The twentieth season of the iconic British show Top Gear It was a milestone in the history of automotive television journalism. It was a period when Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May They reached the peak of their popularity, and the budget of the program allowed to implement the most insane scenarios. The audience saw not just reviews of cars, but real cinematic productions that forever changed the idea of how to shoot about cars.
It was during this period that the format of the show finally became entrenched as a mixture of hard humor, serious engineering expertise and epic travels of nautical or extremely cheap cars. The average budget for one episode in season 20 was around ยฃ1 million.This allowed the team to rent racing tracks around the world and attract stars of the first magnitude. In this article, we will discuss in detail the key moments of the season, the technical features of the tests and the impact of these releases on the industry.
For many fans, this season remains the benchmark to which various car projects are still trying to approach. The unique chemistry between the hosts allowed to turn ordinary shopping trips into exciting adventures. Letโs dive into the world of high speeds, loud exhausts and legendary phrases that made this season immortal.
Evolution of format and studio tests
Studio part Top Gear In the 20th season, it underwent significant changes, becoming more ambitious and spectacular. The producers have been betting on visuals and interactivity, introducing elements that previously seemed impossible for television broadcasting. Star Trek Star in a Reasonably Priced Car has broken records this season, and the lap is faster and more technically advanced thanks to the use of more powerful cars.
Particular attention was paid to Power LapsThe test driver in the Stig helmet squeezed the maximum out of the cars. In the 20th season, legends such as McLaren P1 and LaFerrariIt sets new speed standards. The hosts often argued about the measurement methodology, which added dynamics and unpredictability even to the technical segments.
โ ๏ธ WARNING: When watching studio tests, remember that all the tricks are performed by professionals in closed landfills. Attempts to repeat maneuvers on public roads can lead to fatal consequences and loss of rights.
The humorous component has also reached a new level. The presenters did not hesitate to ridicule the shortcomings of even the most expensive cars, if they behaved illogically from the point of view of the average user. This created a sense of honesty and closeness to the viewer, despite the presence of supercars worth millions of dollars in the frame.
Legendary travel and geography of filming
One of the hallmarks of the 20th season was the grandiose travel, the geography of which covered several continents. The team traveled to North Korea in an unprecedented move for Western television. Shooting in a closed country required complicated logistics and coordination, but the result exceeded all expectations, showing the absurdity of the situation through the prism of car humor.
Another landmark event was a journey across Scotland in cars that producers believe were made for failure. Engineering thought These releases were often questioned, but thatโs what made the content so engaging. The presenters demonstrated how to adapt completely unsuitable cars to the harsh conditions of off-road and bad roads.
- ๐ North Korea: Attempt to hold a grand prix on Pyongyang's roads using local taxis and rare imported cars.
- ๐ด Scotland: Test durability (strength) of old hatch cars in mountainous terrain and bad weather.
- ๐ฎ๐น Italy: Special issue devoted to the history of the Italian automotive industry and comparison of modern interpretations of classics.
- ๐บ๐ธ USA: Large-scale test of American maslcars against the background of canyons and deserts, where not only speed, but also comfort in long stretches is important.
Each trip was filmed with a cinematic scope. Operators used helicopters, drones and special tracking systems to capture the beauty of the scenery. However, the main goal has always been to check the reliability of the machines in extreme conditions, ุจุนูุฏ from sterile roads in Germany or England.
Secrets of filming in North Korea
The crew worked under constant supervision of local authorities. All footage was heavily censored before being taken out of the country, and some scenes had to be re-shot in the UK because of a ban on showing certain infrastructure.
Technical tests and comparative tests
In the 20th season Top Gear He continued the tradition of tough comparative tests, where cars were subjected not only to track tests, but also to real life scenarios. Jeremy Clarkson He especially liked to test the practicality of supercars, trying to stuff golf clubs, grocery bags, or even assemble Ikea furniture. These segments clearly demonstrated the gap between marketing promises and reality.
