Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[TVR finally poised for a dramatic return? [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/tvr-finally-poised-for-a-dramatic-return-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/tvr-finally-poised-for-a-dramatic-return-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/tvr-finally-poised-for-a-dramatic-return-w-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



TVR, the British cottage industry builder of hair-on-fire, purists' sports cars like the Sagaris, Tuscan, and Cerbera flamed out in spectacular fashion back in 2006, leaving a hole in the the hearts of enthusiasts far larger than its meager output might suggest. The company behind the brilliantly characterful but never-quite pretty, never-quite reliable sports cars with their far-flung ergonomics and bite-the-hand-that-feeds-you dynamics has been the subject of intermittent resurrection rumors since production ceased in 2006. Yet last July, Nikolai Smolensky, the marque's owner, seemed to close the books on the brand once and for all when he said that building a new TVR didn't make financial sense. Instead, it's understood that the Russian plutocrat wanted to build... wind turbines.

But now, it appears that the fiberglass-bodied carmaker may be poised for a revival after all. Auto Express reports that the TVR brand has a new owner, a British businessman by the name of Les Edgar, who purchased the rights to the TVR name and to the equipment and parts to build the brand's existing cars for an undisclosed sum. There's no word yet on what the four-wheeled future of TVR looks like (rumors of an all-new model with Ferrari-like performance at half the price have been dismissed), but Edgar and Co. are apparently keen to reignite the fires at the brand, having even gone so far as to update the company's website with the image above - previously the splash page for the site displayed the TVR logo with the words "never say never."

Of course, TVR has had its share of aborted comebacks before, so we won't hold our breath for its undoubtedly theatrical return. If they do manage to return, we hope they'll be welcomed back with open arms - the world needs more undistilled, unvarnished, uncompromising and overpowered sports cars, right? To jog your memory on the enigmatic firm, check out a brace of vintage Top Gear UK reviews by scrolling below.

Continue reading TVR finally poised for a dramatic return? [w/videos]

TVR finally poised for a dramatic return? [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeremy clarksonles edgarnikolai smolenskytop geartvrtvr cerberatvr sagaristvr tuscanvideoThu, 06 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20602448/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/tvr-finally-poised-for-a-dramatic-return-w-videos/20602448/article-detail.xml 20602448 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/tvr-roaring-back_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/tvr-roaring-back.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Peel P50 replica helps you commute like Jeremy Clarkson [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/peel-p50-replica-ebay-motors-jeremy-clarkson-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/peel-p50-replica-ebay-motors-jeremy-clarkson-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/peel-p50-replica-ebay-motors-jeremy-clarkson-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1963 Peel P50 replica - front three-quarter view

Fans of Top Gear should have no trouble remembering the Peel P50. The infamous mini-minicar was first introduced in the early 1960s (and recently brought back into production), and starred in the now-infamous Top Gear test where host Jeremy Clarkson drove the tiny car through the offices of the BBC.

Now, you, too, can get on the same sort of minuscule commuting action with this 1963 Peel P50 replica, available on eBay Motors for the Buy It Now price of $27,000. This P50 was built by Andy Carter's Modern Microcars UK, imported to the United States in 2009, and is currently registered and plated in California. It features a period-correct interior and exterior, but is now powered by a 200cc four-stroke Honda kart engine. Buying this P50 replica also gets you the super cute 1963 Czech PAV single-wheel steel-body trailer seen here, completely restored with a new stainless-steel frame.

Sure, $27,000 is a high price to pay for what's essentially a street-legal novelty item, but remember, you can't drive even the smallest of today's cars through the hallways of your office. Check out the P50 in our gallery above and scroll down to watch six-foot-five Jeremy Clarkson spend a day behind the wheel of the world's tiniest car.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Peel P50 replica helps you commute like Jeremy Clarkson [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: Peel P50 replica helps you commute like Jeremy Clarkson [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1963 peel p50ebayebay motorsjeremy clarksonmicrocarpeelpeel p50smallest cartop gearworlds smallest carTue, 28 May 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20584298/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/28/peel-p50-replica-ebay-motors-jeremy-clarkson-video/20584298/article-detail.xml 20584298 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/p50628opt-1369593827_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/p50628opt-1369593827.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson angers some by suggesting airlines should treat babies like luggage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/jeremy-clarkson-angers-some-by-suggesting-airlines-should-treat/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/jeremy-clarkson-angers-some-by-suggesting-airlines-should-treat/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/jeremy-clarkson-angers-some-by-suggesting-airlines-should-treat/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jeremy Clarkson driving homebuilt dragster-like thing

