Clarkson Island

[Bruce Springskiin]

It will be interest to see where they go with the American. Basically all they need is someone skilled enough to drive a variety of vehicles consistently. So for consistency he should stick around. There is comedy in the choice. Amazon says they have to have an American driver, so they pick a rather random driver that fits their stereotype. Unless they keep picking new drivers for different tests, I think the American has potential for Comedy and a good character for contrast to the trio. I like that skinner has already labeled they. Good deal for Skinner

[PNWbrit]

I think they will. In a recent interview with Clarkson and May (Hammond was hung over) they said that The Grand Tour fits in well with the old Christmas Specials mold in that it allows them to fulfill ideas for crazy destinations and challenges.

Hopefully this is accurate. The first show with the (imo very badly done*) mega-hyper-car segment and M2 was the worst of old top gear.. car reviews... it just needs more cocking about.

In the series preview at beginning of show the lifted 4x4 MGB looked promising.

Fingers crossed.

* see Chris Harris version.

[BmillsSkier]

Yes, admittedly the Chris Harris show comparing the Holy Trinity was excellent and kinda made me want to see them do something else but I get it. These guys promised on TG to get the three cars together, and damnit if they didn't get it done.

I too like the ridiculous stuff, it showcases the main draw: the hosts.

[PNWbrit]

And I understand they had to ditch the Stig because the BBC own the character.

But now having to have known driver... they surely could have come up with someone better than Mike (who?) Skinner and Jérôme (I think I remember him?) d'Ambrosio.

Bruno Senna? "He's not the best racing driver in history but he is the best racing driver in history's nephew"

Or just buy Chris Harris out of his BBC contract?

[BmillsSkier]

While I have no doubt they could buy Harris out of his BBC contract, I doubt he'd leave right now with what, 3 shows on the network?

Honestly if they want someone who can drive and has American appeal via NASCAR why not Juan Pablo Montoya?

[PNWbrit]

why not Juan Pablo Montoya?

Even Bezos may struggle to meet those commissary costs.

[BmillsSkier]

Even Bezos may struggle to meet those commissary costs.

Still cheaper than Lewis Hamilton?

[stfu&gbtw]

While I have no doubt they could buy Harris out of his BBC contract, I doubt he'd leave right now with what, 3 shows on the network?

Honestly if they want someone who can drive and has American appeal via NASCAR why not Juan Pablo Montoya?

I'd thought of that... Dude would be a great choice. Only down side I can see is the guy is over 40... But this isn't competition, and even if it were, who'd put their money on Chris Harris?

[iceman]

Put Mario Andretti in there.

[BmillsSkier]

Put Mario Andretti in there.

Mario, Fittipaldi (yeah he's old), the Unsers, any of the great Indy families would be a good call I think.

[PNWbrit]

Still cheaper than Lewis Hamilton?

Hamilton's contract with Mercedes wouldn't let him drive Top Gear's laps in competitors cars.

Guarantee it.

Dario Franchitti would be a good choice if he could be persuaded.

[::: :::]

Put Mario Andretti in there.

would he fit? :0

[iceman]

would he fit? :0

Oh yeah for sure. He's still driving a lot, he was doing laps at Pocono in a two-seat Indy car at 190+ last year with the guy on the left as a passenger:



story: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash.../#272952f472d8

[PNWbrit]

with the guy on the left as a passenger:

Elton John?

[iceman]

Elton John?

I actually was thinking the guy looked familiar, ha.

[BmillsSkier]

Nice writeup on the technical side of the GT's premier:

http://jalopnik.com/a-filmmakers-tho...pio-1789241323

[PNWbrit]

Episode two was very substantial improvement.

The Edge of Tomorrow themed special forces exercise was fucking hilarious.

They still need to lose Mike (who?) Skinner.

[Svengali]

[BmillsSkier]

New episode is up.

Also I couldn't help but notice the giant banner ad at the top of the Amazon Prime Video page that seasons 0-17 of BBC Top Gear are all available for streaming. Want seasons 18-22 (the most recent)? They're available on Netflix.

I just need a few days of nothing to do, a Costco sized box of Cheez-Its, and a few cases of beer and I'm all set.

[BmillsSkier]

That was good. Great episode.

[PNWbrit]

That was good. Great episode.

I thought they stretched out the whole Hammond driving a noisy Dodge about twice as long as needed..

[AdironRider]

3rd episode best so far of TGT.

I already wanted a Hellcat before this, after never wanting a muscle car before, but holy shit I'm going to be hard pressed not to put my year end bonus on a down payment on one. My wife is already telling me to sign the check over to her. Fuck the Rolls, and that Aston sure is pretty, but I want 707 horsepower and that supercharger wine in my life.

[BmillsSkier]

The fact that they took a headlight out to make it a ram-air intake is crazy. Not a fan of the car at all but I get the appeal.

I also thought May's 'nervous tic' that developed around Hammond was chuckle-worthy

[AdironRider]

That he brought the support trucks with tires I thought was a nice riff on the original grand tour idea as well.

[oldblue]

3rd episode definitely going in the right direction. Glad to see that Skinner didn't make an appearance, that guy was terrible.