I notice the new season of Top Gear has commenced (or about to commence) in the UK and I understand that they have an article (and driving impressions) of the ALFA Romeo 8c, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/).
Anyone know how we can access this here in Australia, I have Foxtel too? I cannot access it from the UK Top Gear website.
All we get now is the Top Gear Australia in SBS, which I faithfully watch every Monday night.
Magnum
Series 11, Episode 4 had the art critique on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione which I think you are referring to.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Top_Gear_episodes#Series_Eleven (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Top_Gear_episodes#Series_Eleven)
Pretty sure it had already been televised on SBS earlier this year, in fact there was a thread discussing the Challenge (less than £1000 Alfa Romeos) from the previous episodes.
Patience, Series 12 it will be on soon enough.
Quote from: Brad Marshall on November 04, 2008, 01:54:32 PM
....
Patience, Series 12 it will be on soon enough.
no patience needed, the 12th series started showing in UK on Sunday ;)
no patience needed, the 12th series started showing in UK on Sunday ;)
[/quote]
I downloaded it last night (available every Monday), back to their standard absurd challenges and tyre shredding action. They raced 18 wheel Semi's, the new Lamborghini V's Porsche GT2 etc...
There is another DVD (2 weeks old) titled "Clarkson's Thrillers". He test drives a bunch of high end stuff, new Zonda, GTR, 997 Turbo, Maserati, 8C, CLK63 Black, through the Swiss Alps I think. He did not have high praise for the Alfa aside from the looks; quote "possibly the most beautiful car ever made".
Friend of mine just fowarded this to me
SBS Program Publicity
Thursday, 6 November 2008
TOP GEAR RETURNS WITH SERIES 11
Mondays from 24 November 2008, at 7:30pm
SBS's most popular program Top Gear returns this month with an all new six-episode series commencing Monday 24 November at 7:30pm.
Doing what they do best hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and The Stig return for Series 11.
Top Gear fans will get a summer full of motoring entertainment on SBS with the network catching up to the UK and presenting back-to-back new Top Gear, with the eight-part Series 12 following Series 11, from Monday 5 January 2009.
"We know Top Gear fans have a real thirst for the latest antics from the British Top Gear team and so SBS has an action packed summer planned for our audience," Director of Content, Matt Campbell said.
"This will bring Australian viewers up-to-date with Top Gear UK after a successful introduction to the local lads from Top Gear Australia."
In Series 11 you can expect to see double the celebrities, Jeremy test drive the latest cars and a race across Japan with the ultra efficient Japanese public transport system taking on the high tech Nissan GTR. The hosts are asked to purchase old Alpha Romeos for under £1000 and are then challenged by the producers to put them through a track day, calendar shoot and car show. Richard competes against two skiers in the Alps, Jeremy and James show off their large ageing luxury cars through the streets of London and a bunch of men wearing tight pants chase Jeremy through a forest.
Episode 1 – Monday 24 November, 7:30pm
Top Gear looks at fuel economy and, in an important and useful test, find out how far five supercars can go on one gallon of petrol. The hosts are then presented a challenge – to buy old bombs and turn them into modern police cars before putting them through a number of challenges including a spectacular car chase test with The Stig driving the getaway car. Jeremy compares the Toyota Prius and BMW M3, of course, and test drives the Ferrari Suderia. Alan Carr and Justin Lee Collins from The Friday Night Project are the Stars in the Reasonably Priced Car.
All new Top Gear on SBS, from Monday 24 November at 7:30pm
For more information on Top Gear, publicity images or preview copies, please contact Heidi Packer, Communications Specialist, SBS on 02 9430 3319 or heidi.packer@sbs.com.au.
Bump
The contact details on the bottom of this press release may be of use to someone on the committee for future reference. (ie: i think we were scrambling a bit on this with times & dates of SBS coverage of the east coast challenge)
"For more information on Top Gear, publicity images or preview copies, please contact Heidi Packer, Communications Specialist, SBS on 02 9430 3319 or heidi.packer@sbs.com.au."
Quote from: Paul Gulliver on November 07, 2008, 10:26:53 AM
The hosts are asked to purchase old Alpha Romeos for under £1000 and are then challenged by the producers to put them through a track day, calendar shoot and car show.
Alpha......Grrrrrrrrr >:(
Mate, how do you watch the new Aussie series of Top Gear religiously? It's like watching my granny nit for an hour, watching grass grow etc. etc. the grating voices of these guys who know 2 tenths of five eigths of you know what but the more seethingly grating thing is that they think they are funny? These guys need to be put down and some staffers from Wheels/Motor/Street Machine, funny guys who actually know something about cars, should take over.
