Top Gear finally gets its comeuppance

[JohnH]

Faking test drives might make them more entertaining -- but it can cost a lot of money...

http://uk.tv.yahoo.com/news-extra/artic ... -test.html

 

[grahame]

But only if it is rigged.

I suspect that they will be aquitted, they said that Tesla claimed a 220 mile range, but on their track it only managed 55 miles. This will be shown to be in line with the effect of "track driving" on other cars' fuel economy (and hence range). Remember they got 4mph out of a Mitsubishi Evo IX. So, they reported nothing but verifiable facts.

 

[Stick Legs]

I must say they have a point.

I had the demonstater for a day and was amazed by it. If I had the mon ey I would be seriously tempted.

Many folk who saw it and commented after the fact (despite mever having seen the car) claimed that it could only go 50 miles and was rubbish.

Lancias rust. (Really, have a look at a late Delta)

Jags are un reliable. (My '88 V12 XJ-S never once stranded me or my father in 20 years of ownership)

Lotus' break down all the time. (Apart from the countless Excels and Elise's that are in daily use)

BMW X5's can't get off wet grass. (Except for the ones that routinely tow horse boxes out of fields)

all the sort of reputations that are not strictly true and can damage the reputation of a manufacturer, in some cases terminally.

My observations ae not fact, nor are Clarkson's. Broadcasters have a responsibility, TopGear are clever enough to be funny without making stuff up. Or so you would be led to belive...

 

[rosstheboss]

The only time I've seen a Tesla, it was broken down on the side of the road....

Why are they taking legal action now anyway? Two years after the show was broadcast? They've realised they aren't selling any perhaps and have a case of sour grapes?

Sticklegs can I have first refusal on whatever car you decide to sell next, you seem to have extraordinary luck!!!

It's funny how it goes though - my dad had a BL era Rover - broke down every 5 minutes, he sold it to his mate for pence, who then had about 10 years problem free driving with it!!!!

 

[Stick Legs]

Sticklegs can I have first refusal on whatever car you decide to sell next, you seem to have extraordinary luck!!!

A little luck maybe, lots of care & mechanical sympathy and buying a good one in the first place helps too.

I have a soft spot for Rovers actually. Always fancied a SD1 3500 VandenPlas or a early 825 Vitesse / Sterling.

The SD1 would be wicked, V8 bass line, comfy and individual and space for a bike!

 

[David B]

Plus, on a more light-hearted note:

http://newsthump.com/2011/03/31/clarkson’s-fence-to-form-centrepiece-of-cnd-lesbian-eco-sculpture



David

 

[David B]

My observations ae not fact, nor are Clarkson's. Broadcasters have a responsibility, TopGear are clever enough to be funny without making stuff up. Or so you would be led to belive...

Oh dear - another black mark on Richard "The Hamster"[1] Hammond's CV; Sky 1's science show Brainiac also turned out to have faked stuff (chiefly a caesium/water reaction) during his time as the show's frontman. Not implying that that was RH's fault, more that he does seem to inadvertently get involved with these sort of things....

David

[1] Not a real hamster, Stewart Lee assures me.

 

[Neil]

But only if it is rigged.

I suspect that they will be aquitted, they said that Tesla claimed a 220 mile range, but on their track it only managed 55 miles. This will be shown to be in line with the effect of "track driving" on other cars' fuel economy (and hence range). Remember they got 4mph out of a Mitsubishi Evo IX. So, they reported nothing but verifiable facts.

Yebbut, Clarkson (quoted from the articlar) apparently said:-

"It's just a shame that in the real world it doesn't seem to work."

Hardly seems real world testing conditions, cause(d) the comments broadcast - I see their point.

 

[grahame]

But only if it is rigged.

I suspect that they will be aquitted, they said that Tesla claimed a 220 mile range, but on their track it only managed 55 miles. This will be shown to be in line with the effect of "track driving" on other cars' fuel economy (and hence range). Remember they got 4mph out of a Mitsubishi Evo IX. So, they reported nothing but verifiable facts.

Yebbut, Clarkson (quoted from the articlar) apparently said:-

"It's just a shame that in the real world it doesn't seem to work."

Hardly seems real world testing conditions, cause(d) the comments broadcast - I see their point.

The key word there for a defence case would be "seem". This makes it opinion based on observation rather than stated fact.

 

[Neil]

But only if it is rigged.

I suspect that they will be aquitted, they said that Tesla claimed a 220 mile range, but on their track it only managed 55 miles. This will be shown to be in line with the effect of "track driving" on other cars' fuel economy (and hence range). Remember they got 4mph out of a Mitsubishi Evo IX. So, they reported nothing but verifiable facts.

Yebbut, Clarkson (quoted from the articlar) apparently said:-

"It's just a shame that in the real world it doesn't seem to work."

Hardly seems real world testing conditions, cause(d) the comments broadcast - I see their point.

The key word there for a defence case would be "seem". This makes it opinion based on observation rather than stated fact.

Hang on a minute - if the contention from the pantomime prop, that the car only gets 50-ish miles to the gallon, and also the brakes are rubbish, based on the thing being ragged around their test track, then:-

"It's just a shame that in the real world it doesn't seem to work."

is hardly fair comment, is it. Certainly when broadcast on mainstream telly - whether due to the "unique way it is funded" or otherwise. Especially so, when still being broadcast and being sold for DVD (which is why they still object, now).

Without that comment from the stooge, maybe less contentious - but with it, there's most definitely a smoking gun.