Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 1 "Cobra Attack"

Top Gear is my favorite show. It is about three guys testing, racing, and joking about cars. It is a very popular show worldwide. There is a US version of Top Gear that can be seen on the History Channel. The hosts are Adam Ferrara, a comic and actor, Tanner Faust, a racing driver and stunt driver, Rutledge Wood, an auto racing analyst, and the Stig, an anonymous race car driver that does the power laps for the cars. On November 21, 2010, the first episode of Top Gear US aired. Each episode starts with a preview of the episode while a remix of the Allman Brothers Band "Jessica."

Adam, Rutledge, Tanner, Stig

Warning: Spoilers are in the review.

Shelby Cobra

The show starts of with a montage of what to expect on the first season of Top Gear US. There is a Shelby Daytona Coupe behind Ferrara, Faust, and Wood. Wood and Faust talk about the Shelby Cobra 427. Wood says the Cobra is just a tin can with a motor wedged in it. Faust says there is only one car that has the spirit of Shelby Cobra, the Dodge Viper.


Segment 1: Viper vs. Cobra

Dodge Viper SRT10

To pay tribute to the Viper, Faust and Wood would race around Griffin, Georgia against at Cobra attack helicopter  Faust was the driver and Wood was the navigator. The guys would have to drive from the runway to a bridge on the other side of town and back while evading the helicopter. There was a three light system on the dashboard of the Viper. The first light, a white light, let the guys know that the Cobra is in range. The second light, a yellow light, let the guys know that the Cobra has a lock on them. The thrid light, a red light, let the guys know that they are dead. Faust and Wood have three lives to get from the runway to the bridge and back. They get out of the runway, but not before they lose a life. They try to blend into the road and hide in a car wash. They make it to the bride without losing another life. Tanner listens to his navigator, who gets them lost in a cemetery. The Cobra catches them in a the cemetery and the guys are down to their last life. The guys finally get out of the cemetery and make it back to the runway. They needed to reach a hanger to win. But before the could reach the hanger, the Cobra gets them for the third and final life. This segment was Top Gear US tribute to the end of the current generation of the Dodge Viper. 

The show returns to the Top Gear Studio, which is a hanger. The three guys are next to two Dodge Vipers. The one on the left is a Viper ACR 133 that costs $112,000. It commemorates Dodge Viper setting a new production car lap record at the famous Laguna Seca track. Only 33 Viper ACR 133s will be built. The Viper on the right is the regular Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR. Dodge is doing its own send of to the Viper by making several limited edition versions of the Viper. Dodge will cease production of the Viper and add electronic stability control, as required by new automotive production regulations. The guys hand the Viper SRT10 ACR to the forth member of the cast, the Stig, a professional race car driver. The Stig's job is to drive each car around the 1.6 mile test track and set times for each car. He drives the Viper around the track in 1:22.0.


Segment 2: Big Star Small Car Buzz Aldrin

Suzuki SX4 Sportback

The next segment is Big Star Small Car, where one of the hosts interviews a celebrity and then the celebrity does a lap around the test track in a Suzuki SX4 Sportback. The first celebrity is Buzz Aldrid, one of the first people to walk on the moon. Adam interviews him and then Aldrid's lap is shown. He does the lap in 1:55.6.


Segment 3: Three Bulls

Lamborghini Gallardo Balboni

Gallardo Superleggera

The last segment of the show involves Lamborghinis. To start of the segment, Tanner is standing in front of a Lamborghini Tractor giving a brief explanation of Lamborghini. Adam explains Ferruccio Lamborghini's facination for bulls and why Lamborghinis are named after legendary bulls.  Adam, Tanner, and Rutledge each pick a Lamborghini and try to see who can get their Lambo to the highest speed in one mile. Adam picks the Lamborghini Murcielago SV. Tanner picks the Gallardo Balboni, and does powerslides in this Italian bull. Rutledge picks a Gallardo Superleggera. Rutledge goes first and goes from 0 to 175 mph in the one mile. Tanner goes next and goes from 0 to 173 mph in the one mile. Adam goes last and goes from 0 to 180 mph in the one mile. Adam and Rutledge give Tanner crap for losing, as Tanner hates to lose.

The show cuts back to the studio and Adam and Rutledge are still rubbing it in. They give the lap times for Gallardo Balboni, 1:26.9, and the Murcielago SV, 1:23.4, and then show the Stig driving the Gallardo Superleggera around the test track in 1:22.8. That ends the show.

My overall view is that this is a weak pilot for Top Gear US. The big thing for Top Gear UK is that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May have great chemistry and work well together. Their jokes and reactions make Top Gear UK one of the best shows on TV. Top Gear US is lacking in the chemistry and jokes department. The jokes are minor teasing at Tanner for losing the Lamborghini Standing Mile segment, since he is a professional driver. The Stig was used twice and was shown with no personality. In the UK version, the Stig has personality and is portrayed as a driving machine. He has something playing on the car's stereo while test driving the cars, adding substance to the Stig's character. My biggest problem is the Lamborghini segment. The hosts introduce the cars and just do standing miles in the Lambos. Top Gear UK would have a series of challenges involving the Lambos. But Top Gear US does somethings right. The background music is appropriate for the Viper and Lambo segments. Also the cinematography is incredible considering how fast these cars can go.


Final Verdict: 2 Stigs out of Ten. Episode can be seen at www.History.com

CarJunkie

Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 2 "Blind Drift"

Episode 2 of Top Gear US involves Tanner Faust racing in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X down a icy mountain against two snow skiers, Rutledge Wood testing the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage, Dominic Monaghan tests his driving skills, and Rutledge Wood and Adam Ferrara try to best a blind man in three drifting challanges.

