American Version of TopGear?

[69496]

A while back I heard a rumors of Jay Leno and Adam Corolla doing an American Version of TopGear. Any body else hear anything? I know both those guys are huge car nuts and I think they could make a good show.

[Shiro666]

Last I heard the idea was dead. I don't know if they even made a pilot.

I am glad, personally. An TG USA would pale in comparison to the UK counterpart for the simple reason that an honest opinion of the cars could not be given. The BBC funds TG and they can say whatever they want about any make. On this side if the pond the advertisers fund the networks. We all know the best part of TG is Clarkson wailing on lousy cars. Well, and wailing on James May..... and Hammond's teeth....

[derekf]

I tried to watch the pilot of Top Gear Australia. Ditto the pilot of Top Gear Russia (although not speaking the language there may have dampened my enjoyment) and I fear that while they can duplicate the sets -- and they did, exactly -- and do the same stunts and test the same cars... the people are not the same and that makes all the difference.

And Nick's right -- the advertisers wouldn't permit anything negative to be said about their cars, so what's the point?

[Memphis]

Adam Corolla would make it unwatchable.

[The Stickman]

I know Leno said he wouldn't do it, beccause there was no way they could do it here like they do it in the UK. Here you would have sopnsors for commericals and such for the network and you couldn't go ripping on them like they do in the UK. Also remember that in the UK the TV is government owned, rather having to stand on it's own with revenue from sponsors and commercials. The first time they would rip on a car that maker would never give then another.

[Steve1968LS2]

I'm glad they cancelled since it would have sucked...

We just can't do the same stuff here in the US.. to many lawyers.

[69496]

Ok, ok I see the light. I guess I was hoping but from what you guys are saying it is obvious that the show would never work. As long they don't cancel the BBC TogGear. I love the show and those guys. I guess the brutal truth and honesty is what makes it so good and that just wouldn't happen over here.

[vanwyk4257]

They will never cancel BBC Top Gear. I believe it's one of the most highly watched shows internationally. I loved the episode where Chrysler wouldn't give them a Challenger SRT8 so Hammond just went to a dealership and bought one. That's a serious budget!!!