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[Watch <i>Top Gear</i> USA try to outrun The Stig in an apocalyptic Camry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/watch-top-gear-usa-try-to-outrun-the-stig-in-an-apocalypti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/watch-top-gear-usa-try-to-outrun-the-stig-in-an-apocalypti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/watch-top-gear-usa-try-to-outrun-the-stig-in-an-apocalypti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Modified pink Toyota Camry for Top Gear USA - video screencap

The Stig makes his return to Top Gear USA on the History Channel tonight, though it looks like the circumstances could be better. The upside is that Rutledge Wood, Adam Ferrara and Tanner Foust appear to have built themselves a Road-Warrior-iffic late-1990s Toyota Camry complete with an electric fence. The Stig chases down his prey with, naturally, a Panther. Seems appropriate.

Looking more closely, it almost seems like a Camry body was bolted atop a truck frame, and you'd expect something like a Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor to be the most menacing Panther, but the Stig does a good job being scary in a Lincoln Town Car. The only way to know for sure what went down is to watch tonight. Scroll down to check out a clip, and hit the gallery for some shots you'll only find on Autoblog.

Continue reading Watch Top Gear USA try to outrun The Stig in an apocalyptic Camry

Watch Top Gear USA try to outrun The Stig in an apocalyptic Camry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam ferraradoomsday driverutledge woodstigtanner foustthe stigtop geartop gear cliptop gear doomsday drivetop gear usavideoTue, 12 Mar 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/watch-top-gear-usa-try-to-outrun-the-stig-in-an-apocalypti/20498157/article-detail.xml 20498157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/tgdoomsday_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/tgdoomsday.jpg <![CDATA[This Stig-inspired chair looks absolutely torturous]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/this-stig-inspired-chair-looks-absolutely-torturous/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/this-stig-inspired-chair-looks-absolutely-torturous/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/this-stig-inspired-chair-looks-absolutely-torturous/#commentsWe're not sure how seriously to take this Stig chair from Veraseri Designs. Is it furniture? Artwork? A play on the Stig's elusive, mysterious character?

Adam Krehbiel, the creator, says the chair is ideal for transporting your Stig from the "Stig Farm" to wherever he is needed and, in case of an accident, can withstand the amazingly destructive force of an exploding Stig.

Two quick-connect tubes handle natural nitrogen outgassing that occurs when a Stig is being charged as well as any "unprocessed minced raw pork." Whatever that means.

The artist claims the chair's support structure is made from bent and mangled suspension pieces collected after NASCAR crashes with gel-cushioned padding covered in deer leather "harvested by the designer's car." The whole thing is then sprayed with Line-X for durability and easy cleaning. The coating also gives the chair resistance from 9mm gunfire, just in case.

With an $11,000 price tag, we'd have to argue this is more art than furniture, but then, we've never owned a Stig.

This Stig-inspired chair looks absolutely torturous originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog+stig+chairautoblogstigchairstigthe+stigthestigSun, 17 Jun 2012 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20259448/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/17/this-stig-inspired-chair-looks-absolutely-torturous/20259448/article-detail.xml 20259448 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/stig-chair-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/stig-chair-opt.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[What should <i>Top Gear</i> do to celebrate its next Facebook milestone... blow up a Veyron?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/what-should-top-gear-do-to-celebrate-its-next-facebook-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/what-should-top-gear-do-to-celebrate-its-next-facebook-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/what-should-top-gear-do-to-celebrate-its-next-facebook-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Stig

The blokes at "Top Gear" love their Facebook friends so much, that when they got 10 million fans, Jeremy Clarkson recorded a short personal thank you. Well, as personal as Clarkson can get anyway. And the Stig showed his appreciation by exploding a caravan (video after the jump).

But the batty Brits are now challenged with celebrating their next Facebook milestone of achieving 15 million fans. They're hoping those very fans can help them with a stunt that tops caravan carnage. The "Top Gear" team is willing to do anything, no matter how crazy, to say thanks.

Suggestions so far include drifting 15 $1 million cars in sync, a trip from Scotland to London on lawnmowers, fabricate a V8-powered Robin, and a road trip across Germany in VW Beetles.

