VXR8 on Top Gear

[CharlieDontSurf]

I saw an ad on SBS for top gear and they had footage of Clarkson driving the Vauxhaul VXR8 inside and outside the car. It must be on the upcoming series. Anyone seen it yet or know anything about the test?

[mustanger]

The Vauxhaul Monaro is advertised tonight...Cheers John

[OPTIMUS]

Check out Youtube got all the Monaro episodes, Fifth Gear and Top Gear love em

ww.youtube.com/results?search_query=monaro

[Lloyd1986]

I do believe he was talking about this. Must be for the upcoming series which is strange, considering we are like a series and a half behind the UK.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/vauxhall_vxr8_hi_04.jpg

[`redoctober]

There's an episode tonight with the VXR Monaro, I checked the online TV Guide, this is what it says:

-----------------
7.30pm, SBS, Saturday 2 June 2007

Richard test drives the Vauxhall Monaro and audiences are introduced to the D1 Drifters - the world's greatest power slider drivers, who make taking a car into a corner an art form. Next up, James takes up Jeremy's challenge of playing the engine noise of a car as a musical instrument by recording the various notes from different engine sounds. He test drives a 420,000 Ferrari to get the perfect high-D, thenhe drives the Alfa SZ to 3500 revs to get an F and he continues to find all the notes for the Top Gear theme song. Meanwhile, Richard goes to Spain to experience the running of the bulls with a hidden camera. The high that is experienced would probably match that of driving a Lamborghini Roadster which keeps your pulse in treble figures.

-----------------

As for the VXR8, I'll have a look around and see what's happening.

[Three]

There's an episode tonight with the VXR Monaro, I checked the online TV Guide, this is what it says:

-----------------
7.30pm, SBS, Saturday 2 June 2007

Richard test drives the Vauxhall Monaro and audiences are introduced to the D1 Drifters - the world's greatest power slider drivers, who make taking a car into a corner an art form. Next up, James takes up Jeremy's challenge of playing the engine noise of a car as a musical instrument by recording the various notes from different engine sounds. He test drives a 420,000 Ferrari to get the perfect high-D, thenhe drives the Alfa SZ to 3500 revs to get an F and he continues to find all the notes for the Top Gear theme song. Meanwhile, Richard goes to Spain to experience the running of the bulls with a hidden camera. The high that is experienced would probably match that of driving a Lamborghini Roadster which keeps your pulse in treble figures.

-----------------

As for the VXR8, I'll have a look around and see what's happening.

I think I saw that episode on youtube, but I won't spoil it for the rest :bow:

[chevypower]

I am pretty sure all of the episodes they are showing at the moment have been on air here before

[Lloyd1986]

I am pretty sure all of the episodes they are showing at the moment have been on air here before

Yeah they have

[BadMac]

There's an episode tonight with the VXR Monaro, I checked the online TV Guide, this is what it says:

-----------------
7.30pm, SBS, Saturday 2 June 2007

Richard test drives the Vauxhall Monaro and audiences are introduced to the D1 Drifters - the world's greatest power slider drivers, who make taking a car into a corner an art form. Next up, James takes up Jeremy's challenge of playing the engine noise of a car as a musical instrument by recording the various notes from different engine sounds. He test drives a 420,000 Ferrari to get the perfect high-D, thenhe drives the Alfa SZ to 3500 revs to get an F and he continues to find all the notes for the Top Gear theme song. Meanwhile, Richard goes to Spain to experience the running of the bulls with a hidden camera. The high that is experienced would probably match that of driving a Lamborghini Roadster which keeps your pulse in treble figures.

-----------------

As for the VXR8, I'll have a look around and see what's happening.

That is an older episode, its the Monaro with the 6.0l LS2, compared to the previous appearance when it was the 5.7. Its about 2 seasons old. The VE (VXR8) appeared in the new segment of the last show for the current series. The new series hasn't begun production yet, which I guess will be the one where they fang the ESeries R8 (VXR8).

Note In one of the later series they have the VX500, which was the LS2 supercharged to get rid of the last 50 or so. From memory they don't drive it, just go on about the value "from down under".

[Rombles]

I had to laugh at Jeremy beating that guy up tonight for calling the Matiz a "Chevy Matiz", saying that just cos you stick a Chevy badge on it doesn't mean it isn't a Daewoo.....

