In defence of Clarkson
 

Just reading Jeremy Clarkson's latest article in the Times Online this morning, and it occurred to me that for all the slagging he takes around here, at least he can appreciate a wide range of cars.

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/jeremy_clarkson/greatest_hits/article3250560.ece

I believe most of us here appreciate him rather much. The big man loves cars and motor sport but he has a show to run and needs to create some commotion around his character in order to attract attention.

Agreed with Jezza. That Alfa is going to be awesome. Why only 500?

I think Clarkson rocks.

Opinionated, funny and not afraid to poke fun at himself. And he really does have a vast knowledge of automobiles. I find his commentary useful.

Me too, especially when he did a comparison between the Daihatsu Materia and the Ascari A10 SmileWavy

Wayne, buy yourself the James May book "Notes from the Hard Shoulder". My mother-in-law gave it to me for my b/day (40 last Saturday) and it is great, writing is easily as good as Clarkson's, but more entertaining, as is simultaneously interesting and off-the-wall in its thought processes. Highly recommended!

Well said...best car show ever IMHO. Why can't we get good TV like this in the US?

Top Gear is a spectacular show. 5th Gear is equal in production quality, and they drive cool cars, but the hosts are just so dull. FYI, straight from the finalgear.com front page:

NBC has ordered a pilot for “Gear”, an American version of Top Gear, that will be officially announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 19-27).

The pilot will be filmed at a secret location around Los Angeles equipped with a race track and hangar where the show will be filmed in front of a audience.

NBC reality chief Craig Plestis said the network already is getting numerous inquiries from car companies that had heard rumblings about a U.S. remake.

“This is a favorite of all automobile companies as it shows their cars in such a great light,” he said.

NBC reality chief Craig Plestis said he is a longtime fan of “Top Gear.”

“It all comes down to subject matter — it’s a cool show about cars,” he said. “It’s very compelling for us because we have a great platform and space on the network to have such a show.”

Among “Gear’s” popular segments that will be replicated in the U.S. are races where the hosts have to reach a destination using different modes of transportation, road tests, challenges like converting and refurbishing existing cars into anything from a stretch limo to an amphibian and celebrities racing a midsize car. (”American Idol’s” Simon Cowell holds the record for fastest lap time with a Chevrolet Lacetti.)

The series will premiere at 11 p.m. on March 4th before moving to its regular time period at 10 p.m. March 11th.

Sadly, I don't see how an American copy of Top Gear could do anything but suck. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Oh look, I already found out why Gear will suck.

"We're always looking for innovative ways to partner with our advertisers, and this show offers a great platform for the latest in car culture." Ben Silverman, NBC co-chairman.

So basically, they won't say a single bad thing about those who advertise with them. All hail the Ford Fusion!!! You think Clarkson would stand for that?