The AB team brainstormed a bit and came up with the idea of rewarding a fan (hopefully one of us) with a brand new Bugatti Veyron! But for only 24 hours. After which the "lucky" guy (or gal, of course) would be obligated to obliterate the supercar in a depressing display of overwhelming pyrotechnics.

So what would you do to mark the occasion of gaining 15 million Facebook fans? Share them with "Top Gear" here and with us in the comments.

Continue reading What should Top Gear do to celebrate its next Facebook milestone... blow up a Veyron?

What should Top Gear do to celebrate its next Facebook milestone... blow up a Veyron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookstigthe stigtop geartopgearSat, 10 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20183557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/10/what-should-top-gear-do-to-celebrate-its-next-facebook-mi/20183557/article-detail.xml 20183557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/stig-caravan-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/stig-caravan-opt.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[New <i>Top Gear</i> edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TomTom Go Live Top Gear Edition

Top Gear fans who go orgasmic at the first note of Jeremy Clarkson's dulcet tones will be happy to hear that TomTom has released a new GPS soaked in the world's favorite car show. As previously rumored, the TomTom Go Live Top Gear Edition sat nav features driving directions narrated by Jezza, as well as plenty of petrol-laced points of interest. Those include test tracks as well as locations featured in the long-running show. There are also model-specific start-up and shut-down screens that feature the Top Gear logo. That's fun and all, but the really great part is that the company's Live service offers real-time speed camera alerts. Handy.

The GPS also features a Stig mode, though the company isn't saying what that is or what it does for drivers. Some say the device just sits there on the dash and glares disapprovingly. All we know is, the device is available here in the U.S. as well as a host of other countries. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading New Top Gear edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode

New Top Gear edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsjeremy clarksonjeremy clarkson gpssat-navsatnavstigthe stigtomtomtomtom go live top gear editiontop geartop gear gpsFri, 07 Oct 2011 11:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20076306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/20076306/article-detail.xml 20076306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tomtom-go-live-top-gear-edition-628-1317995103_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tomtom-go-live-top-gear-edition-628-1317995103.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson voicepack coming to TomTom navigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeremy ClarksonWay back when, animated characters were voiced by anonymous folks with great pipes. These days, you need A-list celebs to sell pixelated fish and other playthings. The disembodied and slightly stilted voices of navigation systems appear to be going the same way, and Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson is the latest talent to contribute his voice to giving directions - ironic, considering he's made his disdain for GPS clear in the past.

According to the UK's Daily Mail, TomTom will unveil a device next month in which the famously ornery BBC star will advise you to execute handbrake turn - going all, well, Clarkson, when you miss your offramp. If he ever gets to be too much, apparently the unit will allow you to get directions from The Stig, which we expect will sound like not getting any voice directions at all.

Jeremy Clarkson voicepack coming to TomTom navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsjeremy clarksonnavnavigationnavigation systemsat-navsatellite navigationstigthe stigtom-tomtomtomvoicepackTue, 06 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035311/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/20035311/article-detail.xml 20035311 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/jeremy-clarkson-headshot-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/jeremy-clarkson-headshot-250.jpg <![CDATA[Richard Hammond, Stig test Lamborghini Aventador for <i>Top Gear</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/richard-hammond-stig-test-lamborghini-aventador-for-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/richard-hammond-stig-test-lamborghini-aventador-for-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/richard-hammond-stig-test-lamborghini-aventador-for-top-gear/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

lamborghini aventador on top gear

Here's your official spoiler alert warning, as the following video is taken from a Top Gear episode that has yet to air on this side of the Atlantic.

Top Gear tests automobiles that are pure dream fuel for the average enthusiast. The Top Gear Test Track has pushed truly tenacious machines to the limit courtesy of both the trio of presenters and, of course, The Stig. Since Lamborghini has a new big bull, it was only a matter of time before the largest Lambo arrived on the set of the world's greatest motoring show.

Richard Hammond is up first, and his date with the Aventador goes rather swimmingly. After he gets a shot in the control seat, the Stig has the chance to run the Lamborghini around the track. How does the Aventador fare? Click past the jump to find out...and make it quick, because this video could be pulled from YouTube soon.

