Thứ Bảy, 28 tháng 1, 2017

Model S to be on Top Gear US. part 1

  • Oct 18, 2013
    hj-45
  • Oct 18, 2013
    yobigd20
    Top Gear again? Uh oh. Logs enabled please.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    bareyb
    I'm surprised they are giving those idiots another car. I'd tell them to pound sand (whatever that means)... Hopefully they get someone with a higher IQ than a Gnat this time...
  • Oct 18, 2013
    SwedishAdvocate
    I�ve never seen the US version� There�s no difference at all between Top Gear UK and Top Gear US? Did the US version also lie about two Roadsters?
  • Oct 18, 2013
    Grendal
    The US version is shown on the History Channel. Just like all the other Top Gears it has three guys that goof on each other while racing cars around. There is probably little connection to the UK Top Gear but it is still just an entertainment show. I would doubt that there is a Top Gear vendetta against Tesla. They will probably give their own biased opinion of the car and leave it at that. It has no where near the same level of viewers as the UK version so even if they goof on the car it will have little to no effect on people's perception. I expect a positive review as long as they don't try to do a long road trip or a lengthy thrashing around the track.

    And no, the US version has never tested a Tesla at all.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    hj-45
    The US version is only in its 4th season, and they have not featured anything regarding the Roadster. A little more internet searching comes up with Rutledge and the Stig driving the Model S at the Willows Spring track and maybe comparing it to a Merc S550. After the last fiasco, I doubt Tesla would cooperate with either Top Gear US or UK. I am sure there is enough separation in the franchises that the US producers operate independently of the influence of Jeremy Clarkson. However, some of the US shows copy-cat the UK scenarios..... hopefully, this is not one of them.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    Brit4864
    It was the UK version (mainly Jeremy Clarkson) that massacred the Roadster test drive. What did they expect running a Roadster flat out on a racetrack as fast as possible for as long as possible? I believe Tesla won't allow them to test drive a Model S because of that misleading review.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    bareyb
  • Oct 18, 2013
    Grendal
    I am going to bet they bought or borrowed the Model S they used for the show. I doubt Tesla will have loaned them a car.

    I will also bet that they give a positive review of the car.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    bareyb
    They may not. Tesla basically caught them with their pants down the first time. They could potentially use this as a chance for revenge.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    techMology
    Totally different production crew, and none of the hosts are anywhere close to as polarizing as Clarkson (or Hammond or May for that matter).

    I'm a big fan of the UK series, and while the US version originally emulated the UK formula very closely in format, it has morphed into a "challenge" based show with the three hosts basically hooning around in various challenges.

    I didn't like the US version at first, but it has grown on me. Once I stopped expecting to be as good as, and the same show as the UK version, it's quite enjoyable. I like Tanner, Rut, and Adam, too. They're very endearing in a benign sort of way.

    My money is on them giving the car a very positive review.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    Grendal
    I totally agree with your assessment. I feel the same way about the show too.
  • Oct 18, 2013
    Cinematechs
    Me three!
  • Oct 18, 2013
    Palpatine
    I paused the video when it was on the Model S dash.
    It said approx 4800 miles on the car.
    The dash showed a date of May something. I think it was a P85+. It was tough to get a clear view of the rear no matter how many frames I checked.
  • Oct 19, 2013
    PokerBroker
    I absolutely love the US Top Gear, the interaction between the hosts is hilarious, their antics are ridiculous, and you can tell they just flat out love great cars. They will give the Mosel S a great review. UK Top Gear got caught with their pants down as an early reviewer of Tesla and choosing to bash them. They're eating their words now.
  • Oct 19, 2013
    vfx
    Also agree with your summery.

