Top Gear Season 14 Episode 2: Corvette ZR1, Audi R8 V10 and an Electric Car Challenge
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May test the Corvette ZR1 and Audi R8 V10, then attempt to build their own electric car, with Michael Sheen as the studio guest.
Top Gear’s second episode of Series 14, first broadcast on 22 November 2009, put two supercars through their paces before the presenters turned their attention to electric mobility. The show opened with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May reviewing the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Audi R8 V10, both new to UK roads at the time. The episode also featured a challenge where the presenters attempted to build their own electric car, and welcomed Welsh actor Michael Sheen as the studio guest for the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment.
Overview of Top Gear Season 14 Episode 2
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: American Power
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was a highlight of this episode, representing the pinnacle of American muscle at the time. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre LS9 V8 engine, the ZR1 delivered an impressive 638hp and 604lb ft of torque. This made it the most powerful production Corvette ever built up to that point. The engine included oil injectors for improved cooling and noise reduction, features not previously seen in a production Corvette. An intercooler, visible through a polycarbonate window in the bonnet, added to the car’s distinctive look. The ZR1 was equipped with a six-speed manual Tremec TR6060 gearbox, reinforcing its driver-focused appeal.
Despite its high performance, the ZR1 was considered a relative bargain compared to its European rivals, with a price tag exceeding $100,000. However, UK buyers faced additional challenges such as import costs and the fact that the car was only available in left-hand drive. These factors limited its accessibility, but the ZR1 still stood out for offering supercar performance at a lower price point than many of its competitors.
Audi R8 V10: German Engineering and Performance
The Audi R8 V10, introduced for the 2010 model year, brought German engineering and supercar pace to the episode. Its 5.2-litre Lamborghini-derived V10 engine produced 525hp, sending power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual or the R tronic automated manual gearbox. Audi claimed a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds, with the R tronic transmission delivering rapid gear changes. The R8 V10’s headlamps incorporated 24 LEDs, referencing Audi’s victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The R8 V10 was positioned as a luxury supercar, with pricing starting at $146,000 for the manual version and rising to $155,400 for the R tronic. Its combination of performance, technology, and design made it a standout in the segment, appealing to those seeking both speed and refinement.
Electric Car Challenge
For the episode’s main challenge, the presenters set out to design and build their own electric vehicle. This segment reflected growing public interest in electric cars in the late 2000s. The approach was typical of Top Gear: rather than focusing on technical detail, the challenge was presented with humour and the presenters’ usual irreverence. Their attempts highlighted both the difficulties and the possibilities of electric vehicle design, providing entertainment while also touching on the broader conversation about the future of motoring.
Studio Guest: Michael Sheen
The episode’s celebrity guest was Michael Sheen, the Welsh actor known for roles in films such as "Frost/Nixon" and "The Queen." He joined the presenters for the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment, taking to the test track and discussing his career in the studio. The segment continued the tradition of featuring well-known personalities and added a light-hearted break from the car reviews and challenges.
Technical Specifications
| Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 | 638hp, 6.2-litre supercharged V8, rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual |
|---|---|
| Audi R8 V10 | 525hp, 5.2-litre V10, quattro all-wheel drive, manual or R tronic transmission |
| Electric Car Challenge | Presenters design and build their own EV from scratch |
Where It Fits in Series 14
This episode followed the season opener’s Romanian supercar road trip and preceded further supercar and challenge features. Series 14 of Top Gear was known for its mix of high-performance cars, ambitious challenges, and celebrity guests. For more on the rest of Series 14, see Episode 1’s Romanian road trip and Episode 3’s Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni feature.
- Top Gear Season 14 Episode 1: Romanian supercar road trip
- Top Gear Season 14 Episode 2: Corvette ZR1, Audi R8 V10, electric car challenge
- Top Gear Season 14 Episode 3: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni
Top Gear Season 14 Episode 2 stands out for its blend of supercar reviews, a memorable challenge, and an engaging studio guest. The episode captures the spirit of the series during this era, balancing informative car features with entertainment and humour.
