If you’re a resident of the U.K., or simply happen to be passing through, and you love all things Top Gear, then head over to Hampshire for a chance to get up close and personal with some of the show’s automotive stars at the World of Top Gear in Beaulieu. For those of you unaware, Beaulieu is a family visitor center in Hampshire, offering attractions like estate grounds, a palace house, and the National Motor Museum, not to mention several cars featured in the popular British auto show. The World of Top Gear just got a revamp with several new attractions, and was recently re-opened by Chris Harris, co-host of the new post-Clarkson show, alongside The Stig and Lord Montagu. During the opening ceremony, Harris also put in some time behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG C63 S, showing his skill in a flurry of RWD shenanigans.
According to the press release, new additions include the “Ssangyacht, the longest limousine selfie opportunity ever and a marine feature displaying boat challenge vehicles. While the Enormodrome boasts a brand new studio in keeping with the style of the latest series with presenters Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid.” All told, the World of Top Gear chronicles four decades of the show’s history, including the Clarkson era with the indestructible Toyota Hilux, the Reliant Robin space shuttle, the Hovervan, and the Snowbine. Check out a brief video clip of the opener.
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Clearly, Top Gear is trying to move on from the controversy that was Clarkson Gate, a.k.a. Fracas Gate, a.k.a. Steak Gate, and adding new attractions to the World Of Top Gear from the show’s new host lineup is a good step in that direction.
I’ve gotta admit – while the new show is still struggling to find the perfect chemistry, it’s still definitely worth watching for a little auto-themed entertainment. The production value is still quite high, and the new hosts are all quite likeable. Hopefully, Top Gear will settle into a rhythm and we’ll get many more seasons of smoky sideways slides, outrageous challenges, and hilarious comedy.