You might think that Jeremy Clarkson has run out of groups to offend, but the Top Gear frontman remains as unfiltered and unbowed as ever, this time calling for British Airways to deposit traveling young children in with the luggage under its planes. After a flight to Scotland, the irascible Brit quipped, "When will British Airways realise that babies belong in the hold?" via Twitter. The tweet prompted equal quantities of laughter, outrage and support from those who follow him on the social media service. Acknowledging the controversy, Clarkson would later follow up by noting, "Mine didn't fly till they were old enough to behave."

Predictably, British Airways has responded by reiterating that all are welcome in its airplane cabins, but Clarkson's musing has also triggered widespread support for the notion of child-free air travel - on Twitter and beyond. And as the Telegraph notes, at least one airline realizes that for some travelers, there is real appeal to the idea: Malaysia's Air X airlines recently introduced select routes with seating areas where occupants must be 12 years or older. Perhaps they've just found their new spokesman.

Jeremy Clarkson angers some by suggesting airlines should treat babies like luggage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air travelair xairlinesbritish airwaysjeremy clarksontop geartwitterWed, 22 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580107/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/jeremy-clarkson-angers-some-by-suggesting-airlines-should-treat/20580107/article-detail.xml 20580107 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeremy-clarkson-driving-dragster-thing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jeremy-clarkson-driving-dragster-thing.jpg <![CDATA['Top Gear'... beloved in Iran?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/top-gear-beloved-in-iran/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/top-gear-beloved-in-iran/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/top-gear-beloved-in-iran/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jeremy Clarkson

It's true. Top Gear has been hitting airwaves in Iran since 2009, and since then, the program has garnered an impressive following. Mozaffar Shafeie, an actor who translates Jeremy Clarkson's musings into Farsi for the show, routinely finds himself signing autographs for fans. While the BBC can't operate freely in the country, BBC Persian TV hosts Top Gear. When the station dropped the show to air an interview with then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, BBC reports viewers accustomed to their regular dose of Clarkson, Hammond and May protested bitterly.

When the regular Top Gear season comes to a close, BBC Persian TV fills the time slot with Top Gear USA. Needless to say, that maneuver goes over about as well as broadcasting Clinton's comments.

Iranians are only allowed to buy 13 gallons of gasoline every month, but that hasn't quelled the country's love of cars. Even so, many manufacturers have left the country in protest against Iran's nuclear program.

'Top Gear'... beloved in Iran? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbc persian tviranjames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondtop gearFri, 12 Apr 2013 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535108/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/top-gear-beloved-in-iran/20535108/article-detail.xml 20535108 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jeremy-clarkson-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jeremy-clarkson-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson gets his own song]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson Song

We've seen all manner of Top Gear tributes, but this is something of a different caliber altogether. British comedy duo Hawkeye and Windy have worked up a musical homage to the ever-contrarian Jeremy Clarkson with a tune that mocks the TV personality's critics. Clarkson has a long and documented history of agitating just about every group of people on the planet with his off-color comments. The song in the video after the jump pokes fun at everyone who's taken offense with some clever lyrics and one suitably creepy Clarkson mask.

We can't say we'll be watching this one more than once, but it's worth giving it a click through. Take a look for yourself below.

