Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sky Sports gears up for F1 with dedicated channel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sebastian Vettel on camera

There aren't a lot of television stations in the world dedicated entirely to cars. On this side of the Atlantic, we have Speed and Discovery's new Velocity channel, and the latter isn't even all cars all the time. But now, the UK is getting its own dedicated Formula One network.

Resulting from the BBC's forfeiture of part of its F1 contract to Rupert Murdoch's Sky network, Sky Sports F1 is launching this year in high definition. The channel will carry the grands prix themselves throughout the entire season, without commercials, as well as all the practice and qualifying sessions. In between race weekends, the channel will show interviews, magazine programs and re-runs of races.

Sky Sports F1 will be provided to existing Sky subscribers as part of their bundle, but it will also be available through other providers like Virgin Media, which has just signed on to the deal as well. Sky has also been lining up a roster of talent to cover the races and provide the commentary, including former F1 drivers Martin Brundle, Anthony Davidson and Damon Hill, the 1996 World Champion who most recently signed on.

As for race fans here in the colonies, we'll soldier on with Speed's coverage (with occasional races broadcast on Fox) and TSN in Canada.

Sky Sports gears up for F1 with dedicated channel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony davidsonbbcdamon hillf1formula 1formula onemartin brundlerupert murdochskysky networksky sportssky sports f1sky sports f1 hdWed, 18 Jan 2012 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150837/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/sky-sports-gears-up-for-f1-with-dedicated-channel/20150837/article-detail.xml 20150837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vettel-on-camera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vettel-on-camera.jpg <![CDATA[Latest group that Jeremy Clarkson has offended? Indians]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson

Pretty much every time Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson opens his mouth these days, someone takes offense, which does make it hard to tell whether Clarkson is actually offensive.

The latest complaints have come after the Top Gear Christmas special, in which Clarkson and his posse go to India on a "trade mission." According to The Telegraph, the BBC has received 23 complaints about the show, in which Clarkson is charged with making insensitive remarks about Indian clothing, trains, food and history.

Clarkson's "funny" bits on the show included dropping his pants in front of Indian dignitaries and outfitting a Jaguar XJS with a toilet seat and then driving around Indian slums, according to the report. Clarkson reportedly described the Jag as "perfect for India because everyone who comes here gets the trots."

While we haven't seen the episode, we do know that the XJS has a reputation for crapping out with some frequency. Before you fire up the torrents, check out the episode trailer after the jump.

Continue reading Latest group that Jeremy Clarkson has offended? Indians

Latest group that Jeremy Clarkson has offended? Indians originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcindiajaguarjaguar xjsjeremy clarksontop geartop gear christmas specialxjsFri, 30 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/20137873/article-detail.xml 20137873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/clarkson-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/clarkson-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> teases India special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/top-gear-teases-india-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/top-gear-teases-india-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/top-gear-teases-india-special/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

top gear bbc india special

We're all for anything Top Gear UK, so we were thrilled to stumble upon this 30-second teaser for the show's trip to India. It appears Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond will be embarking on a trade mission. And yes, you read "trade mission." The UK's big three will apparently attempting to improve Britain's economy by boosting trade with the good people of India.

Of course Jezza, Captain Slow and Hamster are also picking special budget cars for the journey (as demonstrated by the curiously modified Rolls-Royce shown above), and the typical shenanigans are all too likely to ensue. Hit the jump to watch the promo video. The special airs on BBC Two on December 28, and on torrents globally moments thereafter.

Continue reading Top Gear teases India special

Top Gear teases India special originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbchammondindiajames mayjeremy clarksonmayrichard hammondtop geartop gear indiatop gear specialvideoMon, 19 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130631/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/top-gear-teases-india-special/20130631/article-detail.xml 20130631 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/top-gear-india-special_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/top-gear-india-special.jpg <![CDATA[Stig family stickers are a nifty stocking stuffer [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/17/stig-family-stickers-are-a-nifty-stocking-stuffer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/17/stig-family-stickers-are-a-nifty-stocking-stuffer/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/17/stig-family-stickers-are-a-nifty-stocking-stuffer/#commentsFiled under: ,

stig family stickers

Those cutesy stick-figure window stickers that tell the world you have three kids and a cat? So lame.