Warning: Spoilers are in the review

Segment 1: Lancer Evo X versus Snow Skiers

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The segment kicks of with Tanner asking a question, "What do you want in a car?" Adam answers "Horsepower." Rutledge answers "Seating for five." Tanner wants something cheap, practical, and fast. The program cuts to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Mitsubishi Lance Evolution appears. The Lancer Evo has modes for pavement, gravel, and snow. Tanner tests these modes by racing two extreme snow skiers down a mountain. Tanner has to drive on pavement, gravel, and snow. Even with the handicap of not being allow to go off the trail and being slowed by a bus and a propane-carrying truck, Tanner still wins. Returning to the studio, Tanner says he as never had as much fun in a car as in the Lancer, and says he is impressed with a car that costs $34,000. Rutledge questions the car's look. Tanner then questions Rutledge's sense of fashion since Rutledge wears flannel shirts.


Segment 2: Rutledge and the Vantage

Aston Martin Vantage

Power. Beauty. Soul. Three words that describe Aston Martin. Rutledge starts the segment by introducing the Aston Martin company. We then see the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, a $120,000 beautiful sports car. I have to mention that the cinematography is just incredible, something that Top Gear UK is known for. Rutledge says the car is beautiful, but it is lacking in power. He criticizes the Aston for not delivering power until the engine reaches higher rpms. He calls the Brits liars for putting a speedometer that reaches 220 mph in a car that reaches 180 mph. He then introduces the $180,000 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. The 6.0 V12 engine is from the Aston Martin DB9 and produces 510 hp, versus the 420 hp in the 4.7L V8. The V12 Vantage is slightly heavier than the V8 Vantage. He tests the V12 Vantage at El Mirage Lake to see if the car has beauty, soul, and power. The V8 Vantage had no power. He does a drag race between the two Vantages and the V12 Vantage smoked the V8 Vantage. Rutledge got the V12 Vantage up to 175 mph. He comments that the speedometer of the V12 Vantage only goes up to 200 mph and calls the Brits liars again. The show returns to the studio as Adam and Tanner question the $180,000 price tag of the V12 Vantage, which Rutledge defends nicely. The Stig drives the Aston Martin V12 Vantage in 1:28.2. The Lancer is also given to the Stig. Although the lap is not shown, the Lancer Evo's time is 1:29.2.


Segment 3: Dominic Monaghan does not get Lost on Top Gear

Dominic Monaghan on Top Gear US

For the Big Star Small Car segment, Rutledge interviews Lost and Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan. The best part of the interview is Dominic's description of his ideal car. Dominic takes 1:45.3 to get the Suzuki SX4 around the test track.


Segment 4: Blind Man's Drift

Nissan 370Z

The final segment starts with Adam and Rutledge telling the audience how Tanner describes Drifting and what they personally think about Drifting. Next we see all three hosts at a test track with two Nissan 370Zs. There will be three challenges, a burnout challenge, a donut challenge, and a handbreaking parking challenge. Since Tanner is a two-time drifting champion, he will not be driving. Instead, he would be tutoring Brian Fischler, a blind comedian, on the art of drifting. Brian has never driven a manual car before in addition to being blind. Brian picks up the drifting skill fast. He actually scares Adam and Rutledge. The first competition, the burnout challenge starts. The goal is to lay down rubber as far as you can. Rutledge kicks of the challenge and lays down 98 feet of rubber. Brian is up next and lays down 105 feet of rubber. Adam goes and lays 11 inches of rubber. Brian wins the first challenge. The next challenge is the donut challenge, where the goal is to do as many donuts as possible without hitting any of the cones. Hitting any cones on the inside or outside is a disqualification. Adam goes first and immediately hits two cones, earning a DQ. Brian is up next and he also hits the outer cones. Rutledge is up and does a few donuts without hitting any cones. Rutledge wins the donut challenge. The last challenge is the handbreaking challenge, where the guys must do a 180 degree turn into a parking spot and have all four tires in the spot. Rutledge goes first and gets the car in perpendicular to the parking spot. Adam goes next and gets all four tires in the spot after a helpful roll. Brian goes last and does the challenge perfectly, winning the final challenge. Adam and Rutledge lose the overall drifting challenge to the blind comedian. The show returns to the studio and Brian and his seeing-eye dog Nash are asked to come up to the stage. The show ends with Nash pissing on the stage.

Overall this was a great episode. It featured skill driving, humor, fast cars, and a blind man overcoming the odds and drifting to victory. There was a car beating two skiers down an icy mountain. Two Aston Martin Vantages compete in a drag race. A blind man outperforms two guys that can see in a Drifting competition. The jokes were good, except for Rutledge doing a pun about a star gets lost on the test track. That was a lame pun. The chemistry among the hosts was greatly improved over the chemistry from the first episode. This is a must watch episode of Top Gear US. Episode 2 is my favorite episode from Top Gear US. The episode is nearly perfect.


Final Verdict: 9 Stigs out of 10. This episode is available at www.history.com.

CarJunkie

Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 3 "Flying Coupe DeVille"

On Episode 3 of Top Gear US, the guys try to find the best moonshine carrying car for under $1000, guys go camping in their cars and spit moonshine, the guys talk about a German hybrid supercar, a modern family father drives a Suzuki SX4,

Warning: Spoilers are in the review.


