Top Gear series 4

Last updated

Top Gear
Series 4
Starring
No. of episodes10
Release
Original network BBC Two
Original release9 May (2004-05-09) 
1 August 2004 (2004-08-01)
Series chronology
 Previous
Series 3
Next 
Series 5
List of episodes

Series 4 of Top Gear , a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2004, consisting of ten episodes between 9 May and 1 August; [1] a compilation episode featuring the best moments of the series, titled "Best of Top Gear", was aired on 8 August. [2] This series saw the introduction of elements that would become a key part of the programme's formats, including races and special motoring budget challenges.

Contents

This series' highlights included a fuel endurance test between London and Edinburgh, the first major race between a car and public transport, and the presenters conducting their first budget car challenge. After the series concluded, a special edition for Sport Relief, titled "Stars in Fast Cars", was aired on 1 August, which later spawned a spin-off series for the BBC.

Episodes

No.
overall
No. in
series
ReviewsFeatures/challengesGuest(s)Original air dateUK viewers
(millions) [3]
301 Lotus ExigeRover CityRoverAston Martin DB9 Epic race: Aston Martin DB9 vs. Eurostar and TGV fast trains – Surrey to Monte CarloApache Gunship helicopter vs. Lotus Exige – can the helicopter get missile lock? Fay Ripley 9 May 2004 (2004-05-09)3.28
The presenters conduct a race to Monte Carlo, with Hammond and May travelling via the Eurostar and the TGV, and Clarkson racing against them in the Aston Martin DB9. Meanwhile, Clarkson sees if the super-lightweight Lotus Exige can evade missile lock-on from an Apache attack helicopter, and May goes undercover to see how rubbish the CityRover is. Finally, Fay Ripley steps in the Suzuki Liana to set a lap time on a mildly moist track.
312 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLarenAlfa Romeo 166Cadillac EscaladeFord FAB-1 A nun in a monster truck • Hammond gets hypnotised Paul McKenna 16 May 2004 (2004-05-16)3.31
Clarkson reviews the Alfa Romeo 166 and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, while assessing how the Volvo XC90 compares with the Land Rover Discovery. Meanwhile, May takes a drive in the 2004 Thunderbirds movie version of FAB 1 to see how it fares on the road, and a nun attempts to prove they can drive a monster truck. Finally, hypnotist Paul McKenna has a go in the Liana before causing mischief for one of the presenters.
323 Porsche 911 GT3 RSFerrari 360 Challenge StradaleDodge Charger R/T £100 car challenge. (Volvo 760Audi 80Rover 416GTi) Jordan 23 May 2004 (2004-05-23)3.36
The presenters each buy a road-legal car for less than £100 - a Volvo 760, a Rover 416GTi and a Audi 80 1.8E - and put them through their paces with a series of challenges to see who got the better deal. Meanwhile, Hammond reviews the 1968 Dodge Charger 440 R/T, and Clarkson tries out the Porsche 996 GT3 RS against the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale with a track day. Finally, supermodel Jordan is the latest star in the Liana to do a lap.
334 Porsche Carrera GTAudi A8 4.0 TDIFord SportKa 'Car darts' • Audi A8 4.0 TDI endurance challenge (London to Edinburgh and back on one tank) • Ford SportKa vs. racing pigeonsEvo vs. STi battle revised Ronnie O'Sullivan 30 May 2004 (2004-05-30)3.24
Clarkson sees if a Audi A8 4.0 TDI can do a drive from London to Edinburgh and back on one tankful of fuel. Meanwhile, there is a race between the Ford SportKa and a flock of racing pigeons, a review of the Porsche Carrera GT, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ320 and the Subaru Impreza STI WRX WR1, and a game of "car darts" between Hammond and May. Finally, snooker player Ronnie O'Sullivan does a lap in the Liana.
345 MG ZT 260 • Hatchbacks: (Vauxhall AstraMazda3Volkswagen Golf)Shootout: Performance sport coupes (Jaguar XK-RBMW 645CiPorsche 911 Carrera 2) on the Pendine SandsVolkswagen Golf gets electrocuted Johnny VaughanDenise van Outen 6 June 2004 (2004-06-06)3.39
