[Closed] What no Grand Tour (new Top Gear) thread?

Same old really. Bigger budget, but otherwise exactly same as what Top Gear had become and I'd got fed up of that as it was.

Nothing fresh about it and still mainly about three slightly irritating blokes than cars.

Still, as I'm paying for Prime, may as well watch a few more and see if it improves.

It's not? Well I didn't get the memo.

It has cars in it and they piss about in them but I am talking about people who are who are actually interested in cars rather than presenters doing stupid things. You gain very little understanding about cars from watching Top Gear.

It has cars in it and they piss about in them but I am talking about people who are who are actually interested in cars rather than presenters doing stupid things.

What you can't enjoy both?

Watched it last night. Its probably what the BBC [i]should[/i] have done. For me, scottchegg nails it

ScottChegg - Member
They are trying a bit hard but there were more hits than misses.

The celeb bit was funny once. Twice was strained and Carol Vorderman killed it.

It needs to settle into the new format and it'll be good. You can't judge until there's been a big trip; that's were the laughs are.

But, it looked great.

Wonder if it's on Kodi yet...

It's not available on Kodi at all. As someone who's contributed code to the Kodi project in the past it's really annoying when people use the Kodi name to mean "Can I steal this?"

You wouldn't steal the Blu-ray from a shop - or would you? - so don't treat watching it online for free as acceptable.

Basically if you read STW you're probably more than capable of affording to pay for content, and in fact it's bloody hypocritical to boast of doing so on the forum of a magazine that relies on subscriptions to exist.

Sometimes it's impossible to legally buy content in the UK and I genuinely have no problem with someone downloading or streaming a dubious copy in that case, but if you have the option and choose to ignore it you're little more than a petty thief.

"The American" and his scripted quips will wear thin before too long

[i]This thing couldn't pull a greasy string out a dog's ass[/i]

Well it made me laugh.

EDIT: But I can't get over the three of them generally being cocks being brash about silly cars.

What you can't enjoy both?

You could, but I don't. I have said I am not the target audience as I am interested in the technicalities, development of cars etc,. rather than people pissing about in them. Nothing to be discussed about it, just my position.

If you take those 3 and 'TG/GT' seriously you could easily tear it to pieces. However of you like cars, geezer banter, and are happy to drift through it, its a laugh. In a world of X Factor/Celebrity/TOWIE/Strictly/Soap saturation, its a breath of fresh air to be honest.

I've realised, just watching the end of the show, its actually Hammond who I think is the overacted, annoying nobber.

You could, but I don't. I have said I am not the target audience as I am interested in the technicalities, development of cars etc,. rather than people pissing about in them. Nothing to be discussed about it, just my position.

That's the point you don't. Other car enthusiast do.

It's a big old indifferent meh from me.

I can't get my head around the people complaining that it's a bit familiar.

It's the same presenters as TG. That right there IS the formula.

It's an entertainment show based loosely on a passion for cars, with 3 guys messing about.

What part of the formula do you actually want them to change?

It's now 'on tour' with the show being pitched around the world. IMO that's a pretty good start to freshen things up.

They've removed SIRPC section, again, thats positive.

The camera work is superb. The gags feel a bit less BBC. These are good things.

If you want car focused factual telly, watch Plato and Tiff or some other paint drying show - TGT is looking to be top entertainment for an hour per week.

Candy floss for the brain. It does not take itself too seriously and nobody has to watch it. It is really more like children's tv with a bigger budget. In fact that is not being fair to kids to as there are some really good things on there.

It is popular, profitable and could not give a fig about much else. The same presenters and production crew mean it will be the same and it being on a streaming service means you really have to go looking for it to watch it.

All that being said my kids loved it and I thought that it was ok so we will watch next week.

Flaperon

It's not available on Kodi at all.

I dunno about Kodi but I found multiple HD streams yesterday morning. Skipped through most of it. Same old tripe. Especially considering Chris Harris tested the same 3 cars on the same track a year ago. With less gurning.

You wouldn't steal the Blu-ray from a shop - or would you? - so don't treat watching it online for free as acceptable.

Sometimes it's impossible to legally buy content in the UK and I genuinely have no problem with someone downloading or streaming a dubious copy in that case, but if you have the option and choose to ignore it you're little more than a petty thief.

Yeah remember when taping songs off the radio ruined the music industry. And home video recorders did the same for the film industry. Then napster bankrupted those poor millionaires in Metallica. Oh and remember how illegal streams ruined Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones. Shocking wasnt it. /sarcasm.

Like it or not the genie is out of the bottle as regards streaming. Content providers are going to have to adapt or die. And it's not analogous to stealing a DVD. More like listening to BBC radio in your car when you don't have a TV license.

Have we done the Vice article yet?

