Recent news about NBC's quest to create a Top Gear for the United States has brought forth rumors of potential hosts. First, names like Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfield were offered up to great debate. Now another name with an extensive hosting resume but no previous ties to the peacock network is heading up the leader board. That name is Adam Carolla, formerly of Loveline and The Man Show. Carolla is no stranger to the land of automotive enthusiasm, either. He owns a BRE replica Datsun 510 that once graced the cover of Grassroots Motorsports. The rest of the horses in his stable aren't too shabby either, like an E30 BMW M3, for instance. No official word has come out of NBC on the matter, but an excited Carolla decided to spill the beans on his radio show, anyway.[Source: 97.1 Free FM via VW Vortex, Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
iSpec @ Mar 1st 2008 8:15AM
Say it isn't so! I just can't convince my mind this guy is anything but a horny teenager.
Andy @ Mar 1st 2008 11:12AM
The BBC version is like watching three old ladies complain about their 'roids. Clarkson is absolutely pompous and retched to listen to.
Carolla would be great and has been telling it "like it is" since he was Mr. Birchum on KROQ. Just don't pair him with Danny Bonaduce. Carolla is the prefect host for a watchable American version.
Derek @ Mar 1st 2008 3:40PM
iSpec: and I think that is a tremendous recommendation for him! What I remember from Loveline, he is great at quick "like-it-is" remarks that might be slightly off-color. Would be absolutely perfect for an Americanized version of the show. Obviously he wouldn't be the only host either.
Blake @ Mar 1st 2008 8:25AM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
tankd0g @ Mar 1st 2008 10:24AM
Don't worry, I'm pretty sure it was Autoblog that started this rumor in the first place anyway.
klitorisaurus @ Mar 2nd 2008 12:24AM
No he mentioned it on his show. He's hilarious! I couldn't think of a better host.
strangway @ Mar 2nd 2008 3:59PM
I did say Adam Carolla should host Top Gear U.S. (after all he has "Car" in his name. Wish I started the rumor, though.
Santino @ Mar 1st 2008 8:26AM
Im somewhat a fan of Carrola, since his loveline days on MTV. i think he might do a decent job, but if/when the show fails it wont be his fault.
Like every other car show in North America all the reviews will be watered down as everyone who reviews cars on those shows are afraid of saying anything bad about the cars they are reviewing.
Fordman177 @ Mar 1st 2008 8:31AM
I am from Canada, and absolutely love Top Gear. But an american version would not be nearly as good as the British can make it. Also, one of the reasons I watch Top Gear, is to see all the new and different European cars,(Alpha Romeos, Ferraris, Maseratis, British Fords, etc.) None of that will be on the american version, so that's why I won't be watching if it comes out.
Cobra97 @ Mar 1st 2008 8:35AM
I am from Canada and I absolutely love Top Gear. I will watch an American version because more car shows that don't involve the guy from Pinks are never a bad thing.
Top Gear USA doomed @ Mar 1st 2008 8:39AM
Let's face it. Any attempt by US TV companies to reproduce the wit, charm, and sarcasm of Top Gear will fail miserably because US TV execs just don't get it. To them, it's all about "How do we help out our sponsers?" instead of "How do we put together a great car show?"
And there lies the problem. The BBC is government funded via taxes. They don't need to rely on advertisers like American TV does.
The Three British Stooges that host TOP GEAR (and I say that in the most respectful and loving way because they are all wonderful goofballs) will never be matched by the 3 actors who casting directors will pick based on group studies of who looks best on tv instead of being picked for their ability to examine cars.
If I had to pick one guy who has a pretty good sense of humor and knows cars, I'd pick Brian Cooley of CNET.
And as for celebrity picks to race a crappy car around the track...my first one would be to put Snoop Dog in a car full of marijuana smoke and see how he does in the haze!
T @ Mar 1st 2008 10:04AM
booo. This guy is a giant douche, but even without it, as mentioned above, a for-profit commercial network has about zero chance of replicating the attraction of BBC's original. If even independant PBS can't produce a car show that will dare critisize a single car (yes you, motorweek) then I am more than certain that NBC's version will be nothing more than continuous product placement a la American idol.
Jersey Devil @ Mar 1st 2008 8:25PM
As an avid fan of BBC America's Top Gear I don't see how another watered down US copy of sterling British program will make it past the first 13 episodes. Coupling vs Friends for example. If NBC wants to gain these types of viewers then they should re-broadcast the FIA WRC events from the BBC. Subpar seconds never score big with us car crazies!
bobfranks @ Mar 1st 2008 8:51AM
No way!!!
I like Adam Carolla, but not for a car show.
boo :(
JayP @ Mar 1st 2008 8:53AM
With the right hosts, attitude, production and timeslot Top Gear USA can work. Just don't dumb it down for the masses. Make it a car show for car people.
If The Office can...
Drop the star in a car though.
John R @ Mar 1st 2008 8:54AM
Hey...a Datsun 510, huh? Carolla just went up a couple points in my book.
However, as long as the show will have advertisers (specifically those of the auto variety) as the principle sponsors, the presenters will have to check their opinions.
The only way "Top Gear USA" will hold a candle to the British original and be able to talk honestly about a car is if it were on a pay-tv channel like HBO.
Will @ Mar 1st 2008 9:58AM
Agreed on the 510. Despite his impressive collection, though, he still strikes me as a huge d-bag. Can't imagine he'd be good at all.
Yaroukh @ Mar 1st 2008 9:01AM
Carolla? I smell Toyota-jokes.
KB@101 @ Mar 1st 2008 9:03AM
How about Jay Leno and Tim Allen?? I mean both are certified Car enthusiasts that have a massive collection and no doubt extensive experience in cars and for a third someone that is British.
killyoutoo @ Mar 3rd 2008 7:28PM
Yeah but Tim Allen isn't funny. Adam Carolla is.
Adam is actually super intelligent and perfect host.