Continue reading Richard Hammond, Stig test Lamborghini Aventador for Top Gear

Richard Hammond, Stig test Lamborghini Aventador for Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lamborghini aventador lp700-4aventadorlamborghinilamborghini aventadorlp700-4richard hammondstigthe stigtop gearvideoWed, 03 Aug 2011 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20008183/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/03/richard-hammond-stig-test-lamborghini-aventador-for-top-gear/20008183/article-detail.xml 20008183 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/aventador-top-gear_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/aventador-top-gear.jpg <![CDATA[What is the No. 1 dream job of British men? Being a <i>Top Gear</i> host [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/what-is-the-no-1-dream-job-of-british-men-being-a-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/what-is-the-no-1-dream-job-of-british-men-being-a-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/15/what-is-the-no-1-dream-job-of-british-men-being-a-top-gear/#commentsFiled under: ,

top gear james may richard hammond jeremy clarkson

That being a presenter on the hit TV BBC show Top Gear is the dream job of nearly a third of British men isn't surprising in the least. After all, what red-blooded male wouldn't relish the opportunity to drive the very latest (and often enough, the very fastest) automobiles every single day of their lives? And who wouldn't love to travel to the most distant and beautiful places on the planet while acting out a slew of ridiculous stunts all involving cars, trucks or motorcycles? And, naturally, who wouldn't want to be paid good money to do it?

If there's any surprise to the survey results of nearly 1,400 men, it's that a Top Gear gig didn't win by a wider margin - 29 percent of responders named it their top choice, while the next most popular dream gig was "Video games tester" with 25 percent, followed by "Professional sportsman" with 24 percent. Interestingly, Formula One driver only netted fifth place with 19 percent of the voting.

Yep, Top Gear presenter has a pretty nice ring to it. But here's the real question: Which Top Gear presenter would you want to be?

Consider that the UK show has a very defined set of hosts. There's the grizzly old veteran Jeremy Clarkson, who's more opinionated than anyone this side of a Tea Party organizer. He's joined by the too-smart-for-his-own-good James May (affectionately referred to as Captain Slow) and finally the cute, cuddly and very short Richard Hammond, who offers up plenty of comic relief that is all too often at his own expense. Oh, and let's not forget The Stig... the masked racing driver who never gets to show his face and is fired if he ever reveals his true identity.

So, we ask you, dear reader: Which Top Gear presenter would you most like to be?

View Poll

What is the No. 1 dream job of British men? Being a Top Gear host [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcjames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondstigthe stigtop geartop gear hosttop gear presenterFri, 15 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19992382/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/15/what-is-the-no-1-dream-job-of-british-men-being-a-top-gear/19992382/article-detail.xml 19992382 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/top-gear-presenters_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/top-gear-presenters.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> USA Season 2 Preview, with bonus Stig lap [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/top-gear-usa-season-2-preview-with-bonus-stig-lap-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/top-gear-usa-season-2-preview-with-bonus-stig-lap-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/14/top-gear-usa-season-2-preview-with-bonus-stig-lap-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Top Gear's the Stig

America's very own version of Top Gear is set to hit airwaves for its second season. A new round of hijinks on the History Channel begins July 24. Seeing as the Top Gear Test Track sits just 15 minutes from your author's house, we thought it might be nice to pop in and pay the guys a visit. We wound up getting more than we bargained for, however, because The Stig was also on set... armed with the keys to a Lotus Evora S.

"Shotgun!"

The hosts could wait, because we had a date with a man/woman/robot known as The Stig. The Top Gear Test Track was clear, our butts were belted into the passenger seat and a solitary thumbs up from the man in white was our clue that this was go time.

Keep reading to learn more about our lap, and the upcoming season of Top Gear.

Continue reading Top Gear USA Season 2 Preview, with bonus Stig lap [w/video]

Top Gear USA Season 2 Preview, with bonus Stig lap [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam ferraraevorahistory channellotuslotus evora srutledge woodstigtanner fousttop geartop gear test tracktop gear usatop+gear+usa+season+2topgearusaseason2videoThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19990478/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/14/top-gear-usa-season-2-preview-with-bonus-stig-lap-w-vid/19990478/article-detail.xml 19990478 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/the-stig-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/the-stig-630.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C celebrates second-quickest Power Lap time on <i>Top Gear</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/mclaren-mp4-12c-celebrates-second-quickest-power-lap-time-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/mclaren-mp4-12c-celebrates-second-quickest-power-lap-time-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/mclaren-mp4-12c-celebrates-second-quickest-power-lap-time-on/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McLaren MP4-12C on Top Gear
McLaren MP4-12C on Top Gear - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford versus Chevrolet. Porsche 911 vs Nissan GT-R. Audi versus Peugeot. The car business is full of rivalries, but few are as competitive as Ferrari versus McLaren.

