Car Advice
  • Home
  • »  Who should host Top Gear Australia

Who should host Top Gear Australia

By Alborz Fallah |

Since we can only think of Rove McManus as a replacement for the hamster, we thought we’d ask you who you would like to see host Top Gear Australia.

Click add answer to nominate your candidate or pick from the list below. You can add more than one candidate.

{democracy:11}

Now tell us why in the comments.


 
  • BOB

    The Stig should be Mark Skaife as hes pasted his prime in v8 supercars. and the presenter should be someone from caradvice or wheels or motor someone who knows atleast something about cars

  • Me.

    Dick Johnson any day, Rove should be for other shows alltogeter.

  • WCE

    there has to be At least one v8 supercar driver on this show. this is a big win for sbs getting top gear its good that its not going to the dicks at channel 7. they ruined v8s with all the ads. Craig Lowndes would be great but hes to good to let go from racing. i hope this show is atleast half as good as the bbc version

  • Foggy

    I think Rove would be a ridiculous choice. He wouldn’t know a car from a bus.

    DJ doesn’t quite have the charisma required for the job.

    I honestly think that Andy Paschalidis would provide the best combination of clownmanship required for the role.

  • BOB

    imagine aust. Stig Vs UK stig

    that would be good to see.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Any of the Chasers boys would be good if they don’t have to have car knowledge!

  • Jason

    The closest Australian Hamster that comes to mind is Grant Denyer. Short, can drive a car and a sense of humor.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Yep Im with you Jason!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Grant Denyer, Glenn Robbins

  • Bavarian Missile

    Bob……….Skaffie????????

    He is not real popular! Wheels or Motor! Their too much Holden lovers ……..sorry!

  • Bavarian Missile

    hahaha……….Glenn Robbins…….

    Na …..Grant and Compton as the professor!

  • http://www.ozmazda.com David (ZBravo)

    I agree that Denyer would be a great Hamster..Cromton to take on Clarko’s job and Mick Molloy to be the James May…

    and for the stig….Mrs Tander.

  • Chris

    Here’s my useless thoughts:

    Host: Wil Anderson – not much car knowledge but funny as hell
    Token Driver: Jason Bargwana – always sideways, often into the wall
    Token Dick: David Morley – no… he’s not a token dick, he’s just a dick
    Stig: I can’t tell you – that would kind of ruin it, right?

    Left field contenders:
    1. The Leyland Brothers. (Are they still alive)
    2. Any AFL/NRL footballer with a Drink/Drive conviction
    3. Someone who knows what they’re actually talking about. 100/1

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=659029046 Amanda

    Kevin Rudd will have the witty coments with a dash of sex appeal!

  • peter michaels

    Yep Grant Denyer

    the Stig i reckon should be John Bowe now he’s retired

    other two…

    Peter Cockburn would be alright or Ged Bulmer, noone from the channel 10 or 7 racing crews they are wankers.

    Whoever they get they should be mates or have good chemistry.

  • peter michaels

    wouldn’t it be better if the UK guys did a tour of Oz?

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Throw a curve ball – WARWICK CAPPER

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    PETER MICHAELS – UK people obviously yes.

    LES PATTERSON / DAME EDNA EVERIDGE would be good

  • jp

    Compton for brains, denyer for personality and the v8 connection. the stig…… well i dunno jim richards maybe, he can drive the wheels off anything and wont be committed to heavily! cant get the big names in there from either ford or holden, would never hear the end of it from wither camp!

  • Bavarian Missile

    WARWICK CAPPER?????????????????? Not even in tight shorts ………please!

  • Nick J

    Host: Probably Billy Woods or Crompton
    STIG: James Courtney

  • Me.

    WTF, Kevin Rudd to host Top Gear Austraila?…Umm, you’re joking right?

  • Bavarian Missile

    Hey NM …….How do you think Howard and Rudd would go? Rudds a bit gay ,I think ……..hahahaha!

  • Me.

    Hey NM, Hope LES PATTERSON / DAME EDNA EVERIDGE! LOL Good one NM!

  • Me.

    Hey BM! Like the idea of the Chaser boys!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Not Kevin Rudd – he has the personality of a corspe

  • Bavarian Missile

    hahahaha………Hes a puppet!

    Chasers rule Me…………

  • Andrew M

    one thing first……
    who is this compton you guys are mentioning?

    Ah Jim Richards is a good suggestion….. maybe even John Bowe now he is retireing. both of these guys are pretty unbiased and have driven/raced a massive variety of cars.

    foggy is right….DJ doesnt have the charisma to host what could be a very exciting show but i wouldnt rule out his involvment. maybe they could run it from his workshops???

    although out of those listed above DJ would still be my choice. people dont tune into car shows for comedy. any comical host would spend toooo much time trying to focus on how many gags they could pull.

    Ah but out of those listed its gotta be DJ. c”R”ompton would definately be the professor thats for sure. he just gets right into his explanations of the mechanical things.
    he loves it!!

    oh good to see they dumped those over the top CAD drawings.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Neil……

    Smart arse………how do you spell it? hehehe

    Your up a little late!

  • http://www.caradvice.com.au/ alborz

    Alright, Jessica Alba is going off the list…

  • ShaunL

    I think we have to remember why we like watching TopGear. I watch it to see great footage of hotcars and to see what Clarkson thinks about the hotcars. But he’s a bit of a tool, he’s opinionated, stubborn, old and not all that cluey when it comes to the technical bits on cars. For some reason we still like him. I think it’s because he’s typically british and gets very excited about cars, which is why SBS have said the Oz TopGear is going to be quintessentially Aussie. Maybe we need someone on there like Alf from Home and Away, or the Bush Tucker man. Question is, can SBS find someone that can hang the backend out on a F6 and talk alot at the same time.

    Plus there’s no point having some V8 supercar driver on there, the show should be for everyone not just motorheads like us. Just imagine it, it’d be a monotone voice saying something like, “the car needs half a degree more toe in, softer tyres, a touch more camber and advance the timing by 2 degrees.” Will everyday folk know what’s going on?

  • http://www.caradvice.com.au George

    One thing to remember is May is a musician, Hammond is a day-time TV host and Clarkson is journalist, none of them have a motoring background – probably what makes them so watchable because they aren’t throwing jargon at you constantly.

    Well done to whoever suggested Bana, he would be perfect.

  • Bob

    Bana for sure for star power and genuine old school car loving. He’s piss funny and multi-talented and can play any role.

    Mark Webber for the Stig or perhaps someone of F1-ilk. Remember the Stig has posted times as quick as the F1 drivers, suggesting he’s an ex-F1 pilot himself such as Mansell. If not, then a V8 Supercar driver is a must.

    I definitely agree with Grant Denyer as the local Hamster… he’s larrikin enough but enough cred with plenty of charisma and tv presenting experience.

    You’d need the grumpier old man to top off the trio, I reckon someone like DJ would be good.

    If Skaife had his name anywhere near it I’d never watch. Idiot that bloke.

  • Simon

    Rove McManus because he has a similar sense of humour to Richard Hammonds

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    ALBORZ – LOLx893300 at ya comment.

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Julia Gillard. Pauline Hanson would suffice – please anything but Kevin as he looks gayish and looks like never worked in his life and mega nerd.

    SHANE WARNE, now I think Max “TANGLES” Walker would be good.

    BOB CARR AS THE STIG – he would turn people away in droves

  • Godfrey

    Eric Bana would be perfect
    Rove ???

  • Tom

    to anyone who voted for kevin rudd, I’d love to meet you in person…so I can shoot you right in the middle of your face.