By that argument they should have been discussing the HOLDEN Monaro, not the VAUXHALL Monaro!

[Lloyd1986]

I had to laugh at Jeremy beating that guy up tonight for calling the Matiz a "Chevy Matiz", saying that just cos you stick a Chevy badge on it doesn't mean it isn't a Daewoo.....

By that argument they should have been discussing the HOLDEN Monaro, not the VAUXHALL Monaro!

The first time they do the monaro they say that its really a holden, and they talk about heaps of aussie things and play aussie music etc with it, lol.

[V-Car]

I had to laugh at Jeremy beating that guy up tonight for calling the Matiz a "Chevy Matiz", saying that just cos you stick a Chevy badge on it doesn't mean it isn't a Daewoo.....

By that argument they should have been discussing the HOLDEN Monaro, not the VAUXHALL Monaro!

And the Daewoo Captiva! :p::hide:

[Curtis-R]

Season 9 Episode 5 or 6 is the last episode this year. The series returns in summertime in the U.K. just go to finalgear.com to get any info you need on
all the episodes.

[gasguz]

I had to laugh at Jeremy beating that guy up tonight for calling the Matiz a "Chevy Matiz", saying that just cos you stick a Chevy badge on it doesn't mean it isn't a Daewoo.....

By that argument they should have been discussing the HOLDEN Monaro, not the VAUXHALL Monaro!

This reminded me of a really heated thread on another forum about if the Toyota Lexcan badged Commodores were really a Toyota or a Commodore

I liked the way the Jap guys were drifting the cars & 1 while he could not speak english still found the words to say "Good Car mm Good Car Thumbs Up" while he was in the Monaro

I also thought it was funny when he did the blurb on the F150, at first you think he is singing its praises but then turns around & describes it as a piece of Shit I LMFAO for ages after this.

[555]

Said at the end of last nights show, the next season of top gear is on SBS on July 2nd, and would still be a season behind the UK.

[Swordie]

5th Gear have a review of the supercharged LS2 Monaro. It was on cable TV a couple of weeks ago.

[CharlieDontSurf]

What I was refering to was an SBS made ad for the upcoming season with an Austrlain voice over. In the footage they have a moving track shot of a Vauxhaul VXR8(nee VE Clubby R8) and an interior shot that is a definately a VE. It said nothing about an upcoming review just had the pics. If they have pics in the can there must be a review done.The shots were not the same footage that they had with the VXR8 in the studio at the end of the last season which we are about to get. (i've seen this footage on this forum somewhere).

Next time the ads on keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime I might search the internet ...

[Marco]

The next series that SBS are showing is Series 8, and that does not have the VXR8 in it.

AFAIK they had a brief studio segment about the VXR8 in Series 9, but no review as yet.

[KingClifton]

Final episode of the 6-show Season 9 (started late and a short season due to Richard Hammond's accident) showed a red VXR8 in the studio, where they compared it to an Audi RS4 - basically said 400+ bhp, RWD, but 15K (pounds) cheaper than the RS4.

I've seen 5 episodes of Season 11 of Fifth Gear and no mention, let alone sight, of the VXR8.

[Pickles]

Yeah, well like the rest of you, I've been getting frustrated about some of these "repeats", but I LOVED last Saturday night's episode--seeing the Monaro sideways for such a LOOOOOONNNNNNNGGGG time!!--But they certainly love the Monaro don't they!
Cheers, Pickles.

[Holden Man]

5th Gear have a review of the supercharged LS2 Monaro. It was on cable TV a couple of weeks ago.

Saw that one too !

I like how Vauxhall gave him a "man nappy" for when he drove it !!!

[Andrew297]

Written review:
http://www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/060-vauxhall-vxr8/


Posted by Tom Ford at 12:40PM on Tuesday 29 May, 2007

Nice to see while everyone is worrying about the environment the boys at Vauxhall are sitting in the office with their fingers in their ears singing 'Lalalalalalalalala...'.

Why? Because the new VXR8 packs the same 6.0-litre V8 as the outgoing Monaro, but with a bigger car to haul around (it's based on the Australian Holden Commodore Clubsport R8). A hybrid it ain't.

Which is a big hooray from anyone who enjoys a bit of raucous fun because what we have here is a big four-seat saloon with a big 400-odd bhp V8 driving the rear wheels through either a manual or auto gearbox. The stats are impressive 0-60mph in 4.9seconds for the manual (5.0 dead for the auto) and an as yet unproven top end, but I'm guesstimating 170+mph. For £35k. Round of applause for Vauxhall please.