The two outfits have been at each other's throats for decades around the grand prix circuit. But as tight as the competition is between the two in Formula One, and as many comparisons as we've seen McLaren celebrates Power Lap time between the Ferrari F40 and the McLaren F1 of yore and lore, where it's really come to a head is with their latest production supercars: the 458 Italia and the MP4-12C.

With their 17th series now in full swing, the blokes over at the BBC's Top Gear put the two on their famous test track, and guess which came out ahead? Sorry to ruin the surprise, ladies and gents, but it's the McLaren, setting the second-fastest time in the program's history - beating out the likes of the Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg CCX and coming in just behind the superlight Ariel Atom V8 500. And with a 1:16.2 lap time, it thoroughly trounced the 458's 1:19.1 in the process.

It's surely a cause for celebration - in Woking, at least... less so in Maranello. Follow the jump to watch Jeremy Clarkson introduce the epic showdown in the grandest of style.

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C celebrates second-quickest Power Lap time on Top Gear

McLaren MP4-12C celebrates second-quickest Power Lap time on Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcjeremy clarksonmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmp4-12cpower lapstigthe stigtop gearvideoMon, 11 Jul 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19988100/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/11/mclaren-mp4-12c-celebrates-second-quickest-power-lap-time-on/19988100/article-detail.xml 19988100 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mclaren-top-gear_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/mclaren-top-gear.jpg <![CDATA[Some say... the BBC may sue a UK paper over its Stig lookalike ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/some-say-the-bbc-may-sue-a-uk-paper-over-its-stig-lookalike-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/some-say-the-bbc-may-sue-a-uk-paper-over-its-stig-lookalike-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/15/some-say-the-bbc-may-sue-a-uk-paper-over-its-stig-lookalike-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

metro stig lookalike

The BBC and Top Gear are none too pleased with London's free daily newspaper, Metro. Why the frosty feelings? The newspaper recently ran a large ad to promote a green-themed motoring event, and used a Stig-like character in the spot.

The driver, called Clive, is wearing a white racing suit with mutli-colored flowers, and is shown standing in a manner similar to Top Gear's tamed racing driver. The ad copy even goes on to tout ridiculous "facts" about Clive, in the same vein as the ones used by Jeremy Clarkson to describe their Stig.

BBC Worldwide is reportedly talking to lawyers about the proper course of action. The Guardian tried to reach Metro for comment, but the paper is clearly enjoying playing Stig and had nothing to say. Top-shelf copyright infringement or much ado about nothing? Have you say in the Comments.

Some say... the BBC may sue a UK paper over its Stig lookalike ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc worldwidejeremy clarksonmetrometro stigstigstig lookalikethe stigtop gearWed, 15 Jun 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19967114/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/15/some-say-the-bbc-may-sue-a-uk-paper-over-its-stig-lookalike-a/19967114/article-detail.xml 19967114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/metro-ecovelocity-ad-001-1308090433_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/metro-ecovelocity-ad-001-1308090433.jpg <![CDATA[EV Cup calendar brings electric racing, former Stig to California [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/ev-cup-calender-brings-electric-racing-former-stig-to-californi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/ev-cup-calender-brings-electric-racing-former-stig-to-californi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/03/ev-cup-calender-brings-electric-racing-former-stig-to-californi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ben Collins sits in cockpit of Westfield iRacer at EV Cup promo event
Former Stig Ben Collins in EV Cup 2011 Westfield iRacer - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's said that racing improves the breed, and if ever there was a breed of vehicles that needs improving, it's electric ones. The EV Cup is a racing series designed to encourage this very thing, and the announcement of its official 2011 inaugural calendar reveals dates at Laguna Seca in November and California Speedway in December. The seven-event season starts off with four races in the UK and one in Belgium.