    Eric Bana is a great suggestion, I never would of thought of it but that would work well. As for another larrakin, if you don’t want to copy the current top gear format too much, what about Boonie? Or one of the Waugh brothers, probably Mark. I don’t know how they would go as presenters, but I reckon they could easily talk shit for an hour, and thats the main requirement I reckon. To be able to lay smack talk on each other in an entertaining fashion for one hour with the occasional challenge/car review.

  • Sexythang

    i think the show will set itself up for failure if u want to compare it to and/or mimic the real Top Gear. simply coz nobody can be clarkson. nobody can be hammond (rove survives heavily on well written scripts). and may is just may.

    besides not many people will be as capable as the producer of top gear.

    they’d be better creating a new tv driving show instead of using the top gear name.

    by the way, any famous sports person or comedian or tv hosts or the sort should not be in top gear.

  • J

    I really hope they don’t make this show cause it would be just as bad as the other imitation shows that have been made, not to mention the shows trying to imitate Top Gear, e.g the Drive show on Ch 10 with old 5th Gear segments in between. I can just imagine thats what they plan to do on SBS. Have “guest” reviewers from the UK…

  • SPEED FREAK

    old ruddy will need another job come next week lol

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=659029046 Amanda

    “to anyone who voted for kevin rudd, I’d love to meet you in person…so I can shoot you right in the middle of your face.”

    Typical Liberal attitude.

  • Aquahead2001

    Honestly, I think this is a really bad idea, no one will ever be able to replicate Top Gear, no matter how hard they try.

    There is only one Clarkson, one Mays, and one Hammy. Having someone else stand there and try to be one of them will be bad TV.

    Long may they stay together and let us pray we get them on SBS every monday night.

    Oh, and if we’re going to have an Aussie car show, let develop it ourselves!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    To be honest I dont think an Aussie would cut it as smooth and natural as the Poms. They are bloody brilliant and natural. For goodness sake dont rev me!

  • Frugal One

    I VOTE FOR……….

    “FRUGAL-ONE”

    LOL

    VOTE NOW!!

    Cheers

    F-0

  • Ivan

    Any presenter of the Aus Top Gear trying to imitate jeremy, hammond and may would always live in their shadow, and that’s not a good thing.

    If SBS is making a Top Gear in Aus, why not have 3 new complete personality. Why not make one that’s extremely lazy, one that’s hyperactive and one more that has a compulsive disorder. It’ll be good to watch them argue.

  • RX8…that’s RX

    For those of you that know Dick Johnson personally, he is the only choice. He is opinionated, but unbiased when it comes to his choice of cars and he knows exactly what he is talking about when it comes to driving. For those he think he has no Charisma…He is the epitome of an Aussie Rev-head…no different than Clarkson is as a Pom. Go Dick!

  • Liam

    How’s about Paul Fenech from Fat Pizza as the aussie Hammond?

    1. Short
    2. Dodgy
    3. Humorous
    4. Car Nut
    5. Already on SBS

  • Matthew

    I voted Grant Denyer – funny guy, gets the short jokes too.

    In the other spots – well – DJ is a character – he doesn’t get on the box much with his talking now, but what I have heard of him was great.
    Crompton is certainly insightful, and it seems everyone has forgotten he also spent 2 or 3 years piloting V8′s.

    Jim Richards would be great as the special steer.

    The question is – do we want ‘just another car show’ – or something that is entertaining and informative??

    Who has done a track day with any of these guys? From what I’ve heard, most of these professional drivers are quite competent at doing sideways commentry…

  • one-t

    Michael Stahl is the man for the job! Very witty and with a different slant on the whole thing. He is one of the very few jurno’s that can translate his talent from wordsmith onto the box… he gets my vote

  • http://www,jocman.com runnaln

    How about Nick Giannopoulos from Wog Boy and Singing Office, and Mick Molloy from Crackerjack

  • Lachlan

    rudd should definatly be the next james may, and bana would do a great job, considering he himself does race cars, the stig should be a x v8 suoercar driver, and hamond can easily be replaced considering there are so many small funny people out there!

  • Tom

    To amanda, my point was more because he’s a politician, rather than his political position as the leader of the Labor party. But feel free to judge my political view and the apparent attitudes of a large slice of the Australian population based on one off-hand comment that was clearly not serious in nature. I can’t wait until this bloody election is over so people can just calm down and stop being so hyper critical about anything political.

  • Nik

    i nominate Jen because hot girls and hot cars at least the show will have half chance of being a success.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Absolutely correct Tom! Me too!

    May as well have Fat Cat too then if you think Jen Hawkins could contribute!…….sorry but Megan Gale is a lot better
    and a real model not a try hard one!

  • Pat E

    I reckon Paul Cockburn form MOTOR mag would be a hilarious James May equivalent, and i agree with Grant Denyer for the hamster role – not too sure about Clarkson tho…

  • Bavarian Missile

    No thanks don’t want any Holden lovers from Wheels or Motor!

    Some one that will give a true representation of cars in Australia please!

  • Frugal One

    Actually, while i will be the “Clarkson” of the Aussie edition, my helpers will be big boob girls and milfs who look stunning

    What more would you want?[Free beer.Ed]

    Cheers

    F-0

    VOTE NOW!!

  • Bavarian Missile

    Well there really going to interest me ha ! I guess you won’t get much interest from women views then!

  • Me.

    mmm, Frugal One….SO WE GET TO KNOW HIM! :D

  • Iamthestig

    Sorry but I voted for the “Frugal One” as James May – the eccentric one, “Captain Slow” – the one with floral shirts and so on…

  • Bubba Ganush

    what about kevin bartlett? any takers

  • phillip

    I’m sorry to disappoint you all, but according to Australian media laws, the job has to be offered to Eddie McGuire first. Let’s see if he knows as little about cars as he does about the world (as evidenced in the millionare show).

  • Andrew M

    RX8,
    i agree DJ is totally different when he jumps back in a car. he must drop around 30yrs off his life when he does. he is just like a little kid again when he feels the need to take the wheel.

    the only thing is he is not a born presenter. he would have to be like the “father” of the show.

    as for stepping out sideways and commentating, well that would have to be lowndes no questions asked. remember when he won sandown this yr he drifted the last half of the lap and was talking to Campbell (his engineer) the whole time. it sounded sort of like he was commentating himself through the race finish or something.
    in the current paddock he has the most natural talent and best car control

    special driver is jim richards. no matter what you like when Jim speaks people listen.

    denyer presenting for personallity ++++ for sure and Cromly for technical info.

    journos are too biased and too scripted to give the show a natural flow it would need to be enjoyable hence anyone from wheels or motor…….nah

  • Andrew M

    nah piss off Eddie!!!

    we dont want to wait till after the break to find out what boost a certain car is running.

  • midi

    i think john bowe since he is leaving V8′s next year. and he has a pretty good motoring head!!

  • Bavarian Missile

    Thats not a bad idea Midi!

  • Me.

    Bowe would be good to be some kind of guest in the show, maybe for driving now that hes left V8s.

  • wheelnut

    They could ask [Former Holden CEO] Peter Hannenberger; [Former Ford CEO] Jac Nasser and [Former Toyota/Mitsubishi CEO] Tom Phillips.
    These men must know something about cars – what makes a good car and what the people want etc as both of them got their respective companies out of the red.

    Sure Phillips wasn’t as successful as the others but he had some great ideas that would have worked including RWD Aurion and Magna which were unfortunately canned by Tokyo

    BUt Under No Circumstances invite Denny Mooney or Ford Jr.