If you must advertise the entire family tree on your minivan's back window, and you're a fan of Top Gear, there's a better solution. Gearhead's Stig family sticker set includes the Stig, a Mrs. Stig, a pair of helmeted pre-teens, a toddler, and a few masked dogs and cats.

Some say Stig family stickers would make a terrific gift for the holidays, and we're inclined to agree. And at $7, they won't break the bank. Unfortunately, the sticker set won't start shipping until December 23, so it'll probably have to be a post-Christmas stocking stuffer.

UPDATE: The ship had to be moved back to 12/28 because of higher-than-expected demand.

Stig family stickers are a nifty stocking stuffer [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcgearheadstickerstickersstigstig familytop gearSat, 17 Dec 2011 18:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/17/stig-family-stickers-are-a-nifty-stocking-stuffer/20128279/article-detail.xml 20128279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/stig-family-stickers-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/stig-family-stickers-2.jpg <![CDATA[UK Parliament comes down on BBC over Jeremy Clarkson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeremy Clarkson with mouth openMark Thompson, director general of the BBC, has been forced to go to bat for Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after the television host jokingly suggested striking public sector workers should be shot in front of their own families. Yep. That sounds like Clarkson to us.

According to the UK's Guardian and Telegraph dailies, members of the UK Parliament then began calling for the government-owned BBC to oust Jezza, with Labor Party member Jim Sheridan asking whether or not Clarkson was a luxury the BBC couldn't afford. Around 32,000 people sent complaints to the network about the host's disparaging remarks, but Thompson countered, suggesting that Clarkson is one of the UK's chief cultural exports at the moment.

The BBC executive also said far more people would be upset to see the gregarious host disappear from Top Gear than had complained about his flippant remarks.

This is just the latest episode in a long line of Clarkson's skirmishes with various nationalities, religions and organizations, but it doesn't look like the British personality is going anywhere any time soon.

UK Parliament comes down on BBC over Jeremy Clarkson originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbritish parliamentclarksonjeremy clarksonjezzajim sheridanparliamenttop gearukuk parliamentTue, 13 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127135/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/uk-parliament-comes-down-on-bbc-over-jeremy-clarkson/20127135/article-detail.xml 20127135 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jeremy-clarkson-mouth-open_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/jeremy-clarkson-mouth-open.jpg <![CDATA[BBC maps every accident in Great Britain in last 12 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/bbc-maps-every-accident-in-great-britain-in-last-12-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/bbc-maps-every-accident-in-great-britain-in-last-12-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/13/bbc-maps-every-accident-in-great-britain-in-last-12-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BBC UK accident chart

According to data acquired by the BBC, roads in Great Britain have played host to 2,396,750 crashes from 1999 to 2010. The Beeb then took that data and plotted every single one of them on a map, represented by a point of light. The resulting graphic looks like a picture from the Hubble Telescope, with major and minor clusters of fender-bender-filled galaxies.

The BBC compiled a large amount of information to go with it, including an in-depth breakdown of the numbers: in those 12 years, more than 36,000 dead - 1,850, or five a day, in 2010 - more than three million injured and more than £15 billion in economic cost.

It goes even further than that, with extra features on things like crash-proof cars, a full day of tweeting from two BBC reporters who spend a day with a London ambulance crew, and time-laps video of when and where accidents happen. So, for any Britons who want to see where and how people are getting hurt on the roads, or for those of you who are just interested in such things, follow the link.

