Top Gear tonight @ 21:00 CET BBC2

[ShelbyGTH-NL]

For $55k you get a 662bhp car. I could not care about the interior or the sound of a closing door, just that sweet sound of the V8 is all i need, but since I am living in the Netherlands a new 2013 Shelby GT500 will be around €130,000 till €150,000 due to taxes. So that is why many people in Europe are buying BMW, Mercedes and ..... instead of a Shelby. If I just had the money :|

[jerseygator]

????? He is the one who has a problem with everything I say. 2nd please show me a rule I broke that he didn't. You are right though I won't grow up for the guy that has a personal vendetta against me. Believe me if I really wanted to break some rules I know exactly what I would say and be done with it,which would be the completely 100% correct thing to do in this situation but that wouldn't be polite and I would get yelled at or banned. And don't generalize saying I have no respect for others. Am I insulting you? Am I insulting other people? Or is this just an isolated incident with one person who seems to argue with every post I make? I think it's the latter. I am completely entitled to my opinion to say I agree with Jeremy Clark the same as svtkeith is to say that muscle cars should be unrefined.

 

Have a nice day.

 

Are you serious? That is the funniest thing I've heard. An isolated incident?!?!

 

Like JeffJ, I've tried to talk to you on the side. Given allowance for your age... But it doesn't matter. The one common denominator is SVT13 leaving a trail of carnage where ever he posts.

 

Isolated? I think not.

[Doug_GT350]

[svt13]

Are you serious? That is the funniest thing I've heard. An isolated incident?!?!

 

Like JeffJ, I've tried to talk to you on the side. Given allowance for your age... But it doesn't matter. The one common denominator is SVT13 leaving a trail of carnage where ever he posts.

 

Isolated? I think not.

 

Lol lets be honest here and cut all the BS. The only people that cause the carnage to happen is when svtkeith gets invovled or dave. Those 2 and I are like oil and water we don't mix. In every other thread I post on to OP usually thanks for me the input experience since I don't beat around the bush. Even today did I not answer you about your question about what watts link I used and if it would be good for tracking your car? Did we argue? No. I answered you question you said thank you and we were on our way. But when I open my mouth even if I say the sky is blue those 2 will get offended.

[Im1livewire]

 

 

Lol lets be honest here and cut all the BS. The only people that cause the carnage to happen is when svtkeith gets invovled or dave. Those 2 and I are like oil and water we don't mix. In every other thread I post on to OP usually thanks for me the input experience since I don't beat around the bush. Even today did I not answer you about your question about what watts link I used and if it would be good for tracking your car? Did we argue? No. I answered you question you said thank you and we were on our way. But when I open my mouth even if I say the sky is blue those 2 will get offended.

 

 

Hey Alcoa Boy. Don't go away mad....Just go away!

[blackonblack]

Are you serious? That is the funniest thing I've heard. An isolated incident?!?!

 

Like JeffJ, I've tried to talk to you on the side. Given allowance for your age... But it doesn't matter. The one common denominator is SVT13 leaving a trail of carnage where ever he posts.

 

Isolated? I think not.

 

 

+1

[mullens]

That was one of the funniest episodes I ever saw. Love British humor. Those guys a great.

[ViperNC]

you and NC viper tell me whats not refined about the GT500 ?..further more show me what Euro or Jap car will give you the performance and refinment

 

Since you asked and to elaborate, the thing I dislike about the GT500 is the plastic feel of the interior and the lack of an independent rear suspension. Outside of that, I love my Shelby. Don't get me wrong.... I'm not saying I like the Euro and Japanese cars better. I just wish we (the global USA "we") could use better materials for the fit an finish. I think its getting better, but if you look at the BMW M1 or M3 for example the interior and creature comforts are much more refined for similar price to the GT500 and/or Super Snake.

 

I share your passion about anything Shelby has produced. I too, had a replica Cobra (mine was a Superformance) and loved that car. So don't mistake my comments for being combative. Just longing for a little less plastic and more quality materials. Personally I think it is less about the cost to make and sell the car in the USA vs. supporting the aftermarket parts industry which is huge. Look at my car for example. I took all the cheap plastic off the outside and replaced with aftermarket carbon fiber. Wasn't cheap either.