The trio head to Pendine Sands to conduct a comparison challenge between the BMW 645Ci, the Jaguar XK-R, and the Porsche 996 Carrera 2. Meanwhile, Hammond sees how a safe a car if it is struck by lightning, and there are reviews of the Vauxhall Astra, the Mazda 3, and the MG ZT 260. Finally, Johnny Vaughan is driving in the Liana this time, with Denise Van Outen tagging along.
356 Renault Clio RenaultSportJaguar XJSCadillac CTSNissan Cube Can you run a car on poo? Hammond Investigates. Sir Terry Wogan 13 June 2004 (2004-06-13)3.19
The presenters review two cars not available in Britain - the Nissan Cube, and the Cadillac CTS - and determine which other vehicles they want in the country. Meanwhile, May sees how a modernised version of the Jaguar XJS compares to the original, Clarkson reviews the Renault Clio 182, and Hammond sees if a car can run on "poo". Finally, broadcaster Terry Wogan sees whether he can be good around the track in the Liana.
367 Spyker C8 SpyderMercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG MPVs as minicabs: (Renault ScénicFord C-Max) Lionel Richie 11 July 2004 (2004-07-11)3.47
Clarkson pits the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG in a drag race against the Bentley Continental GT and the Aston Martin DB9, before reviewing the Spyker C8 Spyder to see how good it drives. Elsewhere, Hammond and May test out the Renault Scénic and the Ford C-MAX with a unique challenge - to see how well they fare as minicabs. Finally, Lionel Richie breaks a wheel off the Liana when he takes to the track.
378 Ford GTMaserati Quattroporte Diesel versus Petrol hot hatch race • Blowing over cars using Boeing 747 jetblast • Tribute to the Rover V8 engine Martin Clunes 18 July 2004 (2004-07-18)4.01
Hammond pays tribute to the Rover V8 engine, and tests a Boeing 747's engine jetblast against two unmanned cars - a Ford Mondeo and a Citroen 2CV. Meanwhile, Clarkson gets to grips with the Ford GT, May questions what type of car the Maserati Quattroporte wants to be, and a diesel Škoda Fabia VRS races against a petrol Mini Cooper. Finally, Martin Clunes takes the Liana around the track.
389Two Seater Roadsters: (Mazda MX-5Toyota MR2Fiat BarchettaMercedes-Benz SL600) • Convertibles: (Mini Cooper CabrioletVauxhall TigraMercedes-Benz SLK350Audi S4 Cabriolet)Jaguar X-Type Estate Can you parachute into a moving car? Sir Ranulph Fiennes 25 July 2004 (2004-07-25)4.01
There are comparison tests between two seater roadsters - the Mercedes-Benz SL600, the Mazda MX-5, the Fiat Barchetta and the Toyota MR2 - and between cabriolets - the Mini Cooper Cabriolet, the Vauxhall Tigra, the Mercedes-Benz SLK350, and the Audi S4 Cabriolet. Clarkson reviews the Jaguar X-Type estate, while May sees if you can parachute into a moving car. Finally, Sir Ranulph Fiennes tackles driving the Liana around the Test Track.
3910 Volvo V50Peugeot 407BMW X3Chevrolet Corvette Hammond drives the Peugeot 407 as a pace car • Car Olympics: long jump Patrick Kielty 1 August 2004 (2004-08-01)3.54
Hammond tests to see if the Peugeot 407 works a pace car, and compares the Chevrolet Corvette C6 to older models in the Corvette range. Meanwhile, May tests the boot space of the Volvo V50 by seeing what he can get into it from an antique sale, Clarkson reviews the BMW X3, and Top Gear attempts its own version of the Long Jump with cars. Finally, Patrick Kielty sees if he can put in a fast lap with the Liana.

Spin-Off Special

TitleGuest(s)Original air date
Stars in Fast Cars Jodie Kidd, Patrick Kielty, Jimmy Carr and Darren Jordon 10 July 2004 (2004-07-10)
Hammond and May host a special edition of Top Gear, in which several well-known celebrities take on each other in a series of challenges to see who is best. The show's competitors included Clarkson, Jodie Kidd, Patrick Kielty, Jimmy Carr and Darren Jordon.

