By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Jay Leno seems to think so, and turned down a chance to host. So instead they're gonna have Adam Carolla? Do you think he'll do better than he did on Dancing With the Stars? Drift king Tanner Faust is gonna be on the show, which should be cool. Not sure who will land the number three spot. Their casting people called me a few weeks back and I recommended they talk to Mr. Angry and Brian Fox, but Mike and Brian never got called back after sending in tapes. According to The Truth About Cars, L.A. Times auto writer Dan Neil got yanked after the producers viewed his audition tape, despite a signed contract:

Neil says he’s “very disappointed” with the network’s decision, but understands their motivation. “They couldn’t handle my heat,” he joked. “Seriously. It’s probably because I’m not very good on TV.” Neil also reveals that NBC and the BBC are aware that aping the original Top Gear’s no-holds-barred reviewing style could piss off the media company’s automotive advertisers — and devised a solution. “They’re writing around the problem, by not doing car reviews unless they really love the car.”

The guys over at VWVortex aren't too thrilled. What do you think?

Comments

James, UK
Apr 17, 2008 6:03:48 PM

Do remember BBC is funded by the TV license (us taxpayers) and since britain's car industry is dead.

They can be completely independant and obviously the strong personalities really shine in a show like this.

Too bad America - for once we got something better and before you for once.

AVE IT!

Robyo
Apr 17, 2008 2:07:14 PM

I wonder if they are going to have American Big Stig!

Ryan
Apr 17, 2008 9:30:09 AM

I was listening to AC on the way in this morning and it did appear that he does have some car knowledge. When I tuned in he was in the middle of making fun of Tommy Lee for not knowing the year of his Ferrari. Also, Adam Carola worked with Al & Eds last year on a Subaru build up that was pretty cool of him. I wont hold my breath for his first appearance but I will give him a shot.

Chris
Apr 17, 2008 8:16:13 AM

Maybe in the American version there wont be so many lies about American cars. This type of thing has happened on several occasions...

They claim that a horse beat a 300 hp mustang around a dirt track but when you view the footage they are obviously using a V6 mustang.

They claim to have built an electric car that could beat a 500 hp Shelby GT500 but in reality what they have is the 315hp Shelby GT.

And they mock the GT500 when it failed to put out 500 rwhp stock on a chassis dyno. As if we are supposed to believe they have never heard of drive train loss.

And finally the Cadillac CTS-V which they really could find nothing wrong with they still gave a bad review because it felt "just too American."

Their obvious prejudices and holier than thou attitudes make me sick.

J burg
Apr 17, 2008 8:12:02 AM

It won't be good at all without the british accents. I just watch to hear them say "4 door saloon" and "the car is made out of alooominum and carbon fiber" LOL

Colin
Apr 17, 2008 3:17:05 AM

The original top gear can never be replaced. I would watch the first episode of the american version just to see how bad it really is.

As said in quite afew posts, they will be to dependant on sponsors and they'll love every car that comes along, and not review the competitors models either at all, or as good.

load of crap, wont last half a series.

Apr 16, 2008 11:18:26 PM

It ain't going to work! First of all, you can't replicate a show like that! It won't work. It's earned its credibility through the years. And if you throw Adam Corolla in there to host and try to tame these beasts, you've got to be joking! This guy is the ultimate Dusch!!! If it is going to work, they'll need an original aspect not copied from that of Top Gear. I suggest, a worthy host, and perhaps a professional driver as a guest driver (stig) each show! For a host, how about a true American Made man! ZZ Top lead guitarist?!?

Rev. Motor
Apr 16, 2008 9:08:32 PM

No one can replace Clarkson, Captain Slow and Hamster. This show will blow but I'll be glad because I still have my BBC America.

Corrupt_File
Apr 16, 2008 7:41:37 PM

Top Gear won't work on this side. No Jezza, no TG. Period.

It needs to be risky, no holds and offensive to the government, people who drive the crappy cars, and the DOT, but no network will want to take that chance.

Street7
Apr 16, 2008 6:55:23 PM

if they do infact air the show i say chuck norris is the new stig.

