The return to the origins of the iconic BBC car show has been a real event for millions of fans around the world. Top Gear Season 19The show, which aired in 2012, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the show’s history, where Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May presented themselves to the audience with a revamped format and a fresh approach to machine testing. It was during this period that the trio reached the peak of their popularity, turning car reviews into a high-budget entertainment show with elements of reality.
This season is notable because the producers decided to completely rethink the concept of studio segments, making them more dynamic and less dependent on static conversations. Top Gear He was always famous for his unique humor, but in the nineteenth season, the jokes became more daring and the trials more ambitious. Spectators were waiting for a trip to the most exotic locations of the planet, from icy wastelands to hot deserts, where the reliability of a variety of vehicles was tested.
It is important to note that this period finally formed the image of the show as a global brand, going far beyond the framework of simple automotive journalism. Automotive reviews They became only part of a large play, where the main characters were the characters of the presenters. If you missed these episodes or want to refresh your memory before watching a retrospective, this material will help you understand the key points and technical nuances of the machines presented.
New format and studio changes
The nineteenth season brought not only new guests, but also significant changes in the visual component of the studio. The BBC producers decided to abandon the lengthy introductions, focusing on visual effects and interactive elements. Studio segments It became shorter, but more informative, which allowed to keep the attention of the audience, accustomed to the rapid pace of content consumption on the Internet.
Special attention was paid to lights and cameras to create a more cinematic picture even in the closed pavilion. The hosts often interacted with guests at the stand The Star in a Reasonably Priced CarThis season, we got a new set of decor. This allowed the interviews to be more lively and less scripted, which critics praised.
⚠️ Some of the jokes and moments of Season 19 may seem politically incorrect by modern standards, as they were created more than a decade ago as part of British television humor of the time.
The technical part of the filming has also undergone changes. Lighter and more maneuverable cameras were used for studio shooting, allowing operators to follow the hosts more dynamically. Sound design It became more intense, using live motor sounds recorded directly during tests rather than from libraries.
Legendary Test: Cars vs. Trains
One of the hallmarks of the season was an epic showdown where motorists had to compete with rail transport. In this trial Jeremy Clarkson He chose a powerful and fast car, relying on its dynamics and the ability to maneuver in the flow. His task was to overtake a special train that followed the route through the country.
Richard Hammond and James May, as usual, received a less enviable fate. They were given slow, often faulty or simply comical vehicles that were supposed to get them to the finish line by any means necessary. Endurance test This time included not only speed, but also the ability of the machine to withstand a long load without breakdowns.
- 🚗 Jeremy chose a sports coupe with a powerful engine for a long-distance sprint.
- 🚂 The train was running on a strict schedule, creating a tense race against time.
- 🛠️ Hammond and May faced typical problems for their cars: overheating and transmission failure.
- 🏁 The finish line was in a hard-to-reach place, which could only be reached by a narrow road.
During the test, it turned out that even the fastest car is powerless against traffic jams and speed limits in the city. Logistics It was more important than the pure power of the engine. The train, despite its apparent slowness, moved with enviable constantity, ignoring traffic lights and traffic congestion.
How did the race end?
The train arrived first as cars were stuck in traffic at the entrance to the city, despite high speed on the track. This is a classic example of how infrastructure is more important than the performance of cars.
Budget supercars: Myth or reality?
Another highlight of the season was the attempt to find or create a new budget supercar. The presenters set themselves the task: is it possible to get emotions from a fast ride without spending a fortune on buying an exclusive Italian car? For this purpose, three cars were chosen, which on paper had characteristics close to sports cars, but cost much cheaper.
The test involved models that are rarely seen on the track in such quantities at the same time. Test drive. It was held at the famous Dapps training ground, where the cars were lapping for a while. This allowed to objectively assess their handling, braking and acceleration.
| Car | Power (L.S.) | Acceleration 0-100 km/h | Price (at the time of the test) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noble M600 | 650 | 3.0 sec. | £260,000 |
| McLaren MP4-12C | 625 | 3.1 sec | £165,000 |
| Lexus LFA | 552 | 3.7 seconds | £295,000 |
As it turns out, the concept of "budget" in the world of supercars is very relative. Even the most affordable models required expensive maintenance and had high fuel consumption. Exploitation Such machines in everyday life turned into a real quest, which was tried to prove the presenters during their comic trips for coffee.
The winner was the machine that offered the best balance between performance and (relative) service availability. However, the emotion of the engine sound Lexus LFA Many people have been forced to reconsider the attitude to the Japanese automotive industry in the luxury segment.