The styling is a bit of an acquired taste. It's big, but also manages to look stumpy thanks to that big rear wing - which also incidentally knocks out at least a third of your rearward vision because the plane of the wing is canted well forward.

The rear lights look a bit small on such a big car, the two pairs of exhausts look inexplicably small and the grilles on the front wings are a touch overdone - it even manages to make its standard 19-inch wheels (20s are an option) look a bit weedy. The best angle is from dead ahead, where you get the full effect of a very big mouth and some serious wheelarch flares.

But it's got presence. Nobody ever said the Lotus Carlton was a pretty car.

Inside think modernised and refreshed Monaro, except with four doors and some seriously useful space in the rear. Six foot plus? No worries, you'll still have kneeroom with a six-foot two driver - and it's as comfy as it gets in there. Up front there's a new Blaupunkt infotainment set (great stereo, climate etc) with proper animation on the screen.

There are a few clangers. The plastics quality is variable to say the least (this is where it starts to show what £35k really means compared to a BMW or Merc), but by far the most irritating bit is the handbrake. Set to fit flush with the centre console spars, the ratchet button is mounted on the topside of the lever making it just plain uncomfortable.

Add to that the fact that the moulding itself is sharp and clumsy and it beggars belief that something you touch every single time you get into the car is so nasty.

The steering wheel is also too thick. It seems like a minor complaint, but it matters. Still, the car feels infinitely brawny - the LS2 engine is still a joy, still barely ticking over at motorway cruising speeds. I got a safe 27.2mpg on a run, though that dropped significantly in town.

The gearbox is better than the Monaro but could still do with a Ripshifter to remove the slack from the rubber bushing - you lose some comfort but gain precision. And you'll need it when moving through the gears because the VXR8 is properly rapid.

It doesn't feel as quick as an M5, but the fact that the VXR8 is much more visceral hangs in its favour. You put on speed quickly, but you also know all about it. It feels like a car from two generations ago - and in some ways that's not such a bad thing. It also cruises very, very comfortably - though if you want to get a move on you have to drop a couple of gears.

Criticisms? Too quiet as standard, though of the 110 orders, 100 have gone for the awesome loud exhaust option. The brakes are a bit sudden, then fade. The suspension gets a bit soft when you're really pushing on (the lost compromise for that excellent motorway ride) and bizarrely, it feels like it could handle more power.

But Vauxhall will no doubt offer options to cover all of these worries, just like they did with the Monaro. Think last-generation Monaro 500 with all the bits transferred and I defy you not to start twitching.

So, great car, needs some tweaks. I reckon bigger wheels, black, remove the rear spoiler, supercharger and you'd have one hell of a motor. As long as they sort that bloody handbrake.

[Lloyd1986]

I agree with the handbreak thing, its horrible, and I really really hate all steering wheels on the VE range, with the sharp edge where your thumb wraps over, its just uncomfortable.

This guy though should do some reasearch on the HSV range because he complains about the suspension but fails to mention other HSV's that might be brought to England have MRC.

[xploit]

I bet your the same kind of person who criticises people for driving a V8 because they use too much fuel?

Or criticises things they really have no idea about and decides there an expert.

Anyone on here who owns a VE will tell you there the best thing to happen to the commodore, the steering is great, ride, power the lot.

Have one for a week and youl change your mind.. as for the handbrake well you dont drive with it up, and if you do :fewl:.

I dont like people who comment and give things a bad name when they may have sat in one once or twice, everyones quick to give the VE a wrap when they dont have one..

Sorry but wise up

[Andrew297]

I dont like people who comment and give things a bad name when they may have sat in one once or twice, everyones quick to give the VE a wrap when they dont have one..

I own a VE and the handbrake is crap! Remember that as well as a parking brake its also an emergency brake. Try grabbing that thing in a hurry and using it with any precision. You cant even wrap your hand fully around it in the down position as its hard up against the seat.

[Ghosn]

Inside think modernised and refreshed Monaro, except with four doors...

He can't be too cluey with a comment like that? The Interior is nothing like the VZ Monaro.

[Lloyd1986]

I bet your the same kind of person who criticises people for driving a V8 because they use too much fuel?