Continue reading Jeremy Clarkson gets his own song

Jeremy Clarkson gets his own song originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcclarksonhawkeye and windyhumorjeremy clarksontop gearvideoMon, 01 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20524689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/jeremy-clarkson-gets-his-own-song/20524689/article-detail.xml 20524689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/clarkson-song-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/clarkson-song-628.jpg <![CDATA[Latest group offended by <i>Top Gear</i> host Clarkson? PETA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/latest-group-offended-by-top-gear-host-clarkson-peta/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/latest-group-offended-by-top-gear-host-clarkson-peta/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/latest-group-offended-by-top-gear-host-clarkson-peta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dead mouse in Russia from Jeremy Clarkson

The list of people, organizations and even countries that have been offended by Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson is long and illustrious: Mexico, Christians, Muslims, the Romanian government, environmentalists, women, Poland, Scotland, Boy Scouts and Catholics, Tesla, his own countrymen, family counselors, Christians (again), labor unions, Indians, Wales, handicapped people, cancer victims, black people, Wales (again), hackers, environmentalists (again), Americans, and his own countrymen (again).

There's at least one notable and somewhat easily offended group that had stayed off that list: PETA.

That surprising omission has now been filled. Clarkson elicited howls from PETA after posting a picture of a just-crushed mouse on Twitter. It seems the rodent was turned into mincemeat during filming in Moscow.

In related news, Clarkson's very next tweet was also from Russia, this time in a restaurant. The picture, which was of a table with wine glasses, an ashtray and a lit cigarette, was captioned: "Perfection. Civilised country. Russia." So... next up to be offended? Anyone who doesn't like toxic smoke around their food and drink, perhaps.

Latest group offended by Top Gear host Clarkson? PETA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead mousejeremy clarksonpeople for the ethical treatment of animalspetatop gearThu, 28 Feb 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20482914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/28/latest-group-offended-by-top-gear-host-clarkson-peta/20482914/article-detail.xml 20482914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/deadmau5-top-gear-russia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/deadmau5-top-gear-russia.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Top Gear</em> season premier will air on BBC America days after UK debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/top-gear-season-premier-will-air-on-bbc-america-days-af/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/top-gear-season-premier-will-air-on-bbc-america-days-af/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/top-gear-season-premier-will-air-on-bbc-america-days-af/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If you're hungry for the new season of Top Gear and happen to find yourself living in the US, we have good news for you. The BBC has announced season 19 will debut on BBC America one week after it airs in the UK. That's a welcome change from the lengthy wait we're accustomed to on this side of the Atlantic, and will likely be enough to keep most fans from turning to their favorite torrents for their dose of Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond and The Stig. The first episode is set to air on February 4 at 9:00 pm EST.

The episode follows Clarkson as he attempts to build the world's smallest car and operate the machine on the streets of London. May, meanwhile, takes the time to run a Bentley Continental GT Speed down a rally stage, and Hammond hops behind the wheel of the mighty Pagani Huayra for a few laps at the show's test track. You can check out the full press release below for more information. You can also check out the teaser video for the new season here.

Continue reading Top Gear season premier will air on BBC America days after UK debut

Top Gear season premier will air on BBC America days after UK debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc americajames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondtop geartop gear season 19Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439957/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/top-gear-season-premier-will-air-on-bbc-america-days-af/20439957/article-detail.xml 20439957 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/top-gear-photo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/top-gear-photo.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Top Gear</em> releases first teaser for new season]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/top-gear-releases-first-teaser-for-new-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/top-gear-releases-first-teaser-for-new-season/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/top-gear-releases-first-teaser-for-new-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New Top Gear Season teaser video screencap - Subaru and Volvo in the jungle getting muddy

The new season of Top Gear is set to launch at the end of this month, and the BBC has dropped a quick teaser to get everyone excited. The spot takes a look at the show from the wardrobe department's point of view, and gives us a few glimpses of what Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have been up to since we last saw them. From squaring off in a Lexus LFA against a fighter plane and playing rugby with cheap cars to bashing through the jungle in the bug-eyed Subaru WRX shown above, the crew has been plenty busy.

Sure, the clips show a few recycled ideas, but these guys have been at it for a spell now... some repetition is allowed. Look for the new season to launch on January 27. After a full year without the show on our screens, we're more than ready to see the new season. You can check out the first teaser below for yourself.