  • Andrew M

    hey i said john bowe ages ago he he he he

    Wheelnut,
    you cant have execs.
    they might know how to improve sales but does that mean they know everything about cars? NO
    all they could quote you is predicted business figures not actual vehicle mechanical figures.
    sorry but journos and car company execs arent suitable

  • Andrew M

    hey alborz,
    what happened to that latest mitsu spec edition i was following for a bit?
    it was only a few days old i think

  • Bavarian Missile

    Hey AndrewM if you look at the latest news section on the site click on next it will bring up the last 100 blogs on cars! Should be there.

  • Bavarian Missile

    As long as its not Ray Martin!!!!!!!hahaha

    Na I think

    Crompton,Denyer,and that Scottish comedian ………whats his name? Or that idiot off one of those holiday programs…….use to heat his pies up on the manifold of a Statesman when he did some round Australia trip?

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Well spoke Andrew M…was just about to comment same and ya beat me. Leave the self proclaimed journos and car excutives out as I deal with sales people and well hardly worth a comment – even when good.

    To be serious I would not draw on hosts to be on crew – I would probably have guest drivers puttin in cameo stints as the Weekly Stig. I would say do it with Clarkson Aussie lead going to Michael Caton as he is a dam larrikin. Sidekick clowns being Grant Denyer or Glenn Robbins and Jack Thompson. As for ex-drivers, having someone in there might be detrimental as old – I would still plump for Dick Johnson and Allan Grice. The shows format would stick similar to classic UK version – but add Aussie slant to it with Aussie lingo…. mate she’d be a bonza show and witty smart skits thrown in.

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Jack Thompson and Michael Caton – as Aussie as the old beefeater barbie! I’ll drink to that as would be a ripper show!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Missile…Derryn Hinch too babe HA HA

  • Bavarian Missile

    hahaha…….Michael Caton……..thats going straight to pool room not the cool wall!

    What you don’t like your new car……..tuff thats life !

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Whoever does lead role has to be an Aussie battler, larrikin as bigger then Ben Hur people like hollywood actors or whatever don’t do a thing for me. Michael Caton for me for some reason goes against that grain of thought and if done in witty satire tad similar to the movie ‘The Castle’ – would be cool and a pearler show!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Look at Clarkson and the gang – neville nobodies and unreal. Cannot top them and there natural pizazz pulling off the show. Lets not destroy a classic and Americanise it too much please!

  • Bavarian Missile

    Here..here….NM !

    But then again I doubt very much Clarkson would allow it…….he hates America and after their little trip to the States I think America hates them too…….hehehe

  • Erik

    Grant Denyer
    Paul Hogan
    Chris Amon (a retired F1 Kiwi driver but knows cars and was on Motor Show).

  • Elitist

    I hate when Australian celebrities try to do car shows or imitate american/british shows.

    Australians arent funny and their car knowledge sux, leave my Top Gear alone.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Australians aren’t funny? Your joking right! Our car knowledge suxs,based on what?………its Top Gear themselves that feels we are the first place in the world they will franchise into,I think that alone speaks for its self!

  • Jeremy (not Clarkson)

    Top Gear either as a car review program or as a comedy show with a few cars in it makes no sense outside of a British cultural context. Just get Hamster, Clarkson and May to spend a month or so filming in Australia with our local products and conducting local challenges. Various Australian weekend car shows have tried to copy part or all of Top Gear and not only have flopped commercially but were cringe-inducingly bad.

  • Big_Macka

    An Aussie version would be a great show. Jimmy Richards would have to be the Stig, no-one comes close to his skill (except the Pommy Stig). I think we would need people that arent like the original boys from Top Gear. New characters please!! I’d put my hand up for the lazy one, ha ha. As for you ‘haters’, if you dont like it, dont watch it!!!!!

  • mistertwo

    It would be good to get Clarkson, Hamster and Captain Slow over to film here. The yanks did a version where they had the British Stig as they couldn’t find a driver who could go around corners in the States! Aparrantly it wasn’t very good, but neither are the yanks in general.

    As long as there is no Holden/Ford bias in the show, which will no longer exist in 15/20 years anyway same as in the UK 20 years ago between Ford and Vauxhall. And not be sponsored by the maufacturers like the car magazines are here (seen the latest edition of Wheels? Another Holden on the cover).

    In fact it won’t work here at all because if they say a Ford or Holden is shit then the line workers will go on strike like they did in the mid 90′s in the UK when Jeremy Clarkson refused to test drive the Vectra because it was boring.

  • Fred Bishop

    Yeah, i voted for the Frugal-One, he is bizzare and always *PRIMO*.LOL

    Would fit in with the goons @ TopGear :-) [Plus promises of free beer and boobs..]

    Fred

  • http://www.caradvice.com goog

    i think that a v8 supercar driver has to be in it.. skaifey would be a great person 4 it.. as he did do the Ve commodore “Billion dollar baby” show on teli recently and did a great job with that.. and also maybe crompton and also grant denyer.

  • Tonyn

    skaife has the arrogant personality of a house brick!!!

    I reckon Jim richards or John bowe, mark oastler and someone like john goss or something? or someone big in the show car scene so you have all motoring interests covered?

  • Bubba Ganush

    i gotta agree with the pesimists you cant mimmick those guys it will only end up being painfull to watch

  • Andrew M

    nah skaify is tooooo much of a holden puppet.
    he is tied around their finger too tightly he wouldnt be able to appear with out his HRT color shirt and he sits too straight like he is always trying to impress the holden execs.

    they need someone that can relax and not be told what to say.
    john bowe is one hell of a larakin and nothing seems to phase him

    oh and 3/4 of those ridiculous suggestions that are now on the list need to go!!!!!!

  • Bavarian Missile

    Yep agree with that Andrew……the list needs to be culled!

  • Andrew M

    actually more than 3/4 of it does.
    i count about 5 sensible candidates.

    how can J Bowe and J Richards not be on it and people nominate themselves????

    Alborz,
    kill the silly answers. absolute waste of time. i think people are starting to take the piss. too bad you make something interactive and people go back to the school days where you put your name as mickey mouse on the roll call for a substitute teacher

  • Bavarian Missile

    hahahaha…….other half just read something on the Forums about that Photographer that had been stalking our Nichole…apparently he also chased my Russell Ingall down once…Russell went into his brothers restaurant .{jerno not knowing this} and Russ’s brother went up to the jerno and said”are you a jerno” Reply YES! He got smacked in the face…hahaha suffer in ha jocks!

    Those guys are lower than a snake!

  • David

    I think it is becoming clear that if this is confined to an Australian audience it wont work.
    Not enough revenue needs international interest.
    Australia does have locations.AFlinders Ranges region of SA, Broken Hill,Silverton,Australian Alps NSW,Great Ocean Road Vic,Little Desert,Mildura,Macedon Ranges Vic,Tasmania is another world,& these are only what I know about.High speed sequences?Tracks are there but money is the issue.Advertising revenue unfortunately might demand the use of the same old stable of stale celebs that stop anyone new getting a look.Sam Newman no way nor the lightweight Getaway crew & their ilk pushing there own predictable barrows.It can’t be some empty lifestyle fill in.
    If sponsorship is only from car manufacturers,forget it.
    Good Luck.

  • http://www.caradvice.com goog

    well if skaifey dont do it then really no racing car driver can. crompton yes, or maybe even dave hughs as he is funny but mayb wont no 2 much abouts cars.. and glenn robbins from the car show, or even that guy who used to race the lamborghini last name is hackett. (peter hackett) i think it was.

