Top Gear Season 14 Opens with Supercar Road Trip on Romania’s Transfagarasan
Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars star as Top Gear’s presenters tackle Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway and compare luxury saloons in the series 14 opener.
Top Gear launched its fourteenth series in November 2009 with a memorable cross-country supercar adventure along Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway. The episode is widely recognised for showcasing one of Europe’s most spectacular driving roads, as well as for its in-depth comparison of two flagship German luxury saloons. Presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, this episode set the tone for an eventful season with a blend of high-performance cars, stunning scenery and the presenters’ trademark humour.
Introduction to Top Gear Season 14 Episode 1
Supercar Road Trip: The Transfagarasan Highway
The main feature of the episode saw the trio embark on a journey from Bucharest north towards the Carpathian Mountains, driving three of the era’s most desirable convertibles: the Aston Martin DBS Volante, Ferrari California and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Their destination was the Transfagarasan Highway, a 90-kilometre stretch of twisting tarmac built during the Ceaușescu era. Rising to over 2,000 metres, this road links Transylvania to Wallachia and is renowned for its dramatic scenery and challenging switchbacks.
| Aston Martin DBS Volante | 6.0-litre V12, 510hp, rear-wheel drive |
|---|---|
| Ferrari California | 4.3-litre V8, 453hp, folding hardtop |
| Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder | 5.2-litre V10, 552hp, all-wheel drive |
The presenters compared the cars’ performance, comfort and handling on both city streets and the high-altitude mountain pass. The Ferrari California was noted for its everyday usability and folding hardtop, making it suitable for both relaxed cruising and spirited driving. The Aston Martin DBS Volante was highlighted for its grand touring credentials, providing a blend of power and luxury. Meanwhile, the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder stood out for its sharper, more aggressive dynamics and all-wheel drive, making it particularly suited to the twisting, sometimes unpredictable mountain roads.
Along the way, the team visited the Romanian Parliament Garage, offering viewers a glimpse of the official government vehicles and adding a cultural dimension to the road trip. This segment provided insight into Romania’s automotive landscape and the types of cars used by officials at the time.
Luxury Saloons: BMW 760Li vs Mercedes S63 AMG
In addition to the Romanian road trip, the episode included a detailed studio comparison of two top-tier German luxury saloons. The BMW 760Li, powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine, was set against the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, which featured a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. Both cars targeted buyers seeking the ultimate in comfort, technology and performance from a four-door vehicle.
| Model | Engine | Power | Drivetrain | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 760Li | 6.0-litre V12 | 544hp | Rear-wheel drive | Long wheelbase, advanced tech |
| Mercedes S63 AMG | 6.2-litre V8 | 525hp | Rear-wheel drive | AMG performance tuning |
The presenters discussed the strengths of each car. The BMW 760Li offered more outright power and a longer wheelbase, appealing to those who prioritised rear-seat comfort and smoothness. The Mercedes S63 AMG, on the other hand, emphasised its AMG-tuned driving experience, delivering a sportier edge while maintaining high levels of luxury. Both vehicles were equipped with the advanced technology and features expected at this level, such as adaptive suspension, high-end audio systems and extensive safety equipment.
Impact of the Episode: Romania’s Roads in the Spotlight
Top Gear’s Romanian special brought international attention to the Transfagarasan Highway. Before the episode aired, the road was relatively unknown outside Eastern Europe. Following its feature on Top Gear, the Transfagarasan quickly gained a reputation among driving enthusiasts and tourists as one of the world’s most scenic and challenging routes. The road’s combination of sharp turns, elevation changes and panoramic views has since attracted car clubs, motoring journalists and holidaymakers from across the globe.
The episode also contributed to a broader appreciation of Romania’s landscape and culture, highlighting both its modern cities and rural mountain regions. The team’s interactions with local people and their experiences navigating Romanian traffic added a layer of authenticity and entertainment to the show. For many viewers, it was an introduction to a part of Europe not often featured in mainstream motoring media.
Conclusion
Top Gear Season 14 Episode 1 remains a standout instalment in the show’s history. Its combination of supercar performance, luxury comparisons and cultural exploration provided a compelling start to the series. The episode’s legacy endures, with the Transfagarasan Highway now firmly established as a must-drive route for enthusiasts, thanks in large part to its feature on Top Gear.
Related Episodes from Season 14
- Video: Top Gear Season 14 Episode 2
- Video: Top Gear Season 14 Episode 3
- Video: Top Gear Season 14 Episode 4
- Video: Top Gear Season 14 Episode 5
- Video: Top Gear Season 14 Episode 6
- Video: Top Gear Season 14 Episode 7