Continue reading Top Gear releases first teaser for new season

Top Gear releases first teaser for new season originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcjames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondtop gearvideoFri, 18 Jan 2013 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20431641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/top-gear-releases-first-teaser-for-new-season/20431641/article-detail.xml 20431641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/new-top-gear-season-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/new-top-gear-season-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> back on air January 27]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/top-gear-back-on-air-january-27/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/top-gear-back-on-air-january-27/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/top-gear-back-on-air-january-27/#commentsFiled under: ,

Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May, hosts of Top Gear UK

While reporting about Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May hasn't seemed to quit over the last 12 months, the fact that the Top Gear trio were not together and filming episodes of the world's most popular automotive television show made 2012 a dull year for fans. The good news now is that, as promised, the gang is back together for 2013 and box-fresh episodes of the BBC series are coming soon. Very soon.

According to ApplauseStore.com, the website that Top Gear uses to sell tickets to the live filmings of the show, the next new episode is set to be shot on January 23. Typically Top Gear has been filmed live one week before the air date, meaning the next new episode should probably hit the airwaves on January 27.

We can't say exactly which cars or what sort of hair-brained hilarity will crop up in the newest episodes. It does seem like Jezza, The Hampster and Captain Slow will be doing a feature about driving supercars in the USA at some point this season - but we can say that we'll be planted in front of the flat-screen, tuned in and ready for the fun to begin anew.

Top Gear back on air January 27 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcjames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondtop geartop gear 2013top gear ukWed, 02 Jan 2013 16:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20415202/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/top-gear-back-on-air-january-27/20415202/article-detail.xml 20415202 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/top-gear-photo2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/top-gear-photo2.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> previews Worst Car In The World special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/top-gear-previews-worst-car-in-the-world-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/top-gear-previews-worst-car-in-the-world-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/top-gear-previews-worst-car-in-the-world-special/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Top Gear Worst Car in the World

If you've grown a reputation as a "car person," odds are you've been assailed with single most infuriating query that can be leveled at an individual of our ilk. In some weak attempt to strike up a conversation, someone has dribbled the words "What's the best car?" from between their lips and slung the syllables all over your shirt front. As you and I know, that's an unanswerable question. You might as well attempt to levy a verdict on the best music, art, sex, or tool. They all have their own time, purpose and flair. The crew at Top Gear have set out to tackle no less of a sticky meditation with its latest DVD: The Worst Car in the History of the World.

Of course, to put some clarity on the question, Jeremy Clarkson and James May are out to investigate the worst car in the history that is both not cheap and from an automaker that should know better. Judging by the quick promotional clip in the video below, the duo take a look at everything from the Ferrari 458 Italia to a Lincoln Continental Mark V and the Lexus SC 430. Check it out for yourself.

Continue reading Top Gear previews Worst Car In The World special

Top Gear previews Worst Car In The World special originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdjames mayjeremy clarksonthe worst car in the history of the worldtop geartop gear the worst car in the history of the worldMon, 26 Nov 2012 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388607/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/26/top-gear-previews-worst-car-in-the-world-special/20388607/article-detail.xml 20388607 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/top-gear-worst-car-in-the-world-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/top-gear-worst-car-in-the-world-628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> blokes starting supercar road trip across USA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Top Gear UK crew prepares for supercar road trip across US

According to the Twitter musings of one Jeremy Clarkson, the Top Gear UK crew is back in the States for another harebrained adventure, this time in a trio of comely supercars. Judging by some grainy Twitter pics, Clarkson is in Las Vegas with Richard Hammond and James May, set to drive cross-country in a Lexus LFA, SRT Viper and Aston Martin Vanquish.

The ever-wry Clarkson appears to have just landed, having announced on Twitter less than 24 hours ago: "People of America. We have passed muster at your idiotic border controls, and we are here, ready to play."

In fact, the Top Gear action this time 'round might not be limited solely to the US - on November 7, Clarkson tweeted, "We will be in Mexico next week." Earlier missives suggest a sizable journey - some 3,000 miles. We're guessing the trip will work out to be the longest journey by a media member in the new SRT, and not by a little bit. Who knows, that may even hold true for the Lexus and Aston Martin. Viva Lost Wages, boys.