Segment 1: $1000 Moonshine Car Competition Introduction and the First Challenge,

Ford Tunderbird TurboCoupe

Nissan 300ZX

Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Rutledge is the first to arrive with a 1987 Ford Thunderbird TurboCoupe, which he paid $1000 for. Tanner arrives next and brings a 1987 Nissan 300ZX. Adam arrives last in a 1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille. The hosts are handed an envelope. The letter, read by Rutledge, tells how moonshine runners needed fast, reliable cars and that they competed against one another, leading to the founding of NASCAR. The guys had to load grain alcohol in their cars and drive across town to their first challenge. Rutledge walks over to Adam's car and rips the Cadillac emblem of the hood of the Cadillac and throws it to Tanner, who drives off with the emblem. Each host talks about his car while driving to the place to pick up the alcohol. Each guy must carry one hundred bottles of moonshine in his car. The guys arrive to the place for their first challenge, which they must drive to a cone and do a bootleg turn, a 180 degree J-turn, and then return to the starting line. Fastest time wins. Tanner goes first and does the challenge in 17.72 seconds. Rutledge goes next and does the challenge in 26.00 seconds. Adams goes and does the challenge faster than Rutledge, but not as fast as Tanner. Adam's time was not announced. All that was said is that Adam smoked Rutledge. But Adam's performance in the first challenge cost him several bottles of moonshine.


Segment 2: Moonshiner's Camp

The Boys are told that they will be camping in their cars since moonshine runners camped in their cars to evade the police. On the ray to the campsite, Rutledge's car overheats and pulls over. In continuing with the Top Gear UK tradition, when one host pulls over due to car problems, the other hosts drive off without him. Adam and Tanner joke about how "bad" they feel about leaving Rutledge behind. They joke that Rutledge would "Yes Ma'am" his way into a hot shower and a bed. Rutledge fix his car by loosing up the thermostat and putting muddy water in the radiator. Rutledge joins the other two at the campsite and they pull out the moonshine. The guys past the time by spitting moonshine on the fire. After several hours of drinking moonshine, the guys call it a night and sleep in their cars.


Segment 3: The News

Porsche 918

Lamborghini Chainsaw

Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

The show returns to the studio as the guys call Rutledge a wuss for not being able to handle moonshine even though he is from the South. The guys start the news. The first topic is the Porche 918 concept car, a hybrid super car. The say that Porsche believes the 918 will doe 198 mph and gets 78 mpg. The guys like the 918. Rutledge says that he would rather have the 918 over the terrible Prius. Adam jokes about an Italian electric machine and shows a Lamborghini electric chainsaw. Tanner then brings up a Nevada governor candidate who wants to make it legal to drive 90 mph for 24 hours after paying $25. The audience loves the idea. Adam then brings up a San Francisco survey about the cars that are most likely to get a speeding ticket and the cars that are least likely to get a speeding ticket. People are most likely to get a ticket in a Toyota Camry Solara, a Scion TC, and a Hummer. People are least likely to get a speeding ticket in a Mazda Tribute, a Kia Spectre, a Buick LaCrosse, and a Buick Rainier. The guys joke that the reason people are less likely to get speeding tickets in Buicks is that Buicks are bought by old people. Rutledge makes a joke "Buick, it worked for Tiger Woods." Rutledge then shows off the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. He talks about how it is an upgraded Mustang GT and that it went faster around the Laguna Seca track than the BMW M3.


Segment 3: Ty Burrell in the Suzuki SX4.

Ty Burrell

Ty Burrell is the next person for the "Big Star Small Car" segment. Adam interviews Ty. Ty talks about the Ford Country Squire Station Wagon on Modern Family and how on the last drive, the family drives it over a hill and his experience buying a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle. Ty drives the Suzuki SX4 around a wet track in 1:46.6.


Segment 4: Moonshine Runner's Obstacle Course

The guys are trying to recover from a sleepless night. They arrive at an off road course and are given an envelope containing details about the second challenge. The track is designed for dirt bikes and off-road vehicles and includes steep turns, a mud section, and a huge jump. This is a test of the cars' durability and again, whoever completes the course in the fastest time wins. Tanner goes first and drives further than he needs to go. He has a few broken bottles. Rutledge goes second and struggles with the turns put has no problems with the jump. He broke a few bottles. Adam went last and the guys joke that Adam will get stuck. Adam is nervous in his Cadillac. Adam is speeding through the course until he goes up a hill and gets stuck. He eventually gets unstuck and makes it to the jump. He lands and the Cadillac bends at two spots. Adam made have finished the course, but his car is in bad condition. The door is stuck, the car was leaking fluids, and the windshield is cracked. Tanner reveals the times. Rutledge did the course in 2:38, Tanner did the course in 2:01, and Adam did the course in 1:52. He may have won, but his car was dead. To add insult to injury, all the bottles in the trunk of the Cadillac broke. Adam could not drive his car away from the off-road course.


Segment 5: Outrun the Stig

The Stig

Segment 5 starts at Rockingham Speedway. The third and final challenge is to see how long the guys can outrun the police, represented by Officer Stig, who will be chasing the moonshine runners in a Dodge Charger Police Car. Since Adam's Cadillac is damaged beyond repair, he could not compete. The other two would try to outrun the Stig on the Rockingham Speedway street course. Tanner and Rutledge would be given a fifteen second head start over the Stig. Tanner went first and spun out. Rutledge went up next and could not get his car going. He decided to take a few bottles and try to outrun the Stig on foot. He pours the moonshine on the grass but gets caught by the Stig. Tanner won the challenge.


Segment 6: The Winner is Revealed

The show ends with a montage of the Moonshine Runner Challenge and the points are added up.Tanner won the J-Turn and Police challenges and had the most moonshine left. Adam had the best night sleep at the campsite and won the off-road track challenge. Rutledge did not win at any challenge. Tanner was the overall winner and proved that the best moonshine runner car was a 1987 Nissan 300ZX.