Or criticises things they really have no idea about and decides there an expert.

Anyone on here who owns a VE will tell you there the best thing to happen to the commodore, the steering is great, ride, power the lot.

Have one for a week and youl change your mind.. as for the handbrake well you dont drive with it up, and if you do :fewl:.

I dont like people who comment and give things a bad name when they may have sat in one once or twice, everyones quick to give the VE a wrap when they dont have one..

Sorry but wise up


Wtf, was this comment directed at me or the reviewer of the VXR8? Either way, come on, you think the VE has NO faults? All cars have faults, even ones 10 times more expensive than a VE. All I said was the handbreak isn't that good and the wheel is uncomfortable, I didn't say it was a crap car or anything. God.

Not only that, I was supporting the VE by saying he should have mentioned there are models with MRC seeing that he criticized the suspension.

And I wouldn't criticize someone for owning a V8, I only don't own one cos I cant afford it at the moment. I would own a W16 quad turbo if I could. Get a life, how can make these assumptions about me simply because I said the VE wasent 100% perfect. You might love something or someone, but if you cant see they have faults your blind. Everything has faults. You clearly would make a great automotive journalist :D

[V-Car]

He can't be too cluey with a comment like that?

He's probably a bit more clued up about them than alot of people on here...he used to have a 2004 Monaro in England for about 12 months and loved it.
In the Oct 30 2006 episode of Fifth Gear, he tested a VXR 500 and had to wear a nappy, then they gave away as a prize his old silver Monaro.

Here is the youtube clip of the VXR in that episode.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UN6FxoQEPM

And from the Nov 22nd 2004 episode when Tiff tested a Monaro against a MG ZTV8.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTP8QHCThKA

[_MetalliX_]

If they really have tested the VXR8 that's great news, as far as I knew they weren't even sure if they were going to keep going with Top Gear because viewers thought it was more about horsing around rather than road testing cars. I say more horsing around! If you want to see cars being road tested go watch Fifth Gear.

Jeremy Clarkson is a legend.

[V-Car]

Apparently Vicki Butler-Henderson will be testing the VXR8 on the 18th June episode of Fifth Gear.
Top Gear might also be testing one tomorrow (6th June) if the alternative they are talking about is a VXR8?

http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1865/

They are filming episodes now for airing when the new season begins in the UK in a couple of months.

[Brendan]

Apparently Vicki Butler-Henderson will be testing the VXR8 on the 18th June episode of Fifth Gear.

Might have to grab that - I remember VBH testing I think the VS Clubby years ago on Top Gear - she didn't do a bad job.

[_MetalliX_]

They are filming episodes now for airing when the new season begins in the UK in a couple of months.
That's a pretty strange request from Top Gear, interesting to see what they have in mind.

I've also heard rumors that Top Gear were coming down under to do a special similar to the American road trip episode (which had to be the funniest episode of the season) does anyone know if this is true?

I know that they are sending over some Typhoons for them to road test.

[Lloyd1986]

I havent heard that thing about the Australian road trip, I hope its true, I hope they drive down the Great Ocean Road!

Also, Clarkson drove a VT GTS once, GTS or clubsport, cant remember which one. Read his review in one of the books and he loved it. I have seen a very short clip of him driving it, anyone know where I can get the full eppisode?

[555]

The american episode was funny, but got the impression it was terribly staged, just like all the races they do across europe where they miraculously turn up within seconds of each other despite one driving a veyron and the other flying an aeroplane (or something). :)

[moose]

Most of what they do is staged, still funny though!!:rofl:

[_MetalliX_]

When it comes to the races, its all staged. They flat-out admit it on their website. The stig races through along with other Top Gear crew and determines the outcome of the race, and then they go through and film the race with the hosts.

It's not really a big deal, I mean who genuinely tunes in because they want to know if its more efficient to drive a Bugatti Veyron to France, or take the train? It's all for the entertainment factor, and its bloody entertaining.

Just wish they would come down to Australia!

[OPPYLOCK]

I've also heard rumors that Top Gear were coming down under to do a special similar to the American road trip episode (which had to be the funniest episode of the season) does anyone know if this is true?


I seriously doubt it, Clarkson hates Australia and has stated it publically a few times.
His reason, and I agree with him, our road rules are ridiculous. Last time he was here he received a few fines!!!