Details about TG's journey or when the story will air on the BBC are otherwise slim... anyone else have information on where they're headed? Let us know in Comments.

Top Gear blokes starting supercar road trip across USA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 aston martin vanquish2013 lexus lfa2013 srt viperaston martinbbcjames mayjeremy clarksonlexuslfarichard hammondsrttop gearvanquishviperTue, 13 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378530/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/top-gear-blokes-starting-supercar-road-trip-across-usa/20378530/article-detail.xml 20378530 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/top-gear-usa-supercar-trip_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/top-gear-usa-supercar-trip.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> revisits Deadly 720, this time on two wheels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/top-gear-revisits-deadly-720-this-time-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/top-gear-revisits-deadly-720-this-time-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/top-gear-revisits-deadly-720-this-time-on-two-wheels/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Top Gear revisits

The crew from Top Gear has just ridden off with its latest entry in the Guinness Book of World Records by being the first to complete a double loop on a motorcycle in front of a live audience without practicing. As you may recall, the show recently pulled off the same stunt with a four-wheeled buggy in South Africa. This time around, a stunt rider Gary Hoptrough tackled the double loop on a KTM dirt bike. Even more impressive, the show went off without bloodshed or bodily harm.

The video below shows just how well the stunt went, though it looks as if Hoptrough required a bit of a course correction after the second loop. With commentary from Ken Block and Jeremy Clarkson, the clip is well worth a look. Check it out.

Continue reading Top Gear revisits Deadly 720, this time on two wheels

Top Gear revisits Deadly 720, this time on two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deadly 720double loopjeremy clarksonken blockktmloop the looploop-de-loopmotorcyclemotorcycle stuntstunttop geartop gear 720videoMon, 29 Oct 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20363177/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/top-gear-revisits-deadly-720-this-time-on-two-wheels/20363177/article-detail.xml 20363177 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/top-gear-bike-720-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/top-gear-bike-720-628.jpg <![CDATA[Clarkson, Hammond and May sign new 3-year BBC deal to host Top Gear]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/clarkson-hammond-and-may-sign-new-3-year-bbc-deal-to-host-top-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/clarkson-hammond-and-may-sign-new-3-year-bbc-deal-to-host-top-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/clarkson-hammond-and-may-sign-new-3-year-bbc-deal-to-host-top-g/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Top Gear BBC's Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May standing in road

And now...the news! Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, a.k.a. the Top Gear blokes, have signed a new three-year deal to continue hosting the globally popular BBC2 program. The new deal specifies that Hammond and May will receive a share of Top Gear commercial revenue in exchange for promoting the show internationally.

According to the Guardian, the significance of this deal stems from the fact that while The Hamster and Captain Slow previously only received pay for their involvement in the hit show, Clarkson and his mate Andy Wilman were profiting greatly from the international marketing of the show. That's because Bedder 6, a joint venture set up five years ago between Clarkson, Wilman and the BBC owns the show's hugely lucrative commercial rights. The outfit derives its earnings from live Top Gear shows, DVD sales and worldwide marketing of the brand. Clarkson owns 30 percent of Bedder 6 while the BBC owns 50 percent and Wilman owns the remaining 20 percent.

In July, it was revealed that Clarkson's income jumped £900,000 (about $1.45M USD) following word that dividends from Bedder 6 increased from £6 million ($9.7M) last year to £9 million ($14.5M) this year. This, combined with his salary and his £350,000 ($566k) Bedder 6 fee, makes Clarkson the highest paid BBS personality, earning more than £3 million ($4.85M).

It should be noted that this news comes as many other BBC talent have received reduced pay amidst public scrutiny of the government-owned television operator. The BBC is quick to point out that the deal with the Top Gear hosts and Wilman was penned "without using a penny of license fee money." This new deal allows for Hammond and May to have a piece of the pie, without dipping into the BBC's budget. Even so, there has been some debate among British critics whether television personalities are worth these sorts of seven-figure deals - this, despite such salaries being commonplace in Hollywood.