Overall this was a solid episode. It had humor, competition among the three host, and a destroyed car. The guys kept up with Top Gear tradition in abandoning stranded hosts. Only one car survived the competition and it is blasphemy for a Japanese car to win at a Moonshine Runner Competition. Plus Tanner and Rutledge had to outrun the Stig. In my mind, this was the second best episode of Top Gear US Season 1. I still like Episode 2 over Episode 3. I must say that the chemistry of the three hosts has greatly improved over the pilot episode.


Final Verdict: 8 Stigs out of 10. This episode is available at www.history.com

CarJunkie

Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 4 "HALO vs. Velociratptor"

On Episode 4, Tanner races a Ford Raptor against a HALO jumper in a desert, Adam tests the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Kid Rock test his driving skills, and Adam and Rutledge try to find a replacement for the Humvee.

Warning: Spoilers are in the Review


Segment 1: Enter the Velociraptor

Hennessey Velociraptor 475

The segment starts with Tanner driving a Hennessey Velociraptor on a rancher's land in a desert. The Velociraptor can go up to 120 mph on any surface. The Ford Raptor costs $42,000 and upgrades cost an additional $7,000. The total cost is $49,000 for car that can go over anything and can go fast on any surface. The suspension travel distance allows the car to handle any bump, but the car does roll over on its axis while turning. Tanner drives the Velociraptor through Eloy, Arizona, flicks the switch that enables the truck to make a loud exhaust noise, and everyone in Eloy can hear the truck go through. Tanner attracted too much attention and was asked to leave town. Tanner then takes the truck off-road and the truck just handles the terrain with no problem. Tanner gets some serious air with the Velociraptor. Tanner could not find a car that could race against the Velociraptor off-road. Tanner introduces his challenger, a HALO jumper.


Segment 2: HALO vs. Velociraptor

The HALO jumper and the Velociraptor will travel 5 miles. The Velociraptor will do it on the ground and will try to reach the finish line before the HALO jumper lands from a 5 mile drop. The Velociraptor will travel on both pavement and dirt. Tanner will be driving through a ranch and cannot hit a cow, or the rancher can legally shoot at Tanner. It is a close race, but the HALO jumper wins. The show returns to the studio and Tanner and Rutledge discuss why the truck is such a good value at $49,000. Rutledge hugs the truck.


Segment 3: Adam gets some Gull-wings

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Adam is standing next to a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing and starts talking about the car. He then says that Mercedes-Benz has come out with the successor to the 300SL. The show cuts to Adam describing the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the spiritual successor to the 300SL Gull-wing. The SLS is the first car built from scratch by AMG. Its 6.3L V8 makes 563 HP. The 300SL was the fastest car when it first hit the road. However, the SLS will not challenge for the fastest street-legal production car title since Bugatti and SSC are battling it out. The SLS will do 197 mph, and that is fast. Where as the 300SL was built to win races at the cost of luxury and comfort, the SLS was built for performance and luxury. The interior of the SLS is inspired by airplanes. Adam impressed with the cars handling and feel. Adam comments that the SLS is more at home on the track then in the city. Adam then demonstrates the difficulties of the gull-wing, and iconic trait of the 300SL and the SLS. Adam is too small to close the door while sitting in the car. Adam questions the styling. He likes the styling of the car up to the doors. He does not like the rear of the SLS. Adam says the car has a Y factor, as in "Why don't I love this car?" The show returns to the studio and the hosts are standing between the 300SL and the SLS. Adam says he loves the 300SL and not the SLS. Adam says he likes parts of the SLS. Adam says the hates the rear of the SLS and the doors are fun for 20 minutes. He also says whoever owns a car with doors like that is a "dick." The SLS is handed over to the Stig, who drives the SLS around the test track in 1:27.6. The segment ends with saying that the SLS was fun, but it is not the 300Sl, and he wanted the SLS to be like the 300SL. The Stig then drives a Hennessey F-150 Velociraptor 600 around the test track. The Velociraptor's time is 1:39.0. That is very slow compared to the other cars, but the Velociraptor is a truck.


Segment 4: Kid Rock rocks the Suzuki SX4

Kid Rock

It is Kid Rock's turn to be the Big Star in a Small Car. He is interviewed by Rutledge. Kid Rock talks about growing up around cars in Detroit, Michigan. He loves the retro movement by the Big Three and also wants to see something new from the Big Three. Rutledge asks him if he would own a Prius. Kid Rock wants nothing to do with the Prius. Kid Rock calls the Prius uncool. Kid Rock's lap is shown and he did a wet lap around the track in 1:43.9.


Segment 5: Finding a Cheap Replacement for the Humvee.

Chevrolet El Camino

Honda Del Sol

The US Army has retired the Humvee from military service. Adam and Rutledge are given the task to find a cheap, less aggressive car to replace the Humvee. The two guys meet at a paintball field. Adam arrives first with a 1977 Chevrolet El Camino loaded with paintball guns and a paintball gun turret on the truck bed. Rutledge shows up with a 1997 Honda Del Sol armed with paintball guns. The goal is to cross the paintball battlefield first while decorating the other car with paint. The loser has to shoot himself in the foot with a paintball gun. Adam's strategy is to set up an ambush, get out of the car, and unleash the turret on Rutledge. Rutledge lines up his rear trunk guns and fires at Adam. The guys keep shooting at each other. The two cars collide and shooting commences. Rutledge escapes and reaches the otherside of the battlefield and wins. Adam has to shoot himself in the foot, which was awesome to watch. Adam is more pissed that he lost to Rutledge then having to shoot himself in the foot. I would have shot Rutledge in the face. The show returns to the studio. Top Gear's recommendation is to use the Del Sol to replace the Humvee.