[jamesd]

Apparently Vicki Butler-Henderson will be testing the VXR8 on the 18th June episode of Fifth Gear.
Top Gear might also be testing one tomorrow (6th June) if the alternative they are talking about is a VXR8?

http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1865/

They are filming episodes now for airing when the new season begins in the UK in a couple of months.

It's the VXR8.

http://forums.finalgear.com/showthread.php?p=469160#postcount469160

@topic Hmmm. I'll have to try and keep my eye on SBS and see if I can see this commericial.

[_MetalliX_]

I seriously doubt it, Clarkson hates Australia and has stated it publically a few times.
His reason, and I agree with him, our road rules are ridiculous. Last time he was here he received a few fines!!!
He's Jeremy Clarkson, he hates everything! :P

If they can go to America, they can definitely come here, besides he has always said he loved our cars.

[Lloyd1986]

He's Jeremy Clarkson, he hates everything! :P

If they can go to America, they can definitely come here, besides he has always said he loved our cars.

Exactly, clarkson hates America even more than he hates Australia.

[thermos]

The VXR8 should be on the 02 Dec 2007 Top Gear.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/show/nextepisode.shtml

Hold onto your cork-brimmed hats this Sunday as Vauxhall throws another V8-powered shrimp on our motoring barbie. This is just a mere taster of the cultural stereotyping you can expect when Clarkson checks out the replacement for the much-loved Aussie Monaro - the VXR8.

[BadMac]

Check out the article and whats behind the Stig.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article492159.ece

[QIKMIK]

The VXR8 should be on the 02 Dec 2007 Top GearCan't wait for it!

Mick

[GJ227]

5th gear had the VXR8 on last week, Vicky Butler-Henderson drove it and loved it, said it had more Braun than Brains, as it has come from Australia I can see why.

Good write up.

GJ227

[_MetalliX_]

The Top Gear test of the VXR8 is only a day away, but I have a feeling the review may not be as positive as we may have hoped.

Here is an excerpt from an article on the Top Gear website:


"Lewis has to deal with not only water but also oil leaked from Jeremy's VXR8 on track earlier in the day."

Either way can't wait to see his review!

[gm4life]

The Top Gear test of the VXR8 is only a day away, but I have a feeling the review may not be as positive as we may have hoped.

Here is an excerpt from an article on the Top Gear website:



Either way can't wait to see his review!

Oh that don't sound too good. Maybe he'll blame it on 5th gear. I can't wait to see it, I like Top Gear car revews better than I do 5th gear's.

[Gen3Unistudent]

Episode aired few hours ago and the links up

VXR8 didnt do as well as i thought it would around the track. From the past episodes, i think Clarksons biased against Australians ever since the world cup referee call he didnt like.

http://www.mininova.org/tor/1025236

[SCiFiRE]

I dont think its so much clarkson, He does make fun of the cars a bit but you can tell he likes them.

None of the Aussie cars have done really well on the track, definatly a few seconds off what i thought they would. They seem to handle themselves better against the competition in the aussie motor mags. Maybe stiggie is too heavy on the throttle? both the monaro and vxr8s seemed to oversteer alot in his laps.

[TriShield]

The car aquitted itself well. I can't wait to see them show up here in the US. If only it was sporting HSV bodywork.

[BadMac]

Heres a link ot the VXR8 segment only.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_3rbeW4IMY)

[Alex(AUS)]

Episode aired few hours ago and the links up

VXR8 didnt do as well as i thought it would around the track. From the past episodes, i think Clarksons biased against Australians ever since the world cup referee call he didnt like.

http://www.mininova.org/tor/1025236

Eh ... it lapped 3 tenths slower than a 911 Turbo (4wd) in the wet ... that is pretty bloody good!!!

Alex

[CharlieDontSurf]

The esp was clearly off and the stig had it all pretty straight considering it was wet. That 911 turbo time says it all

[Gen3Unistudent]

Yes it did just miss out on the 911 time, which in itself is quite an achievment. But all i am saying, after watching top gear for many years, with the cars that they really like (aston martin etc), they usually say its wet outside so we will wait until track dries out to get a time.

If it was dry, i have no doubt it would be on top half of board

[thermos]

They should of at least indicated that its a wet time.

[Alex(AUS)]

Yes it did just miss out on the 911 time, which in itself is quite an achievment. But all i am saying, after watching top gear for many years, with the cars that they really like (aston martin etc), they usually say its wet outside so we will wait until track dries out to get a time.

