Well we were lucky enough to attend the production of the very first episode of Top Gear Australia (aires 29th September).
So what did we think? We were about as excited as an ethiopian with a hamburger to begin with. Upon entering the hangar at Bankstown Airport, we were presented with Australia’s new top gear studio. The hangar looked pretty much identical to what the UK studio looks like on the box. A few cars littered around the outer edge of the hangar with a couple of couches on the center stage. Not to mention a few walls scattered with parts the local wrecker had probably been two steps from turfing into the bin.
What cars were there? A Lamborghini LP560-4 was on display, along with Porsche Carrera S, couple of paddock bashers (HG, camry and an XF faclon) and lastly the 4wd’s they reviewed (subaru/nissan and something else).
The new hosts are Charlie Cox, Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati, all of whom jumped on the center stage and briefly introduced themselves in a somewhat bumble and fumble of words - which was understandable, they were all probably pretty nervous.
Charlie Cox (John Farnham look alike)
His bio states that he has been racing in various forms of motorsports since 1990 or there abouts. Worked as a commentator in the UK and a string of other motorsport related jobs (more info here…). From the outset it was pretty obvious that the producers have groomed Charlie to become Australia’s Jeremy Clarkson. He didn’t really pull it off in my opinion and doesn’t seem to have a strong enough presence to do so.
Warren Brown (moustache like a pornstar - must have been a pool cleaner in a previous life)
A motoring columist for the Daily Telegraph and cartoonist. He has some bizarre interests including something to do with sharks and wrapping himself in sausages - more on this weirdo here. I honestly can’t say anything good about this guy, he seemed like the weakest link in the whole show. Maybe he is meant to take on James Mays’ role? Who knows, hopefully he steps up and or the editing is brilliant or else he’ll be emptying pool filters on camera rather than driving….
Steve Pizzati (who doesn’t own a freakin car!!!! maybe Justin Timberlakes long lost twin??)
The only one out of the bunch who seemed like he was ready for the role. Bright spritely fella who is an advanced driving instructor and driver for Porsche Australia’s team (Steve’s bio here). One thing that came as a huge surprise is that Steve doesn’t even own a car, he gets about on a bicycle and according to him he rides around 8,000k’s a year on his trusty tredley! He was by far the best of the lot, he had a personality and was able to speak off the cuff AND he was quite a humourous host!
The Show
As for the show, well it will more than likely be a big hit but it was hugely disappointing to see all that has been done is replicate the UK version. From what we saw, there is no Australian twist at all, it is a simple pick up all the pieces in the UK fly them across to Australia and place them neatly back together. Of course there were some great cars but the format didn’t stray for one second from the UK version. There was the stig (wearing the same white race gear and helmet), lap times, couches center stage, celebrity interviewed after a day of driving - nothing at all seemed to separate this from the UK version apart from geography.
It would have been nice to see the stig with an Aussie flagged helmet or suit, perhaps a green and gold suit? Also how about showing off some Aussie muscle for the first show? It’s the first so make it even remotely represent Australia.
Having said all of that, i’m still keen to see how it comes across on the box. It will more than likely be a hit for a while, but if it doesn’t start to bring a bit of Australia into it then I for one won’t be watching very long. The Brits bang on about their cars and how great they are on their show incessantly, we need to introduce something like this.
Anyways the first episode aires on the 29th of September - check it out and see for yourself if it’s going to be a big hit or ……
Topgear Australia sneak peak
Discuss Topgear Australia
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AJ
Posted In: Current News, Other, TV