[03reptile]

Since you asked and to elaborate, the thing I dislike about the GT500 is the plastic feel of the interior and the lack of an independent rear suspension. Outside of that, I love my Shelby. Don't get me wrong.... I'm not saying I like the Euro and Japanese cars better. I just wish we (the global USA "we") could use better materials for the fit an finish. I think its getting better, but if you look at the BMW M1 or M3 for example the interior and creature comforts are much more refined for similar price to the GT500 and/or Super Snake.

 

I share your passion about anything Shelby has produced. I too, had a replica Cobra (mine was a Superformance) and loved that car. So don't mistake my comments for being combative. Just longing for a little less plastic and more quality materials. Personally I think it is less about the cost to make and sell the car in the USA vs. supporting the aftermarket parts industry which is huge. Look at my car for example. I took all the cheap plastic off the outside and replaced with aftermarket carbon fiber. Wasn't cheap either.

 

 

I agree with you, as well. Love my 2013 GT500 for it's performance and eye catching appeal. Wife has a BMW 535I and the interior/trunk area is far superior to the Shelby. Thing is, all BMW's from the least expensive model to the top, have beautiful interiors and you pay the tariff for that. Ford doesn't do that. The Shelby is based on the stock Mustang & it's interior, which is not up to the quality of the BMW's, but is far more affordable then an entrance level BMW. Ford certainly could put a higher quality interior in our Shelbys, but that would necessitate obviously big changes in interior product costs and different production line procedures. Just too expensive. So they spiff-up the stock Mustang's interior with leather and a few bling items, but it still has the basic Mustang interior panels and trunk quality. As an aside, I think the materials used in the Mustang's trunk are shamfully abysmal. So we have a basic Mustang; but damn, that engine, trans, and suspension sure makes up for a BMW'ish interior !

[ebucky]

I agree with you, as well. Love my 2013 GT500 for it's performance and eye catching appeal. Wife has a BMW 535I and the interior/trunk area is far superior to the Shelby. Thing is, all BMW's from the least expensive model to the top, have beautiful interiors and you pay the tariff for that. Ford doesn't do that. The Shelby is based on the stock Mustang & it's interior, which is not up to the quality of the BMW's, but is far more affordable then an entrance level BMW. Ford certainly could put a higher quality interior in our Shelbys, but that would necessitate obviously big changes in interior product costs and different production line procedures. Just too expensive. So they spiff-up the stock Mustang's interior with leather and a few bling items, but it still has the basic Mustang interior panels and trunk quality. As an aside, I think the materials used in the Mustang's trunk are shamfully abysmal. So we have a basic Mustang; but damn, that engine, trans, and suspension sure makes up for a BMW'ish interior !

 

 

Agreed. As Queen's Roger Taylor said, "I'm in Love with My Car" and accept absolutely every (very few) imperfection that came along with all the amazing attributes.

[dancap3286]

IMO I think some of you are comparing apples to oranges. GT500's, BMW's, Ferrari's and McLarens???? I think it's easy to find the peg that does not fit. I feel as many others do, it is a muscle car that is loud and just rips up the pavement! If I wanted something refined I would have bought a BMW or Benz. BTW I love the fact that it is raw. Kinda reminds me of the original muscle cars of the 60's and 70's. Love my gt500 refined or not, Those Euro supercars do absolutely nothing for me LOL!

[svtbird91]

To summarize the video according to statements by the crew of TopGear in this episode:

They set a negative tone about the Mustang and American cars in general from the get go! Here are some of the quotes in the timeline below which as an American I am offended by some of the comments and as a 2013 Gt500 owner I fail to see any humor in whatsoever .

 

 

 

18:29 “Just because a car has go fast stripes doesn’t mean it goes fast”

 

18:33 “A Mustang is a very good straight line ¼ mile car …that’s what it is good for”

 

20:33 “it’s not sophisticated nor intelligent. As a European you might think it’s a stupid car." That "James May has a point that sophisticated European people are not Mustang people.”

 

21:02 ‘I like Mustangs but they are not fast”

 

22:28 Because he (the GT500) lost 1 hour (on the slow ferry)before it gets to France James said “he can’t make that time up unless he tries to make it in a Mustang that can’t go around a corner. Then he will be up a tree.”

 

22:38 Clarkson “It’s true Mustangs are not good around corners”

 

24:21 At the Ferry , Clarkson found out that not everyone in Europe shared his negative views on the Mustang…..They loved it often taking pictures , asking questions etc.