If it was dry, i have no doubt it would be on top half of board

I have watched all of the Top Gear episodes and the common rule is that a dry lap is 4 seconds faster than a wet one ... so it would have been around 1:27.3. The current lap leader board is as follows (bit old);



Car... Time Wet? Driver SxEp
Sea Harrier FA2 0.31.2 Navy 3x3
Renault F1 0.59.0 White 5x8

Aston Martin DBR9 1.08.6 White 6x6
Maserati MC12 1.18.9 white 6x2
Ferrari Enzo 1.19.0 White 5x2
Ariel Atom 1.19.5 White 5x9
Radical SR3 1.19.8 Black 1x9
Carrera GT 1.19.8 White 4x4
McMerc 1.20.9 White 4x2
Ford GT 1.21.9 White 4x8
Ferrari 360 CS 1.22.3 White 4x3
GT3 RS 1.22.3 White 4x3
Westfield XTR2 1.22.6 Black 1x3
Ferrari F430 1.22.9 White 6x8
Ferrari F430 spyder 1.23.2 white 6x8
Murcielago 1.23.7 White 3x4
Zonda 1.23.8 Black
Kooennoennioeggoennnisssoeuggooueeng 1.23.9 Black 2x7
Ariel R400 1.24.0 Black
TVR Sagaris 1.24.6 White 6x7
TVR Tuscan 2 1.24.8 White 5x3
EVO FQ 400 1.24.8 White 5x7
Noble 3.0 1.25 Black
Caterham R400 1.25.0 Black
Lambo Gallardo 1.25.8 W White 3x4
Morgan Aero 8 GTN 1.25.9 White 5x5
EVO VIII MR FQ 320 1.26 White 4x4
BMW M5 1.26.2 White 6x9
Lotus Exige 1.26.4 White 4x1
Ferrari 575 (GTC Handling pack) 1.26.8 White 5x4
Corvette 1.26.8 White 4x10
Merc CLS 55 AMG 1.26.9 White 6x1
Vanquish S 1.27.1 White 5x4
911 GT3 1.27.2 W White 3x1
Spyker C8 1.27.3 White 4x7
TVR 350C 1.27.5 Black
Wiesman 1.27.9 White 6x3
M3 CSL 1.28 W White 3x2
MTM Bimoto 1.28 Black 1x10
Lotus Elise Sport 190 1.28.2 Black
Dodge SRT10 (VIPER) 1.28.5 W White 5x3
MG SV 1.28.6 White 3x7
New Boxter 1.28.7 white 5x7
Porsche 911S (997) 1.28.9 W White 5x1
Mitsubishi EVO VIII 1.28.9 Black
BMW 645Ci 1.28.? White 4x5
Murcielago 1.29.0 W Black
Merc CL65 1.29.0 White 4x9
Alpina Z8 1.29 Black 2x3
ASONE 1.29 Black 1x10
Impreza Sti WRX WR-1 1.29.4 White 4x4
Alfa 3.7 GTA 1.30 White
Impreza STi 1.30.1 Black
Aston DB7GT 1.30.4 Black 2x4
Audi S4 1.30.9 Black
911 Turbo 1.31.0 W Black
Vauxhall VX Turbo 1.31.3 Black
NSX Type R 1.31.6 W White 3x9
BMW 535d 1.31.8 White 6x10
Mazda RX8 1.31.8 White 3x5
BMW M3 1.31.8 Black
Nissan 350Z 1.31.8 White
Focus RS 1.32.2 Black
Esprit V8 1.32.5 Black
TT V6 1.32.7 White 3x8
Honda Civic Type R 1.32.8 White 5x9
Jaguar E-Type 1.32.8 White 6x5
New SLK 1.32.9 White 5x7
Seat Leon Cupra 1.32.9 White 5x6
Vauxhall Astra VXR 1.33.0 White 6x9
Noble 1.33.1 W Black
SL AMG 55 1.33.2 W Black 1x6
Golf R32 1.33.3 Black
Cadillac CTS-V 1.33.4 W White 6x4
VW Golf GTi 1.33.7 White 5x6
Clio Cup 1.33.8 White 4x6
Focus RS 1.33.8 Black 1x2
Loser (Holden) 1.33.9 W White 3x6
Renault Megane 225 1.34.0 White 5x6
Mini S Works 1.34.2 White 5x6
MG ZT 260 1.35.0 White 4x5
S60R 1.35 Black 2x9
Ferrari 575 1.35.2 W Black 1x4
Alfa 147GTA 1.35.6 Black
Lotus Elise 111S 1.35.6 W Black
Citroen C4 VTS 1.35.8 White 5x6
Aston Vanq 1.36.2 W Black 1x4
Clio V6 1.36.2 W Black
Civic Type R 1.36.5 Black
Saab 9-5 HOT AERO 1.37.9 White 3x3
Honda Civic Type-R 1.38.06 Black 1x2
Mazzer 1.38.6 W Black
Subaru Impreza WRX 1.39 Black 1x2
Bowler 1.39.4 Black 2x1
Bentley Arnage 1.40.8 Black 1x5
James May's used Porsche 944 1.43 White 5x6
Hamster's used Porsche 924 1.44 White 5x6
Overfinch 1.44.0 Black 2x10
JC's used & abused Porsche 928 1.45 White 5x6
Aston Martin DB5 1.46.0 White 6x5