I mean tonight I tuned in to see how badly they would stuff up a test with a Porshe, Lambo and Aston and you have three guys just repeatedly saying "Gee how good this car" and "Gee it takes the bumps well" What the! The Pommy guys are cool, funny and more to the point they know how to tell a story, when to shut up and let the car tell the story and their funny, bring it on, I'll be taping every episode of the pommy gig as it's going to be more enjoyable watching repeats during the Aussie show season than watching this bunch of Aussie idiots.
1750GT
in case it already hasn't been mentioned, next Monday 8 Dec Top Gear UK has a special on Alfa Romeos: http://www.sbs.com.au/television
Hey 1750GT, damned easily. I settle into the couch after dinner, turn the telly on to SBS at 7.30 and settle in!
Seriously though, despite Steve and Charlie being painful to endure, I thoroughly enjoy Warren's comments. As to the cars, yes well I have had enough of crapadores and Fowlcans (aka chooks), and ditto utes, and sure the test track appears dull or perhaps the camera angles are just plain stupid but to me its still Topgear, just with an Australian slant.
Lets face it Clarkson is an overtop bigot, Hamster is a pretty boy and Captain Slow is well...a nurd. The point being is that they have established over many years a good connection. The Aussie guys havn't had the time yet to do this. Secondly, UK Topgear has been running for over 10 years, has a huge budget per episode and they can get to drive not just all around the UK but Europe, Iceland, the US etc. The scenery etc is simply more grand and spectacular.
The Aussie Topgear crew do need to be more creative with what they have, since there is a lot more that could be made out of it. Handing it over to journos from Wheels/Motor and are you serious Street Machine (surely the most bogan of car magazines around) wouldn't make the slightest bit of difference. The real thing is that the scripting needs to be improved, camera work more creative and less shake and the guys need to stop shouting. I agree that they need to be more critical in their tests of vehicles, since that is what we want to know about. The one other thing though I will give credit to the Aussie guys is that both Steve and Warren are actually damned good behind the wheel. Just as good as Clarkson and Hamster. Warren is probably on par with Captain Slow.
As to taping it, why bother, when you can go down to your local ABC shop and buy all the DVDs. Sounds a lot easier to me, if you could be bothered in the first place. Remember, its just an opinion. Dave
Remember its just an opinion Dave but it looks like you agree with me, you've just totally pulled apart the quality of the show? but you still watch it? The tape thing was only a figure of speech, watching the tape machine beats watching Aussie top gear.
1750GT
Though I am a huge fan of Top Gear (U.K), a Youtube search on Alfa 159, revealed an alternative from Eastern Europe – Oktan.
Excluding the language barrier, many of you may agree it has a certain appeal.
Test of Subaru Imprezza: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc)
Test of Alfa 159: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI)
Enjoy.
Cheers,
Marco
Well yes in a way you are partly correct, but somehow I still managed to enjoy it. I think though all I was trying to say is that its not all bad despite the flaws. Now as to watching the tape machine, yes well don't forget to bring me a nice hot cup of milo and my slippers
Thanks Dave, but I'll pass on the Milo and slippers bit. I think we all wanted to enjoy it but in my opinion it has substantial flaws. I think they have just tried to copy a formula thats been in the making for over 20 years. To do this sucessfully they need to get their production right and get the presenters right. Fundementally the presenters are just not funny but more disappointing is that they just dont know what they are talking about and it shows repeatedly in their lame commentary.
Perhaps a couple of seasons in the saddle may see them blossom but I just can't see us warming to these guys. On the production side they are going to have to spend alot more money and time to get it up to the UK show standard.
1750GT
The budget just won't be available to make Top Gear Australia any sort of equivalent of the original.
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24766231-10229,00.html (http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24766231-10229,00.html)
... I thought using the Astras for lawn bowls was quite original, yet I'm not sure Holden were laughing.
Hey 1750GT don't tell me you softening your opinion? Can you name a better Australian produced Car show ever produced on Free to Air TV in the last 25 years?
Who knows you might even get to like Alfa Romeo Dealers on day.
Quote from: alfagtv100 on December 07, 2008, 10:39:46 AM
Though I am a huge fan of Top Gear (U.K), a Youtube search on Alfa 159, revealed an alternative from Eastern Europe – Oktan.