  • Bavarian Missile

    UMMMMMM…….Skaifey has no posture or respect to most Ford fans ………sorry! I think Todd has more than Skaffie! Even to GT he has run out of talent!

    Forget it!!

  • Me.

    HMMMMM….what would happen if it were Ingall and Skafie?

  • Me.

    Is that the same goog that used to be here ages ago?

  • Bavarian Missile

    Ingall isn’t Skaffie! Never will be so arrogant either!

    Forget it ME………… who knows?

  • Elitist

    Everyone in the world know Aussies arent funny.
    Brits have the best humour, aussie humour is based around rascism and drunken louts.
    Probably the only funny guy in that list was Glen Robbins but his car knowledge sux.

    As for ppl saying australian car knowedge is great, thats funny cause aussies on this site were mising up Japnese cars with Chinese and Korean car heritage.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Is that right……….who says that! We are about the only race than can laugh at themselves……….your obviously a pom to come on this time of the night!

    You have no idea at all what Australians understand as REAL CARS! Cause apparently you Britt’s are finally manufacturing what us little Colonials can create with less than the 3rd of your population! Anything to say at that MATE!!!!!!!!! Oh and by the way …….we sell our designed registered product into your country that you guys apparently still cant make………so…….ha FN.ha! I think your about to copy it though!!!!!!!!!!!! Whos the inventor?????????????

    God I hate being a bitch some times!
    By the way my Dads a REAL ENGLISH GENTLEMAN…………..I think you have no idea!!!!!

  • Bavarian Missile

    Mate you cant spell……..so who cares what you have to say!

    Do you know anything about Australian Cars? Nope I didn’t think so………..

  • Tonyn

    good one BM!

    I wont watch top gear aus if denyer is on it…. i like denyer but i think i am sick of seeing him on TV

  • http://motorsportbabesau.blogspot.com motorsportBABESau

    This is SBS we are talking about. Can they actually afford anyone decent?

    Eric Bana would be good though. Merrick and Rosso too. I think Merrick owns the old XA GT from the Two Hands movie.

    Cant wait to see these boys fangin around in there old aussie muscle cars.

    Ha ha. I can see Alf from home and away as the star in a reasonably priced car. What should the car be. Perhaps an old Gemini or Datto!

    The Bush Mechanics would have to be involved some how too!

  • Frugal One

    I AM YOUR MAN!!

    Will be casting-couch girls with big-boobs soon as i can:-)

    We will be partying pretty much 24×7, might even fit in the odd car test and track lap time [at Calder Park] and other testing [say like the Falcon glovebox vs the Commodore glovebox etc]

    VOTE NOW!!

    Cheers

    F-0

  • Bavarian Missile

    I doubt your getting my vote Frugal One…..or a lot of others on this blog ! As I have said before theres plenty of Porn on the internet if you have to view that type of degrading females crap! So come on stop bringing it up…please? Your not Hugh Hefner are you?

  • Andrew M

    goog,
    mate you have shown your colours when you say its skaify or noone.
    skaife isnt the most talented. he is just the front man for holden so people think he must be

    there is a couple of young guns that i would pit over skaify. oh and if you have ever been to V8 round in person they do (or used to do) a thing called the VB Challenge where skaife and todd would race Johnson and Davison in a car relay weaving through cones and do a donut at the end and come back and park it between the cones.
    well Johnson ALWAYS smashed skaify and Johnson even throws it in the cones at the end backwards!!!!!!

  • wheelnut

    Elitist – you may or may not have realised that this blog/forum is on the world wide web.. [remember http://www.?
    So there is no real way of knowing where the people taking part in the various blogs on this website are from.. in the same way that I cannot tell where you are from. Therefore; your statement in which you say "aussies know nothing about cars" is rubbish.

    As for the thing about confusing Japanese cars with Korean cars.. thats a matter of perspective.. it also depends how specific [anal] you want to be

    For example: Holden is a company with Australian Heritage which is now owned by GM; an American company. Therefore there are some people who call the Commodore an American car because Holden is owned by GM whilst there are those who call it an Australian Car because it’s made here.

    On the other hand: BMW is a German company yet some of their cars are made in the USA and even South Africa. So you would get those who would refer to all BMWs as being German or [depending upon the model] American or South African.. again because that’s where their made.

  • mistertwo

    Hey BM, the only Australian made and designed vehicle to be sold in the UK is the HSV VXR8, before that the Monaro. You are forgetting the manufacturing and design operations of foreign car companies which operate in the UK (same as Australia as Ford and Holden are not Australian Companies, they are American owned). Some examples of maufacturing operations in the UK: Ford, Vauxhall, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin plus the numerous small sports car outfits such as Morgan, Marcos and Jensen (Jensen is using the 6.0L LS2 with more power than the HSV, go figure!). Vehicles designed in the UK include the Honda Accord Euro, Honda Civic Hatch, all Jaguars, Land Rovers, Aston Martins (most beautiful cars in the world) and I am only talking about the models available in Australia, there is also the Toyota Avensis (sedan and wagon, not the Verso) and Nissan Primera to name only two. Yes it is true there isn’t a UK owned volume manufacturer left in the UK (the last being Rover) but there isn’t one in Australia either. Yes I am an expat Pom and yes I know about Australian cars as I work in Fleet – that is why I drive a Honda!

  • Frugal One

    “Hey BM, the only Australian made and designed vehicle to be sold in the UK”

    So i suppose you forgot about the Ford LTD sold in the early 90′s and the up till recently sold Falcon LPG Ute [Imported by the Aussie part owner of AC Cobra fame

    Cheers

    F-0

  • Bavarian Missile

    Sorry guys you miss understood me………I meant the product our company makes and sells in to the UK.

    Do you you know a modified version of the Phoon goes there Mistertwo!They maybe American Owned Ford and Holden….Not HSV or FPV though…..

  • SUBURBAN DRIVER

    Why not ask ‘bavarian missile’ to host the Australian Top Gear? He seems to know everything, has an opinion on everything and has nearly owned every car sold in Australia! I think he would add a touch of humour and we could all have a good chuckle and call the program “Missed Gear Change”.

  • mistertwo

    FPV is 51% owned by Prodrive, which is a British owned company!! And HSV was run by a pom until recently.

  • mistertwo

    Hi F-O, I did forget about those vehiles as I never saw any. Ther are some grey import Falcons and Commodores knocing around. Some bright spark had the forsight to import a 1999 AU Forte. It is now on Autotrader.co.uk for $5000.00 with 90,000km. Bargain!

  • Bavarian Missile

    My point was they weren’t American ! I know who Prodrive is !!!!!

    Thanks Suburban but I am Female for starters! When have I ever said I have owned everything made in Australia mate?

  • Momo

    You guys are all hopeless, really.

    The ideal host for the show is obviously Jennifer Hawkins in black leather gear.

  • MikeZdoesit

    Good Lord, Top Gear is so perfect the way it is, I pray this isn’t a massive and shameful mistake on our part – Just KEEP ROVE AWAY!!!! I’m sick of his week humor and the way he constantly wants to screw men. He can suck things on his own show but We need some people with wit and intelligence if the Australian Top Gear is to be a success.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Momo …………wake up !!! Your having a dream!

  • Cobra045

    BM..

    any luck getting your name down for a HO??

  • Bavarian Missile

    Na……..Tonyns wont even take orders for the Orion GT!

    I have told him you your mate and us want one but I guess we will have to wait!