 

24:31 Clarkson admits to mocking Mustangs throughout his life not just currently

 

27:13 He bashes American built engines saying “they are all made from melted down box girders

 

27:29 The Gt500 blocks are made in Germany “where they know what they are doing” (unlike in the US where they don't?)

 

28:56 “Only a 50 Liter fuel tank”

 

42:26 Makes fun of all the gauge options by saying “what’s the point of them”

 

44:25 He says “has worked out why this immensely powerful car is so cheap.”

 

44:40 (obligatory) Bashes the “plastics” and manual Recaro seats

 

44:45 “It is not refined or engineered as well as anything made in Europe or Japan”

 

(said something actually positive)

45:07 Liked this…..“Never bored with the power and you do get the Shelby herritage

 

59:32 Concludes that the 2013 GT500 quality is “like that of an old Escort” not refined, noisy, full of vibration and harshness”

 

59:47 “This is why American cars are so cheap!”

 

 

 

My conclusion of this episode of Top Gear specifically pertaining to the 2013GT500 :

 

If this video doesn’t show the pompous, arrogant American bashing attitude Top Gear consistently displays then I guess nothing will. IMO This show is a disgrace and only serves to perpetuate the jealousy and hatred towards America that we often see from Europe and those who think we should be more like them.

[Cali_KR]

To summarize the video according to statements by the crew of TopGear in this episode:

They set a negative tone about the Mustang and American cars in general from the get go! Here are some of the quotes in the timeline below which as an American I am offended by some of the comments and as a 2013 Gt500 owner I fail to see any humor in whatsoever .

 

 

 

18:29 “Just because a car has go fast stripes doesn’t mean it goes fast”

 

18:33 “A Mustang is a very good straight line ¼ mile car …that’s what it is good for”

 

20:33 “it’s not sophisticated nor intelligent. As a European you might think it’s a stupid car." That "James May has a point that sophisticated European people are not Mustang people.”

 

21:02 ‘I like Mustangs but they are not fast”

 

22:28 Because he (the GT500) lost 1 hour (on the slow ferry)before it gets to France James said “he can’t make that time up unless he tries to make it in a Mustang that can’t go around a corner. Then he will be up a tree.”

 

22:38 Clarkson “It’s true Mustangs are not good around corners”

 

24:21 At the Ferry , Clarkson found out that not everyone in Europe shared his negative views on the Mustang…..They loved it often taking pictures , asking questions etc.

 

24:31 Clarkson admits to mocking Mustangs throughout his life not just currently

 

27:13 He bashes American built engines saying “they are all made from melted down box girders

 

27:29 The Gt500 blocks are made in Germany “where they know what they are doing” (unlike in the US where they don't?)

 

28:56 “Only a 50 Liter fuel tank”

 

42:26 Makes fun of all the gauge options by saying “what’s the point of them”

 

44:25 He says “has worked out why this immensely powerful car is so cheap.”

 

44:40 (obligatory) Bashes the “plastics” and manual Recaro seats

 

44:45 “It is not refined or engineered as well as anything made in Europe or Japan”

 

(said something actually positive)

45:07 Liked this…..“Never bored with the power and you do get the Shelby herritage

 

59:32 Concludes that the 2013 GT500 quality is “like that of an old Escort” not refined, noisy, full of vibration and harshness”

 

59:47 “This is why American cars are so cheap!”

 

 

 

My conclusion of this episode of Top Gear specifically pertaining to the 2013GT500 :

 

If this video doesn’t show the pompous, arrogant American bashing attitude Top Gear consistently displays then I guess nothing will. IMO This show is a disgrace and only serves to perpetuate the jealousy and hatred towards America that we often see from Europe and those who think we should be more like them.

 

 

Great summary...

 

And to add to that, 2 more errors from that WANKER Clarkson,

 

1st) I'd have to go back to the video, but he basically said CS was NOT an accomplished driver...hmmm, if winning LeMans is not accomplished, I don't know what is, plus Enzo courted him heavily, to which CS passed and signed on with Maserati. Not bad for a good 'ol boy from Texas

 

2nd) It was NEVER an AC Cobra, and if you said that to Carroll, he would've tore you a new one, it was and always be a Shelby Cobra, he built it, therefore his name on it (albeit the very first handful still had AC badging on the front, that was soon changed once Peter Brock came up with his design)

[MY500SS]

Just try driving one of these Shelby's around Europe and you'll see how much they are admired. Got more thumbs up and photos taken then I can count. Couldn't go anywhere without drawing a crowd.