Excluding the language barrier, many of you may agree it has a certain appeal.
Test of Subaru Imprezza: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc)
Test of Alfa 159: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI)
Enjoy.
Cheers,
Marco
Just re-posting in case it was missed during the passionate exchange over Top Gear. I would appreciate your opinions on this.
We could do this in Australia but would need an additional 20 kilos to give it that local flavour.
Quote from: alfagtv100 on December 07, 2008, 10:39:46 AM
Though I am a huge fan of Top Gear (U.K), a Youtube search on Alfa 159, revealed an alternative from Eastern Europe – Oktan.
Excluding the language barrier, many of you may agree it has a certain appeal.
Test of Subaru Imprezza: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXX4t-Iq1Tc)
Test of Alfa 159: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI-x40dUFEI)
Enjoy.
Cheers,
Marco
For a car show, I'll take Vicky over Nikki any day. Otherwise I see what you mean about the appeal. Photography is good but it is little more then an advertisement, listing features ....
... but I definitely get the appeal .....
No doubt about you Marco, I like your style. Can you suggest an Australian host for ATG, Jenifer? or Megan maybe or........
Settle down Gaz, got you to reply again. If you read my posts properly, you will notice that I have a fundemental problem with dealers being un-willing to reach out to there past as well as the present except to get on th piss at Alfa events to get a new car sale. In any other large eoro brands, particularly the German ones I can buy anything from a short block engine to a repeater can for the indicators for classic vehicles, new, with dealer backed guarantee, just like Alfa used to do.
With Alfa's we are reduced to scunging up to second class parts networks and the UK to gets parts. Whilst I have no problems with this as it provides many hours of entertainment and certainly doesn't put me off owing a classic Alfa, it does get a bit tiresome getting told the bull...t that you do from some of the Australian suppliers, just look at some of the posts on this site to get an idea.
So no it's not the dealers I hate it's the way they do business.
!750GT
Quote from: 1750GT on December 10, 2008, 09:13:40 PM
Settle down Gaz, got you to reply again. If you read my posts properly, you will notice that I have a fundemental problem with dealers being un-willing to reach out to there past as well as the present except to get on th piss at Alfa events to get a new car sale. In any other large eoro brands, particularly the German ones I can buy anything from a short block engine to a repeater can for the indicators for classic vehicles, new, with dealer backed guarantee, just like Alfa used to do.
With Alfa's we are reduced to scunging up to second class parts networks and the UK to gets parts. Whilst I have no problems with this as it provides many hours of entertainment and certainly doesn't put me off owing a classic Alfa, it does get a bit tiresome getting told the bull...t that you do from some of the Australian suppliers, just look at some of the posts on this site to get an idea.
So no it's not the dealers I hate it's the way they do business.
!750GT
When were you last at an Alfa event that you witnessed a dealer getting on the piss to get a new car sale? I assume you mean at Alfa Club events? Can you give any details? Event? Location?
Hey 1750GT, where is your candidate for ATG female presenter?
I read your post properly, just don't think you understand what it would take to meet your expectations. Alfa Romeo like most small volume car importers in Australia don't have a wholly owned subsidiary here, so we are blessed that we have the likes of Ateco with a Dealer network to sell us Alfa Romeo vehicles. You see the Yanks don't even have it as good as us.
I don't think you could buy any of those parts you mentioned for a Peugeot, Renault, Volkswagen, Audi, Jag, etc for a model older than about 10-12 years old here, so I have just phoned Melbourne's largest German Dealer (they have 3 separate sites) and asked about the availability of a block for an E30 318i and a flasher can.......The very polite man refered me to try at one of the many Classic Car parts suppliers. Over to Mercedes Benz, once again Melbourne's largest, also directly owned by M.B.A. (so it IS the FACTORY) seeking the same parts for a W123 and this time they contacted Head Office for me while I waited. Still no joy I'm afraid.
So where do we go from here Alfa Romeo wise? well the best we really can hope for in Australia is that by being supportive of the AR Dealer network, may make them supportive of us passionate owners of older cars. They may offer to sponsor an event of even offer to pay for a prize that you may win. It doesn't mean we have to all buy new 147's and 159's but it helps them if we even just talk about them in a positive manner.
Quote from: Gary Pearce on December 10, 2008, 09:18:49 AM
No doubt about you Marco, I like your style. Can you suggest an Australian host for ATG, Jenifer? or Megan maybe or........
To be honest with you, I would see if Vicky and Nikki were available for the gig.