  • Sab

    Please don’t pick Glen Ridge… please don’t pick Glen Ridge… please don’t pick Glen Ridge… please don’t pick Glen Ridge…

  • Bavarian Missile

    Im guessing your note voting for Glen Ridge???? Me too

  • Bavarian Missile

    Anyone see the race with the Stig and Lewis Hammilton the reasonably priced car!!! Stig beat him around the track!

    Results

    RESULTS

    * The Stig: 1:44.4
    * Mansell: 1:44.6
    * Hamilton: 1:44.7
    * Jenson B.: 1:44.7
    * D. Hill: 1:46.3
    * M. Webber: 1:47.1

  • pete

    im sick of neil crompton, hes too much of a nerd, too stiff looking on tv, too boring

  • Mark

    who said we should have the stig, maybe another hidden personality who may or maynot speek. And Russell Coite would make a perfect host allong with bana and at least one of them should be able to drive so put in denyer

  • Rob Mortimer

    An ageing “rev-head”! 60 YO who still drives fast Aussie racing cars. The girls reckon I look more like 45!
    Collects fast cars and uses them.
    I have owned almost every Australian “muscle car” ever built, but love my Torana XU-1 race car.
    I’ve also been involved in many TV series and international documentaries….so I know how it all works.
    Got a beard, a serious sense of humour, and viciously Australian. I am retired and more than ready for a red hot go at being devotedly involved in what could easily be Australia’s best motoring show ever produced.

  • Bavarian Missile

    You’ve got my vote! Karl is this your Dad??

  • Lisa

    Why would celebrities front the series when Top Gear has celebrity guests segments? Jennifer Hawkins? Merrick and Rosso? BAAAHHHAAHHAA! Maybe in the Twilight Zone!

  • aditya

    this is all wrong if u look at the sbs website they want people who are not classic hosts or anything like that they want people who are experienced or arecar enthuisiasts such as car journalisits or even novices, why the hell are the chaser guys even mentioned what the hell do they know about cars the show with them on it would have australia the laughing stock of the world.(in a bad way. The only reason rove would make the show funny is because he wouldn’t be able to see over the steering wheel, crash the car blindly, and give it a review weaker than that of an in-flight magazine. i’m sure dick johnson is a good driver hell let him be the stig but it would be pretty obvious who the stig is as hios business would probably notice him missing.

    WE should not try to find replacements of the uk team in Australia but create a unique team that represents Australia (no offense but no girls thats one of the reasons why uk topgear is a respectable documentary on cars)don’t try to get ratings with big brother style yobbo culture and have sum blonde bimbo on the show. i haven’t chekced all the names but is there even one car journalist or editor in there i mean seriously for good and unbuyest reviews they would be good, sbs has to find out which of them have the talent to be entertaining

  • Ban One

    Lets see Original Top Gear hosted by 3 poms who readily admit to really knowing bugger all about cars or anything else lol, and IT WORKS!!! IT’s FUNNY!! IT’s ENTERTAINING

    Hmmm, Oz version of Top Gear – yes thats right lets Bugger it up like we do to everything else, Lets put any or all of the above list of people and we can again win the award for the most boring hour of wasted TV space in history. Why do we continue to do this? Create an Australian version of an excellent overseas show and completely bugger it up. (or just pick the worst overseas trash and bring it here)

    No one seems to notice that generally the best informative shows and Documentaries come out of england, even though we love to pick on the winging poms, we still cant help watching their shows, and why, because they are good at it, they are funny, they are entertaining, and by golly they are informative LOL

    We havent figured it out yet what makes a show great, were too busy making the Host a star, Ensuring they are more important than the show itself. We are to busy making informative shows brought to you by ANY COMPANY WITH LOADS OF MONEY – so long as you’re informed of their products who cares if your educated or entertained!!

    Choosing the right hosts for a new Top Gear is really simple, Start with the list of every known Australian host/Celebrity etc- then just burn it…. Get some fresh unknown blood, or take auditions from the poms

    Whats the biggest problem with Australian Car people
    fords better than holden, holden’s better than ford.
    Notice I dont respect either Make enough to give them capitals!! sick of hearing it!! Driven both and they are both great and they both suck just as much as each other
    overall neither is better or worse than the other – In the end they both break down when you least expect it, they both rust, and they both loose huge chunks of value the second your out of the dealer. In the end you wake up one morning and buy a Yank Tank knowing it will hold its value if nothing else LOL

    What we need to see is an un-biast opinion based on the actual vehicles being shown and tested, not the ford or holden show and certainly not the Host is more important than the actual show

    My 2c

  • Burning Chook 84

    Eric Bana because he had his own business of restoring classic so he knows cars.

    Shaun Micalleff cause he has a dry sence of witt and black humour and myself. Like Eric Bana I have restored a few cars 1970 Valiant Pacer, 1978 Valiant 770 Charger with the 318. Rewired a 1979 Cadillac Seville and currently doing another two cars a 87 Corvette and an’84 Trans-Am hence the name Burning Chook 84.

    Also I’m shorter than Shaun but no taller than Eric. I have more than a clue about cars, more than Rove McManus and apart from that fact we don’t need to see him on everything. Like Eddie McQuire.

  • Burning Chook 84

    Oh and I can keep my Heap Trans Am up with a Ferrari F348 so I must be able to drive just a little bit and I also nominate my flatmate because he drives a Ford Mondeo. You know the one the Top Gear team put behind a jet plane to see if they could Tip it over and blow it off of the road.

  • Macca

    Well, after due consideration, the three Top Gear Oz presenters should be:
    Me, I’m submitting an audition video
    Dave Hughes, he’s as funny as all shit and drives like a headless chicken
    Eric Banner… no need to explain why there…

    So, vote for me, hughesy and eric. :-)

  • Manno (Craig)

    Evolution might I add is not an uncommon situation that we are faced with. To be fittingly honest, do we want to humour the producers of the Australian version with has beens or some boring squid. Frankly, this tells me that this show will not be a success.

    I do believe however that fresh, exciting commentators that actually know how to drive or have some idea of the car they are dring is important. In support of some of the could be commentators, I grant you all the success in the field of motor car reporting; and despite the fact that you owned and still rate the Hillman Gazelle as a luxury saloon, drive a 1988 VN Commodore with 15 inch wheels and tyres and believe that it is still the ‘Wheels Australian Car of the Year’ or drive your Harry Hyundai with a spoiler on the back thinking that you were a strong candidate for the ‘Fast and Furious Movie’, you can still be an effective supporter of both Australian and overseas Automobiles.

  • Watto_Cobra

    Eric Bana, he is cool, has a great sense of humor al a his Fast Forward/Full Frontal days, is used to being in front of a camera, and is passionate about cars. He spent some time with DJR, correct me if I’m wrong but he entered an XA coupe in Targa Tasmaina one year?

    Only prob would be his Hollywood/Movie schedule might conflict. Plus it be low paying compared to what he’s used to now.

  • Watto_Cobra

    Bring DJ in for technical stuff, and he has a good, dry sense of humor too.

  • Nicko

    What oz TOP GEAR needs is new faces, no ex pro drivers & no comedians…..
    come on gang YOU CAN DO IT.
    I Might just give it a go myself. vote 1 vote Nicko.

  • Oz.

    Nicko I agree about no old drivers. We dont want a show full of Dick Johnson, Larry Perkins, John Goss, etc. YUCK!!! OLD FART’S SHOW!

