[blk-majik]

I'm pretty sure we all saw this coming, but today Tanner announced he's dropping out of this year's Formula Drift series due to 'other obligations'. If that didn't make it obvious enough, Clarkson pretty much dropped the 'bombshell' in an interview today. Jalopnik got ahold of History Channel and confirmed that the show's been approved and they'll start filming the next season this spring, with the same lineup of hosts.

From Clarkson's interview:

"Top Gear is our baby so you can understand why Hammond, May and I were anxious about passing it on to the presenters of the US show. We needn't have worried because Top Gear is clearly in safe hands, even if they do insist on speaking in those stupid accents. Watching an episode from series 1 with Richard and James, we found ourselves in a genuinely heated debate about which of the presenters' cars was best. We were just three ordinary chaps watching a car show and loving it, which is exactly what Top Gear should be. Bring on series 2."

Love it or hate it, enough people who matter seemed to like it well enough

 

[Demi]

I think its success can be attributed most Americans having never seen the UK show. I didnt know chocolate icecream was bullshit till i tried rockyroad.

 

[blk-majik]

I'm pretty sure the only people who watched it were already TGUK fanboys

 

[Lesterh]

I thought it was great, but was season one about 6 episodes? Seemed soooo short. Maybe I'm wrong. They need to work in some more attainable cars into the show too. I mean the track time board is insane. You have an Evo X, and then multiple Lamborghinis, an Aston Martin, Lotus, Ferrari, Viper, an SLS, Panamera Turbo, a Morgan and an M series X5. Would be nice to see Subarus, VW's, Corvettes, some muscle cars, etc.

 

[lallen3]

US Top Gear is full of :fail:

 

[Demi]

US Top Gear is full of :fail:

I tend to agree. I like all the hosts, even though tanner is like watching paint dry if he isnt driving, but their interactions seem so forced and mechanical. Also dont redo, episodes from the BBC. Sure its nifty to those who dont know the brit version, but for those of us that know both, its just forces me to compare the two shows.

 

[Clipse3GT]

I tend to agree. I like all the hosts, even though tanner is like watching paint dry if he isnt driving, but their interactions seem so forced and mechanical. Also dont redo, episodes from the BBC. Sure its nifty to those who dont know the brit version, but for those of us that know both, its just forces me to compare the two shows.

There is no comparing... original is still the best.

 

[Lesterh]

There is no comparing... original is still the best.

Agreed, but real car shows are so rare that you've gotta hope for its success.

 

[dave]

It was good enough to keep me entertained. The UK is best due to the hosts and video work, but I'm sure this show will get its legs soon too. Usually takes two to three seasons before shows really hit their stride.

 

[Kooldino]

It was good enough to keep me entertained. The UK is best due to the hosts and video work, but I'm sure this show will get its legs soon too. Usually takes two to three seasons before shows really hit their stride.

This.

I LOVE Top Gear UK. I like Top Gear USA enough to watch it.

 

[legendary_wraps]

it didnt suck as bad as I thought it would..... but still not the original....

they need to get rid of the dumb flannel wearing host....

 

[Eyler_Evo_X]

I think most people who even give a crap about a car, be it a Honda Civic or a Prius know what TopGear is, even the UK version. It's one of the most widely watched shows in the world and the US version's first season is comparable to the UK's first season, you just need to let the hosts get comfortable in their new world and with each other.

 

[lannym]

I think with the initial host lineup, they're looking to appeal to the entire US car enthusiast demographic. For those that care about racing, and driving skill, you've got Tanner. For the truck buying contingent, there's Rutledge. Muscle car guys will associate with Adam. They hope to appeal to everybody-they've got a wise guy, a *******, a pretty boy.

You've got to admit, while everybody loves Jeremy because he makes you laugh 100 times a show even when he isn't specifically trying to, both James and Richard aren't instantaneously lovable either. It's more about their chemistry.

While I do agree it takes a while to develop chemistry, I have to wonder if the producers think that Adam can become this series' Jeremy..I don't think so, but maybe time will prove me wrong. I do like him more than I did 9 episodes ago. And he does have some pretty big shoes to fill...

 

[PrestigeX]

Personally I don't like the U.S version. It's hard to re-make something that is already good.

 

[lannym]

Personally I don't like the U.S version. It's hard to re-make something that is already good.

I know what you mean. The X episode with Tanner started swaying me the other way, pretty good driving you've got to admit...

 

[NHLFan3507]

This.

I LOVE Top Gear UK. I like Top Gear USA enough to watch it.

:iagree:I don't think I could have said it any better myself!

 

[VegetaX]

I though Tanner was the best in my opinion, the other two didnt know how to drive.

 

[AceEVO]

I have been enjoying the show too. But I do hope they make some new challenges different from the Brits! Was sad watching season 10,11,13 and seeing some of the same challenges.

 

[Demi]

lol I may be the only one that likes Rutledge. I feel like these guys don't know anything about cars (not Tanner). I get that feeling about the UK guys when it comes to working on cars, but they KNOW cars. These guys dont. James may can rattle off facts and specs for weeks and even Hammond obviously loves cars, and respects performance. The cars these guys like they dont like for the specs or anything like that. "Its big and comfy." Was actually a justification, which in a sofa is fantastic, in a car.....not so much.

 

[VegetaX]

Rutledge sucks , he made some stupid jokes. He didnt know how to drive, i think he should get fire.