Am I missing something or...but who the heck is Vicky or Nikki ? You have got me lost on that one Alfagtv100.
Without wishing to be hard on 1750GT, who to some extent does have a point, I do also know what you mean Gary. Down here in Tassie, and yep and I know we probably only have the population of Geelong at best, there is only one Alfa dealer. Thankfully, we as a club (Club Motori Italia) have a very good relationship with the dealer who always provide a few cars (new Alfas and Fiats) for our annual display day, as well as broschures to give away to the public. Definitely no pushy sales people, and rather leave us mostly to our own devices to support and promote the new models. Shannons Insurance also actively support us in such events, as well as providing prizes etc.
The best part with the dealer is that they let us come and pick up some cars for the display and take them back at the end of the display. That way a few lucky members get to try some new cars without any obligation. Definitely a perk. In the past I have driven a spider and this year got to try out the new Fiat 500. Then once back at the dealership the sales rep on duty allowed us to have a sticky at a new 159 wagon before handing out all sort of Alfa broschures that I didn't have.
As to the parts thing, I don't expect the dealers to be be stocking parts for my '69 105s but certainly do expect them to have parts for my '03 156 Sportwagon. With my classics, suppliers like Milano Spares, Turin Imports and then all the guys in the UK are excellent to deal with. Similarly there are suppliers in Italy (if you speak Italian), Holland, the US and of course Fleabay. So to my mind, no problems in finding anything I need. Anyway this is my experience in 25 years of Alfa ownership.
As to all the other car makes on our market, I suspect you are quite correct, for I seriously can't imagine going into my local Toyota, or Holden dealer and expect to find parts for a corolla or say an EH. Not that I have tried this out. I do know that some years ago my brother went into the local Mercedes dealer and bought a new cill for his 1960 Fintail. So I guess somethings are possible. Cheers Dave
<Sheldon Said>
When were you last at an Alfa event that you witnessed a dealer getting on the piss to get a new car sale? I assume you mean at Alfa Club events? Can you give any details? Event? Location?
<Gaz said>
Hey 1750GT, where is your candidate for ATG female presenter?
I read your post properly, just don't think you understand what it would take to meet your expectations. Alfa Romeo like most small volume car importers in Australia don't have a wholly owned subsidiary here, so we are blessed that we have the likes of Ateco with a Dealer network to sell us Alfa Romeo vehicles. You see the Yanks don't even have it as good as us.
I don't think you could buy any of those parts you mentioned for a Peugeot, Renault, Volkswagen, Audi, Jag, etc for a model older than about 10-12 years old here, so I have just phoned Melbourne's largest German Dealer (they have 3 separate sites) and asked about the availability of a block for an E30 318i and a flasher can.......The very polite man refered me to try at one of the many Classic Car parts suppliers. Over to Mercedes Benz, once again Melbourne's largest, also directly owned by M.B.A. (so it IS the FACTORY) seeking the same parts for a W123 and this time they contacted Head Office for me while I waited. Still no joy I'm afraid.
So where do we go from here Alfa Romeo wise? well the best we really can hope for in Australia is that by being supportive of the AR Dealer network, may make them supportive of us passionate owners of older cars. They may offer to sponsor an event of even offer to pay for a prize that you may win. It doesn't mean we have to all buy new 147's and 159's but it helps them if we even just talk about them in a positive manner.
1750 GT SAYS!
Guys I am happy to see that my sh..t stiring has got you guys to do so much research and put me to the sword to NAME NAMES and EVENTS, LOCATION wooph!! the pressure. Sorry Sheldon cant do that as I said I dont hate dealers, I would just like the Alfa network to work better. As for the female presenter, no opinion required the shows already got enough women presenters and none of them turn me on, but if its a female that will make you watch a car show rather than the content and thats what you think about the quality of the show then we all agree, its crap so keep suggesting a better format.
By the way have you been watching the UK version of Top Gear, Quaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaality. Finally, Lest we not forget that Peter Wherrett's Torque, you know the Peter Wherrett that raced Alfa's at Bathurst in the seventies was and continues to be the best Aussie motoring show ever, follwed by the histroy serious - Marque. These were quality Aussie shows for enthusiasts and have as yet not been surpassed.
