Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/#commentsFiled under: ,

Top Gear in Romania - click above to watch video

Another day, another country that hates Jeremy Clarkson's guts. Or at least, another country that is seeking an apology from the Top Gear host for his no doubt rude, but no doubter funny comments about said country. In this case, it's the former Iron Curtain nation of Romania. Seems that during the series' season 14 opener, Jezza had some less than flattering observations about the country that shot former "Conductor" Nicolae Ceauşescu and his wife before they could even be tied up and blindfolded.

Clarkson's offending remarks? He referred to Romania as "Borat country." He also donned the silly-looking pork pie hat above and stated, "I'm wearing this hat so the gypsies think I am one. I'm told they can be violent if they don't like the look of you." He also called Romanian water "Communist water" and mentioned that Romanians like to express their sense of humor with guns. Pretty innocuous stuff if you ask us. Especially compared to cracks Clarkson's made about other non-British places. Like Germany, America and Malaysia. Regardless, the Romanian government is apparently expecting an apology. We think they'd have a better chance at satisfaction by issuing a Whamber Alert. In any case, you can see the offending footage in its entirety by clicking through to the jump.

[Sources: Telegraph; YouTube]

Continue reading Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]

Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCBoratClarksonCommunismJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRIchard HammondRichardHammondRomaniaTop GearTopGearTue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: If you're gonna make us pay for a bloke's writing, it bloody well better be Clarkson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/#commentsFiled under: ,



We'll admit up front that this news item is minimally car-related, but bear with us. In response to News Corp's Rupert Murdoch's repeated threats to bury all of his content behind a pay-for-it-wall, the UK's Guardian conducted a poll asking readers which online columnists they'd pay for. The not so shocking result: Jeremy Clarkson, number one. Number two is Charlie Brooker, who we've heard of. The next eight? Not so much. But here's the point.

Jeremy Clarkson writes about cars. The other day, we were arguing with a burned out (and nameless) colleague about our mutual chosen profession. Eventually he blurted out, "You're still working under the delusion that writing a good car review is somehow noble." Not that Clarkson is particularly noble, but the notion that the writer most people (well, British people...) want to read spends his days scribing about powersliding the tires off half-a-million dollar cars is quite heartening. Almost ennobling, really.

[Source: The Guardian | Image: AFP/Getty]

STUDY: If you're gonna make us pay for a bloke's writing, it bloody well better be Clarkson originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ClarksonJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonrupert murdochRupertMurdochThe GuardianTheGuardianTop GearTopGearFri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> reports Stig arrested in both Dublin and Mojave Desert]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/top-gear-reports-stig-arrested-in-both-dublin-and-mojave/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/top-gear-reports-stig-arrested-in-both-dublin-and-mojave/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/top-gear-reports-stig-arrested-in-both-dublin-and-mojave/#commentsFiled under: ,



Some say he has a problem with authority. Others say he's actually capable of being in two places at the same time, and getting arrested in both. All we know is that Top Gear is making less sense with every passing day.

One of the BBC car show's myriad blogs reports that the enigmatic test driver known to all as The Stig was "sensationally" arrested by police in Dublin for some unknown incident, possibly involving assault on a "hairy biker" or a swan. Not much else was said, other than that the arresting Garda officer was friendly and that the program's live action show is set to visit the Irish city in December.

Meanwhile, TG frontman Jeremy Clarkson disclosed in his regular column in The Sunday Times that the Stig was also detained in the Mojave Desert, where the crew was apparently filming another misadventure in America. According to Clarkson, "a lorry full of soldiers" mistook Stiggy for a Muslim since he's not fat. Right... For our part, we'll take both stories with a grain of salt as big as Stig's helmet while we wait for mug shots from either incident to surface.