  • Dools

    I Volunteer myself and my mates…. mostly cause we can get drunk and put together a damn good Video entry

  • PHIL

    HAD A QUICK READ THROUGH WHO CAN AND CAN NOT ENTER, IF YOU ARE SPONSORED, WORK FOR, OR HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH A MOTOR COMPANY YOU CANT ENTER, CAUSE GOD FORBID, YOU MIGHT BE BIAS., SO REALLY, LETS HOPE WE DONT HAVE SOME X RACE DRIVERS AS SUCH GET ONE OF THE JOBS!!!!!

  • wombat

    I really hope it is indeed a good show, and not biassed towards our Australian vehicles simply because they are Australian made. Being proud of one’s own country’s production vehicles is one thing, but bias simply upon that fact is another. I hope they pick a great driver for the Australian Stig – at least better than ‘the chip’ (that phoney rip-off) who was on the Drive Motoring show a while back – powersliding all over the track is certainly impressive, Dear Chippy, but not fast, and a terrible insult to the manufacturers considering you’re supposed to be evaluating fairly, their vehicles, against a competition board of others.

    I’d like to see a bit of open-mindedness, and a shift from the usual “V8 ‘Supercars’ are the only high performance vehicles” attitude. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love a big V8, but even I can see that even a production GT2 Porsche would more than likely chop the V8′s at Bathurst given the chance.

    Some say he can read Shakespeare from 100 meters, using only a capsicum and a monacle lens. And that he can make 98 RON petrol out of home brew beer and garlic sauce. All we know is he’s called Australian Stig.

  • http://keas.com.au keas

    Gonzo has an extensive background in motor sports and media providing tech support along with driving tasks on “Fat Pizza”.
    He is well known and respected with motoring circles and have devoted a vast proportion of his life to the motor industry including Trucks.
    He is well spoken, articulate, has a wicked sense of humour including the sublime and is not into politics. He has no “brand” to push and presents a fresh face and ideas.

  • Simon “Gonzo” Travaglini

    What is unique about Australian Motoring?

    Well it’s got to be the 3 “B’s” Burnouts Boobs and Bogans!!

    Getting Tricky Dicky Johnson to host the show would be like watching a wet rag dry, I mean the only really entertaining things he ever did involved him crashing a car. Mark Skaife well watching him spit the dummy if the crew didn’t get the shot would be a little amusing, but he has crowd appeal of a 60 year old pole dancer.
    Mark Denyer, yes well we already have to put up with him on one show do we really want to make that mistake again?
    Eric Banna well maybe, but only if he wore the fake penis from chopper, all the time.
    Sam Newman, next.
    Top Gear works because of the mix of the presenters, and particularly because of Clarkson, it use to be hosted by ex racing car drivers and failed dismally. So that rules out ALL TOURING CAR DRIVERS!!!
    So who does that leave? The chasers? Do they even have a drivers licence between the lot of them?
    I must say ladies and gentleman the future is not looking good!

  • Adrian

    I agree with Keas Gonzo is the man, not only does he drive them, he builds them. My own 8 second car is a credit to the mans abilitys, and I would probably get Pauly from Pizza. They have worked together for years and a bit of Choco influance would’t hurt the show.
    I’ll tell you one thing, if Gonzo built the amphibious vehicle, it would probably be able to cross Bas Straight, run 10′s and even fly!!!
    You just have to see some of the things this guy builds!!

  • nick ( IRONIC ) ierino

    Hey everyone VOTE 1 for Simon ( GONZO )

  • nick ( IRONIC ) ierino

    Go Jen Hawkins you sexy thing.
    Feel free to to catch up in the best state of Australia
    (WA ).

  • blake

    TJ.
    If he cant break it, or crash it into a guard rail, its worth taking a look at.

    For the love of god, not Denyer!

  • Marc Russo

    Simon “Gonzo” Travaglini forsure!

    He is “The guy” who will fit this job spot on!

    Vote! Gonzo!

  • Cobra 302

    Go dick johnson, he should definately be on there. and even some reall funny ex racing blokes as you cant get any current ones because there on channel 7 and this will be on sbs. I want to be the australian stig, screw the frugal one!!!

  • Oz.

    Dick Johnson should be the only old driver there, I don’t want a show full of old farts.

  • Alex

    Mark Brandon Chopper Reid :)

  • Macca

    Well, it all seems pretty damned hard, eh. But, I’ve done further research and have dropped Eric Banner a choice due to he probably pulls more $ from one movie than the whole show could afford. Sooooo, to replace him, I’ll put in my audition Liz Ellis. Yeah, a sheila, why not I ask? I was taught to race very well by a woman and she also taught me more about cars inside and out than any bloke and I’ve taught others the same stuff, just with my style; and though she can hardly drive today, for someone of her years she does pretty well. So, I’m asking for Liz Ellis and sticking with Dave Hughes, coz he’s not just a comedian, c’mon, he’s a real bloke, like us. He’s had a crack at just about everything and he finally found his niche. Doesn’t matter if he’s working on another channel, I reckon I could persuade him, it is after what I do second best (telling stories being the first).

  • Bavarian Missile

    Old farts OZ……..

    Nothing wrong with knowledge! Allan Moffat…..cant say Falcon still but still in the industry don’t you think!

    Liz Ellis…….?????Mate if you want a female pick me….. Dont think so,A female would be great but to maintain some credibility I think it needs to be someone with knowledge of cars PLUS a media background! I fit only 1 of the two……

  • Amy

    i think they should le a 15 year old kid that nows his cars be on the show so evryone can get to no he/she for a year and then everyone can watch he/she go for there L’s and them lern to drive and then watch them go for there P’s i no i would watch it

  • Shieldsy

    Three words…..
    Simon Gonzo Travaglini

    Four words…..
    Intelligent, articulate, entertaining bogan

    Five words….
    Loves cars, boobs, cars, boobs!

  • Bollocks

    Ithink marty would be good. I wish he would answer ny calls.
    Paris

  • Bollocks

    I think marty would be good. I wish he would answer my calls.
    Paris
    English was never my forte.

  • ian luff

    Must be Ian Luff
    Mr Promotion Plus//done it all driver//runs advanced driving school/has worked in tv and radio. personality plus
    got to be in the top 5 if anyone is serious.

  • Shane Cox

    I,ve been watching Top Gear as much as possible, since I discovered the show. Admiring, the job you lucky bastards have. When the opportunity came up to be apart of the show. I couldn,t let it past me by. Having alot of cars in my time, has given me a broard knowledge of what I think a car should offer. Having a love for anything with a motor, Given the opportunity I would make a great criddic of anything put in front of me. Althougth I,ve got no track time, I concider myself a good driver.ps help me forfill my pashion

  • aaron butterworth

    I think it should be me. I HAVE THE SHARPNESS OF A PENCIL ERASER AND THE LOOKS OF A BUSTED SAUSAGE.
    I also have a slight tremmer in my left cheek.

    I SALUTE ALL YOU PEOLPE JUST FOR BEING INTERESTED IN TOP GEAR, WHAT A GREAT SHOW.

  • Leasa

    I think Aaron would be great as a side kick
    P.S. That tremmer he’s talking about isn’t on his face. Don’t even ask me how I know that.

  • Peter

    I agree, Aaron would be a good side kick. Well at least as soon as the plastic surgery is complete anyways.

  • aaron

    HA HA GUYS, Soooooooooo funny. oh my sides.

  • christina

    I think aaron would be excellent for the show. I have to say that because I’m his wife and he won’t shut up about it!!!