In terms of the dealer support and parts bit Gaz, whilst a realise Alfa isn't factory in Aus, stop feeling sorry for the boys from Ateco, if they weren't making money they wouldn't be carrying the brand. I remind you that Alfa is part of the Fiat Group one of the largest volume sellers in the world and whilst we have what we have, that is a distributer in Aus, there is nothing stopping them from doing better.You obviously haven't researched well nor spoken to the parts and supply people at BM. Unlike Alfa who just have dealers, the Germans actually have parts divisions. Firstly, let me give you a small snippet from the BM web site in the genuine parts section:
"In many cases we continue to support our vehicles for up to 15 years after their discontinuation from production, meaning you can rest assured of having the best possible back up when you need a part" E30 stayed in production for about 10 years, I think that puts the E30 in the gun, thats parts for a 25 year old car and this is just from the BM internet site.
Secondly I am glad that you chose the E30 3 serious, because I own one and I can assure you that I have been able to freely get new spare parts for this vehicle and if BMW doesn't have it in Melbourne its there within a reasonable time. Recently ordered a brand spaken original fuel cap for the baby, ordered Monday got it Thursday on a 20 years old car, new tail lights, new wheel caps, new interior controls, seats etc. etc. no problem, from the catalogue, just an order away, no chasing, scambling etc. etc all organised for me.
And thats where the rub comes Gaz because once again you haven't looked at the whole picture because if I want a part and BM haven't got it here they will organise it for me or their approved parts supplier or their approved service shop etc. will, pic it pac it and ship it. I refer to Alfa dealer network because thats all they have they haven't got a parts network which they have any control over, they leave that to a plethora of second tier suppliers with no catalogues and no asurity of genuine parts, with the UK and USA being the leads for parts supply so I am not sure why the US has got it worse. Alfa/Fiat could be more organised and actually control parts distribution and offer customer service to source genuine parts or have their dealers, or approved parts/auto shops (if they had them) for their cars. Never know it may actually be profitable and cement the brand in Aus.
And I don't say this because I mind sourcing parts and tooling around, thats part of the fun, but it would be nice from time to time to time to have the surity that you can sourse company backed parts.
Alfa Romeo is part of the fiat group, one of the biggest volume sellers in the world and could control it's parts distribution and offer a service, I am not suggesting that they keep all the parts on hand, in this world of just in time parts and shipping, thats not required, whats required is proffessional systems. I do in fact realise the investment needed for a parts network that your thinking about but keeping all the parts on hand was how they used to do it two decades ago Gaz.
1750GT
All major auto manufacturers are driven by the generation of profits and a strong share price. They invest in activities designed to build and maintain a customer base (like Alfa's revamp of its UK dealer network) and brand awareness (Alfa diverting marketing $$ to fund the development of the 8C Competitzione).
At the same time, they continuously strive to reduce their costs (outsourcing, just in time parts supply, etc..).
The auto industry (and most other manufacturing industries) has a legal requirement to maintain parts for a certain period of time. Parts take up valuable commercial space, so the days of manufacturers being stuck with a considerable surplus (of parts) once a car is no longer offered for sale, are in general, gone.
Enthusiasts are reliant on the Global network of specialist parts suppliers and manufacturers, mechanics, restorers and clubs to keep their classics on the road.
The auto giants offer the support that makes sense to them (build and maintain a customer base). They don't do it to maintain a fleet of classic cars. Most have their own museums for this.
Don't slam our dealers. At least we actually have the option of buying new Alfa Romeos and Fiats in Australia.
Be grateful the specialist network exists, our cars can be kept running and appreciate the positives associated with our passion (such as Vicky and Nikki).
I think this thread has moved somewhat off topic - btw I really love the UK Top Gear! Great to have it back.
I heard that the next weeks show will have the reciew of the Alfa Romeo 8C.
Is this correct ?
Correct, they are doing a review of the piece of art that is the 8C.
Hey 1750GT, you didn't read my post properly. Wherrett the ferret's show hasn't been around in the last 25 years? J
ust lie back and enjoy a Quality Australian produced TV show and have a laugh.
You are not right on the subject of BM. I worked for them for 5 years, visited their homeland, toured their factory and it is not like you say. I did ring them with my E30 engine block and flasher can request like you suggested and they flicked me off. So I should be pissed off with them like you are with AR shouldn't I? I think there is far more passion in Alfa Dealers.
Just have a drive in you nice 105, wave to the Alfa 159 drivers as you pass them, and stick a audio copy of Australian Top Gear in your CD and enjoy..
P.S. and get a sense of humor! Who is your vote for a female presenter again?
Me again 1750GT, what about coming up with me to see the POMS live TG show in Syd? I might be able to arrange a free beer for you in the Ateco Alfa Romeo box. Here is the tickets.
