INFORMATION
The show has received considerable praise for its visuals and presentation, as well as a number of criticisms for its content and comments made by presenters.
In the new series two new presenters were
introduced to co-host with Clarkson: Richard Hammond (left) and
James May (right).
The Stig (pictured below) - an anonymous masked racing driver
- was introduced as the test
driver.
New segments were also added, including "Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car", "The Cool Wall", "Car News", "Power Laps", and one-off features such as races, competitions and the frequent destruction of caravans.
Parts of the show:
CHALLENGES
Early series featured novelty challenges and short stunt films,
typically based in absurd places, such as a bus jumping over motorcycles
or a nun driving a monster truck. They also raced on the North Pole,
Africa, or with motor homes.
RACES
The show regularly features various races. There have been a number of
epic races where Clarkson or one of the other presenters drives a car
against other forms of transport, typically involving Hammond and May
taking the same journey by combinations of plane, train or ferry.
STAR IN A REASONABLE PRICED CAR
In each episode, a celebrity is interviewed by Clarkson.
Then, Clarkson, the guest and the studio audience watch footage of the
guest's fastest lap around the Top Gear test track. The times are
recorded on a leader board. The car driven is a Chevrolet Lacetti. Each
celebrity is allowed five practice laps, then a final timed lap. No
allowance is made for any errors on this final timed lap.