Related Research Articles

<i>Top Gear</i> (1977 TV series) The Original TG aired from 1977 until 2002

Top Gear was a British motoring magazine programme created by the BBC and aired on BBC Two between 22 April 1977 and 17 December 2001. The programme focused on a range of motoring topics, the most common being car reviews, road safety and consumer advice. Originally presented by Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne, the show saw a range of different presenters and reporters front the programme's half-hourly slots, including Noel Edmonds, Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needell, William Woollard and Quentin Willson. The programme proved popular during the late 80s and early 90s, and launched a number of spin-offs, including its own magazine entitled Top Gear Magazine.

Stars in Fast Cars was a motoring-themed celebrity game show, in which celebrities compete in motoring challenges, including recreating movie stunts and racing modified armchairs. The series was first broadcast on BBC Three, in 2005, and repeated on BBC One in 2006.

Series 2 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2003, consisting of ten episodes between 11 May and 20 July; a compilation episode, titled "Best of Top Gear", was broadcast after the series concluded on 27 July, featuring the best moments of the previous two series. It was the first series to feature James May, who was brought in to replace Jason Dawe following the first series, and the first to credit the programme's anonymous driver, "The Stig", as an additional presenter; though not under their actual indentity.

Series 3 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2003, consisting of nine episodes between 26 October and 28 December; a compilation episode featuring the best moments of the series, titled "Best of Top Gear", was aired on 4 January 2004.

Series 5 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2004, consisting of nine episodes between 24 October and 26 December; a compilation episode, titled "Best of Top Gear", was aired on 2 January 2005, and charted the best moments from Series 4 and 5.

Series 7 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2005, consisting of six episodes between 13 October and 27 December. This series' highlights included a race involving the Bugatti Veyron, and a motoring challenge involving budget second-hand supercars.

Series 9 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2007, and consisted of six episodes that were aired between 28 January and 4 March. Production on the series was delayed by several months when Richard Hammond was seriously injured after crashing the Vampire dragster racer whilst filming for the show; the first episode, which welcomed him back, showed the footage of this crash. This series was the first to introduce feature-length specials focused on road trips with motoring challenges, with other highlights including the presenters attempting to build a Space Shuttle with a Reliant Robin, creating home-made stretch limos, and reaching top speed in the Bugatti Veyron.

<i>Top Gear</i> series 10 Season of television series

Series 10 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2007, consisting of ten episodes that were aired between 7 October and 23 December. This series saw the props used on the programme being changed from car-based seating and a wide-screen monitor in the main set space, to wingback chairs and an old TV screen; although attributed to a fire caused by Top Gear's rival programme, it later was exposed as a publicity stunt, with the props replaced the following series. This series' highlights included the presenters crossing Botswana on a road trip, a race between a car and a fighter jet, fording amphibious cars across the English Channel, and competing in a 24-hour endurance race using home-made bio-diesel.

<i>Top Gear Australia</i> Australian TV series or program

Top Gear Australia is an Australian motoring reality television series, based on the British BBC series Top Gear. The programme first premiered on SBS One on 29 September 2008. A second season was ordered following the high ratings for the premiere episode and positive comments from advertisers, and the second season began broadcasting from 11 May 2009. After acquiring the rights to broadcast the UK version in 2009, the Nine Network started airing their own version of Top Gear Australia in September 2010. Top Gear Australia returned for a fourth season in 2011. The show was cancelled on 28 April 2012 due to declining ratings. An eight part series will return in 2024 on Paramount+ with new hosts.

<i>Top Gear</i> series 12 Season of television series

Series 12 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2008, consisting of seven episodes that were aired between 2 November and 14 December. This series' highlights included the presenters tackling the task of driving lorries, investigating car-tuning, a fuel-economy race, the first power test by James May, and a review of cars made during the Cold War era. After the series concluded, a feature-length special for Christmas, titled Top Gear: Vietnam Special, was aired on 28 December 2008, focusing on the presenters travelling across Vietnam with motorcycles.

