The problem is the US version has comics trying to act like serious car guys while the UK version has serious car guys trying to act like comics.

I saw a very mildly entertaining Topgear US episode yesterday where they were testing for the "toughest american truck" between a 70's ford, 80's chevy and 90's dodge. With a set up toyota hi-lux following them to collect the people when the trucks fell apart. The problem is none of them seemed to know anything about mechanics or how to drive a-in ANY of the offroad conditions...

It seems like the new US version of top gear has hosts who are lost in their rolls. That's how I feel when I watch it :dunno:

Adam Ferrara is a pretty damn funny comic if you see him on comedy central... but not knowing enough about cars kinda zaps his comic ability on that show. I don't know anything about the other 2 guys.

Just can't stomach the US version. I gave it an honest try. :(

Yeah, I think I'll stick with Stacy David's gears on speed and Spike's powerblock for my car shows.... I can wake up with a hangover, watch the powerblock and still want to work on anything with an engine.

That about sums it up...wouldn't be surprised if ratings starved exec's used viewer success, or lack thereof, of the other spin-offs as a metric to greenlight this version. It may not appeal to most of us but it may maintain it's ratings share and stay on-air (hopefully with better cast/hosts).

IMO, they should've stuck with Bruno Massel and a comedian that at least has an obvious propensity for autos...the third spot could be a rotational of real aficionados...i.e. Seinfeld, Leno, Dr. Kay Segler, Bob Lutz etc...

Anyhoo...0-60 in under 4 sec :drool:

I like that idea of using Bruno Massel, and like the idea of the third spot being a rotation of high profile aficionados like that. If only it were easier to pitch ideas like that to the people in charge....