[Sources: Top Gear Transmission and Times Online]

Top Gear reports Stig arrested in both Dublin and Mojave Desert originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarksondublinirelandjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonmojavemojave desertMojaveDesertstigthe stigTheStigtop geartop gear the stigTopGearTopGearTheStigSat, 24 Oct 2009 17:41:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: Jeremy Clarkson has world's best job. In other news, grass is green, sky is blue.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/poll-jeremy-clarkson-has-worlds-best-job-in-other-news-grass/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/poll-jeremy-clarkson-has-worlds-best-job-in-other-news-grass/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/poll-jeremy-clarkson-has-worlds-best-job-in-other-news-grass/#commentsFiled under: ,



We'll be the first people to admit that we find ourselves in a pretty cool line of work, but if we were offered the chance to swap jobs with any one person in the world, it very well might be with Jeremy Clarkson. Not surprisingly, it turns out we're not alone.

According to a survey of over 1,600 adults in the U.K. conducted by Shell and British automotive magazine Auto Express, one in three respondents wish they had Clarkson's job. Who wouldn't want to get paid (rather handsomely, at that) for driving fast cars and blowing things up?

Following Jezza on the list were Nigella Lawson (the British food critic, author and television presenter) and TV-wildman Bear Grylls. Other notable names on the I-wish-I-were-you list include Simon Cowell, the Queen, Richard Branson, Cheryl Cole, President Obama, David Beckham, JK Rowling, Hugh Hefner, the Pope, and, um, Father Christmas.

[Source: Telegraph]

STUDY: Jeremy Clarkson has world's best job. In other news, grass is green, sky is blue. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best jobbest jobsBestJobBestJobsclarksonjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksontop gearTopGearworlds best jobWorldsBestJobWed, 21 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear Live</i> holding design-your-own-stunt contest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/video-i-top-gear-live-i-holding-design-your-own-stunt-contes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/video-i-top-gear-live-i-holding-design-your-own-stunt-contes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/video-i-top-gear-live-i-holding-design-your-own-stunt-contes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Top Gear Live Contest - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We love Top Gear for a lot of reasons, but we love the British motoring series most for its big-budget creativity. After all, how many shows are going to storm a beach in a Ford Fiesta? And from everything we've seen and heard, Top Gear Live takes the creativity to the next level with its gold envelope challenge. This year, the live theatrical extravaganza starring Clarkson, May and Hammond is looking for even more bombastic challenges for the its new season.

While we're sure the TGL team will come up with some amazing stunts, this year, the live show is giving you the opportunity to come up with a crazier stunt than the show's producers could ever dream. To enter, contestants must propose a stunt in the form of a YouTube video due in by October 14.

The TGL team will select five winners from each of the eight live events in the 2009-2010 season, and winners will receive a pair of tickets to the show of their choosing and a leather jacket signed by Clarkson, May and Hammond. Unfortunately, anyone who wins a pair of tickets will be responsible for their own travel or accommodations, so if you can't afford a trip to London (UK), Birmingham (UK), Dublin (Ireland), Johannesburg (S.Africa), Sydney (Australia), Auckland (NZ), Hong Kong (China), or Amsterdam (Holland), you may want to sit this one out. Hit the jump to watch the clever promotional video, click here for contest terms and conditions, and feel free to share your stunt ideas with your fellow readers in 'Comments.'

[Source: Top Gear Live via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear Live holding design-your-own-stunt contest

VIDEO: Top Gear Live holding design-your-own-stunt contest originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarksonhammondjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonmayrichard hammondRichardHammondTGLtop geartop gear contesttop gear liveTopGearTopGearContestTopGearLiveThu, 01 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> posse spotted filming with bevy of exotics in Romania]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/i-top-gear-i-posse-spotted-filming-with-bevy-of-exotics-in-ro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/i-top-gear-i-posse-spotted-filming-with-bevy-of-exotics-in-ro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/i-top-gear-i-posse-spotted-filming-with-bevy-of-exotics-in-ro/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Top Gear crew is preparing the show's 14th season and they've gone to the home of Vlad the Impaler for some help. Piloting a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, Aston Martin DBS Volante, and Ferrari California, the production closed down the Transfagarasan Road that climbs over Romania's Carpathian Mountains.

And as if the road itself, the area's scenery, and connection to Dracula weren't enough, it is said that the Transfagarasan has more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania. It should make this particular TG episode a pump-up-the-volume affair.

Naturally, there are TG side stories to go with the news. When they weren't driving -- and putting scratches on the Gallardo and DBS -- they were drinking local "nectar" and relieving themselves in the woods. Ah, Top Gear, bring on season #14.