BBC maps every accident in Great Britain in last 12 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentbbccrashgreat britainroad safetyTue, 13 Dec 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20125137/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/bbc-maps-every-accident-in-great-britain-in-last-12-years/20125137/article-detail.xml 20125137 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bbccrashmaps_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bbccrashmaps.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> producer Wilman praises YouTube parody]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/top-gear-producer-wilman-praises-youtube-parody/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/top-gear-producer-wilman-praises-youtube-parody/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/top-gear-producer-wilman-praises-youtube-parody/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Top Gear Eco Special Spoof

For all of its glory, Top Gear can be a bit formulaic. Any given episode likely includes Jeremy Clarkson saying something absurd about one vehicle/ethnicity or another, at least two of the hosts embroiled in a ludicrous challenge and, of course, plenty of quick editing and stunning videography. It's the hosts and the execution that separates Top Gear UK from its various international incarnations and keeps us coming back for more. Two of the show's fans recently demonstrated how easily the recipe can be applied to even the most bizarre premises by pretending to race two electric cars through the streets of London.

The parody, cardboard boxes and all, is genuinely hilarious, and we aren't the only ones who think so. We showed you the video previously, but now Top Gear UK producer Andy Wilman has released a quick video praising the duo for their creativity, which we think is pretty excellent. Hit the jump to revisit the original as well as watch Wilman's reaction to the clip.

Continue reading Top Gear producer Wilman praises YouTube parody

Top Gear producer Wilman praises YouTube parody originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy wilmanbbceco specialjames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondspooftop geartop gear eco specialtop gear eco special spooftop gear parodytop gear spooftop gear ukvideoTue, 22 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20111867/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/22/top-gear-producer-wilman-praises-youtube-parody/20111867/article-detail.xml 20111867 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/top-gear-spoof-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/top-gear-spoof-628.jpg <![CDATA[Behold! The <i>Top Gear</i> intro that Jeremy Clarkson nixed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/behold-the-top-gear-intro-that-jeremy-clarkson-nixed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/behold-the-top-gear-intro-that-jeremy-clarkson-nixed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/behold-the-top-gear-intro-that-jeremy-clarkson-nixed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Top Gear intro

Imagining Top Gear without Jessica would be like watching Ernie without Bert, Conan without Andy or Abbott without Costello. The Allman Brothers Band song has become so synonymous with the BBC car program that most probably don't even realize who wrote it in the first place. But there was evidently a time when the show's producers considered replacing its iconic theme song.

The potential replacement was considered when the show moved to its new studio and spruced up the order of things. As you can see (and hear) from the video after the jump, the electronic intro track just didn't have the same feel to it, but fortunately, Jeremy Clarkson vetoed the idea. Scary, we know, but apparently true.

Continue reading Behold! The Top Gear intro that Jeremy Clarkson nixed

Behold! The Top Gear intro that Jeremy Clarkson nixed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allman brosallman brothersbbcclarksonjeremy clarksonjessicatheme songtop geartop gear ukMon, 14 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105550/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/14/behold-the-top-gear-intro-that-jeremy-clarkson-nixed/20105550/article-detail.xml 20105550 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/topgear-intro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/topgear-intro.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear's Top 40</i> series headed for your TV, America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/top-gears-top-40-series-headed-for-your-tv-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/top-gears-top-40-series-headed-for-your-tv-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/top-gears-top-40-series-headed-for-your-tv-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

Top Gear: Bugatti Veyron vs. Eurofighter

Please note: This is your one and only warning to set your DVR. You have until Monday, November 28, at 8:00 pm. That's when BBC America will air the world premiere of the newest Top Gear spin-off: Top Gear Top 40.

Now we might normally be a bit critical of a television series that advertises itself as a greatest hits pastiche. In some ways, it kind of reminds us of those terrible sitcom episodes they used to slap together all the time back in the '80s, with characters "remembering" bits from old episodes. But this is different. This is Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond doing what they do best. This is Top Gear.

How can you not get excited about re-watching clips like "Ferrari Daytona vs. Powerboat" and "Commie Cars" from Season 12? Or "Top Gear vs. Germans" from Season 11? Or "Veyron vs. Eurofighter" from Season 10?