Clarkson, Hammond and May sign new 3-year BBC deal to host Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy wilmanbbcbbc2bedder 6james mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondsalarytop gearMon, 01 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20337380/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/01/clarkson-hammond-and-may-sign-new-3-year-bbc-deal-to-host-top-g/20337380/article-detail.xml 20337380 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/top-gear-photo2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/top-gear-photo2.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> snags Guinness record for being world's most widely watched factual show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/top-gear-snags-guinness-record-for-being-worlds-most-wid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/top-gear-snags-guinness-record-for-being-worlds-most-wid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/top-gear-snags-guinness-record-for-being-worlds-most-wid/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jeremy Clarkson with Guinness World Record

It's official: Top Gear has collected a Guinness World Record. Everyone's favorite show about three jokers and their automotive exploits is the most widely watched factual TV program - you guessed it - in the world. All told, the original show is viewed in 212 territories around the globe, which is enough to take the honor. Jeremy Clarkson himself accepted the award on behalf of his cohorts and the crew behind Top Gear, saying only, "I am very proud to be involved in such a factual program."

Is that a hint of sarcasm we detect, sir?

The show certainly isn't lacking for fans with a Facebook page boasting over 12.1 million likes and counting.

Top Gear snags Guinness record for being world's most widely watched factual show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guinnessguinness world recordsjeremy clarksontop gearworld recordTue, 18 Sep 2012 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20326588/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/18/top-gear-snags-guinness-record-for-being-worlds-most-wid/20326588/article-detail.xml 20326588 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/top-gear-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/top-gear-628.jpg <![CDATA[BBC facing penalties for hosting <i>Top Gear</i> videos on YouTube]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/bbc-facing-penalties-for-hosting-top-gear-videos-on-youtu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/bbc-facing-penalties-for-hosting-top-gear-videos-on-youtu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/bbc-facing-penalties-for-hosting-top-gear-videos-on-youtu/#commentsFiled under: ,

Top Gear UK - YouTube page

If a corporate content provider in the U.S. wants to upload videos to YouTube, all it essentially needs to do is find someone who knows how to upload videos to YouTube. Then: profit! In the UK, it's done differently - so much so that it sounds like everyone is confused. A regulatory body called The Authority for Television on Demand (ATVOD) oversees on-demand services, including content posted online on branded aggregator sites like Virgin Media as well as open sites like YouTube. Content providers like the BBC, Nickelodeon and MTV that show on-demand content that is "television like," that are editorially responsible for the content, and that make it available to the public need to pay a yearly fee to ATVOD.

Here's where things get sticky: The BBC posted clips of its Top Gear and BBC Food programs on its YouTube channel, each clip less than ten minutes. According to The Telegraph, it didn't check with ATVOD about as to its obligations. The ATVOD checked out the clips and said 'these are television-like, so you owe us £2,900 for each channel (that's about $4,600 USD).' The BBC said that clips of less than ten minutes - a fraction of the length of the program on television - are short-form content being watched by people on the move, and thus not television-like.

The ATVOD responded to this by basically saying "bollocks." Since the BBC content in question satisfies the ATVOD's entire checklist for matters it regulates, the clips in question are "television-like" enough to justify the fee. The BBC joins a long line of media outlets including newspapers and magazines questioning ATVOD decisions, such as rulings that a company that makes a show is responsible for the editorial content of an on-demand show and needs to pay ATVOD as opposed to the broadcaster of the show paying ATVOD. It isn't just big guns that ATVOD goes after, either, its call for licensing fees having shut down more than one independent site offering content like amateur short films. The BBC is appealing, and it looks like clarification will have to come from the UK courts.