When buying a used supercar, always check the history of oil change and the condition of the ceramic brakes – replacing them can cost as much as half the car.
Traveling East: An Expedition Through the Continent
The central event of the season was a grand expedition, during which the leading had to cross a huge stretch of land in cars not designed for such travel. The route passed through the territories with extremely difficult climatic and road conditions. Reliability The technology was the main factor in the survival of the team.
For this test, old, time-tested SUVs were chosen, which, however, by the time of filming already had a solid mileage and many hidden defects. Road conditions They ranged from rolled-out primers to complete off-road, where constant work with a winch and shovel was required.
- 🗺️ The route included crossing several time zones and climatic zones.
- ⛽ Fuel supplies had to be carried with them in canisters due to lack of refueling.
- 🌡️ Temperature changes from night frost to day heat tested the engines for strength.
- 🔧 Field repairs have become a daily routine for Hammond and May.
Particularly noteworthy is the episode when one of the cars got stuck in a swamp, and to rescue it, it took the use of all three cars and show wonders of engineering ingenuity. Reciprocal. In such conditions, more important than the technical characteristics of the suspension or clearance.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to repeat these routes on standard city crossovers without special training, winch and driving experience in extreme conditions. It could be deadly.
The expedition found that simple mechanical systems are often more reliable than complex electronics. Machines with minimal sensors and control units are easier to diagnose and repair away from civilization. This is a great lesson for anyone who is planning a serious road-travel.
☑️ Long-distance assembly
Technical features and star racer
In the nineteenth season, the rubric with a star rider on the track reached a new level. The Stig During this period, it showed incredible speed, setting records for many cars. The hosts often argued about who was hiding under the helmet, but it was the mystery of the character that added to the show's charm.
Technical analysis of cars has become more in-depth. If earlier the emphasis was on emotions, then in season 19 there were detailed analysis of the design of engines and suspensions. Engineering solutionsThe new models were discussed in terms of their effectiveness and durability.
For example, in one of the releases, the all-wheel drive system was considered in detail, which allowed the car to go through corners with minimal loss of speed. The presenters explained to the audience the difference between a permanent and plug-in drive using illustrative examples on snow and gravel.
Star guests this season were also carefully selected. Among them were not only actors, but also real racers, musicians and even politicians. Interview They often went beyond the standard questions, turning into friendly conversations over a cup of tea in the garage.
The main strength of Season 19 is the balance between serious technical analysis and the frantic, almost childish fun that made the show iconic.
Season Results and the Legacy of the Classic Three
In summary, it can be said that Top Gear Season 19 It became a swan song of the classical format in its original form. It was a time when the show's budget allowed for the boldest ideas to be realized, and the chemistry between the three hosts worked seamlessly. They didn't just broadcast, they lived it and it was felt in every shot.
The cars shown this season have served as a benchmark for comparison for years. From budget hatchbacks to hypercars, each car received an honest, if often exaggerated, emotional assessment. Legacy. This season still affects how car transmissions are filmed around the world.
The audience remembered not only the quality of the picture, but also the sincere love of cars, which was broadcast by Clarkson, Hammond and May. Even when they destroyed machines or pushed them to their limits, it was clear that they were doing so with respect for engineering. Driving culture And respect for the technique, that's what's left in the air after watching all the episodes.
Looking back, it is clear that this season has set a bar that is hard to beat. The combination of humor, danger and deep knowledge of the automotive theme has created a unique product that is watched and revisited by new generations of fans.
What happened to the cars after the shooting?
Most of the vehicles from the expeditions were sold at auction to charities, and some are still kept in the show's private collections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where did Top Gear Season 19 film?
Filming took place in the UK (Studio and track Dapps), as well as in various locations for special editions, including routes through Eastern Europe and Asia for endurance testing.
Who was the guest in the first episode of Season 19?
The season premiere featured famous personalities whose names often vary depending on the specific release date of an episode in your country, but traditionally the season was opened with a big name from the world of cinema or sports.
Why is Season 19 considered one of the best?
The season is considered one of the best due to the perfect balance between budget, quality of jokes and scale of trials. This was the heyday of the Golden Three before they left the BBC.
Which car won the test against the train?
In the classic "Machine vs Train" showdown, the train often won the victory because of the unpredictability of road traffic, which became a "running gag" (constant joke) transmission.
Can I buy a car from Season 19?
Many of the cars that have been featured in the reviews are mass-produced models and are available in the secondary market. However, unique prototypes or heavily redesigned pieces for the show may be in museums or private collections.