Trust us, we've peeked at the 40 segments the show plans to feature, and nobody should be disappointed. In fact, the list of 40 clips comes from voting suggestions made by the general public, so there's even less reason to fear. Read the entire press release after the jump.

Continue reading Top Gear's Top 40 series headed for your TV, America

Top Gear's Top 40 series headed for your TV, America originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc americajames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondtop geartop gear top 40Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094830/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/01/top-gears-top-40-series-headed-for-your-tv-america/20094830/article-detail.xml 20094830 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/26veyronvseurofighter10-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/26veyronvseurofighter10-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> Korea is better than you might think]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Top Gear Korea

We know, we know... you miss Top Gear. We do, too. But there won't be another new episode until December, and the new season isn't expected to start until January. So what are we to do in the meantime? Well, we could watch re-runs, but we've seen 'em all. We could watch the American version - and many of us do - but, you know - it's still not the same. Neither is Fifth Gear, for that matter. Fortunately the sun never sets on the Top Gear empire, and today there are different series set up in locations around the world.

As far as we can tell, in addition to the original on the BBC and the History Channel version we get here, there are also series in Russia, China, Germany and Korea. There was also an Australian series, but it was recently cancelled, meaning we have no other series available to us in English.

But does that mean we can't enjoy them? Well, maybe, but the Korean series, for example, isn't half bad - whether you understand Korean or not. The cinematography and production quality strike us as better than most of the spin-offs, if not quite as good as the original. But don't take our word for it: we've placed a few segments after the jump for your viewing pleasure. Like what you see? There's plenty more where that came from - just head on over to Top Gear Korea's YouTube channel.

Continue reading Top Gear Korea is better than you might think

Top Gear Korea is better than you might think originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbckoreasouth koreatop geartop gear koreaWed, 26 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091127/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/20091127/article-detail.xml 20091127 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tg-korea1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tg-korea1.jpg <![CDATA[Clarkson contract blunder leads to cancellation of <i>Top Gear</i> TomTom GPS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Those of you hoping to hear the boisterous voice of Jeremy Clarkson coming out of your TomTom GPS are going to be quite disappointed. As it turns out, part of the BBC's editorial guidelines state that none of the Top Gear presenters can endorse motoring products, and thus, having Clarkson screaming out of your TomTom is a clear violation of this policy.

Some 54,000 units of the Clarkson-ified TomTom have already been produced, with many already in stores. BBC Worldwide has stated that it will now donate all proceeds from the TomToms to the Children In Need charity. The BBC told UK's The Guardian that Jezzeh was in no way involved with setting up this deal and will not make any money from the partnership between BBC and TomTom.

Looks like drivers will now be forced to add in their own insults, sarcasm and humor to the TomTom sat-nav experience.

Clarkson contract blunder leads to cancellation of Top Gear TomTom GPS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcclarksongpsjeremy clarksontomtomtop gearFri, 14 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20081989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/20081989/article-detail.xml 20081989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/clarkson-630-1318614695_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/clarkson-630-1318614695.jpg <![CDATA[Reverse Export: <i>Top Gear USA</i> to be shown in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/08/reverse-export-top-gear-usa-to-be-shown-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/08/reverse-export-top-gear-usa-to-be-shown-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/08/reverse-export-top-gear-usa-to-be-shown-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Top Gear USA

Top Gear fans in the UK are about to get more than they bargained for. The BBC has announced that Top Gear USA is headed across the pond. Season one of the Americanized version of the world's favorite car show is set to debut on BBC Three on October 14.

Why? Um, that's a really good question. Near as we can tell, the BBC wants to fill the airwaves with something other than reruns, though we have to wonder if fans of the original Top Gear won't find some of the premises, challenges and writing on Top Gear USA more than a little familiar.

We don't count ourselves among those who find Top Gear USA an affront to nature, but sending our show back to the land of Clarkson, Hammond and May feels a bit like importing Taco Bell to Mexico. You're gonna get some strange looks. Hit the jump for a video.