  • http://www.aussielifestylepools.com.au jonnyturbo

    Aaron is the man with speed in his veins. He is so quick, in fact, that he ran a 13.1 at 107mph at willowbank the other night. The funny thing is that he wasnt even driving…

  • http://www.aussielifestylepools.com.au jonnyturbo

    He would have ran a better time but his thongs couldn’t get enough traction

  • Oz.

    Mick Molloy is so fat, he would crush a car when getting into it

  • Alex

    Why are they making a top gear australia? The only reason that I watch Top Gear is because the hosts are such idiots! Also the SBS have already admitted that they won’t have the funding to make it as extravagant as the UK version. I also don’t want to see Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons on there. I also hope they keep getting the BBC version. I really hope they keep getting the BBC version.

  • http://www.caradvice.com goog

    Mark skaife knows alot about cars. but if they get him he is like a big hsv man and helps them. so no dought he will be on holdens side. and dick johnston same thing he will be ford. so we cant really get a v8 supercar driver.
    has to be someone like a football player maybe or like tv show host. eg, rove. someone who doesnt just like the 1 make of car

  • Oz.

    Where have you been goog? Were you on a Holden forum all that time? LOL

    Mick Molloy is fat, but that’s a good thing so he can test the car with alot of weight on it.

  • aaron

    Mick Molloy isn’t fat. He’s well rounded.

  • http://www.caradvice.com goog

    oz. what the fuk u mean were i on a holden forum all that time

  • Oz.

    Goog, don’t worry, I was just joking! HE HE!

  • Tim

    The Stig will be a perfect host. He doesnt talk so we can here the engines.

  • Hugh Jorgan

    Did you see on the other blog site that Dixie Normos said Aaron Butterworth was faster than a one legged tap dancer at a Mardigra. Thats quick!!!

  • wombat

    Busted sausage man!

    On a side note, my anti-spam word was Pontiac. Pontiac!?!?!

    The Stig should have his own cooking show.

    “Now, Mr ‘The Stig’, it is time to add the radishes.”
    ..pause… stab. I wonder if he looks like Davy Jones under that helmet. Ooh, or David Jones. Wait, who the hell is David Jones anyway? His perfumes smell le crap.

    -wombat

  • Hugh Jorgan

    Hay Wombat. My missus calls me super sausage man. I have no idea why though???

  • Aaron Butterworth

    Ha ha. My missus call me weaner boy. P.S. Its not the size of the boat baby,,, it’s the motion of the ocean that matters.

  • david bartush

    Fozzy would make a great presenter on ‘Top Gear’ he has driven over 2.5mill k’s on all types of Australian roads and all over Australia. He is the typical over 55 ‘Baby Boomer’. Currently drives Mazda Luxury V6 Hatch, Toyota Landcruiser and Mazda RX8, all to the extreme. He has a great sense of humour and is the most passionate person when it comes to cars. He has no ties at all to any company.

  • Gravelsandwich

    I think anyone tied up in V8 supercars or are career racers should not be considered as hosts. Grant Denyer would be the exception though! If you draw on the success of Top Gear UK the hosts are what make the show and why people like to hear what they have to say. Because there not polished in automotive jargen they think and talk like us, the viewer sitting at home.Thats why them and the show so much.

  • Sue

    Peter is an experienced TV personality, racing driver and has a great presence on the screen along with an excellent sense of humour.

  • Sue

    Neil Crompton is a natural for this show with his sense of humour, racing and television experience.

  • Sue

    Peter MacKay is an experienced TV personality, racing driver and has a great presence on the screen along with an excellent sense of humour.

  • Simon “Gonzo” Travaglini

    Well it looks like it’s going to be Luffy, it seems that Blood Sweat and Gears was a sneak peak at what to expect.

    Stay tuned folks

    Gonzo

  • Phil

    Samantha Stevens, She’s got personality, she can drive, and the bonus is she is very easy on the eye! Dave Morley and Neil Crompton.

  • aaron butterworth

    Todays the day people. They’re opening the locked bag full of applications. Good luck to all applicants:)

  • Gunnie

    Let’s not fool around with ‘known’ TV faces. Definitely NOT Denyer or Rove (God help us). Let’s give some NEW talent a go – and get some youth rep in there somehow…..there are plenty of younger people out there that know a lot and have the passion to carry this into a uniquely Oz flavour!
    Perhaps Paul Radisich would appreciate a shot at the ‘Stig’ since he hasn’t got a full time drive????

  • bredanEdgerton

    Yes I agree with some of the comments as to some over done people Denyer for example. What the show needs is something fresh. Someone people can relate to and personally identify with. There is a lot of obvious choices that will easily give an instant rating but long term the show will just blend in with all the other motor shows. I love V8 racing but cant stand RPM to much verbal masterbation by the presenters. I want to see cars not their faces. I personally think I have it, as I have had a varied experience re police, rally and car repairs. I am already doing radical chops on cars just for fun. To top that off I have my 7 month old cattle dog X “buddy” the Top Gear dog. Who is in training to help me do light checks on cars ie 1 bark stoplights 2 barks right blinker etc. Please do not pick someone overdone as it will ruin the show. Start fresh with new people and it will grow into a huge following I am sure thanks.

  • edward

    I really don’t know why anyone is bothering with an aussie version of Top Gear.
    This show is about the personalities of Jeremy, Richard and James as much as the cars – and these personalities are really irreplaceable.
    I have lots of friends who only have a mild interest in cars but who love TG because of the presenters, and none of them would bother turning on their TVs to watch an aussie TG.
    Myself?? Love interesting cars, but would find an aussie TG boring boring boring – no matter who fronted it. Apart from the presenters – where are the interesting cars in australia?? No doubt a great line-up of Holdens, Falcons and WRX’s!!!

  • Bozly

    Regardless of who hosts it, how will it compete with the quality of Top Gear. I reckon the pommy version would spend SBS’s annual budget on one show. There will be no crazy roadtests, soccer matches or transcontinental races.

  • http://www.6x6australia.com.au Bob

    I think the presenters should be some completely new faces to Australian TV viewers, as the people who currently populate the various TV shows and Sports presentations, are all fairly well stereotyped and each already have a following of sorts, wheras you want a new following for the new version of TOP GEAR, in Australia.

    I would like to offer my services for the position, or one of them as I have a lifetime of experience in all facets of motor vehicle engineering and would bring a totally unbiased opinion of the local vehicle genre, while also offering a good level of understanding and knowledge of the vehicles being presented and tested, as well as having fun with the show and the various scenarios that can occur.
    Regards,
    Bob James MIAME
    Automotive Engineer

  • Sue Shield

    I think my son Owen would be a great host for Top Gear Australia, he knows his Holdens, was brought up on Fords, particularly Capri’s, built his own car at 13, and won club trophies, was holding club committee positions then, and now, at age almost 30. Has many good friends and acquaintances in motorsport, a regular at Eastern Creek, well known to most of the teams there.
    Has petrol in his blood, wakes up and goes to sleep talking cars, no counting sheep, counts the revs mate!!!
    A good representative for the regular street guy with a car

  • One who knows…

    Adrian Alford is a talented, smart and camera-ready presenter who should be the new face of Australian television! Anyone who doesn’t get this guy in for a face-to-face interview is missing out on a great asset to Top Gear. AUSTRALIA – vote for Adrian Alford now!

  • TV Professional

    Adrian Alford? I TOTALLY AGREE! He currently works in television – behind the camera – and would be such a great find. Be real bad to lose him from the station but SBS would be gaining one of Oz best on-air talents…

  • Bougz

    Adrian Alford all the way. He is smart, extremely funny, extremely talented and most importantly, knows cars. He has been working in the television industry (behind the cameras) for quite some time and carries some unique and interesting qualities. He can impersonate pretty much anyone. He is down to earth and I personally think he is the best choice by far.