    I'm going to say the review will be positive as the underling theme of the show has always been "America, *** Yeah!!" and Tesla is a California car.
  • Oct 19, 2013
    huntjo
    This. I enjoy the British version a little more because they talk funny, but the US version is more about car enthusiasts clowning and trying out cool stuff that the viewer wants to see and dream bout doing themselves in a you tube video. Clarkson and co. come up with niggling problems with some amazing vehicles and then proceed to harp on them relentlessly.
  • Oct 19, 2013
    Jason S
    Ditto the dittos. The show is fun and I don't compare it to the UK one because I've never searched out or seen an entire episode of the UK one. I told the DVR to record Top Gear and I ended up with the US one because the UK one is on a channel I don't get.

    One guy is basically the Stig without the helmet; one guy is basically a comic and one guy is basically just a dude who is into cars.
  • Oct 29, 2013
    vfx
    Looks like next week Tues is the electric ca rVS Gasoline car show. Saw a Fiat 500 (e?) in a mall.
  • Oct 31, 2013
    NigelM
    Model S on Top Gear (U.S.)

    Just saw a preview of the U.S. Version of Top Gear and there was Model S. The episode is airing next Tuesday (11/05) on the History Channel at 9.00pm Eastern on my Verizon listing, although the website states 10.00pm Eastern
  • Oct 31, 2013
    Discoducky
    I don't have cable and noticed that the History channel is not posting these episodes online anymore without a cable subscription :(
  • Oct 31, 2013
    EdA
    If the Supercharger network were up, I'd say "stop by"...
  • Oct 31, 2013
    Discoducky
    :smile:

    Prior to kids and wife, I'd say be right...err...be there in 2983.0 mi, 43 hr 3 min driving
    43 hr 21 min with traffic
    view route based on traffic
  • Oct 31, 2013
    Zextraterrestrial
    I'll pick you up on my way, but the dogs are coming :wink:
  • Oct 31, 2013
    Raven
    I watched the Sturgis episode online and I don't have cable or sat. I believe that's the most recent episode.
  • Oct 31, 2013
    Lloyd
    I have not watched the show since the roadster episode. I encourage others not to watch their 'entertainment' also!
  • Oct 31, 2013
    Cal1

    Got it set on the recorder. Thanks!
  • Oct 31, 2013
    DIL
    FWIW, this is a feature on Top Gear USA, not the BBC version with Jeremy Clarkson. Hopefully we will get a positive AND entertaining review.
  • Nov 1, 2013
    ChriZ
    I just set my timer to record. It's saying 11/5 7pm PST starts.
  • Nov 1, 2013
    JeremiahJ
    Love the show... DVD it every week. BTW, this is a very different show from the BBC version. I just hope they don't let Adam drive it... he breaks everything!

    - - - Updated - - -

    Oops.. DVR
  • Nov 1, 2013
    fluxemag
    I can't believe the US version is still on TV. Maybe it's because I've watched the original for so long, but I don't like the presenters. They basically try to mimic the UK version, unsuccessfully. But I'll definitely watch it for this episode.
  • Nov 1, 2013
    Discoducky
    I wasn't a big fan of the show in the first season, but the current is really growing on me. Watched the Sturgis show last night (my hotel has cable!!!) and it was really good. Suggest you try watching this episode to see if it is more palatable for you.
  • Nov 1, 2013
    Grendal
    I didn't like the show at first either. I found it took a while to get the UK version out of my head and accept the US version as a completely different show. It's not quite as funny but it does have its own merits IMO.

    As I mentioned on another thread about this, I expect their review to be a positive one. I doubt they have an anti-EV agenda like Clarkson has.
  • Nov 2, 2013
    NigelM
    Saw another promo; seems the guys get to drive 3 EVs in some competition between them and the winner gets to drive Model S.
  • Nov 4, 2013
    LawlessEV
    Hi All. This is my first post to Teslamotorsclub. I can give a little insight into the Top Gear Episode. We did not use my Tesla S in the filming, (I don't know who's it was), but we did use two of my electric race vehicles and one from another EV racing team that I sponsor. If you watch the preview you will see them briefly. I have not seen the finished show but can tell you that the vibe was very positive and that the guys and crew were all great and we had a lot of fun.
  • Nov 4, 2013
    Discoducky
    Welcome and thanks for the insight! Hope they treated your cars well!
  • Nov 4, 2013
    Gizmotoy
    I've loved watching the show since they switched to the all-challenge style in Season 2. It was a great decision, as pitting the three hosts against each other every week gives them a chance to develop their chemistry. It's worked, too, as they're constantly making little jabs at each other, which is a lot of what makes the UK series so fun to watch. I noticed they were starting to work car tests back in (they did a Mini a 3 weeks ago), which is a smart move.