Continue reading Reverse Export: Top Gear USA to be shown in UK

Reverse Export: Top Gear USA to be shown in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcthe bbctop geartop gear uktop gear usaSat, 08 Oct 2011 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20076369/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/08/reverse-export-top-gear-usa-to-be-shown-in-uk/20076369/article-detail.xml 20076369 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/top-gear-usa-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/top-gear-usa-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> spotted with British classics shooting holiday special in India [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/top-gear-spotted-with-british-classics-shooting-holiday-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/top-gear-spotted-with-british-classics-shooting-holiday-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/top-gear-spotted-with-british-classics-shooting-holiday-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hammond in India

That zany trio from Top Gear (the original British version, not the spin-offs shot in the "colonies") have been all around the world. They've shot specials in Africa, South America, the Middle East, Vietnam, Japan, Iceland, the North Pole, and even here in the good old U-S-of-A. So where are they now? India.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May were spotted by legions of their fans out of the billion inhabitants of India driving around the subcontinent in a convoy of British classics: a Mini, a Jaguar and a Rolls-Royce. Just what kind of challenges the producers have got them performing remains to be seen, but if the previous specials serve as any indication, this should be a good one.

Of course it'll still be a while before the episode airs (it's almost certainly the holiday special that Clarkson spoke about last month), so in the meantime we've got two videos after the jump: one showing the Hamster loading some cans or something onto his vintage Mini, and another old-school episode of Jeremy Clarkson's Motor World shot in - you guessed it - India. After you're done watching those, check out more images of the BBC boys shooting in India by visiting Team-BHP using the link below.

Continue reading Top Gear spotted with British classics shooting holiday special in India [w/videos]

Top Gear spotted with British classics shooting holiday special in India [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcindiajames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondtop gearMon, 03 Oct 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072226/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/03/top-gear-spotted-with-british-classics-shooting-holiday-s/20072226/article-detail.xml 20072226 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/hammond-india_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/hammond-india.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> Australia cancelled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/top-gear-australia-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/top-gear-australia-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/top-gear-australia-cancelled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Top Gear Australia

Apparently, even with a proven script, replicating the success of the most beloved automotive show on television isn't as easy as it sounds. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian version of Top Gear has been canceled.

After the initial report, host Steve Pizzati sent out a confirmation via Twitter stating the following:

It's true - as of next week, TGA will be on at the special time of not at all. Sorry to the open-minded people that gave it a go and enjoyed!

For those keeping track, Top Gear in the Land of Oz lasted for four seasons spread over two different networks before finally succumbing to poor ratings. There were also six separate presenters used over different time frames, along, of course, with The Stig.

We can't say that we ever really watched the show, but we're sure at least a few Aussies will miss it. Here's hoping the U.S. version of the series finds enough enough homes to avoid the same fate.

Top Gear Australia cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcsteve pizzatitop geartop gear autop gear australiatop gear australia canceledtop gear cancelledWed, 14 Sep 2011 15:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042961/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/14/top-gear-australia-cancelled/20042961/article-detail.xml 20042961 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/top-gear-australia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/top-gear-australia.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson says Welsh language should be abolished, dust-up ensues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/jeremy-clarkson-says-welsh-language-should-be-abolished-dust-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/jeremy-clarkson-says-welsh-language-should-be-abolished-dust-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/08/jeremy-clarkson-says-welsh-language-should-be-abolished-dust-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeremy ClarksonJeremy Clarkson's perpetual foot-in-mouth disease shows no signs of letting up. The latest dust-up doesn't really have anything to do with cars at all, which is the Top Gear host's actual area of expertise, of course. Instead, Jezza railed against languages other than English.

I think we are fast approaching the time when the United Nations should start to think seriously about abolishing other languages. What's the point of Welsh, for example? All it does is provide a silly maypole around which a bunch of hotheads can get all nationalistic.

This quote was taken from Clarkson's weekly newspaper column. In response, Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards sent a letter to the BBC, suggesting that a "senior representative" of the organization shouldn't be making such comments.