A Bengals Fan
Apr 16, 2008 6:34:00 PM

"SeanD13
Apr 15, 2008 3:20:16 AM

That's just sad. I've been watching Top Gear on BBC America, and just saw their review of the new Honda Civic Type R. They mocked the rear wing that cuts across the hatchback, and pointed out how the new car has lost so much speed and handling compared to the last model. This American Top Gear won't be reviewing cars; they'll be endorsing them."
-
Well said! I love Top Gear because they thoroughly test the car, and tell you exactly whats wrong with it. Also, the hosts have their biases and different personalities. I'm not completely closed-minded about the American Top Gear, but from what what I've been hearing, I won't enjoy it. I wonder what Jeremy Clarkson would say... I guess this might make his stereotypes about Americans worse.

Pressed_Ham
Apr 16, 2008 6:20:33 PM

I agree with what Jim said.

VVVVV

Jim
Apr 16, 2008 4:00:23 PM

Whoo- that's a toughie. I hafta say that I think the American version is going to be too "PC" for any sort of humor-I mean, really good, biting stuff-is going to go out the window. I could care less about accuracy- the British Top Gear gets their facts wrong all the time and sometimes stage their comparos- I just watch it to have a good laugh involving a genre I love. I think the American producers are tackling this thing all wrong- all that said, I hope I'm the one who is wrong.

GTwildfire
Apr 15, 2008 6:22:02 PM

Well, good to see his hand grew back...

Stewart
Apr 15, 2008 3:30:58 PM

Maybe Pauley Shore is available?

Apr 15, 2008 1:15:37 PM

"Hey, isn't that the guy from that zombie movie... ended up mounting a chainsaw on his arm stump?"

hmmm no... this was Bruce Campbell from the movie EvilDead

Phantomdeity
Apr 15, 2008 11:21:56 AM

NBC might as well cut their losses now and dump their plans. This show will be a total flop. There are few celebrities around that annoy me as much as Adam Corolla does so that is a HUGE negative in my book. Also, part of what makes the British show so good is that the hosts tell you flat out what sucks about a particular car and why it sucks. The American version will be too dependent on their sponsor's support to be honest. NBC would do better to re-air episodes of "deal or no deal" than offering up this turd.

Ted
Apr 15, 2008 10:06:57 AM

Hey, isn't that the guy from that zombie movie... ended up mounting a chainsaw on his arm stump?

Ted
Apr 15, 2008 10:05:56 AM

the won't return my calls, either, lol...

Freakin
Apr 15, 2008 9:44:09 AM

I say

Dont try and copy cat a show, even legaly. its retarded, why would some1 leave the original and watch the American version?

anywho... If they every do one, its gonna be awkward, atleast name it a bit different...

NeilG
Apr 15, 2008 8:13:25 AM

100% agree with Evan, couldn't be more right. This is gona blow..

Evan
Apr 15, 2008 8:03:18 AM

I think it's going to SUCK!!!! You can't replace the funny British guys. Adam Carolla? That's terrible why not Tim Allen, or Titus, or Chip Foose, somebody a little with a little more stage presence and comedy. Heck Jeff Dunham could probably pull it off.

Nope this is going to suck and it's going to suck HUGE!

Apr 15, 2008 6:14:30 AM

Sorry but Adamn Carolla just wouldnt give the show the amount of respect it would deserve. He would cheapen it in some weird way.

SeanD13
Apr 15, 2008 3:20:16 AM

That's just sad. I've been watching Top Gear on BBC America, and just saw their review of the new Honda Civic Type R. They mocked the rear wing that cuts across the hatchback, and pointed out how the new car has lost so much speed and handling compared to the last model. This American Top Gear won't be reviewing cars; they'll be endorsing them.

Ron Honig
Apr 15, 2008 2:54:13 AM

It's very hard to build a better mouse trap. Recently one of our networks has been playing the Top Gear episodes from 02, when it started in it's current form and it makes you realise what a great program it has been and still is. Here in Australia we are going to be getting our own Top Gear but I really can't see anyone coming up with something that is half as good as the original.