    Tanner loved my current car in Season 1, I'm excited to see what he thinks of the S.
  • Nov 4, 2013
    DIL
    They've managed to improve the chemistry between the hosts and I agree that if you separate it in your head from the British version, it's actually quite good. Can't wait to see what they do with the S.
  • Nov 4, 2013
    vfx
  • Nov 5, 2013
    Shumdit
    Anyone notice when he first gets in the car there is only 34 miles of range left? :eek:
  • Nov 5, 2013
    thelastdeadmouse
    I did. I assume the order in which they actually shot the footage was the reverse of how it was aired. I'm glad they weren't timing the run since range that's that low probably has a noticeable effect for a quarter mile run.
  • Nov 5, 2013
    stephenpace
    Wow, very nice review in the end! Glad the Stig did his thing on the track to beat the Merc, although I was worried the weight of two guys was going to tip the scales given the Merc run only had one.
  • Nov 5, 2013
    Cadester
    Just watched it myself and the first thing I mentioned to the wife when the stig pulled up to the line was about the extra Rutledge weight. :) I loved seeing it beat the Merc!
  • Nov 5, 2013
    gg_got_a_tesla
    Fun episode although the shenanigans with the three EVs were a bit of a drag at times. A mention of Superchargers when "searching for an outlet in the desert" would have been nice. Good stuff all the same for Tesla.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    RainmakerJL
    They are trying to be entertaining with the goofy stuff but they really sre not. Its a very uncomfortable watch. As i wait for my tesla the last 10 mins of the episode was fun to watch.... I wonder how many miles they will get on those tires driving it that hard... :)
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Gizmotoy
    This was easily the most awkward Top Gear US episode since season one. Really forced. You could tell they didn't really know what to do with those little electrics. I wouldn't judge the show based on this particular episode. The remainder of the season has been excellent (watch Alaskan Adventure or Off Road Racing, perhaps). It's clear they still haven't quite gotten the hang of the car reviews, and are much better at the construction challenges.

    The Tesla segment was good, though.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Zythryn
    I would love to have a clip of just the Tesla intro section. Loved the camera work and FX!
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Discoducky
    Ugh, every full episode is locked with the internet from the hotel I'm currently at :(
  • Nov 6, 2013
    DIL
    Aside from the Tesla portion at the end, this was one of their weakest episodes. When they did get around to it, the Model S segment was awesome. Spoiler alert: Sweet grey/grey/grey P85+ beat Merc S550 handily by 3 seconds! You could tell Rutledge was genuinely impressed. However, as usual, the writers/producers are willing to sacrifice factual truth for entertainment value. To whine about range without mentioning the supercharger network is a severe misrepresentation.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Gizmotoy
    To be fair, though, they were in Michigan... nowhere near a Supercharger.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    JeremiahJ
    The episode was a bit unimpressive... It wasn't one of their best for sure. That said, the Model S was impressive.

    SPOILERS: I am not quite sure that a P85+ would out quarter miles a Camaro ZL1 (I think the Camaro specs out around .5 seconds faster, but I could be wrong). But I won't complain too much. I would have been surprised if it didn't beat the S550 though (which it did). Other things I noticed: they must have filmed the segments backwards because the range increased in almost every shot; the MS had a California carpool lane sticker (but only 1 not the required 3); Tesla needs to hire their videographer, because the shots of the car were downright sexy.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    phat78boy
    I wish my Tesla went 50+ in reverse. Lol, good episode IMHO.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Shumdit
    If you know the right guy (like Rutledge did) maybe you can!
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Luder94
    Did anyone watch this last night? I did, but don't want to give away anything just in case of **spoiler**.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Btrflyl8e
    I just watched it. :biggrin:
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Cal1
    Very curious if anyone thought they were overplaying their impressions of the model s. I think any real car guy HAS to be awed by an S's performance. This combined with the "full tank every morning" is why I bought the stock AFTER I bought the car. It's just a matter of time before the real and full truth about these great cars is fully understood by the masses. Then look out!

    I don't think they were faking their reactions just a little unsure what to make of it. Hard to hide the joy of this kind of acceleration.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    Grendal
    Their review seems exactly like anyone that comes from pure ICE background coming across new technology. You can intellectualize your expectations but the reality of what the car does astound the person. The first time reviewer seems to always bring the range anxiety baggage that quickly goes away with an actual buyer that interacts with the car on a daily basis.

    Overall a very positive review as I predicted. They loved the car for the brief time they had to drive it. They lacked a lot of knowledge that we take for granted. A positive review is the best we'll get for now and I'll take it. Beating a souped up muscle car and a sporty Merc was just gravy. We can be grateful they didn't try for a bunch of laps and then whine about how the car powers down when driven hard for a long period.
  • Nov 6, 2013
    gjunky
    yep watched it too. A bunch of stupid stuff but overall pretty good
  • Nov 6, 2013
    FlasherZ
    What I thought was most telling was not the review of the Model S, but rather their experiences in the S10, the dragster, and the 944 - all electrified. You could tell that they were surprised at the times delivered by those vehicles, they had the preconceived notion that every electric car had the acceleration of a 1983 Yugo.
  • Nov 7, 2013
    Half Dollar Bill
    Have I missed something on the forums? At the 57 minute mark Rut says that Tesla has a pickup model in the pipeline. Not sure I get that body style choice.
  • Nov 7, 2013
    ipryor
    Great video :) Rutledge's enthusiasm really comes through there at the end!
  • Nov 7, 2013
    Gizmotoy
    That is one of the rumors. Nothing at all to support it from what I've seen, but it is a rumor.
  • Nov 7, 2013
    TEG
    Felt like a Tesla commercial. Perhaps US Top Gear is trying to make up for UK Top Gear shenanigans.

    ---

    At one point without explanation, they say that EVs are not really ready yet (equating them to "pong" in the video game chronology.)

    I get the feeling that the actors / drivers were really just working through scripts written by others.

    It was nice to get this exposure for EVs & Tesla.
    Seems like they did some research on various EV topics before doing the show. Bringing up the reverse speed record, being able to drive indoors, desire for engine sound noise makers, etc.

    It was good that they didn't stoop to showing an EV running out of charge, or someone waiting for a long time at a charging station. They mentioned charging overnight and being full in the morning which was good.

    Basically pro EV with a few jabs here and there.

    - - - Updated - - -


    http://www.teslamotors.com/forum/forums/teslas-future-pickup-trucks


    Possible Electric Pickup Plant Powers Tesla Talks With Texas Legislature - PickupTrucks.com News
  • Nov 7, 2013
    Gizmotoy
    I thought that was a pretty decent analogy. Don't forget that despite the shortcomings, Pong blew people away when it came out and ushered in a revolution in gamaing. Look at where video games are now. We can only hope current EVs are like Pong.
  • Nov 7, 2013
    gg_got_a_tesla
    True. But, the TG hosts sorta' meant that to be semi-derogatory; Pong = primitive.
  • Nov 9, 2013
    dailydriver
    I just watched it. They raise the legitimate concerns/limitations about EVs, but it is very positive overall. I'm glad they included the custom built drag vehicles to show just how powerful/quick a battery powered vehicle can be. The testing and review of the Model S were great for demonstrating how this EV is better than iconic performance and luxury cars.
  • Nov 9, 2013
    stevezzzz
    I laughed out loud several times watching the show. These guys are funny, and the overall impression they left is very favorable toward the Model S.
  • Nov 10, 2013
    gpetti
    Just saw this episode, (skipped ahead to the tesla part). Definitely a very positive review and not just raving about the acceleration - looked pretty good round the track against the merc, especially with the extra weight. Maybe I didn't watch it closely enough but I didn't really notice any negatives at all. Most reviewers try to addat least one or two critical points to add some balance but this seemed predominantly positive. One question I do have is about the color of the vehicle they were driving. It looked too dark to be grey but not exactly black either. I'm wondering if it was a trick of light or maybe a color we can't get in canada. Can anyone clarify? I thought this color looked great and I still have time to change the color on my order.
  • Nov 10, 2013
    SwedishAdvocate
    I don't know. But I'm willing to bet money that it was the grey metallic. I think you're right when guessing that it could very well be some sort of lighting and/or filter on the camera lens and/or digital post-production alteration.
  • Nov 10, 2013
    AWDtsla
    If you say so. US Top Gear is a snoozefest...
  • Nov 10, 2013
    vfx

    Good review TEG. They really did do their homework. I don't think the different nation Top Gears have much to do with each other. Notice Rutlege's AMERICAN stance on the Tesla. It's a very important aspect of the show. USA USA! That theme benefited Tesla and not showing the desert-charge fear or long tailpipe mentions.You would not see such Americanism on the OZ or UK versions of TG. On the EV side they were also careful and left charging out of the equation by driving 80 miles and then charging overnight. As if it was normal, not exceptional.

    That mall footage was the world's slowest chase. We know those cars can do drifts and spinouts. I bet the mall would not allow it. Sorry the Spark did not replace the Ford. I'm sure Tanner would like it's pickup better.

    Franz has dropped the pickup hints a bunch. It's gonna happen someday.

    On the MS review, I too would have like a Supercharger mention and a frunk shot. All that MS footage looked like it was in Southern California. More tech would have been nice with a center of gravity mention, a 40 to 60 test and a constant acceleration comparison.

    I talked with Rut about his drive and he was truly impressed by his experience in the Tesla. He even called home to talk about it which apparently it is not something he normally does. He did have an issue with the lack of sound but we all know that that goes away with enough time behind the wheel and then other car's noises seem like a distraction. Tesla should loan him a car for two weeks.
  • Nov 10, 2013
    fiksegts
    I was in talks with them for weeks as they wanted to use my car in the show (quickest production EV, etc), in the end, it became a logistical mess, so I passed...

    Top Gear: Fully Charged Full Episode - Top Gear - History.com

    can't believe they raced with low miles left on the range, makes a big difference.....
  • Nov 10, 2013
    gg_got_a_tesla
    They also ended up using a P85+, right? Yours is not a + according to your forum signature?

    The color filter used did make the shade of Gray even more beautiful.
  • Nov 10, 2013
    vfx
  • Nov 10, 2013
    wormhole
    MS got very good reviews....
  • Nov 10, 2013
    wormhole
    I disagree in terms of color...i think it was a wrap and the wheels were powder coated black....
  • Nov 10, 2013
    jerry33
    I had that question once at a show. I responded that if the lack of sound was a problem, just turn up the audio.
  • Nov 10, 2013
    SwedishAdvocate
    I don�t think this episode is great for judging colors. For instance, take a look at the sky in this shot of the Merc. There are all kinds of visual trickery going on...

    daimler.jpg

    full.jpg

    wheel.jpg
  • Nov 11, 2013
    TheAustin
    No, it's definitely the stock grey with the Tesla performance grey/graphite wheels, with a high-contrast/grainy filter/post-production effect.
  • Nov 11, 2013
    btil
    I noticed the tires were Continentals. If it was a Performance + wouldn't they more than likey have been the staggered Michelin's?
  • Nov 11, 2013
    wormhole
    Correct ;) and still beat the S550
  • Nov 11, 2013
    mnx
    Overall not bad, although I was reminded why Top Gear US is not something I regularly watch. :) I too would have loved to see Tanner drive the Spark EV!