Overall, this was an OK show by Top Gear standards. There was a cool race between an off-road truck and a HALO jumper. Top Gear UK has done that, so no points to Top Gear US. The SLS segment was acceptable, but not good. The military replacement segment was subpar, aside from Adam shooting himself in the foot. It is an average episode.


Final Verdict: 5 out of 10 Stigs. This episode is available at www.history.com.

CarJunkie

Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 5 " Beater Boot Camp"

On Episode 5, the guys try to find the one classic GM model that should go back into production to save GM and Tony Hawk test his skills in a Suzuki.

Warning: Spoilers are in the review. If you have seen the Top Gear UK episode where Jeremy, Richard, and James try to prove that Birtish Leyland built decent cars, Top Gear US uses the same tests on GM cars.


Segment 1: GM Competition Introduction

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Pontiac Fiero

Buick Roadmaster Stationwagon

The guys arrive on the top of a parking garage in Detroit, Michigan, each arriving in a classic GM model. Adam arrives first in an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Tanner arrives next in a Pontiac Fiero. Rutledge arrives last in Buick Roadmaster Stationwagon. The guys are handed an envelope and are told to drive 100 miles to Marshall, Michigan for their first challenge. Each host talks about the pros and cons of his car and how his car can save GM.


Segment 2: Car Tests

The Guys arrive to the Eaton Proving Grounds in Marshall and put the cars through a series of tests to prove which classic GM should be brought back. The first test is a 0 to 60 mph test. Rutledge goes first and his Roadmaster takes a shade over 9 seconds to reach 60 mph. Adam goes next in the Cutless and takes 12.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. Tanner goes last in the Fiero and takes 7 seconds to reach 60 mph. Tanner wins the first test. The second test involves the emergency break. Each host must drive his car up a 20% grade incline and engage the parking break. He must the exit his car, pick up a bowling ball, put the bowling ball in his car, and drive over the hill. Fastest time wins. Rutledge goes first and has no problem with the challenge. Adam goes next in his Cutlass and failed. His phone fell out and the emergency break failed to keep the Cutlass from sliding down the incline. Tanner goes last in his Fiero. One of the many recalls on the Fiero involved the emergency break. Tanner made it up the incline and engaged the emergency break. He got out of his car only for it to roll down the incline and hit Adam's Cutlass. Rutledge won that test. He got so cocky that he tried to get his car up a 60% hill climb. His car failed. The third test involved handling. Each car must travel through a wet skid and navigate through the cones while holding ten 32 oz. cups of soda. Five seconds would be added for each spilled cup. Best time wins. Tanner went first and had two cups left. He threw his remaining cups at Rutledge and Adam. Rutledge went second and had five full cups left. Adam went last and had four cups left. Tanner did the course in 51 seconds but lost eight cups, so his final time was 1:31. Adam did the course in 1:09 but had lost six cups so his final time was 1:39. Rutledge did the course in 55 seconds but he lost 5 cups so his time was 1:20. Rutledge won the third test. For his victory, Adam and Tanner threw the rest of the soda at Rutledge. After three test, Tanner has one victory, Rutledge has two victories, and Adam has zero victories.


Segment 3: The News

First up, Google has invented a car that drives itself. The president of Google stated "It is amazing to me that we let humans drive cars. It is a bug that cars were invented before computers." This did not sit well with the audience or the hosts. Tanners says that the Google president will never set foot on the Top Gear US set. The crowd loved Tanner's statement. Adams says that if the Google president is using Google Maps, he will never find the set.  Rutledge announced that GM is planning to bring back the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 with a supercharged engine that produces 500 hp and maybe as high as 550 hp, which Rutledge says that is great news if you are a tree or a ditch. Adam also says that is great news for the organ donor program. Adam says he likes the new Camaro but he cannot see out of it. Finally, Adam announces that the city of Philadelphia police will fine people for leaving the cars unlocked while parked on the street.


Segment 4: Tony Hawk shreds in a Suzuki

Tony Hawk

Tony gets interviewed by Rutledge and the first thing Rutledge brings up in Tony's hybrid, a Lexus LS600H. Tony says that he has been fascinated with Lexus since he was a kid.  Rutledge brings up the Tony Hawk video games and Tony's career as a stunt driver. Tony got a Ferrari up to its top speed 300 kph on the Autobahn. Tony's favorite car is a 1964 Corvette Stingray. Tony takes a shot around the Top Gear test track in the Suzuki SX4 and does the lap in 1:43.2.


Segment 5: More Car Tests

The fourth test involves suspension. The guys would line up in front of a rubble road and drive at 30 mph. Seven eggs will be placed in a colander that will be positioned above each host's head. Whoever has the most eggs left wins. Adam went first, Tanner went second, and Rutledge went last. Rutledge had all off his eggs in tact and won the test. The guys throw eggs at each others cars. The fifth and final test involved build quality. Each car would be filled with water and each host would drive his car around the oval test track until the water level reached a below the steering wheel. Whichever car went the furthest won. Tanner went first and had to get help to get the car started since the car could not drive with the added weight from the water. Adam went next and lapped the Fiero. Rutledge went last and the Buick was filled with 20,000 lbs of water. The Buick lapped Fiero and passed the Cutlass. Rutledge won the final challenge.


Segment 6: The Winner

Top Gear Updated Buick Roadmaster

The winner of the GM Challenge is the Buick Roadmaster. The guys file into the Roadmaster and drive to GM headquaters with "PLEASE MAKE THIS CAR" written on the side using tape. To end the show, the Top Gear hosts reveal their version of an updated Buick Roadmaster.