The BBC released a statement saying it "will not comment on comments made by Jeremy Clarkson in his column."

Speaking of comments, feel free to express your own opinion (keeping it civil, of course) in our own.

Jeremy Clarkson says Welsh language should be abolished, dust-up ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcclarksonjeremy clarksonPlaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwardstop gearwaleswelshThu, 08 Sep 2011 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20037870/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/08/jeremy-clarkson-says-welsh-language-should-be-abolished-dust-up/20037870/article-detail.xml 20037870 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jeremy-clarkson-black-and-white_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/jeremy-clarkson-black-and-white.jpg <![CDATA[<i/>Top Gear</i> airs controversial Nissan Leaf segment, responds to critics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/top-gear-airs-controversial-nissan-leaf-segment-responds-to-critics/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/top-gear-airs-controversial-nissan-leaf-segment-responds-to-critics/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/top-gear-airs-controversial-nissan-leaf-segment-responds-to-critics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson gets a push in a Nissan Leaf
We're not into spoiling the on-screen antics that make Top Gear one of the greatest automotive shows ever, but we're not gonna let slide the fact that the BBC aired last Sunday the much-anticipated Top Gear episode in which Jeremy Clarkson and James May embark on a journey in the Nissan Leaf and Peugeot iOn.

Yes, the Top Gear duo ragged on the Leaf and iOn after the vehicles were intentionally discharged in order to highlight the difficulties of charging electric vehicles in a municipality with no public charging stations (read Nissan's official response to the show's battery-depleting antics), but both Clarkson and May did have some positive words to say for the Leaf and iOn. Take, for example, Clarkson admitting the Leaf drove much like a conventional vehicle and May comparing the iOn to a Porsche 911.

Top Gear has taken heat, mainly from UK-based news outlet The Times, for its portrayal of electric vehicles on the show. Tesla even sued the BBC after its Roadster made its appearance on Top Gear in 2008. Andy Wilman, executive producer of the show, responded to critics today, saying that at no point did the Top Gear hosts test the claimed range of the Nissan Leaf, nor did they suggest that "the vehicles wouldn't achieve their claimed range." Wilman had more to say, which you can read here, but need we really remind anyone that Top Gear is pure entertainment with just a dash of factuality.

Top Gear airs controversial Nissan Leaf segment, responds to critics originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan leafbbcjames mayjeremy clarksonleafnissannissan leafpeugeotpeugeot iontop gearTue, 02 Aug 2011 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20007569/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/02/top-gear-airs-controversial-nissan-leaf-segment-responds-to-critics/20007569/article-detail.xml 20007569 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/top-gear-nissan-leaf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/top-gear-nissan-leaf.jpg <![CDATA[Richard Hammond unhappy, fed up with being the cuddly Hamster on <i>Top Gear</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/richard-hammond-unhappy-fed-up-with-being-the-cuddly-hamster-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/richard-hammond-unhappy-fed-up-with-being-the-cuddly-hamster-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/richard-hammond-unhappy-fed-up-with-being-the-cuddly-hamster-on/#commentsFiled under: ,

richard hammond

He's known as the Hamster, but perhaps Richard Hammond would prefer a nickname not based on a small animal that many find cute. It seems Hammond, who makes up one third of the Top Gear UK presenters trio, is a bit miffed at the way his character has shaken out. While Clarkson and May have been allowed to form defined personas, UK's celebrity dish Daily Star reports that Hammond feels he is simply being pigeonholed as the cute little guy who had a big crash.

Show insiders have reportedly stated that Hammond will get the bigger, more defined role that he deserves. They understand how important he is to the show, and plan on making sure that Hammond is happy.