BBC facing penalties for hosting Top Gear videos on YouTube originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atvodauthority for television on demandbbcbbc foodjames mayjeremy clarksonnigella lawsonon demandrichard hammondtop geartop gear ukukWed, 22 Aug 2012 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306366/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/bbc-facing-penalties-for-hosting-top-gear-videos-on-youtu/20306366/article-detail.xml 20306366 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bbc-top-gear-uk-youtube-page_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bbc-top-gear-uk-youtube-page.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson officially BBC's highest-paid star]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/jeremy-clarkson-officially-bbcs-highest-paid-star/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/jeremy-clarkson-officially-bbcs-highest-paid-star/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/jeremy-clarkson-officially-bbcs-highest-paid-star/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson in funny glassesThe Telegraph reports Jeremy Clarkson is now officially the BBC's highest-paid talent. Last year, the Top Gear presenter brought home around $5.5 million at current conversion rates, besting Graham Norton and Gary Lineker at around $3.1 million each. While critics may cry foul at Clarkson's escalated earnings, the broadcaster says much of that cash spawns from the success of the Top Gear brand. Clarkson works to sell the show around the globe with re-runs, spin-offs like our own Top Gear spinoff in the U.S. and live shows, not to mention a merchandizing empire that includes more than 150 licensed products. The Telegraph reports over four million Top Gear DVDs have been sold worldwide.

Technically, Clarkson is only paid around $782,000 to host the show, a figure that puts him behind other big names in the broadcaster's stable. While the BBC won't say exactly how many of its employees earn between $1.5 million and $7.8 million per year, The Telegraph deduces there are likely between three and six on-air stars pulling down that kind of cash.

And while Clarkson's $5.5M take-home is a boatload of cash, the UK government-owned BBC offers salaries that are well below what many celebrities earn in the U.S. television industry. For example, TV Guide points out that former CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric knocked down a $15M dollar payday, and so did Regis Philbin for his role on Live! with Regis and Kelly, although the latter two shot more episodes than Top Gear. The hit NBC sitcom Friends is also understood to have paid its stars $1M per episode in its final season - and that was back in 2002.

Jeremy Clarkson officially BBC's highest-paid star originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcjeremy clarksonjeremy clarkson paysalariesthe bbctop geartv show salariesWed, 18 Jul 2012 10:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279645/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/jeremy-clarkson-officially-bbcs-highest-paid-star/20279645/article-detail.xml 20279645 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jeremy-clarkson-in-funny-glasses_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/jeremy-clarkson-in-funny-glasses.jpg <![CDATA[Watch <i>Top Gear</i> complete a world record double loop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/watch-top-gear-complete-a-world-record-double-loop/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/watch-top-gear-complete-a-world-record-double-loop/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/watch-top-gear-complete-a-world-record-double-loop/#commentsFiled under: ,

Top Gear double-loop attempt

The Top Gear team has made a bit of history at the Top Gear Festival in Durban, South Africa, as a stunt driver pulled off a double loop in front of a crowd of over 15,000. The event involved a 26-foot tall double loop track that looks to have come right out of a Hot Wheels box, except that it weighs over eight tons. The stunt vehicle of choice was a custom-made buggy with a throttle lock that could travel at a constant 24-26 mile per hour speed that the math geeks said was necessary for a successful "Deadly 720."

Scroll below to watch a nearly two-minute video that starts with cheering crowds and the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond and ends with the buggy stunt. We're thinking the best part of the video was the in-buggy view of the double loop.

Continue reading Watch Top Gear complete a world record double loop

Watch Top Gear complete a world record double loop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buggyclarksondeadly 720durbanjames mayjeremy clarksonloop-the-looprichard hammondstunttop geartop gear festivaltop gear livevideoMon, 18 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260378/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/18/watch-top-gear-complete-a-world-record-double-loop/20260378/article-detail.xml 20260378 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/buggy-stunt-topgear_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/buggy-stunt-topgear.jpg <![CDATA[Infographic: <i>Top Gear</i> Test Track data going back to 2002]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/infographic-top-gear-test-track-data-going-back-to-2002/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/infographic-top-gear-test-track-data-going-back-to-2002/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/08/infographic-top-gear-test-track-data-going-back-to-2002/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've found an infographic for those who want to know everything there is to know about the Top Gear Test Track. The visualized data set comes courtesy of Boost Labs, which is a design and technology firm that has a passion for cars embedded deep within its corporate culture. Since Top Gear is the most common talk around the water cooler, the Boost Labs offices turned their formidable design and technology talent to Clarkson and Co.'s private playground.