  • Kel

    Adrian Alford is the best choice for the position as we need a new face for TV. In a time where things need to change, as we all want Kochie (Sunrise, Channel 7) gone, and i believe with only the best in mind that Adrian is perfect for this job as he is talented and intelligent and as well as genuine in the automotive industry i believe these are some of the best qualities and especially for this role.

  • Brissy Boy

    Adrian is the face of motoring, what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing. Television is ready for something new. Adrian Alford will make Australian Top Gear the best show on T.V..

    Go Adrian

  • Ms Moneypenny

    Yep, AD is the go! He really is a fresh face – funny, good looking, brilliant in front of the camera. Hope he gets a look in. Looks like Pierce Brosnan too!

  • Big John

    Here are my picks
    -Daivd Hughes(Comedian)
    -Paul French (Fat Pizza)
    -Someone else ?……….None of the other people
    -John Bowe(Ex V8 Driver )STIG

    Some say he can read Shakespeare from 100 meters, using only a capsicum and a monacle lens. And that he can make 98 RON petrol out of home brew beer and garlic sauce. All we know is he’s called Australian Stig.

    That’s a good line……..

  • Wayne and Jade

    TOP GEAR SHOULD BE HOSTED BY THE ORGINAL TOP GEAR HOSTS.. ITS NOT TOP GEAR UNLESS THE ORGINALS ARENT IN IT.. WHY WHEN THEY ROAD TEST EUROPEAN CARS, THEY DONT HAVE EUROPEAN HOSTS? SAME AS IF THEY ROAD TEST AUSTRALIAN CARS THEY SHOULD STILL HAVE THE SAME HOSTS..

  • ben

    Bana sounds like a good start, cept the thing is you need presenters that are gonna bounce off each other real well shout and carry on yet still be able to sit down and effectively judge a car. its more about a team than 3 exceptional individuals

  • Billy Holden

    Hey, lets face it, the challenge of finding the 3 perfect presenters for Top Gear Australia is not an easy task. Especially with over 4,000 applicants. Hum, 4,000 applicants, at a max of 10 minute video, that would be over 600 hours of video to go thru. The average hours of real work per week is 30 hours. (taking into consideration smoko, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, smoko, and potty breaks, and coffee breaks). You would have at least 4 weeks of watching the boob tube of the 4,000 would be presenters. Then making the shortlist. Apparently, that is the really difficult. Top Gear UK, has not always been Clarkson, Hamster, and May. May came into the picture later in the game, as there were a couple of different 3rd wheels previous to May. It is very possible that TOP Gear Australia will do the same, in order to find the right fit of three presenters that can bounce off each other and make that Australian Team.

  • Benson

    Julian Edgar…

    Is a writer for Autospeed and wrote the bible on modifying cars (21st Century Performance) and is Australian!

  • http://masterbuilthomes.com.au Peter Pettitt

    Grant Denyer for the main host, the other two draw out of a hat!

  • jamie

    It cant be some aleady established celebrity with a career that will take precendence over a little car show. clarkson and may are famous because of topgear.. hammond less so, but top gear is the biggest thing they have by far. we cant stick top notch celebrities in, the shows creators need to find new/fresh people with genuine charisma. though maybe throw in some of the more charismatic motoring journos/retired racers but thats about it.

  • jamie

    Billy holdon thats exactly right. the combination of Hammond Clarkson and May wasnt created, it was developed.

  • V8 SUPERFAN

    Ian Luff as the host because he has a dominant personality as does Jeremy Clarkson. Jason Bargwana as the Aussie hamster. And as James May is a musician maybe James Morrison as captain slow. All great characters that would be similar to the U.K. hosts with a unique Australian perspective and it doesn’t matter who we vote for the Aussie Stig because we will never know who he is anyway.

  • Duck

    Oh, no please NO Grant Denyer! No short ford drivers!

  • Billy Holden

    So, has there been any live short list auditions yet? Has the poor sod that had to sit thru 700 hours of video finished, or do they have square eyes? Enquiring Minds want to know!
    Billy Holden

  • http://www.riverstoneco.com.au Scotty

    Rob is the man, and doesnt talk crap

  • http://www.riverstoneco.com.au Scotty

    Rob Buys !

  • jezza

    i reckon some hot bouncy aussie babe`with great legs a low cut top and oversized breasts would be great…. any chick from yer local beach would do

    the only role suitable for grant denyer is “the dwarf in a reasonably priced car” slot…he is far too cheesy

  • logan

    hamster- grant denyer, he know’s his car’s and is short
    captain slow- mick molloy, he’s taller then grant and different from dick
    jeremy- dick johnson, he’s a race car driver and loves to go fast
    the stig- you can’t choose that otherwise he can’t be the stig can he

    that’s only if austarlia goes through with it, i think they really shouldn’t

  • Randy

    lol my anti spam word was jeep, was there a hidden message there?

    Eric Bana… Awesome choice, I remember Poida taking Craig Lowndes for some donuts in the Falcon, total revhead.
    Denyer… actually very talented allrounder. good choice
    Nick Giannopolous… great suggestion, car nut and funny as hell.
    Jenn Hawkins because im just totally in love with her. nuff said.
    Dick Johnson at first I said no way even tho I grew up as a DJ, ford fan then I remembered his in car comments back in the day and they were hilarious…so maybe, yeah
    Stig.. Jim Richards would be perfect “you pack of assholes”
    no good asking Webber he’s finally got a car that finishes races so I cant see him quitting F1 now.

  • Ecidna

    Helen Eastwood should be host of Top Gear Australia… Has had practicial experience in rallying at the top level. Has a great sense of humour, practial knowledge of motor cars, has imagination and is a gifted presented and being the mother of two sons has personal knowledge of what appeals not only to her genaration but communicates well with the younger ones as well… Give her a go… You won’t be disappointed….

  • Doosie

    How about Harold Scruby?

  • Jezza

    Host have been announced. Gonna be a lot of jealous and whinging people out there . The hosts are
    Charlie Cox
    Warren Brown
    Steve Pizzati

    The source for the info is http://www.tvtonight.com.au

  • Jezza

    pity there are no hot scantily clad aussie babes

  • http://topgear.sbs.com.au adept

    give random australian drivers guest spots as hosts on the show and let them decide who they like. just look at the uk version that long haired bloke wouldnt be part of the crew would it not be for his popularity and comedic value. i think the show would benefit from a sort of ‘reality tv’ host recruitment (at least in the first series)

  • tu930

    Yeah, we really need a women, in her 40′s and in touch with the times. Helen Eastwood is it… State Championship rally navigator and past mechanic and petrol head. Plus she’s a map reader and maker… Go Helen. Let’s all vote for Helen.
    Matilda Clark..
    xxxxxxxxx

  • tu930

    Ahhh, one of the new presenters has already called it quits… yahoo, bring on Helen Eastwood for the job…
    Casey.
    xxxxxxxxxx

  • racing_jayjay

    Well i think if craig lowndes & Dick Johnson gets to host the show i will SUCK & it will be bed time those two are the werst two shits Australia have got in it. Hay Beleve me ive met tham thay are both Arigant Barsterds.

  • {democracy:11}

    Well done TheFrugalOne, won it by MILES!!

  • B.McLaren

    Looks like Frugalo-1 won the comp.

    What did he win?