[Source: Romanian Times | Image: bortescristian via CC2.0]

Top Gear posse spotted filming with bevy of exotics in Romania originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear chief oaf (read: presenter) Jeremy Clarkson is no stranger to controversy when he speaks. In fact, he rather seems to thrive on it, which undoubtedly is a big part of the appeal of the show. Earlier this week, he spouted off again apparently in an attempt to irritate (or bemuse) women everywhere while at the same time alienating his core audience.

While discussing Top Gear at a television conference in Scotland, Clarkson apparently indicated that he didn't think a female presenter would be able to hold her own in the testosterone-infused environment that is the Top Gear studio. According to Clarkson: "I think a girl would be a disaster, seeing the chemistry we have now...you bring a girl in and you start taking the piss out of her, that would look like bullying."

At the same event, Clarkson also referred to most of the live audience at the show as oafs, using that as a justification for bringing some of the attractive women in the crowd up to the front. In this case, it may be hard to argue, and Jezza was probably just verbalizing what the hosts of many programs such as NBC's Today Show are thinking when they look out the window at the people standing in the street hoping for a few seconds of screen time.

What do you think - is Clarkson right or wrong? Could Top Gear benefit from a female voice, or is it better off as a boys' club? Drop your fellow reader a line in 'Comments.'

[Source: The Guardian | Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty]

REPORT: Jeremy Clarkson against female Top Gear host, calls audience members 'oafs' originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCchauvenismClarksonfeminismjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonsexismtop gearTopGearwomen in the workplaceWomenInTheWorkplaceSun, 30 Aug 2009 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear</i> takes on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/video-i-top-gear-i-takes-on-the-mercedes-sl-65-amg-black-ser/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/video-i-top-gear-i-takes-on-the-mercedes-sl-65-amg-black-ser/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/video-i-top-gear-i-takes-on-the-mercedes-sl-65-amg-black-ser/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

When Jeremy Clarkson has the keys to a 660 hp supercar, you know you're in for a heck of a ride. The affable BBC host took the reigns of twin-turbo V12-powered Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series, and we're pretty sure the Top Gear team needed to change its rather expensive tires at some time during the shoot.

The SL 65 AMG Black Series tore up the tarmac and even took on the company's own (much more expensive) McLaren SLR, but did Clarkson like it? Lets just say that he compared seat time in this super Benz to sitting on a pile of stones. It seems having 740 lb-ft of torque at your beckoning call isn't always a good thing, either. Oh, the horror. Hit the jump to watch for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear takes on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

VIDEO: Top Gear takes on the Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Come on, England: Leave Top Gear alone. We know they can make a lot of noise and take away air time from your precious Antiques Roadshow, but deep down inside you know you love them as much as we do. And don't try to deny it: the ratings don't lie. So isn't it about time everyone just leave Jeremy Clarkson & Co. to do what they do best in peace and calm?

The local townsfolk and big business are at it again, arguing over a new residential development that's slated to be built on the Dunsfold Aerodrome. We know, who cares, right? Well, the Dunsfold Aerodrome has another name: the Top Gear test track. Yeah, you're listening now. Real estate development firm Rutland Group is planning a 2,600-home eco-village on the property with a loan secured from the Royal Bank of Scotland. Locals are organizing against the plan, but to make things just a tad more complicated, RBS was recently nationalized by the British government, making this a political issue as well. Considering that the BBC (which produces Top Gear) is also a crown corporation, this is bound to get messy.

[Source: UTV]

Gambon Street? Project reportedly afoot to turn Top Gear test track into housing development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badder 6Badder6bbcbbc top gearBbcTopGearclarksondunsfolddunsfold aerodromedunsfold parkDunsfoldAerodromeDunsfoldParkjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonrichard hammondRichardHammondtgtop gearTopGearTue, 09 Jun 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear returns in June with Series 13]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-gear-returns-in-june-with-series-13/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-gear-returns-in-june-with-series-13/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-gear-returns-in-june-with-series-13/#commentsFiled under:



If life without new episodes of Top Gear is too depressing to bear, you only have a few months to wait for Series 13. Clarkson, Hammond, May and the Stig will be back for more automotive mayhem in June. The terrific trio will undoubtedly have a whole new arsenal of automotive hi-jinx waiting for us in the new series, but those stunts will have to come cheaper than in previous series. To keep the show in the black during tough times, Top Gear took a substantial budget hit. On the Top Gear blog, Executive Producer Andy Wilman noted that the show was already running on a drum-tight budget, and that 2009 cuts will be evident in the final product. We hope not, but we're sure that the guys at Top Gear will air nothing short of an innovative and entertaining Series 13.