The main wheel of the infographic breaks down information such as Power Lap times, weather conditions and episode data for every car that's tackled the Test Track going back to 2002. Farther down we have a breakdown of the 10 most affordable cars to be tested and how their performance capabilities stack up, a bit of eduction on the Stig and the track itself, and then an awards presentation for the superlative performers in categories like lightest, fastest, most powerful and easiest on the bank account.

Scroll down to view the infographic yourself (click it to enlarge for easier viewing). You should also check out Boost Labs' interactive version of the infographic's main information wheel. We dig this company's work and hope they forget client projects and keep their minds on anything auto-related where it belongs.

Continue reading Infographic: Top Gear Test Track data going back to 2002

Infographic: Top Gear Test Track data going back to 2002 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boost labsinfographicjeremy clarksonpower lapstigthe stigtop geartop gear test trackFri, 08 Jun 2012 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20251121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/08/infographic-top-gear-test-track-data-going-back-to-2002/20251121/article-detail.xml 20251121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/boost-labs-top-gear-test-track-infographic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/boost-labs-top-gear-test-track-infographic.jpg <![CDATA[UK man erects Jeremy Clarkson scarecrow to slow traffic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/uk-man-erects-jeremy-clarkson-scarecrow-to-slow-traffic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/uk-man-erects-jeremy-clarkson-scarecrow-to-slow-traffic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/uk-man-erects-jeremy-clarkson-scarecrow-to-slow-traffic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson

One creative family in the UK has found a new way to curb speeding. Shelia Hodgkinson and her son, Christopher, put up a scarecrow dressed as a police officer. The dummy wears a high-visibility vest, toy officer hat and wields a hair dryer for a radar gun. Amusingly, it also sports a printout of Jeremy Clarkson's face for a head.

The ruse has been surprisingly effective at slowing drivers as they pass through the village of West Mickley. Neighbors say the scarecrow looks realistic enough, and so do some drivers, who admit it resulted in them cooling their jets as they pass through the village, which has a 30 mph speed limit. (Some also slow down just to gawk at the creation.)

You can check out the Clarkson scarecrow for yourselves over at BBC News.

UK man erects Jeremy Clarkson scarecrow to slow traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcjeremy clarksonpolicescarecrowukMon, 28 May 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245866/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/28/uk-man-erects-jeremy-clarkson-scarecrow-to-slow-traffic/20245866/article-detail.xml 20245866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jeremy-clarkson-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jeremy-clarkson-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> not returning until 2013 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/top-gear-not-returning-until-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/top-gear-not-returning-until-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/top-gear-not-returning-until-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Jeremy Clarkson did an 11-minute interview with a South African radio station that has a name to match its geographic location. Clarkson discussed what it took to make the Top Gear segment that had them drivng around the Monaco GP circuit on a race weekend, the coming Ron Howard movie Rush about the 1976 F1 battle between Niki Lauda and James Hunt and Top Gear Festival 2012 "with an array of cars that has never been seen anywhere."

But what has caught everyone's attention - everyone except for the radio interviewer, that is - was Clarkson saying that the festival would be "about the only time" he, Hammond and May would work together in 2012 because "there's no Top Gear this year." There's video of the interview below, the bombshell at about 8:10. Since it's all a bit confusing, Mr. Clarkson himself has set the record straight via his personal Twitter account, confirming that Top Gear will return in January of 2013, though there will be a Christmas special some time before that.

The reason petrolheads will be missing out on their BBC fix? Simon Cowell, apparently. "Sunday nights will be full of fat people singing," said Clarkson. "Top Gear is a medium size van. Cowell is a juggernaut. When he has finished his singing competition, our new series will start."

Continue reading Top Gear not returning until 2013 [w/video]

Top Gear not returning until 2013 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>james mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondsimon cowelltop gearvideox factorWed, 09 May 2012 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/top-gear-not-returning-until-2013/20234381/article-detail.xml 20234381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/topgearno2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/topgearno2012.jpg -1 2