Overall, this was a subpar episode. The is a carbon copy of the Top Gear UK Series 10, Episode 7, where the guys try to determine that British Leyland made at least one quality car. The tests used to test the GM cars were the same as the British Leyland tests. The humor and pranks were childish. The tests have been done by Top Gear UK. No modern cars were tested. The Stig was absent from the episode. If you want to see cars being put through tests, go watch the Top Gear British Leyland episode, not this episode. This episode was just as bad as the pilot episode, but the chemistry was better than in the pilot episode.


Final Verdict: 3 Stigs out of 10. This episode is available at www.history.com

CarJunkie

Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 6 "Fast in Florida"

On Episode 6, Tanner reviews the Morgan Aero Supersports, Michelle Rodriguez is fast and furious in a Suzuki, and the guys find out what is the best way to travel from Miami to Key West.

Warning: Spoilers are in the review.


Segment 1: Tanner reviews the Morgan Aero Supersports

Morgan Aero Supersports

Tanner goes to England to find out why people would wait two years to own a British sports car made from wood. Tanner tests the Morgan Aero Supersports in a small English town. Morgan is one of a few British car makers not owned by a foreign car company. Morgan is known for its retro styling and using wood to make its cars. Tanner says that if Al Capone was alive, this would be the car he would be driving. Morgan has been around since 1911. The Aero Supersports has an aluminum chassis and a wooden body frame. Under the hood is a BMW 4.8L V8 engine.  Tanner complains how the Brits drive on the wrong side of the road. Tanner comments how smooth the Morgan drives on the British roads and how good the suspension is. Tanner goes to Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds to test the performance of the Morgan. Tanner unleashes the 376 hp on 2 miles of runway. The Morgan was twitchy and unpredictable in the corners. Tanner tries to see how close he can get to the Morgan's top speed of 170 mph in 2 miles. Tanner got it up to 162 mph. The front end became unstable at high speeds. Morgan makes 600 cars a year and only 200 Morgans Aero Supersports will be made. The waiting period to buy one is 2 years and the cost is $150,000-$200,000. Tanner says the Morgan is a gentleman's sports car and buying one is like buying a piece of history. Tanner says the car is meant for cruising, not for racing. There will only be 1 Aero Supersports in the United States.


Segment 2: Finding the best mode of transportation from Miami to Key West

Cessna 206 Sea Plane

Donzi Marine 38 ZR competition

Lotus Evora

The guys try to find out if it is quicker to get from Miami to Key West on land, air, or sea. Adam will be driving a Lotus Evora. Tanner will be riding in a Cessna 206 Sea Plane. Rutledge will be riding in a Donzi Marine 38 ZR Competition. Speedboat. First one to reach the most southern point of the United States win. The race starts as Rutledge gets into the boat and Adam drive off. Tanner has to wait 20 minutes for a taxi to get to Watson Island to get to his plane. Each person talks about his transportation. Adam gets pulled over by a cop for speeding in a 50 mph zone. Rutledge finally gets out of the no wake zone and the boat can unleash its two 700 hp engines without worrying about speed limits. Adam gets slowed by traffic. After 2 hours, Tanner finally reaches the sea base and takes of in the sea plane.


Segment 3: The News

Camaro Neiman Marcus Edition

First up is the GM special edition of the Camaro SS. It will be the Neiman Marcus Edition with all 100 cars being sold in 3 minutes. Each car will cost $75,000 dollars. Rutledge then reads a few Craiglist ad about cars.
Tanner then says that it is time to reward the Stig with a gift. They give Stig a one-of-a-kind Lamborghini and let him take it around the track. The Lamborghini is a tractor and the Stig goes around the test track in the Lamborghini in 5:22.

Segment 4: Michelle Rodriguez is the Big Star in a Small Car

Michelle Rodriguez

It is Michelle Rodriguez's turn to be the Big Star in a Small Car. She gets interviewed by Adam. The first item is that Michelle got her driver's license for the Fast and the Furious. She confesses that she owns a Prius just to keep the cops off her. She says that her points are going down so she could buy a sports car soon. Adam brings up Michelle's Nissan history. Adam brings up Avatar. Michelle's lap is shown and she does a wet lap in  1:55.2.


Segment 5: The Florida Race Finale

The show returns to the Florida race. Tanner is catching up to the other twos. The boat has to refuel. Adam reaches Marathon, the start of the 7 mile bridge and Adam is only 50 miles from the finish point. Rutledge starts getting sea sick but the boat passes Adams and then the plane passes Rutledge. Tanner lands three miles away from the finish and has to rent a scooter to reach the finish. Rutledge reaches the shore and had to travel a mile in a taxi to reach the finish. Adam barely beats Tanner to the finish point. Rutledge finished last. To end the show, the Stigs takes the Evora around a wet track in 1:28.4.


Overall, this was an entertaining show. Top Gear UK did something just like what the guys did. The Top Gear UK hosts each took a different mode of transportation to get through London. For Top Gear US, the race was close and entertaining. The Rodriguez segment was less than spectacular. The Morgan segment was decent. This was a good episode, just not as good as the second or third episode.


Final Verdict: 7 Stigs out of 10. Episode is available at www.history.com

CarJunkie

Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 7 "Used Car Salesmen"

On Episode 7, Adam and Rutledge race two BMX bikers through San Francisco in a Honda CR-Z, the guys try to buy and resell cars as used car salesmen, and Tim Allen tries his skills in a Suzuki.

Warning: Spoilers are in the review.