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/rating-exactly-how-yer-da-the-first-episode-of-the-grand-tour-is

😀

Yeah remember when taping songs off the radio ruined the music industry.

That's not even remotely similar. Home taping doesn't go on any more because it's so easy to buy the MP3.

Films were paid for through the TV licence and on top of that you were guaranteed a poor quality recording on VHS.

Interesting to see the way your moral compass swings.

Like it or not the genie is out of the bottle as regards streaming. Content providers are going to have to adapt or die.

You mean by letting you watch the stream on any device or your TV, or download it to watch later on your phone / tablet? Fire TV stick is cheap.

You're deluding yourself. It's still stealing.

Flaperon

That's not even remotely similar. Home taping doesn't go on any more because it's so easy to buy the MP3.

Films were paid for through the TV licence and on top of that you were guaranteed a poor quality recording on VHS.

No it is similar. The outcry at the time was the same. And the TV license wasn't intended to cover home recording and then watching / rewatching your favourite film multiple times. And regardless of the quality there was a time when it was it almost as good as you get by paying for it.

Interesting to see the way your moral compass swings.

You're deluding yourself. It's still stealing.

And like everything there are degrees to it. I'm no more guilty than anyone who taped a song off the radio, or recorded a film off the tv and rewatched it. Moralise or pontificate all you want, I don't give a toss and you can bet there'll be many more lurking in the shadows who've done the same as me.

I've had intellectual property stolen, everything from photos taken online and used on company websites with out permission, credit or thanks to thousands of pounds worth of graphics delivered to production companies who subsequently disappeared. On no occasion did I confuse this with being robbed of material possessions.

If it helps you sleep tonight I'll not be watching again, freely or otherwise.

And like everything there are degrees to it. I'm no more guilty than anyone who taped a song off the radio, or recorded a film off the tv and rewatched it. Moralise or pontificate all you want, I don't give a toss and you can bet there'll be many more lurking in the shadows who've done the same as me.

I find the guys witty but the RAF / dead celeb were overlong and am-dram. And where did the budget go? Catering? I mean it’s not like supercars round a track wasn’t done at the Beeb, and the new test track is a bit low rent. Quite like the American - you could see he was really shifting in his talk-to-camera bits.

I enjoyed it as entertainment, but if you want a show about cars Jay Leno’s Garage on Dave is worth watching.

Currently watching it, but been divving about on the tablet at the same time for the last 15 mins....says it all.

Bit meh.

Well, I liked it. 😀

if you want a show about cars Jay Leno’s Garage on Dave is worth watching.

I got addicted to that show for a short while, it has some serious machinery in it. But I quickly came to realise that Leno is more arrogant and odious than a bucket full of Jezzas.

And speaking of 'I can't relate to the super car content' ... try watching Leno's batty face tell you how many cars he owns, how much he paid and how much they're worth now..

I'm with the "meh" people. Much better filmed than the BBC version but basically the same show. Like others I can't understand why they don't make more of the countries they're filming in. It's not like the show is going out live.

Overall I'll watch it again but in much the same way as I watch top gear; before I go to sleep,not that bothered about whether I fall asleep.

I enjoyed it as entertainment, but if you want a show about cars Jay Leno’s Garage on Dave is worth watching.

Leno's garage is better on YouTube where it is actually about cars (20-30 minutes dedicated to one car). The TV show seems to be more along the lines of Top Gear. Also have /Drive, Carfection, Petrolicious (for old cars) etc,. All far better shows if you are interested in more than just seeing a car go round a track

None of them are trying to be entertaining to the masses but if Clarkson and chums are entertaining then I would rather do without.

Thank goodness I didn't pay for it that's all I can say.

Started off alright but rapidly went downhill. I know it's all scripted but this just felt forced and was totally obvious.

The celeb bit was terrible as well as the fake "UK navy or airforce better than US" audience fight. Cringe worthy TV.

The new track was rubbish. No stig.

Hammonds stupid beard.

James may saved it as usual. You are better off just watching some repeats on Dave.

slimjim78

I got addicted to that show for a short while, it has some serious machinery in it. But I quickly came to realise that Leno is more arrogant and odious than a bucket full of Jezzas.

And speaking of 'I can't relate to the super car content' ... try watching Leno's batty face tell you how many cars he owns, how much he paid and how much they're worth now..

I'm mystified as to how you came to that conclusion. Despite the fact that Leno could buy and sell Clarkson several times over and has 200+ cars he doesn't really annoy. He talks about the value of the cars because it's a valid talking point, not because he's showing off.

Since there are 500 videos on his youtube channel maybe you could post up a clip that illustrates Leno discussing the value of his cars in the arrogant and odious way you describe?

Also, I don't think he can help having a batty face. I don't actually know what a batty face is, I believe "batty" is London yoof speak for bumhole?