<i>Top Gear</i> series 14 Season of television series

Series 14 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two, consisting of seven episodes that were aired between 15 November 2009 to 3 January 2010. It is the first series that was also aired in high-definition. This series' highlights included the presenters making their own electric car, hosting a car-themed art exhibition, and a tribute to the car manufacturer Lancia. The sixth episode of the series was dedicated to a feature-length special, titled Top Gear: Bolivia Special, focused on a road trip with off-road vehicles.

<i>Top Gear</i> series 15 Season of television series

Series 15 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two and BBC HD during 2010, consisting of six episodes that were aired between 27 June and 1 August; the new series was promoted with a special trailer that made use of a clip published on YouTube. This series saw the replacement of the Chevrolet Lacetti by the Kia Cee'd as the Reasonably Priced Car.

<i>Top Gear</i> series 16 Season of television series

Series 16 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2011, consisting of six episodes that were aired between 23 January and 27 February. Following the previous series, the BBC discontinued their involvement with Ben Collins on the programme, after he breached an agreement in his contract that forbid him disclosing his role as "The Stig" with the publication of his autobiography, The Man in the White Suit, in August 2010. His departure led to his replacement by a new driver by the beginning of the first episode.

<i>Top Gear</i> series 18 Season of television series

Series 18 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2012, consisting of seven episodes that were aired between 29 January and 11 March; a feature-length special focused on the presenters doing a road trip across India, titled Top Gear: India Special, preceded the series' first episode, and was aired on 28 December 2011. This series' highlights included the presenters being involved in the filming of a car chase sequence, reviewing the Chinese car industry, making home-made mobility scooters, and examining the cars made by manufacturer Saab.

<i>Top Gear</i> series 20 Season of television series

Series 20 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2013, consisting of six episodes between 30 June and 4 August. Following the previous series, the programme replaced the Kia Cee'd with the Vauxhall Astra Tech Line as its "Reasonably Priced Car", effectively wiping the Celebrity Lap Board clean for new times. This series' highlights included a race between a car and a yacht around New Zealand, a budget convertible trip across Spain, the presenters creating a hovercraft out of a van, and a tribute piece to the British motor industry.

Top Gear is a British motoring magazine and entertainment television programme. It is a revival by Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman of the 1977–2001 show of the same name for the BBC, and premiered on 20 October 2002. The programme focuses on the examination and reviewing of motor vehicles, primarily cars, though this was expanded upon after the broadcast of its earlier series to incorporate films featuring motoring-based challenges, special races, timed laps of notable cars, and celebrity timed laps on a course specially-designed for the relaunched programme. The programme drew acclaim for its visual and presentation style since its launch, which focused on being generally entertaining to viewers, as well as criticism over the controversial nature of its content. The show was also praised for its occasionally-controversial humour and lore existing in not just the automotive community but in the form of internet memes and jokes. The programme was aired on BBC Two until it was moved to BBC One for its twenty-ninth series in 2020.

The Grand Tour is a British motoring television series, created by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and Andy Wilman, made for Amazon exclusively for its online streaming service Amazon Prime Video, and premiered on 18 November 2016. The programme was conceived in the wake of the departure of Clarkson, Hammond, May and Wilman from the BBC series Top Gear and was originally contracted with 36 episodes over three years.

Series 28 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2020, consisting of six episodes between 26 January and 1 March; the series' studio segments were filmed prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. The series was preceded by a feature-length special, involving a road trip by the presenters across Nepal, that was aired on 29 December 2019.

Series 29 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One during 2020, consisting of five episodes between 4 October and 1 November. The COVID-19 pandemic affected production of the series, with several changes made as a result—studio segments were filmed on an outdoor set with social distancing maintained between presenters, audience members and production staff, the celebrity segment was dropped, and most films were recorded within Britain; a single international film was created, but this was produced in February 2020.

References

  1. "Top Gear Series 4". topgearbox.com. 1 May 2005.
  2. "Top Gear - Stars In Fast Cars - Sports Relief (2005)". youtube.com. 16 November 2016. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  3. "Weekly Top 10 Programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board.