[Source: Final Gear]

Top Gear returns in June with Series 13 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarksonhammondjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonmayrichard hammondRichardHammondseries 13Series13the stigTheStigtop gearTopGearMon, 16 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson's Car of the Year: the Corvette ZR1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/jeremy-clarksons-car-of-the-year-the-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/jeremy-clarksons-car-of-the-year-the-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/jeremy-clarksons-car-of-the-year-the-corvette-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Feel free to read that headline as many times as necessary, but yes, it's true: Clarkson-san wrote "Out of nowhere, my car of the year," the Corvette ZR1. The man who pooped on the spearhead of electric cars has given an American high horsepower pushrod V8 the gold and glory. And this is after comparing the ZR1's predecessors to Big Macs: "Cheap, plastic and at the right time, and in the right place, sort of just what you want."

Not only that, but to put the ZR1 on its pedestal, Clarkson went so far as to remove the Caterham 500 he had previously placed there. On the show, he said that the Caterham was the best of the year, but in his article writes, "However, if you broaden the search engine and look simply for the best car of the year, the Caterham isn't in with a shout because it's ugly and geeky and I wouldn't have one even if the option was the loss of my right testicle."

And so the ZR1 reigns, even though "it's not built very well." In Clarkson's words, it is "both docile and extraordinarily savage," looks good, goes fast in a straight line and around corners, "most of the time bumbles about like a forgetful uncle," and costs "lots for a Corvette" but is a bargain for the performance. His only lament about the car was this: "unless the healthcare and pensions company that makes it can be turned around, it will be the last of the breed." The ZR1 - winning hearts and minds... Hat tip to Pdexter!

Gallery: Covette ZR1 burnouts


[Source: Times Online]

Jeremy Clarkson's Car of the Year: the Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Top Gear team is going global. Location shoots are planned to take the British trio all over the planet, starting with Vietnam. Clarkson, May, and Hammond loved the idea when they were plotting it in the pub, but they didn't actually plan for the fact that Nam doesn't have adequate roads... or very many cars. That made the idea of finding a £600 vehicle and racing it across the country a non-starter, but that doesn't mean the crew couldn't come up with an adventure worthy of Top billing. James May didn't want to give too many details of the Vietnam show during his interview with the Daily Mail, but he did provide enough of a tease to make us want to watch. The program will include the bike-loathing Clarkson on two wheels, and there's even footage of the Top Gear star strapped to a third world Ski-Doo (pictured above).

The Vietnam show will be followed next year with trips to Hong Kong, Johannesburg and Sydney. Since there is a 21-year waiting list to see the Top Gear crew do their thing in-studio, these exotic locations may be the best chance anyone has to see the popular show in-person.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Top Gear goes to Vietnam originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarksonhammondmaytop gearTopGearvietnamSun, 28 Dec 2008 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear Australia replacing Charlie Cox?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/top-gear-australia-replacing-charlie-cox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/top-gear-australia-replacing-charlie-cox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/top-gear-australia-replacing-charlie-cox/#commentsFiled under: ,



Anyone who's been watching the original Top Gear knows it took a bit of switcheroo to get the chemistry right before things really took off (James May replaced the rotundish Jason Dawe after Series 1 of the current show concluded), and TG Australia is no different. Charlie Cox (the bloke on the left) is reportedly leaving the young show due to commitments in Britain, and word is that he will be replaced by Australian jazz trumpeter James Morrison.

Thankfully, Morrison not only arrives with an instrument, he comes with a revhead pedigree: He hosted a show in the '90s called Behind the Wheel, and he currently holds the quickest time for the Star in a Bog Standard Car on TG Australia. After some ups and downs during the first season, perhaps now the show has a shot at making some real music. Thanks for the tip, Liam!