It appears the concept has been fully embraced by former Stig Ben Collins, and he is expected to grip the wheel in at least one of three classes - a City EV class featuring race-prepared Think Citys, Sports EV with Westfield iRacers and a Prototype EV class. Another notable participant is Drayson Racing, who, despite some success last year in ALMS, has decided to place the entirety of its efforts into electric competition.

Hit the jump for the official calender and press release as well as video featuring organizer Sylvain Filippi discussing the series earlier this year.

Continue reading EV Cup calendar brings electric racing, former Stig to California [w/video]

EV Cup calendar brings electric racing, former Stig to California [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben collinscalifornia speedwaydrayson racingelectric vehicle racingev cupgreenlaguna secastigthink citywestfield iracerTue, 03 May 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19925195/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/03/ev-cup-calender-brings-electric-racing-former-stig-to-californi/19925195/article-detail.xml 19925195 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ev-cup-ben-collins-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/ev-cup-ben-collins-630.jpg <![CDATA[Ben "The Stig" Collins names the five worst cars he's ever driven]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ben-the-stig-collins-names-the-five-worst-cars-hes-ever-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ben-the-stig-collins-names-the-five-worst-cars-hes-ever-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/02/ben-the-stig-collins-names-the-five-worst-cars-hes-ever-drive/#commentsFiled under:

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
The five worst cars Ben Collins has ever driven - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the course of his years donning the white suit and helmet for Top Gear, pro driver Ben Collins has had the chance to drive an enviably wide array of cars. Their track times all went up on the power lap board, but there are better ways of evaluating how a car handles under pressure - like asking the guy who drove them. That's what Australian car site Drive did, and got the former Stig to jot down some notes. They weren't in Morse Code, but while his list of the worst five cars he'd ever driven includes some obvious choices, a couple may surprise.

First up on Ben's hit list: the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. When we drove it, we found its dynamics were lightyears behind its looks, and His (deposed) Stiginess apparently agrees. At the end of Collins' list is another supercar - the TVR Sagaris - which he feels was horribly emblematic of the company that produced it, while pointing to the fact that Jeremy Clarkson loved it as evidence enough of its dubious distinction.

In between these two European supercars on Collins' list comes the Fiat Multipla, whose horrid styling was surpassed only by its dismal performance, and the Cadillac Escalade, which the Englishman found to be all show and no go - particularly off road. Finally, the previous-generation Dodge Charger drew the Stig's ire for its gross weight and lamentable slushbox. If for America's sake alone, we can only hope that, heavier still though it is, Collins might take a crack at the new model.


Gallery: Ben Collin's Five Worst Cars

Fiat MultiplaCadillac EscaladeDodge ChargerTVR Sagaris

Ben "The Stig" Collins names the five worst cars he's ever driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8c competizionealfaalfa 8calfa romeoalfa romeo 8c competizioneben collinscadillaccadillac escaladechargerdodgedodge chargerescaladefiatfiat multiplamultiplasagarisstigthe stigtop geartvrtvr sagarisMon, 02 May 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19928824/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/02/ben-the-stig-collins-names-the-five-worst-cars-hes-ever-drive/19928824/article-detail.xml 19928824 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/061025ar8c06--630-1304350505_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/061025ar8c06--630-1304350505.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Stig does donuts in Mitsubishi Evo-based London taxi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/video-stig-does-donuts-in-mitsubishi-evo-based-london-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/video-stig-does-donuts-in-mitsubishi-evo-based-london-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/04/video-stig-does-donuts-in-mitsubishi-evo-based-london-taxi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

stig driving london taxi
Stig goes round and round in a London Taxi - Click above to watch video after the jump

Top Gear Live is the traveling version of the world's greatest show about cars. Part of that extravaganza includes The Stig, and he likes to showcase his driving talents to the crowd. One thing that doesn't require much skill, however, is a burnout. Supply Stiggy with a proper car, let him loose, and the result will be ruined tires, smoke and many cheering fans. Is it that easy if the car being used is a London Taxi?

It is when beneath the glossy black people-mover body sits a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The result is far better than the Cash Cab, and we think the Stig agrees. Click past the jump to watch two clips of the Evo taxi in action. Thanks to all for the tips.