Alex

[Gen3Unistudent]

The list is bit old but dont matter, but its very easy to just say add 4 seconds to get the real time, cars handle differently in wet (obviously). Any way, how good did Hamilton drive? Even in the wet he managed just to miss out on Stigs lap time which he completed on a dry track.

Also, loved that drag race he had with the Euros.

[Cruzadr]

I don't think he gave the R8 a bad review he just said he'd rather own an M5 and I don't think any of us would honestly disagree with that. I also agree with his comments on the styling. I just wonder if it would be a lot more popular in Europe if it didn't carry the Vauxhall badge. GM might do themselves a favour if they chucked on a Chevvy badge or even a Holden Special Import kinda badge. Oh, and make it about 100 times smaller, looked like someone had thrown a sliver frisbee at the boot and it stuck on.

How good was Hamilton's lap in the wet that dudes got excess talent dripping out his arse, which appears to be where he does most of his talking, I guess he's earnt it though.

[Curtis-R]

Heres a link ot the VXR8 segment only.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_3rbeW4IMY

Just went to check it out.. Youtube message says

"This video has been removed due to terms of use violation" :(

Bummer..

[lee ls1]

i thought that Clarkson gave the R8 a great review! like said above he would rather have a M5 (well me to) but got to have a look at the differences in $! Am not sure if you can remember the early Top Gear shows cos Clarkson has always hated Vauxhalls, he got kicked off Top Gear in the mid 90's cos the only thing he could find worth talking about the new Vauxhall Verta (as it was then) was the door mirrors, it took the Monaro to change his point of view on Vauxhall, and they should def brand the vxr8/R8 as a Holden not chev as that is now Daewoo in the UK (which is worse then walking lol)

[Rustle]

http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=7729627172535397677&q=top+gear+VXR8&total=4&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3

google/youtube link

[Zero5]

Nice Link - Thanks.

I thought the review was great.

All 'round top effort blokes! Now bang another prawn on the barbie and bring me the sheila's... seriously though - why does he need to go on with that Aussie rubbish - it was funny the first time...

[cheech09]

http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=7729627172535397677&q=top+gear+VXR8&total=4&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3

google/youtube link

The R8 did a lap time of 1.31.3 wet vs 911 turbo 1.31.0 when you compare both times I think this is bloody good.
When you think that the new nissan gtr is based or born to kill a 911 turbo.
Soren

[SteveK]

Saw the show yesterday and although it did a 'wet' lap, Jeremy did say he loved it and you could tell by the smile on his face that he was having a ball.

Loved his comment "It's amazing you don't pour beer on it to turn it off".

[Big_Valven]

Haha so true.

They don't get MRC on theirs do they? I think that would make JCs day, the more gadgets on the bastard the better, but then he gets in the M5 and whinges for half an episode about how there are too many controls and crap.

I honestly don't see how they would improve it by adding 340.2 gearbox settings and making the interior light timer infinitely variable... just more crap to go wrong, just like it does on the euros...

I'm glad there wasn't any mention of poor interior quality, I would have hoped it would be up to JCs standards by now.

[V-Car]

I'm glad there wasn't any mention of poor interior quality, I would have hoped it would be up to JCs standards by now.