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=TOPGEAR09
Morning all. I think we are all in agreement that it is good to have the mad pommie buggers on UK TG back once more.
Ditto am looking forward to seeing the review of the 8C again, having already seen it on Youtube, and I do agree with Clarkson's view of it being art. However, it is interesting to note that there seems to be fairly stong reaction against the 8C in the US, well at least on the BB. Many there seem to be against it, on the basis that it is a cynical PR excercise of the Fiat corporate, doing some good old badge engineering on a Maserati. Not sure I entirely agree with their views but still interesting to note. Mind you they also seem to be largely non interested in any modern Alfa, post 75s and 164s, given that they are have been FWD and produced since the Fiat takeover of Alfa., but at the same timecomplain about the delays on Alfa returning. huh ??
I would hope that given we in Aus at least have been lucky enough to have Alfa back on our shores, unlike in the US, that we can at least make an informed assessment based on driving and owning the new models.
To me, my 156 Sportwagon continues the Alfa heritage of great design and sporting vehicles which leave a smile on your face after going for a drive, whether short or long.
I am still puzzled though regarding the reference to Nicky or Vikki, can someone explain ?
Perhaps even if we can't all agree on how good Aussie TG is or not, at least it is there for those who wish to watch it. Sure it could be better and perhaps in time if it continues it will be. I do actually remember Peter Wherret's TV programs and yep agree they were great, but for the time and absolutely with no resemblance to TG. I think enough has been said on the issue of dealers and how good or crap they are. Perhaps we have different experiences.
Wish it wasnt raining or I might have been tempted to take my 1750 GTV for a fang. Oh well at least the 156 is there waiting for me :) Dave
Hey Sports Fans, wasn't Top Gear UK (last night) just the greatest? I think it had the best mix of reviews and fun, and Jay Kay and Sabine Schmitz are tops!
The one in the UK was better.
They did a tour of Vietnam from the south to the north on motorbikes. Absolutely hilarious.
Cheers
Stuart
Hi Guys
Like most everyone else I too enjoyed Top Gear. Good to see Sabine strutting her talent.
What would be better than a lap of the Ring with Sabine in a Giulia Super?
That one tops my Bucket List.
Barry
Hooray! we are all back on the subject, enjoying Top Gear UK and waiting for the next exciting instalment. Unfortunately I couldn't watch it tgis week but will catch it on tape when I get back from holidays. I can only hope that James Morrison and a bigger budget will have some affect on the quality of the aussie version.
1750GT
did anyone figure out who the stig was today with the clues from the london news paper they clues were
in his thirtys
married
drives a $30.000 car
have heard it was ben collins but i think mika hackanan
does any one else have an idea
I don't think its one guy. To get that calibre of driver to drive for them on a regular basis over such a long timeframe would be very expensive. Maybe Ben Collins, but doesn't Mika Hakkinen live in Monaco?
For those suggesting Ben Collins as the Stig, you are correct. I believe that he is a Canadian. He is certainly married (a friend is close mate of Stig's now father in law).
Just hope that UK Stig comes over here with Clarkson and Co and teaches the local Stig how to drive as he sure needs it. Local Stig is certainly not as good as his UK counterpart. So far local Stig's test driving efforts would have me doubt if he could out of sight on a slightly misty day let along a fog.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Collins_(driver)
Yup, I have heard the same thing.
From wiki (link above).....On a separate occasion, following an accident involving Richard Hammond in September 2006, the Health & Safety Executive report into the event recorded that Collins had "worked closely with Top Gear as a high performance driver and consultant" and had prepared a briefing for Richard Hammond preceding the event
Sorry guys but who the heck is Ben Collins? Never heard of him and/or what his credentials might be for him to qualify as the Stig.
the real stig is coming over and ben collins i think was a super touring car driver and as the stig gets paid 130+ thousand pound a year i think its on stig.
some say he was born with race fluid for blood and pisses high octane fuel all i know he is shit loads better than ours
Have I missed something? Why is the Aussie Stig no good?
have u seen him drive an alfa yet
Thats true Dehne, but then again I can't actually recall UKTP Stig driving an Alfa either.
I think the point of criticism is that Aussie Stig, must be Stig's cousin or something and runs on low octane unleaded, since he seems slow and pretty loose around the test track. But then again the Aussie TG test track is crap, no long proper long straight, too many chicanes, is narrow and therein may infact lay the real problem. Dave
im pretty sure the stig drove the 8c around their test track