[Source: YouTube via CarScoop]

Continue reading Video: Stig does donuts in Mitsubishi Evo-based London taxi

Video: Stig does donuts in Mitsubishi Evo-based London taxi originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evolancer evolutionlondon taxilondon taxi evomitsubishimitsubishi lancer evolutionstigthe stigtop geartop gear livetop gear videovideoMon, 04 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19900411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/04/video-stig-does-donuts-in-mitsubishi-evo-based-london-taxi/19900411/article-detail.xml 19900411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/stig-taxi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/stig-taxi.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> blokes get death threats after jabs at Wales?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/top-gear-blokes-get-death-threats-after-jabs-at-wales/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/top-gear-blokes-get-death-threats-after-jabs-at-wales/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/top-gear-blokes-get-death-threats-after-jabs-at-wales/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Top Gear UK presenters

If you thought you were going to make it through a week without hearing about how the wily hosts of Top Gear ruffled someone's feathers, think again. According to WhatsOnTv, James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond have begun receiving death threats after making disparaging comments about Wales in a recent program. The BBC program hosts reportedly remarked that fast cars should be test-driven on Welsh roads because no one wants to live there.

That latest bit of bashing was apparently the last straw. The trio has taken turns giving the Welsh a hard time in the past, with May calling their language "baffling and dangerous" among other offenses.

The death threats are only the latest in a series of cultural mishaps that have befallen the show. Last year, Top Gear riled Muslims by donning the traditional headwear of women, and it irked Christians by portraying a baby Stig in the traditional role of the newborn Jesus. Most recently, the show invoked the ire of the Mexican ambassador to the UK by unleashing a rash of stereotypes about his countrymen.

[Source: WhatsOnTv | Image: Gareth Fuller/AP]

Top Gear blokes get death threats after jabs at Wales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcjames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondstigtop geartop gear death threatstop gear welshtop+gear+walestopgearwaleswaleswelshwelsh+top+gear+commentwelshtopgearcommentTue, 15 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19844597/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/15/top-gear-blokes-get-death-threats-after-jabs-at-wales/19844597/article-detail.xml 19844597 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/top-gear-presenters_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/top-gear-presenters.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> UK opens new season with drive-by Stig shooting session]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/top-gear-uk-opens-new-season-with-drive-by-stig-shooting/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/top-gear-uk-opens-new-season-with-drive-by-stig-shooting/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/top-gear-uk-opens-new-season-with-drive-by-stig-shooting/#commentsFiled under:

Stig

If we didn't know any better, we'd think there was still some bad blood between Ben Collins and the hosts of Top Gear. Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond all took a few pot shots at cardboard cutouts of the Stig during this week's episode while trying their respective hands at the art of drive-by shooting. According to The First Post, Captain Slow was the initial one to bust a few caps with a handgun from the passenger side of a Ferrari, followed by Hammond gunning from a Porsche. Not to be outdone, Clarkson took on his target with an automatic rifle from the window of a Mercedes-Benz.

Collins infamously riled both the producers and the hosts of Top Gear by publishing a memoir of his time as the Stig called The Man in the White Suit. With the mystery of the Stig's identity dissipated, Collins was canned from the show. He quickly found work with the rival gang over at Fifth Gear, but Top Gear has yet to replace its tame racing driver. Still, there is some word that the show has found a new driver and its only a matter of time before he shows his face helmet. Thanks for the tip, Gooner!

[Source: The First Post]

Top Gear UK opens new season with drive-by Stig shooting session originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben collinsstigthe stigtop gearWed, 22 Dec 2010 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19774163/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/22/top-gear-uk-opens-new-season-with-drive-by-stig-shooting/19774163/article-detail.xml 19774163 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/stig_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/stig.jpg <![CDATA[Some Say He's Tiff Needell: <i>Fifth Gear</i> host back at <i>Top Gear</i> to fill in for The Stig?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/some-say-hes-tiff-needell-fifth-gear-host-back-at-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/some-say-hes-tiff-needell-fifth-gear-host-back-at-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/some-say-hes-tiff-needell-fifth-gear-host-back-at-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tiff Needell

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. No, we're not going anywhere, but there's a race on. After Ben Collins revealed himself to be The Stig, there will be a new one to replace him. And once he, she or it is in place, the speculation of The Stig's real identity will start afresh.