Actually i dont think he was too impressed with the interior, as he said the dash looked like a Curry's Home Brand Stereo.

[MK1]

If you want to watch the all the latest Top Gear episodes the are available here

http://www.finalgear.com/shows/topgear/

The R8 is the latest episode that was aired in the UK on 2nd December 07.

[SSTEALTH]

Thought I'd post this link...sorry if you have seen it before.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8q89oC_tZo&feature=related)

[MAPHSV]

i think that after waiting 24 years, we finally get to see the R8 on Top Gear tomorrow night at 7:30.

i know we have all downloaded it or seen it on Youtube but it will be great to see it again.

I must admit it made me think of getting one and 4 months ago I did and love driving it everyday.

[iloveholden]

i think that after waiting 24 years, we finally get to see the R8 on Top Gear tomorrow night at 7:30.

i know we have all downloaded it or seen it on Youtube but it will be great to see it again.

I must admit it made me think of getting one and 4 months ago I did and love driving it everyday.

Thats good to hear mate, they are a good car, and over the years Top Gear have really amired HSV's cars and their great value for money.

[CSP]

I never get tired of watching that...

[CLUBRED]

JC has liked our cars for sometime, you can go back to I think the VT or VX he tested (also a Clubby from memory).

[MAPHSV]

I never get tired of watching that...

Me either that is why I mentioned it just in case we all want to see it again.

[korrupt]

The new episode for next week (or maybe this week) has JC in a GTR racing against one of those Japanese 'bullet' trains, apparently.

[MAPHSV]

The new episode for next week (or maybe this week) has JC in a GTR racing against one of those Japanese 'bullet' trains, apparently.

That was last night in England.

That race with the bullet was really good. (Got to love fast Internet!!)

I was talking about the one on SBS here in Australia.

[Rustle]

i didn't know Vicky Henderson was on Top gear?
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJBIjGtwowk)

[seangell]

She sure was... Way back before the current 3some, and before the BBC rejigged the show (partly because clarkson left and ratings went down) and started over again (Season 1, 2,etc). Tiff Needel was also apart of it among many other in its 23yr history. But after the rejig, Tiff and VBH went off to star in Fith Gear.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear_(original_format)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear_(current_format)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Gear

[MAPHSV]

i didn't know Vicky Henderson was on Top gear?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJBIjGtwowk

That was a long long time ago, before the Top Gear you know of today.

[CSP]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8q89oC_tZo&feature=related

Was it this segment that was meant to be on the SBS (season 10) episode tonight? Cause it wasn't.

Loving season 11 though :D

[O350VY]

Hi Mate, I saw it on Top Gear a few weeks ago?

[MAPHSV]

So the new Top Gear magazine had that the R8 would be on last night episode.

It wasn't. Can't anyone in SBS read english!! Or is that magazine a load of crap.

If SBS and Top Gear can't even get that date right we all know how SBS are going to stuff up Top Gear Australia, then don't we.

Not a good start SBS!!!

[korrupt]

So the new Top Gear magazine had that the R8 would be on last night episode.

It wasn't. Can't anyone in SBS read english!! Or is that magazine a load of crap.

If SBS and Top Gear can't even get that date right we all know how SBS are going to stuff up Top Gear Australia, then don't we.

Not a good start SBS!!!
Why are you blaming SBS ? I don't think they ever advertised this episode being shown. It was only mentioned in the magazine.

[BullockBob]

Why are you blaming SBS ? I don't think they ever advertised this episode being shown. It was only mentioned in the magazine.

Presumably the mag got if from somewhere though.

[MAPHSV]

So does this mean the Top Gear Mag has nothing to do with SBS then?

[_MetalliX_]

The VXR8 features in Season 10 Episode 8 of Top Gear.

SBS aired Season 10 Episode 7 on Monday, so just under 1 week left to go before you get to see Clarkson's take on the HSV on local television.

Currently, Top Gear is up to Season 11 Episode 4 which aired Sunday night in the UK.

Top Gear magazine will more than likely link to the SBS airing of Top Gear, and for its first issue its understandable they would preview the VXR8 review which was just 2 episodes away.

[Calais V 6.0]

So does this mean the Top Gear Mag has nothing to do with SBS then?

Ah.... no.

Top Gear mag is part of the BBC as is the TV show. If their was a link in Australia it would be the ABC... But there isn't. (a link there lol)


:jester: