Top Gear Australia Episode One
September 18, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
The opening line of this press release issued this morning by SBS makes us worry just a little bit. “If you thought the Brits had done it all with Top Gear – wait until you see Top Gear Australia”
Oh dear, already drawing a comparison to the UK show? Perhaps it’s just publicity to generate hype, but we’ve spent the last few months trying to lower our own expectations of Top Gear Australia so we are not disappointed. After all, we want Top Gear, sure, but we want an Australianised Top Gear which needs not compare itself to Top Gear UK.
The first episode will air on SBS Television on Monday 29 September at 7:30pm. The first series will only consist of eight episodes whilst the second series is still not confirmed for production.
The first episode will see hosts Charlie Cox, Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati play hard with all-wheel drives on sand and snow. The question which we were all wondering, can Top Gear get the supercars in Australia seems to have been answered, the first episode will see a glimpse of the new LP560 Lamborghini Gallardo super sportscar and the latest Porsche 911.
Apparently Warren Brown even decides to have a go swimming with Great White Sharks off the coast of Port Lincoln – using himself as the bait.
First studio guess and first Australian celebrity to go around the Australian Top Gear track? Vince Colosimo (starring in SBS’s Carla Cametti, PD).
“Surf, snow, sand, sharks and supercars – episode one of Top Gear Australia has got the lot! Charlie, Warren and Steve – well, Charlie and Steve – have driven like stars and Warren has done his best with sharks and sausages. SBS is incredibly proud of this first episode in an amazing new series which takes Australia’s passion for cars in exciting new directions.” said Top Gear Australia’s SBS Executive Producer, Denise Eriksen.
We recently caught up with the guys from Top Gear Australia, we are also giving away a Top Gear shirt to the best idea for a Top Gear Australia segment.
Click through to the next page for an image gallery of Top Gear Australia.
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Is that a Mini Moke diving car? Nice!
Take a note of the SUV’s rego numbers.They will be at auction soon! Lol.
I have always thought when watching UK Top Gear ‘this show needs more Rav4’s, X-trails, and forrester comparisans!
/sarcasm.
I’m a bit disappointed already, i wanted a car show. The comedy only works with the three brits.
Tom how do you know these guys can’t be funny?
I love top gear because its not just about cars its about entertainment, fun and adventure even.
if you want a car show just watch fifth gear?
I’m not expecting this show to beat the uk version but I am hoping that it is enjoyable so I’m open for anything when it comes to this new series
I cannot wait.
you are right kgl. Fifth Gear is the real car show and the car show that Top Gear used to be up until 2001, at least.
Top Gear has twice the audience or more than Fifth Gear because it is Entertainment,as you rightly note.
But you wouldn’t listen to any of the guys from TG if you were seeking advice on a particular car, you would listen to the presenters on Fifth Gear or better still, read the reviews on Car Advice!
I already feel a serge of pride, I can’t wait to see the first of hopefully many series. These boys were picked out of 4000 applications, they would have to be well rounded in their knowledge and be entertaining as well. Come on Aussie.
I’m open to all that the show has to offer and will try not to compare. I’m happy to watch BOTH shows of course.
The UK lads have brilliant chemistry on camera. I’m not expecting these guys to try to copy them, but I expect they’ll have their own brand of chemistry.
We have some real characters here in Australia. I’m sure we all know that older guy that has a quirky taste in motoring and a great many stories to tell (the likes of Paul Cockburn).
Comment above me ^^. Sounds like a very insperational guy!
Just read that Vince Colosimo will appear on the first show.
Now I know the series is going to be crap.
Must say I am looking forward to this show.
BUT why oh why , like so many media these days, do they refer to the top gear UK as a ‘Brit’ show. Brits are what the seppos call them. We call them POMS!!!!!!!!!
“Just read that Vince Colosimo will appear on the first show.
Now I know the series is going to be crap. ” – LOL Reck!
I just hope they don’t just have stars of SBS tv shows only trying to crosspromote SBS programs through this show…
Tony said” But you wouldn’t listen to any of the guys from TG if you were seeking advice on a particular car”.
You’re right there. We all know how Clarkson feels about Vauxhalls particularly the Vectra. Currently outsells the new mondeo by far. Indeed Vauxhall have 3 in the top ten sellers.
Do SBS do the internet streaming bit like the BBC. I’d love to see the show.
and guess who wins the battle of the soft roaders….starts with a N…
JEYKL AND HYDE Says:
September 19th, 2008 at 10:17 am
“and guess who wins the battle of the soft roaders….starts with a N…”
Actually, it starts with a V (brand) and a T (vehicle). Shame they didn’t review it though (yet). I’ll let you figure out the rest…
vw,at least you don’t dispute your colours…and i bet you indicate with your left hand too(a learned skill,easily forgotten)
Shame you cant actually, you know, buy a Tiguan (sic).
well you can place a deposit but you wont take delivery until May next year. (TDI). kinda makes it Salesproof.
Even A vw_Freak would not wait that long..
Just heard channel nine are considering Doug Mulray / Shane Warne / James Morrison for the show. AWESOME NEWS!