 

SRE Forever.

[svtbird91]

Great summary...

 

And to add to that, 2 more errors from that WANKER Clarkson,

 

1st) I'd have to go back to the video, but he basically said CS was NOT an accomplished driver...hmmm, if winning LeMans is not accomplished, I don't know what is, plus Enzo courted him heavily, to which CS passed and signed on with Maserati. Not bad for a good 'ol boy from Texas

 

2nd) It was NEVER an AC Cobra, and if you said that to Carroll, he would've tore you a new one, it was and always be a Shelby Cobra, he built it, therefore his name on it (albeit the very first handful still had AC badging on the front, that was soon changed once Peter Brock came up with his design)

 

Two great points as well, thanks for pointing them out.

Yes he did say Carroll "couldn't make it as a driver so he started building cars instead". It is clear they don't do proper research or simply declined to tell it correctly and accurately because it might just get in the way of their bias agenda......

[svttim]

Great summary...

 

And to add to that, 2 more errors from that WANKER Clarkson,

 

1st) I'd have to go back to the video, but he basically said CS was NOT an accomplished driver...hmmm, if winning LeMans is not accomplished, I don't know what is, plus Enzo courted him heavily, to which CS passed and signed on with Maserati. Not bad for a good 'ol boy from Texas

 

2nd) It was NEVER an AC Cobra, and if you said that to Carroll, he would've tore you a new one, it was and always be a Shelby Cobra, he built it, therefore his name on it (albeit the very first handful still had AC badging on the front, that was soon changed once Peter Brock came up with his design)

 

 

Well said Tom, The so called tribute to Carrol was half hearted and lacking. I believe its because Carrol hand the sofisticated europeans thier ass. Cant be admitting that. I generally like Top Gear but, wont be viewing it anymore, They are just an arrogant bunch of gas bags.

 

I have riden in BMW's and Aston Martins along with a few others. Its funny how european plastic is so much better that American Plastic. Really? You see in a car what you want to see, The Mustang is made for the American buyer for now. We want cars you can hear. As for IRS, why does the Mustang take it to the BMW's with thier modified IRS system with a stick axle? Hype, Media BS,

 

Lastly, most of us better hope they never get the level of refinement these europeans demand, we will all be driving Fiesta's

[mikejaeggi]

Great summary...

 

And to add to that, 2 more errors from that WANKER Clarkson,

 

1st) I'd have to go back to the video, but he basically said CS was NOT an accomplished driver...hmmm, if winning LeMans is not accomplished, I don't know what is, plus Enzo courted him heavily, to which CS passed and signed on with Maserati. Not bad for a good 'ol boy from Texas

 

2nd) It was NEVER an AC Cobra, and if you said that to Carroll, he would've tore you a new one, it was and always be a Shelby Cobra, he built it, therefore his name on it (albeit the very first handful still had AC badging on the front, that was soon changed once Peter Brock came up with his design)

 

I was dissapointed the stigg didn't take it for a lap but as a Shelby owner, proud american, and long-time Top Gear fan, I still thought the episode was amusing. you can't take anythig those guys do or say seriously, it's for "entertainment purposes only".

[mikejaeggi]

Just try driving one of these Shelby's around Europe and you'll see how much they are admired. Got more thumbs up and photos taken then I can count. Couldn't go anywhere without drawing a crowd.

 

SRE Forever.

 

you actually saw several people taking photos of the car and not James at several spots in the episode which I think is very cool. youy don't see people lined up to take photos of a 911 GT3 or M3

[ViperNC]

I was dissapointed the stigg didn't take it for a lap

 

 

+1

[bergenfelter]

Just try driving one of these Shelby's around Europe and you'll see how much they are admired. Got more thumbs up and photos taken then I can count. Couldn't go anywhere without drawing a crowd.

 

SRE Forever.

 

 

I have always been amazed by the crowd this car draws - even here in the States. Even when I wear my Shelby GT500 jacket - I get stopped by people - "you own one of those?". I have owned many GM muscle cars, and none have the cult like draw of the Shelby.