[Source: Ausmotive]

Top Gear Australia replacing Charlie Cox? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Behind the WheelBehindTheWheelcharlie coxCharlieCoxClarksonJames Mayjames morrisonJamesMayJamesMorrisonJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRichard HammondRichardHammondsbssteve pizzattiStevePizzattitop geartop gear australiaTopGearTopGearAustraliaTrumpettrumpetertvtv showsTvShowswarren brownWarrenBrownFri, 19 Dec 2008 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Top Gear, Ford Fiesta, Beach Assault, WOW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/10/video-top-gear-ford-fiesta-beach-assault-wow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/10/video-top-gear-ford-fiesta-beach-assault-wow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/10/video-top-gear-ford-fiesta-beach-assault-wow/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

We've been watching Top Gear for quite a while now, and for our money, no one on this planet mixes cars, TV and entertainment better than the blokes from the Beeb. Having said that, the Brits may have outdone themselves this time, and with a car few would have chosen as the most likely candidate. Top Gear superstar Jeremy Clarkson was tasked with giving a thorough, exhaustive review of the all new 2009 Ford Fiesta. The affable Clarkson takes the Fiesta through the usual paces on the open road and at the track, and then he gets creative. We don't want to ruin it for you, so check out the ten-minute super review after the jump. If we haven't given you enough reason to click through, Clarkson does get chased by a black Vette inside a British mall, and he finishes by taking a beachhead in a Fiesta full of Royal Marines while under heavy gunfire. Oh, and smoke grenades fit in the Fiesta's cup holders. Impressive stuff, indeed. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear, Ford Fiesta, Beach Assault, WOW

VIDEO: Top Gear, Ford Fiesta, Beach Assault, WOW originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to watch the video after the jump

Jeremy Clarkson is a lot of things to a lot of people. He's unique and iconic. Entertaining and informative. But what he's not is inimitable. That's what British sketch comedy duo Harry and Paul discovered when they stumbled upon Clarkson Island. The magical isle off the southern coast of England (and not to be confused with the Isle of Man) is inhabited exclusively by clones of the celebrity automotive journalist, who all... talk the same. We won't ruin the rest of the four-minute skit for you, except to note that the roast has to have come from a place of love, especially for co-host Harry Enfield who was the first guest on Top Gear when the BBC re-launched the show in 2001. Thanks to everyone who sent in the tip; follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: British comedians discover Clarkson Island

VIDEO: British comedians discover Clarkson Island originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A new business deal signed between the BBC on the one hand and Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman on the other could see the vast expansion of the Top Gear brand worldwide. The deal involves BBC Worldwide, the international commercial arm of the government-owned television network, taking a majority stake in Badder 6. The latter is a company set up by Clarkson and Wilman two years ago for reasons unknown, but will now act to channel all revenues from the Top Gear brand back to the BBC, Clarkson and Wilman.

The deal is seen as a necessity to keep Clarkson happy so he'll remain on the show amidst offers from competing networks and producers for the world's most famous automotive journalist. Badder 6, which now includes three top-level BBC Worldwide executives, will be responsible for managing the marketing of Top Gear around the world, including the magazine, the original British television program, the new program for the United States undertaken by NBC, an additional new series for Australia, and all related merchandising opportunities. Now reaping the rewards for his efforts, Clarkson will act in a direct capacity as the figurehead for the Top Gear brand around the world. Although the deal did not involve his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, the pair are reported to have secured more lucrative deals themselves in light of Clarkson's new arrangement.

[Source: The Guardian via Inside Line]

Clarkson and BBC team up to take Top Gear global originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It should come as no surprise that Jeremy Clarkson is pulling down more cash than his Top Gear cohorts. Not only does Clarkson own a stake of the show's rights, he's more of a figurehead for the series than either James May or Richard Hammond. Clarkson has become nearly an adjective to describe any auto pundit expressing a strong opinion in a certain manner. While May and Hammond seem happy enough with their slightly-diminished status in the show hierarchy, rumors about flat-out contract rejections and threats of departure are flying behind the scenes.