    If it had been a 5 lap race the S550 would have destroyed the Model S. It's quick for a lap or two (esp on a 1 mile track) but the gets slower and slower as the motor gets hot and the power limiter kicks in. I guess it doesn't really matter at the end of the day because there are no tracks with DC quick chargers at them. (except for maybe Tesla's test track in Fremont.) Hmmmm, that gets me thinking, Tesla should have a track day for owners on their track! :)
  • Nov 11, 2013
    brianman
    I disagree with this characterization.

    It gets slower (as a step function down) when the limiter kicks in. From there it's steady, not "slower and slower".
  • Nov 11, 2013
    mnx
    There are different levels of power limiting. Do you agree or disagree?
  • Nov 11, 2013
    canuckbuyer
    Is there a link to the Top Gear episode that works?
  • Nov 11, 2013
    Jken3
    Just saw the episode. Overall pretty lame. Glad "they" (only one guy drove the Tesla) liked it. Racing through malls and neighborhoods just seemed stupid to me. And whining that the car isn't noisy enough. Give me a break. First and last time I watch that show.
  • Nov 12, 2013
    mnx
    Pm sent.
  • Nov 12, 2013
    NigelM
    It's available on demand or you can see it online here but you have to login with your cable provider credentials (VerizonFIOS, DirecTV, Optimum or Xfinity). Sorry, don't know if any of that applies to Canada.
  • Nov 12, 2013
    Discoducky
    Haven't had cable for 4 years as the terms crook or thief isn't good enough for the likes of them. :cursing: Might be the one industry more backward than automobiles when it comes to customer satisfaction.
  • Nov 12, 2013
    canuckbuyer
    No this doesn't work in Canada - thanks for the reply.
  • Nov 12, 2013
    brianman
    I haven't seen that from overheating (or whatever) under "stress" driving. I've only seen that from cold weather and/or low SOC.
  • Nov 12, 2013
    Darren
  • Nov 12, 2013
    stopcrazypp
    I think what brian means is when tracking your car there are no "different levels of power limiting" that mnx is talking about. It's a sharp cut off to half power when a certain threshold is reached. The power does not gradually go down to half.

    There may be different levels when the battery is cold or too full (regen/power gradually returns as battery warms up or discharge).
  • Nov 13, 2013
    brianman
    I was referring to track driving in my "stress" comment.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Indeed. Crazy guy gets it. :)
  • Nov 13, 2013
    mnx
    I believe it will cut to 1/2 (~160kW) and then later reduce power even more. I believe that is what Doug_G is saying here: Model S on the Track - A Review

  • Nov 13, 2013
    yobigd20
    Like this:

    dupetadu.jpg

    6asura6y.jpg
  • Nov 13, 2013
    brianman
    Again, this doesn't match my track experience with the limiter. I've only been through 5 days of such driving though, and maybe it varies by climate somewhat.
  • Nov 13, 2013
    Discoducky
    My takeaways from the episode:

    1. Very positive towards Model S and TM. Wish they would have shown supercharging
    2. Not very positive towards the entry level EV's, but they did all comment on the instant torque
    3. Favorite comment by Rut as he gets into Model S, "I bet this is what the executive bathroom at Apple headquarters looks like" or maybe this one "its fast like a cheetah being chased by wasps on a rocket ship fast"

    Here's a pic I took of the display during the stigs lap. Now that is a high average!

    WP_20131113_008.jpg
  • Nov 14, 2013
    brianman
    Nah. That's nothin' to write home about.

    1506 Wh/mi for 30 mi
    Consumption_30Mile_1506.jpg

    1750 Wh/mi for 5 mi
    Consumption_05Mile_1750.jpg


    As for instantaneous, I took a spin through my logs and I think my "instantaneous peaks" from the streaming API are:
    • Power: 363 kW (@ 59mph) [Teslive Sunday, 2013/07/14 - memory card ate the video so not sure what activity]
    • Consumption: 10,667 Wh/mi (224 kW @ 21mph) [Autocross, 2013/06/23]
  • Nov 14, 2013
    brianman
    Turns out I had video of this one.

    Warning: Volume's a bit loud. Sorry.

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