Richard Hammond unhappy, fed up with being the cuddly Hamster on Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc top gearhammondrichard hammondthe hamstertop gearMon, 01 Aug 2011 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20006276/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/01/richard-hammond-unhappy-fed-up-with-being-the-cuddly-hamster-on/20006276/article-detail.xml 20006276 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/richard-hammond_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/richard-hammond.jpg <![CDATA[Rupert Murdoch's Sky network snags partial F1 broadcast rights in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/rupert-murdochs-sky-network-snags-partial-f1-broadcast-rights-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/rupert-murdochs-sky-network-snags-partial-f1-broadcast-rights-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/rupert-murdochs-sky-network-snags-partial-f1-broadcast-rights-i/#commentsFiled under: ,

trackside screen

A shock announcement in the commercial world of Formula One racing has British fans up in arms. The deal involves the Sky network and the BBC sharing the rights to F1 broadcasts in the UK.

Sky is part of News Corp, whose owner Rupert Murdoch, as you may recall, lead a consortium a few months ago that expressed interest in acquiring the commercial rights to the sport. That was before Murdoch found himself in hot water when his News of the World tabloid was shut down and investigated over allegations of phone tapping, and even then, speculation was that the bid for the broader rights was a cover for an attempt to acquire just the broadcasting rights.

The deal will reportedly see the BBC, which currently holds the rights to broadcast grands prix in the UK, scaling back its coverage to only half the races in the season. Meanwhile Sky Sports will air all the races, including the practice sessions and qualifying sessions, on its paid service.

In addition to the outraged fans who've become accustomed to catching all the races live and for free on the BBC, F1 team principals have expressed some concern over the deal, which could violate certain terms of the Concorde Agreement by which the sport's commercial aspect is governed.

Rupert Murdoch's Sky network snags partial F1 broadcast rights in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcf1formula 1formula onemurdochnews corprupert murdochskysky sportsMon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20005284/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/01/rupert-murdochs-sky-network-snags-partial-f1-broadcast-rights-i/20005284/article-detail.xml 20005284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/f1-trackside-screen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/f1-trackside-screen.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> host Hammond to get own car show in America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/top-gear-host-hammond-to-get-own-car-show-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/top-gear-host-hammond-to-get-own-car-show-in-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/top-gear-host-hammond-to-get-own-car-show-in-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

Richard Hammond Top Gear

Whether you love Top Gear USA or think it an affront to comedic decency, one thing's certain: the show seems to have helped spawn a new wave of car-themed programming. Adam Carolla's The Car Show has taken to the air as a result of The History Channel's move into fuel-soaked entertainment, and now The BBC is striking back. The Beeb has announced that Richard Hammond will be getting his own show on BBC America soon. Called Hard Drive with Richard Hammond, the program uses a similar format as the UK's World's Toughest Driving Tests.

Hammond will travel around the United States, driving and competing in some of the toughest vehicles our country has to offer. We're sure he'll meet some genuine characters along the way as well.

Hammond isn't the only Top Gear presenter being awarded an American show. James May will also take to BBC America with James May's Man Lab U.S. based on the UK version of his program. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Top Gear host Hammond to get own car show in America

Top Gear host Hammond to get own car show in America originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc americahammondhard drive with richard hammondjames mayrichard hammondthe bbctop gearMon, 25 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19999773/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/25/top-gear-host-hammond-to-get-own-car-show-in-america/19999773/article-detail.xml 19999773 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/richard-hammond_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/richard-hammond.jpg <![CDATA[James May explains the superiority of his Porsche 911 over Richard Hammond's]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/james-may-explains-the-superiority-of-his-porsche-911-over-richa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/james-may-explains-the-superiority-of-his-porsche-911-over-richa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/17/james-may-explains-the-superiority-of-his-porsche-911-over-richa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

james may talks about porsches
Richard Hammond loves Porsche, that's no secret. Apparently, James May is a fan as well, and both Top Gear presenters recently arrived to the set in their 911 coupes. May took the opportunity to explain why his Porsche is superior to the one Hammond owns and someone was kind enough to film it.

Head over to the Top Gear blog to watch James May dissect the differences between the two German sports cars. We imagine Jeremy Clarkson is just off camera telling both men that they drive Volkswagen Beetles.

James May explains the superiority of his Porsche 911 over Richard Hammond's originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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