James May's people state that they're not looking for parity with Clarkson's £2-million yearly earnings, but they are aiming for the best deal possible. Arlington Enterprises spokesperson, Annie Sweetbaum, has commented that nascent negotiations are progressing, and that the BBC's first offer is never the one accepted. Hamster's people dodged commenting, but we're sure his representation also aims for the fattest checks it can secure. Nobody has yet publicly threatened to take his ball and go home, but one imagines that it could come to that if no agreement can be reached. Shoot, we'd love to see what the BBC's offering; perhaps we can weasel our way into Top Gear as cheaper alternative hosts - not that we'd be any good, but with the dollar worth about three pence, getting paid in Pounds or Euros sounds pretty good to us. Thanks for the tips!

[Source: BBC]

Tension off-camera? Top Gear pay dustup rumored originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's a news flash: Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame sometimes drives really fast. But it isn't a speeding ticket that has landed Mr. Clarkson in hot water, it's a recent admission during an interview at the Hay Festival in Powys, Wales that he drove the insanely fast Bugatti Veyron 186 mph on public roads. The overly honest answer to the question "what's the fastest you've ever driven" has public safety activists asking for Clarkson's curly locks on a platter. Mary Williams of Brake called the TV star "offensive and irresponsible," and said that the BBC should fire him.

While we're big fans of Clarkson, driving 186 on public roads is incredibly dangerous both to himself and for others on the road. And doesn't Clarkson have an airport runway for going as fast as he wants whenever he wants? Having said that, he obviously didn't get caught doing anything wrong, and hasn't had a speeding ticket in 20 years, so calls for his job are more or less annoying and wishful thinking.

[Source: Mailonsunday]

BBC asked to fire Clarkson for admitting to 186 mph joyride in Veyron originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugatticlarksonTop gearTopGearVeyronThu, 29 May 2008 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson for Prime Minister? Public support increases]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/jeremy-clarkson-for-prime-minister-public-support-increases/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/jeremy-clarkson-for-prime-minister-public-support-increases/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/jeremy-clarkson-for-prime-minister-public-support-increases/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some say his political views are frightening. Others say he's got a growing group of supporters. All we know is...he's called Jeremy Clarkson.

Back in August we brought you a report that the celebrity host of BBC television's hit program Top Gear had a petition started in his name to promote his popular candidacy for British Prime Minister. Not that he's in any way declared his intension to run for public office, but the petition that was at 15,000 signatures at the end of the summer has now nearly doubled.

In light of the mounting public support, British tabloid the Daily Mail has put together a mock platform for Jezza, the world's most famous automotive journalist, should he decide to run. Some of the platform's highlights call for promoting global warming by incentivizing gas-guzzling automobiles, while banning diesels and hybrids; shutting down the public health & safety department; arming constables in order to intimidate youth; abolishing speed cameras; promoting the glory of the British Empire; withdrawing from the EU and ending relations with the US; and reinstituting medieval punishment methods and public executions.

We say shoot for the moon and land among the stars: Clarkson for Transportation Minister.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Jeremy Clarkson for Prime Minister? Public support increases originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For all of his popularity and sceptered isle wit, it's probable that Jeremy Clarkson hasn't kept anyone from buying a car they really wanted. Which is a good thing for MINI and those folks looking at a Clubman, because Jezza has this to say about it: "About as desirable as a packet of dung or a can of worms."

Most of his issues with the car are sensible: the third door is on the wrong side for the Brits, no rear visibility due to the split rear doors, massive torque steer, tramlining, and a (still) tiny boot. His other problem with the car doesn't really strike us as a problem: according to Clarkson, the car's natural cruising speed is 110-MPH. Um... that's what cruise control is for... or paying attention to the flow of traffic... because it's not like you could need a larger speedo to keep better track of your progress.

As always, it's an entertaining read, if full of digressions. But as we said, we don't think it will keep even one MINI Clubman from finding a good, private home. For all of its perceived and/or actual shortcomings, MINI is practically the entire reason that the noun "lifestyle" became an adjective, and lifestyle purchases operate on principles that have nothing to do with torque steer and boot volume.

[Source: London Times]

Clarkson considers the MINI Clubman "a toilet" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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