do you mean by that, do you mean Tim Robson?

[smee]

He is Production Editor.
Currently doing a 'living with' report on a TRD Hilux.

['Ross]

I tried to watch it tonight, but instead I watched Australian Idol...ITS THAT BAD!

[brisneyland]

I think they're getting a bit better. They all look a bit more natural in front of the camera I think. I'd still love to see them move away from an exact copy of the UK show though...

[takai]

And yes the host are a bit precious, but give them a bit of time. The big guy in series 1 of UKTG got the arts, and hooray for it. Although he did have some good info. They need to play off one another and ths is not happening. Get rid of the Clarkson wanna be for some other and it may just work.

The big guy on TGUK became one of the crew, still works there doing research and other shiz.

[smee]

The big guy on TGUK became one of the crew, still works there doing research and other shiz.

That's ok, but he really did have a face for radio....

[SillyWabbit]

Absolutely shite!!!

[Sutek]

I wasn't convinced from the start (and not sure if I'm yet) but I did marginally enjoy last nights ep.

Gotta warm to these tools and get used to no JC!!!! It's got flavour that will develop

[tanecrosby@hotmail.com]

top gear australia a fail:(:mad:

[GreenYellow]

I saw the first episode. At least i think it was the first one.
And that old guy with the long hair jumped that 4WD down half a dam sand dune, that was pretty cool. The rest I didnt like much. That guy with the weird haircut who doesnt shave much, bloody flatlined that lamborghini on a cold engine, bad bad bad!

That made me lose all respect for him.

[-|Sean|-]

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,28383,24824184-10388,00.html

TOP Gear Australia presenter Charlie Cox is leaving the SBS show to return to Britain.
He will be replaced by jazz musician and former car show host James Morrisonnext year, SBS announced.

Cox, who presented the first series with Steve Pizzati and Warren Brown, said he couldn't give enough time to the show due to business commitments.

"My time on Top Gear Australia was very special and it was a fantastic opportunity to be part of launching an extraordinary series," Cox said.

"Sadly, though, I've lived in the UK for the past 19 years and I'm not able to give the time I want to series two.

"It seems best to leave the show and I wish James all the best in joining the two best blokes in Australian television, Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati."

Top Gear Australia, the first original version outside Britain, premiered in September with mediocre ratings.

Morrison, a legendary trumpeter and former Behind The Wheel host, said he was "thrilled" to be joining the team.

"I don't want to sound like I'm blowing my own trumpet ... but I think series two is going to be bigger and better than ever. I just hope some of the challenges include playing a chorus of the blues," he said.

SBS wished Cox well and welcomed Morrison aboard.

"James brings with him a deep love of cars, a huge personality and a strong sense of fun - a perfect complement to Warren and Steve," SBS content director Matt Campbell said.


(http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,28383,24824184-10388,00.html)

[Wellsey]

Sean, you have made my day!

Thank christ they got rid of that old bastard! Now all they have to do is come up with their own challenges and ideas instead of ripping off Top Gear UK and the show will be bearable.