Segment 1: A "Sporty" Hybrid vs. Mountain Bikers

Honda CR-Z

Rutledge and Adam test the Honda CR-Z in San Francisco to see how sporty this hybrid hatchback really is. Rutledge tries to get it to 60 mph and gets bored by how long it takes. He gets it up to 50 mph before stopping because he is so bored. He call the car " a cruel joke" because it looks sporty but it is really boring. Rutledge also says that if you want to save the world by a Prius, which gets 50 mpg. The CR-Z only gets 37 mph. The CR-Z comes in three modes, normal, economic, and sport. Rutledge wants to see if Honda has made a sporty hybrid and has Adam help him navigate through San Francisco. They will be competing against two pro free-riding mountain bikers. The race is from Twin Peaks to Fort Point, covering a distance of 13 miles. Adam is not impress with either the car or Rutledge's driving. The bikers open the race with the lead then CR-Z takes the lead. Rutledge tries to show Adam some of the features of the car, but Adam was not impressed. Adam smiled when Rutledge pulled out faster than an M3 at a traffic light. The race goes back and forth. Eventually, the bikers win. The show returns to the studio and Rutledge says he lost because there were too many stop signs and he was impressed with the car. Adam and Tanner were not impressed. Tanner said the CR-X was better at economy and sport than the CR-Z.

Segment 2: Used Car Salesmen Challenge Part 1, Getting the Cars

Porsche 914

L:exus LS

Acura Legend

The guys have a $3000 budget to buy, fix up, and resell a used car. The guys used the Cars 911 store as the place to sell their car. The guys look at a few cars and tell the viewers who the cars are for. The guys sit down with Bobby, a used car salesman who gives the guys some advice in selling used cars. To start the challenge, the guys must each buy a car. They go to a police car auction. The cars at the auction started at $350, but were in bad shape. The guys would have to buy the cars, then fix them up a bit. Tanner buys a Porsche 914 for $1850, after his co-hosts made bids on the car to make Tanner pay more for the car. Adam bought a 1987 Acura Legend for $870. Rutledge bought a Lexus LS for $2250. The guys then had the rest of their budgets to fix their cars in to presentable conditions. They guys were not allow to drive their cars until they paid for them. The only driving time they got was the 15 mile drive from the car auction to the used car lot. Tanner has a few problems with his Porsche. His car did not have a reverse or first gear. Adam has no problems with his Acura, except for a joint in a cup holder. Rutledge had no problems with his Lexus.

Segment 3: Used Car Salesmen Challenge Part 2: Market Strategy

Each host sat down with Bobby to discuss his market strategy. Rutledge's strategy will be barbeque and a free pony ride. He is trying to market the family. Tanner's strategy was bringing in models. He is going for "sex sells" strategy. Adam's strategy is getting a sign spinner to attract customers. He also wants to do a promotion where buying a car gets you some reward. The guys then reveal their cars. Tanner replaced the white paintjob with an orange paintjob. The Porsche also has a new steering wheel and shifter knob. The Porsche still cannot reverse. Adam painted his Acura green and clean up the interior of the car. Adam reveals that he is using a "stress-free" market strategy. Rutledge painted his car black and went with a "stealth Lexus" theme. Tanner was the first to attract a potential buyer. On the test drive, Tanner reveals that there is no horn on the Porsche.

Segment 4: The Tool Man drives a Suzuki.

Tim Allen

Tim Allen is this week's Big Star in a Small Car. Tim talks about growing up in Detroit, his hot rods, and his current project. Tim takes the Suzuki around the track in 1:44.0. Tim is disappointed that he lost to Kid Rock and joked that he would buy his own air base just to beat Kid Rock.

Segment 5: Used Car Salesmen Challenge Part 3: Selling the Cars

The show returns to the used car lot as Rutledge had gotten a family as customers. Tanner got his customer to the desk and asked for $2900, but the customer was willing to pay $290 for the Porsche. Adam got a customer and went for a test drive. Tanner and Rutledge each got new customers. Tanner's customer was willing to pay $1700 for the Porsche, while Rutledge's customer was willing to pay $1200 cash for the Lexus. Tanner tried to use the models to get his customer to pay a few extra dollars for the Porsche. Rutledge tells his customer that he could not sell the car for $1200. Adam and his customer agree to a deal. Tanner sells his car for $1850. The show returns to the studio as Tanner is the first to announce his net gain. He spent $1850 on the car and spent the rest of the budget on marketing and fixing the Porsche, spending $3000. He lost $1150. Adam bought his car for $870 and spent another $536 on marketing and fixing up the Acura. He sold it for $1450 and made $44. Rutledge spent $2350 on his Lexus and spent $400-$500 for marketing. He did not sell his car. To end the show, the guys auction off the Lexus. Rutledge trades the Lexus for a Members Only Jacket and $1.

Overall, this was a weak episode. The CR-Z segment was bland and unfunny. The used car salesmen challenge was dull until the final part when Rutledge was auctioning off the Lexus. Tim Allen was not that funny in the Big Star in a Little Star segment. This was a boring episode. Again, no Stig. It would have been nice to see how a hybrid did in the hands of the Stig.

Final Verdict: 1 Stigs out of ten.

CarJunkie

Top Gear US Season 1 Episode 8 "Car vs. Plane"

On Episode 8, Rutledge reviews a four-door Porsche, Tanner and Rutledge try to find the quickest mode of transportation from Hollywood to Las Vegas, Bret Michaels rocks the Suzuki, and Tanner reviews the BWM X6M.