Technical analysis was carried out with the involvement of experts, but the final word always remained with the presenters. They were evaluating ergonomicsThe quality of the materials of the cabin and the logic of multimedia systems. Often, these details hide the main shortcomings of expensive cars, which were ignored in the press releases of manufacturers.
| Car | Type of engine | Power (L.S.) | Top Gear's verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLaren P1 | V8 Hybrid | 916 | Technical masterpiece, but boring in normal mode |
| LaFerrari | V12 Hybrid | 963 | Emotional Standard, Perfect Balance |
| Porsche 918 Spyder | V8 Hybrid | 887 | The fastest and most technological, but cold |
| Nissan GT-R Nismo | V6 Twin-Turbo | 600 | The Supercar Killer by Price and Efficiency |
Special attention should be paid to the test brake And wet-weather handling. The presenters often stressed that these parameters are more important for safety than maximum speed. One episode compared the braking distance of different family sedans, which became useful information for millions of viewers.
When choosing a car, pay attention not only to acceleration to 100 km / h, but also to the length of the braking distance from 100 km / h and the presence of stabilization systems that really work, and not just light up on the panel.
Star Track and Driving Culture
The Celebrity Segment in Season 20 was a platform to showcase not only driving skills, but also the ability of stars to hold a punch in improvisation. Interview format The moving car allows you to reveal the guests from the unexpected side. Jeremy Clarkson asked provocative questions while the star tried to focus on the road, often leading to comical situations.
This season, people like Hugh Jackman, Kate Moss and even the former British Prime Minister have rolled back their circles. Presence tachometer And the stopwatch added a competitive element, forcing guests to push their limits. Many stars admitted that after filming on the track Top Gear Their attitude to driving has changed forever.
The driving culture the show broadcast was based on respect for the car and the road, but with a mandatory dose of adrenaline. The presenters promoted the idea that the car is not just a means of transportation, but a source of emotions and freedom. However, they have always stressed the importance of respecting the rules where it concerns the safety of other members of the movement.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Driving at the limit of the car is permissible only on specially equipped tracks with a prepared surface and rescue services. On public roads, speeding is illegal and dangerous.
It is interesting to note that after the release of episodes featuring certain stars, sales of their favorite models sometimes increased. This phenomenon has been dubbed the โTop Gear effectโ and has become a powerful marketing tool for automakers, even if the carโs reviews have been mixed.
โ๏ธ The criteria for a good driver according to Top Gear
Impact on the automotive industry
There is no denying that season 20 Top Gear It has had a huge impact on the automotive industry. The producers began to take the showโs perspective into account when developing new models, realizing that a negative review from Clarkson could hurt their reputation. Marketers. They began to prepare the press machines for the tests more carefully, knowing that they could not hide the shortcomings.
The show also popularized interest in the history of the automotive industry. Special issues dedicated to classic models caused a surge in demand for retro cars and spare parts for them. People began to be more interested in how their car is built, and less afraid to look under the hood.
Technology, which was previously considered the lot of racing cars, thanks to the show became clearer to the average person. Explanation of work hybridTurbocharging or all-wheel drive systems were conducted in simple, accessible language, often using metaphors and visual experiments. This has increased the overall technical literacy of the audience.
The season 20 Top Gear bridged the complex engineering world and the mass consumer, making car culture part of pop culture on a global scale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I watch Top Gear Season 20 with original voiceovers?
Officially, seasons are available on BBC iPlayer (UK IP required) or on services like Amazon Prime Video in some regions. There are also licensed DVDs and Blu-ray editions. Pirate resources may infringe copyright.
Which car was the fastest on the track in season 20?
In the 20th season, the absolute leader of the circle became McLaren P1, which showed time 1:15.1. Later, however, in special editions, the time was updated. It is important to note that track configuration and weather conditions can affect the final results.
Why is season 20 the best season?
Many fans consider it the best because of the perfect balance between humor, budget and chemistry between the presenters. This was the period before the internal conflicts that led to Clarksonโs departure, so the atmosphere was as positive and productive as possible.
What happened to the cars after the shooting?
Most cars are returned to owners or landlords. Machines bought by the BBC for destruction or modification are often sold at auctions, go for parts or remain in the show's museum. Some prototypes can be disposed of if they are not subject to further use.