So who's set to be the new Stig? According to a report from the UK's Daily Mirror, it's Tiff Needell. Now, well-informed fans will point out that Needell is host of rival program Fifth Gear (the same show that picked up Ben Collins after he left Top Gear), so clearly something's amiss here.

The story is that Needell - who co-hosted the old Top Gear before the current format was installed - offered to help out his rivals and old friends at Top Gear in one specific capacity: namely, to help the show's latest Star in a Reasonably Priced Car - Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle - learn his way around the test track, a job usually undertaken by His Royal Stigness.

Will this have been a one-time deal, or will Needell be hanging out regularly with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond? That depends on how long it takes the blokes at the BBC to find a long-term replacement. But don't count on Tiff donning the white suit for long.

[Source: Daily Mirror]

Some Say He's Tiff Needell: Fifth Gear host back at Top Gear to fill in for The Stig? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdanny boylefifth gearjames mayjeremy clarksonrichard hammondstigtiff needelltop gearMon, 20 Dec 2010 10:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19769888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/20/some-say-hes-tiff-needell-fifth-gear-host-back-at-to/19769888/article-detail.xml 19769888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/21489tiffneedell_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/21489tiffneedell.jpg <![CDATA[<I>Top Gear</i> picks the new Stig, looks like old Stig]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/top-gear-picks-the-new-stig-looks-like-old-stig/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/top-gear-picks-the-new-stig-looks-like-old-stig/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/top-gear-picks-the-new-stig-looks-like-old-stig/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stig video
Top Gear picks the new Stig - Click above to watch video after the jump

The process of Top Gear picking a new Stig has always been a mystery, that is until recently when we learned that Top Gear owns a farm in rural Britain where new Stigs are bred. Not all grow up to be tame racing drivers though, with some being too violent and others seeming to suffer from the dulling effects of too much inbreeding.

Top Gear has released this video of the Stig-picking process, and as you might expect, not all Stigs have the natural drive to become skilled wheelmen, but some do have other talents. One Stig shown in the video is a gifted painter and another wants to become a writer. A pink Stig is also shown whose only talents appear to be staring at other Stigs and skipping merrily.

The breeding program is focused on finding that one Stig that will go on to set blistering lap times on the Top Gear Test Track. The best are found, and from them, one is chosen. The video after the jump ends with a vision of the program's new Stig, clearly ready for action in his iconic white outfit. Hop the jump to see the Stig farm and meet the new member of the Top Gear crew. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Top Gear]

Continue reading Top Gear picks the new Stig, looks like old Stig

Top Gear picks the new Stig, looks like old Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>stigstig farmthe stigtop geartop gear picks new stigtop gear the stigFri, 05 Nov 2010 11:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19704653/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/05/top-gear-picks-the-new-stig-looks-like-old-stig/19704653/article-detail.xml 19704653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/topgearstig630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/topgearstig630.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> visits the farm for next Stig]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/top-gear-visits-the-farm-for-next-stig/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/top-gear-visits-the-farm-for-next-stig/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/29/top-gear-visits-the-farm-for-next-stig/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Stig Farm

A Stig who's identity isn't a secret? Why, that just won't do, will it? As you might expect, then, Top Gear presenters Clarkson, Hammond and May are hot on the trail of a replacement Stig, and they've apparently found just the place: a farm. And not just any farm... a farm where Stigs are cultivated, no less.

Clarkson has reportedly found a perfect candidate who will be unveiled at the Top Gear Live event at Earl's Court in London next week. It's not known whether this new Stiggy will be the final model used for the next series of episodes, leaving only one real question left that still needs answering: What color will the next Stig be?

We vote pink. Sabine, anyone?

[Source: The Sun via Jalopnik]

Top Gear visits the farm for next Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben collinsben collins stignew stigSabine Schmitzstigthe stigthe stig firedthe stig identitythe stig top gearthe stigs identitytop geartop gear the stigFri, 29 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19695078/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/29/top-gear-visits-the-farm-for-next-stig/19695078/article-detail.xml 19695078 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/stig-farm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/stig-farm.jpg -1 2