Warning: Spoilers are in the review


Segment 1: Rutledge reviews the Four-Door Porsche

Porsche Panamera

Rutledge starts out by showing the front half of a Porsche revealing the front door. He then opens a sliding gate to reveal the rear of a Porsche with a rear door. He reviews the Porsche Panamera Turbo. He says the four-door Porsche has supercar speed. The Panamera is the first sedan made by Porsche and Rutledge says, "Pretty it is not." Rutledge is also confused by all the buttons inside the car. He also is confused by the name "Panamera." Rutledge does say that the rear seats are comfortable and has plenty of leg space and head room. Rutledge says the car drives like a sports car. The car feels amazing to drive. The Panamera Turbo is powered by a twin turbo 4.8L V8 that produces 500 hp and weighs over 4300 lbs. It goes from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds, which is just fast for any car. The car has all-wheel drive and has a retractable wing. The Panamera has a stop/start system to save gas when the car is at a complete stop and has launch control. Rutledge gets the sedan up to 167 mph before running out of runway. This car review is the first to be done on a runway and is reminiscent of the way Top Gear UK reviews cars. The show returns to the studio with the guys standing in front of the Panamera. Panameras start at $74,000 for the base model and the Panamera Turbo starts at $134,000. Rutledge says the $74,000 price for the basic Panamera is a pretty good deal. However, Rutledge says he would not buy one. The Panamera is then given to the Stig who drives the car around the test track in 1:25.3.


Segment 2: Car vs. Plane

Ferrari California

Tanner and Rutledge are given the age old question "What is the faster way to get from Hollywood to Las Vegas, flying or driving?" The guys will be travelling 500 miles. They meet outside the Grauman's Chinese Theater and are given two envelopes. One has keys and the other has a flight ticket. Tanner would drive and Rutledge would fly. Tanner opens the envelope to reveal a Ferrari key and parking ticket for the garage where the car is. Rutledge would have to travel 12 miles to get to LAX, then fly to Las Vegas and get to the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Tanner gets to the parking garage to find out he will be driving a Ferrari California. He then hits the highway. After waiting 10 minutes, Rutledge finally gets a taxi. Tanner, having been distracted by the transmission of the Ferrari, missed his exit. Rutledge, meanwhile, is stuck in traffic. After 45 minutes in traffic, Rutledge finally gets to LAX. Tanner explains the body of the Ferrari and how some people see the California as too feminine to wear the prancing horse badge. Rutledge finds out his flight has been delayed. Rutledge finally gets on the plane, while Tanner is getting low on fuel. To conserve fuel, Tanner drafts behind a semi, something Enzo Ferrari would frown at. Tanner spots a sign for a gas station that was not on his GPS, but the gas station was abandoned. Tanner immediately gets back on the road. Rutledge is just relaxing in the plane. Tanner eventually finds a gas station in Baker, California. Tanner is nearly out of California and calls to find out if Rutledge had landed. The call went straight to voicemail. Rutledge was still in the air. Rutledge lands in Las Vegas as Tanner reaches Nevada. Rutledge gets his suitcase and informs Tanner that he is waiting for a taxi. Tanner lies that he could see the Las Vegas strip as he is 25 miles away. Rutledge takes a taxi to the Bellagio and yells out "Has anyone seen a little Tom Cruise in a 'girly' Ferrari?" Tanner finally gets to the strip. The guys are very close to the Bellagio. Both arrive, but editing won't reveal who arrived first. Tanner is seen lost trying to get to the final spot located in a lounge. Rutledge is so arrogant. He says he smells victory while walking in the Bellagio. Rutledge walks through the lounge and outside, only to see Tanner enjoying his drink. Tanner got Rutledge an appletini for his effort. Tanner won by 4 minutes Rutledge revealed he had a 50 minute delay. Tanner says there are some benefits to winning. He claps and the Bellagio Fountains activate. The show returns to the studio and Tanner confessed that he enjoyed the Ferrari.


Segment 3: Bret Michaels rocks the Suzuki SX4.

Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels is this week's Big Star in a Small Car and is interviewed by Adam. Bret says he is happy to be alive after all the medical issues he dealt with. Bret just talks about his life as a rocker and a father. Adam brings up a few of Bret's cars and Harleys. Bret talks about his issues with his Porsche 944. Adam brings up the Poison NASCAR racer. Bret's lap is shown and he went around the track in 1:44.4. Since Bret was the last star to drive in the Suzuki for Season 1, Adam gives him a helmet with a bandanna rapped around it.


Segment 4: What Class does the BMW X6M Belong in

BMW X6M

Tanner is given the task to review the BMW X6M. Tanners says that the X6M is a Frankenstein car with the front of a BMW X5 fused with the rear of a 5-Series GT and some angry spark plugs. Tanner says that driving the X6M feels like driving a sports car except you are sitting on a ski rack. He says there is something wrong for sitting so high and having so much performance. The car costs $90,000 and could cost $105,000 with extras. It is huge on the outside and small on the inside. The dash is similar to the X5, but the gear shifter is very confusing. Tanner takes the X6M to the track. The car gets 550 hp from a turbocharged V8. 0-60 time is under 4 seconds. Tanner is surprised by how well the X6M handles. Pressing the M button improves the performance of the car. Tanner says the X6M struggles with its own identity. Tanner says the X6M is definitely not a crossover, an SUV, nor is it a sports car. Tanner is blown away by the X6M, but just does not know what to call it. The show returns to the studio and Tanner asks the audience what to call the X6M. Adam says it is a Fastback Utility. Tanner says it is a Sports Utility Coupe. Adam then says it is a Fastback Utility Coupe. The Stig then takes the X6M around the track in 1:30.0. Tanner also reveals that the Stig drove the California around the track in 1:28.5. Adam say that the X6M is a Sports Hatchback Injected Turbo.


Overall, This was an entertaining show. Two Top Gear UK styled reviews. The Stig was seen twice. The challenge answered an important question, "Is it better to fly or drive from LA to Las Vegas?" The jokes at the end were funny. This is one of the stronger episodes from Top Gear US.


Final Verdict: 7 Stigs out of 10. This episode is available at www.history.com

CarJunkie