I'm mystified as to how you came to that conclusion. Despite the fact that Leno could buy and sell Clarkson several times over and has 200+ cars he doesn't really annoy. He talks about the value of the cars because it's a valid talking point, not because he's showing off.

Since there are 500 videos on his youtube channel maybe you could post up a clip that illustrates Leno discussing the value of his cars in the arrogant and odious way you describe?

Me too, I have always found Leno pretty down to earth and not caring about the money side of it or showing off about his collection. Most of the cars he has on his channel are not his but cars he appreciates or wants to give air time to.

Watched it again last night and there really are some cringe bits in it like, has been said the fake fight and the dead celeb bit.

I'm watching it at my mates. I wouldn't subscribe to it.

Didnt watch it, dont like him and generally think the type who idolise cars are a bit dead inside.

The program is also available free on you tube which I hope will bring about its demise a little sooner.

I tried to watch it on Friday night. I only managed the 1st 20 minutes before having to turn off. It just seemed like an amped-up Americanized parody of what it had been.
Despite having Amazon Prime anyway, I won't bother with trying any more of this.

Didnt watch it, dont like him and generally think the type who idolise cars are a bit dead inside.

I finally managed to see it, as many have said, I thought it was too contrived, trying too hard, couldn't work out if conversation street and the celeb bit were them taking the piss out of the old format or they thought they were good. Maybe that was them saying the celeb bit is dead, I'd like to see them do it with a decent car, nothing too powerful, maybe the FRS or GTI or something. The American was annoying. Track looked shit, with their big budget surely they can get access to a proper track. I also thought they would be driving in each location, isn't that the whole point of a grand tour. I actually liked the hypercar bit, and taking the piss out of james but even the studio stuff with them just talking seemed more forced than it used to be. I'll keep watching hoping it gets better.

couldn't work out if conversation street and the celeb bit were them taking the piss out of the old format or they thought they were good.

I also thought they would be driving in each location, isn't that the whole point of a grand tour.

Mostly reinforced that Americans are a bit annoying though

Just watched it on you tube, I know, I'm cheap.

I enjoyed it, OK, the celeb bit and the fight were poor, but I thought that rest was good. Old school Top Gear and much, much better than the crap that the BBC came up with.

I believe "batty" is London yoof speak for bumhole?

Not London, West Indian. As in, ladies wearing cut shorts with which their curves are slightly exposed at the bottom edge are know as Batty Riders (best said with any of the west indian accents IMO).

I watched it with my wife. I'm into cars, and like the nerdy Chris Harris stuff on youtube, she's not, and despite being a proper serious lefty she can't help but laugh at Clarkson. We were both looking forward to it.

She fell asleep, I almost did. I'm not one normally for saying bad things about TV shows on the internet but we didn't particularly enjoy it. The supercar bit was boring if you were watching the show for 3 blokes cocking about, and boring if you were into cars as it didn't say anything much about the cars and Chris Harris had done it before, on the same track, in much greater nerdy detail, a year ago.

There's potential, though. The opening bit was good, and once they get back to mucking about in bodged together things (the dune buggies and that ramped up MGB for example) hopefully it'll be better. I'm giving it a chance.

I liked it, good to have them back. 🙂

I enjoyed it, was exactly as I expected to be, the intro was impressive.
Only negative bit was the celeb death bit which just didn't work and the fight was too drawn out. Not sure how the new racing driver will come across but early days so we will see.

I'm trying to work out what the submerged landrover covered in brick walls is all about. 😀

I'm mystified as to how you came to that conclusion

It's the way he talks to people. He gives them a false sense of security, they open up because 'hey, im talking with the great Leno!' - then he either cuts them off mid sentence or ignores every word they've said in order to give yet another dull quip/analogy of his own.

Like I said, I like his collection - kudos for him for earning the millions required to procure/maintain - I just find him a bit thrush.

Clarkson could do with losing some weight was my main thought...

Found it on Kodi. 😀

Felt a bit like they were "trying", ah well first episode.

Stop flapping Flaperon.

Just watched it in much anticipation after positive reviews.

Poor. Very poor. Even arguably the best 3 cars in history didn't really save it for me.

I kind of thought the title referred to the new show being week after week of the road trips (the best bit of TG imo).

Weird how I ended up disliking TG, and its 3 stooges - but found GT to be fresher and more entertaining.

Like others, im not sure the new track is up to much - time will tell. I sure was bored of the old one though.
And im also confident that some of the following episodes will have superb moments in them.

I thought I was King Fussybritches but it appears im a mere knave

Much better tonight, plenty of chuckles during the special forces bit

Anyone know when the next episode is ?

8 hrs ago.

I finally got round to watching it last night - for me it's Top Gear + a little bit more, and some more swearing.

I enjoyed it though.

