Jeremy Clarkson to tackle Tesla Roadster on Top Gear, eventually
The lead mouth-piece at Top Gear, the incomparable Jeremy Clarkson, has a mixed record when it comes to greener vehicles. He did great with a round trip from London to Edinburgh in an diesel Audi A8, averaging over 33 mpg. However, his more recent encounter with the electric G-Wiz ended less favorably. The UK daily The Independent is reporting that on the next series of the best car show ever created, Clarkson will try again with battery power. This time around he will be going a little more upscale as he is to sample the Tesla Roadster. We checked with Tesla's SVP Darryl Siry to find out which version of the Roadster that Top Gear would be driving, drivetain 1.5, 2-speed or interim single speed. Siry was unaware of the British report. He confirmed that Tesla had been in contact with Top Gear producers but nothing has been scheduled or confirmed yet. He did tell ABG that "You can bet it will be with our best foot forward," implying that when the test happens it will be with the upgraded drivetrain 1.5.
Clarkson's a fairly big guy so it will be interesting to see how he fits in the car when the drive does happen. He will no doubt be pleased with the performance of the Roadster, and it will be interesting to see what kind of range the Top Gear crew will be able to muster when the Roadster is driven in their usual manner. It will also be interesting to see what self-improvement recording the Stig listens to as he takes to the track in the Roadster. Thanks to Jamie for the tip!
[Source: The Independent, Tesla Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ArtV 12:21PM (8/22/2008)
Given that Jeremy has driven several Elise's on the show, I should think that he wouldn't have any trouble with the Tesla, given that it's Elise-based.
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Kardax 12:27PM (8/22/2008)
Clarkson is actually a Lotus fan, so I don't see him having a problem with the Roadster's diminutive proportions.
Having driven a lot of Lotuses (Lotii?), I'm sure he'll have issues with the weight and limited range... but will love the acceleration and responsiveness.
A Lotus Elise vs. Tesla Roadster showdown would be fun :)
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KenZ 2:14PM (8/22/2008)
Just randomly saw a red Tesla Roadster driving around here in London two days ago. I look over at the side of the park and think "Hey, that car parked there looks like a freakin' Tesla!" Walk over to it, and yes it is, and then the guy drives off. Silently, I might add....
OK, so it has little to do with the post, but they are here, now.
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Chris M 9:47PM (8/22/2008)
Well, Clarkson can't complain about acceleration, but he might grouse a bit on the range and the top speed.
I am certain, however, that he will get yet another dig in against the hapless G-Wiz, saying something like. "Look at what an electric car could be, and instead we got stuck with the G-Wiz!"
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rob 10:42PM (8/22/2008)
But, he won't be able to use his favorite car review line...
"The noise it makes is just astonishing."
Other than that, the only thing I can see him bagging on is top speed and possibly the driving dynamics (if it hangs its tail out in corners in a nicely controllable way then that should be fine).
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Jonathan 3:25PM (8/25/2008)
The Stig is listening to Elton John this season :)
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