Episode 2 is a lot better than no.1 😀

Looks like they're going to do a phased change from Top Gear format to the new one, the bit with May in Joberg was fun, better if they had got him a car to play in though.

Looks good for the rest of the series 8)

Ta.

Episode 2 is a lot better than no.1

I felt the other way round tbh.

All that army stuff was quite boring.

What the hell is this shit?

Well that military bit was just tedious.

I was chuckling loads at that bit

But it was late at night, I was tired and dosed up on painkillers

Episode 1 was brilliant, like Top Gear at its best. Episode 2 a bit poor IMO, less car stuff and the military bit was way to long. A normal test review of the S8 would of been better.

Episode 1 was great, Episode 2 was just abysmal - that whole pointless Special Forces skit that mentioned a car what, about 5% of the whole thing. Im a massive fan of the 3 of them, but that was embarrassing to watch. Pure cringe.

The whole special forces thing seemed like an idea that was good when they had it but then they realised they had no idea what was going on and we ended up with that shit.

I enjoyed the first one. The second one however was not so good. The American Stig should just not talk as he's annoying. The Army thing was just 3 men trying to be funny and failing miserably. I did s**** though when May shot the queen. And this Celeb dying thing they do - not even remotely witty.

Turns out we do have prime. Watched episode 1. Not sure. A little like when you see an aging former beauty who has had just a little too much cosmetic surgery - a bit plastic and left me reminiscing and missing what it used to be.

Sometimes things need to age gracefully and not try so hard to be what they just aren't anymore.

Others seem to have liked it though so maybe it's just me.

Really disappointed in episode 2. Episode 1 wasn't bad and I thought was a good opener, almost like a high budget Top Gear.

This latest episode wasn't really about cars, the entire main sketch was worthless really.

Both episodes have felt over-long and tedious. There's just not enough variety - Ep 1 was about the hypercars and Ep 2 was about the Special Forces bit - both of which went on far too long.
The fake fight about the RAF in Ep 1 was awful and the track looks tiny - they must have to go round it 4 times to get those lap times!

uh! not looking good, so the celeb dying thing is actually a thing and not just killing off the celeb bit, and the news is still called coronation street, and the american still talks! arrggghhh! I don't know why they can't just come on, talk a bit about car news without calling it anything, cut to a few films, just seems like they're trying to hard when they should have kept it more casual banter. I'd like to say i'm out, but i'll probably still watch it. 1st world problems I guess.

Hmmm.. I've watched Ep2, didn't think it was that good TBH.. 😐

Episode 2 is dire. Switched off.

Just think what could be done with the budget to produce an actual car show instead of just pissing about and even when they do show a car they don't exactly explore it.

Meh.

Yet another million pound hypercar that you can't drive on a public road. The military thing was funny in places but rapidly got very dull. And the celebrity death thing is just shit.

There's potential there, the filming was all very nice but so far, not impressed.

crazy-legs - Member

Yet another million pound hypercar that you can't drive on a public road.

What's this?

I'm enjoying No2. The fighting sketches can be fast forwarded.

Shame they didn't spend more time on the engineering of the spinning cars and especially the home made cars.

Doubt I'll watch all of 'em but the first two seem OK to me.

I thought that.

They could have extended the Spinning Cars, got a little into the culture and Yoof element.. Would have been nice to see and hear about their experiences living in Jo'Burg..

The Million Pound hype car was an Aston..

Enjoyed No.1.

No. 2 is shit

Boring, distasteful, unfunny

Well, I liked it. 😀

On the plus side, if you fast forward through all the boring bits it really doesn't last long at all

Absolute crap.

Well, I liked it.

WTF, it was awful 🙂

Spinning cars, this is a thing? Bizarre, why would you do that or watch it?

Ep 1 - decent, I enjoyed it.

Ep 2 - Worried now. The 'celebrity death' looks uncannily like a 'jumping the shark' feature. It's terrible and I can't watch it

It really needs a simple, UK based, episode along the lines of the previous 'hover van', 'convertible MPV', 'make yor own camper van' episodes of Top Gear. The best parts of TG were the off the cuff quips and general banter between Clarkson/Hammond/May in these episodes.

A case of 'less is more'

Starting to get a little boring to me, celebrity death, over long 'special forces' segment and I am now starting to do what I used to do with the last few series of TG, fast forward through the test track footage, yes, its a fast car and it goes fast around a race track.
Would like a bit more engineering and some decent challenges, they were in SA, they could have come up with a great challenge.
Will preserver, its a reasonably long series so it may be building up slowly.

At least Top Gear took that Aston to a proper track.

Special forces was too long, but it was funny. I was surprised to see a car make an appearance as I forgot it was a car programme.
Too much entertainment and not enough car stuff.
Still entertaining though.

P1 looked full of potential.. P2 was full of disappointment...

Oh well, at least bookaboo is good for the kids...

DrP