Top Gear Season 19 Returns with Supercar Road Trip and Studio Antics
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May launch Top Gear’s 19th series on BBC Two with a US supercar adventure and a first look at the new Aston Martin Vanquish.
Top Gear’s nineteenth series returned to BBC Two on Sunday, 27 January 2013, with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May leading the way. The new season opened with a supercar road trip across the United States, setting the tone for a run packed with high-powered cars, ambitious challenges, and the presenters’ trademark humour. The opening episode was highly anticipated by fans eager to see what the team had prepared after months of filming in various international locations.
Top Gear Season 19 Episode 1: Series Opener Overview
Supercar Road Trip Across the United States
The central segment of Season 19, Episode 1, follows Clarkson, Hammond and May as they embark on a journey through the American southwest. Each presenter is behind the wheel of a different supercar: Clarkson drives the new SRT Viper, Hammond selects the Lexus LFA, and May chooses the Lamborghini Aventador. Their route takes them across highways and desert landscapes, providing a dramatic backdrop that highlights both the cars’ capabilities and the vastness of the US environment. Along the way, the presenters encounter the unique aspects of American car culture, from wide open roads to local quirks.
This road trip continues Top Gear’s tradition of cross-country adventures, combining competitive banter with genuine automotive testing. The segment not only puts the supercars through their paces but also showcases the presenters’ chemistry and the unpredictable nature of their travels. The focus on these high-performance vehicles reflects the show’s ongoing interest in the latest and most exciting models on the market.
Studio Segments and New Car Previews
Filming for the studio sequences began just days before the broadcast, on 23 January 2013. In these sections, Clarkson, Hammond and May introduce the episode’s featured cars and discuss what viewers can expect from the rest of the season. The studio also serves as a platform to preview other models set to appear, including the updated Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Aston Martin Vanquish, which makes its first appearance on Top Gear in this episode. The presenters offer insights into upcoming reviews and tease further supercar tests planned for locations across Europe and Asia.
The Christmas Special, which was delayed from its usual December slot, is scheduled to air separately in February 2013. This change in scheduling was not explained at the time, but it adds another highlight for fans to anticipate during the season.
What to Expect from Season 19
Season 19 promises a diverse mix of content beyond the American road trip. Planned segments include a Pan-European race, as well as films shot in Asia and Italy. The show continues to feature some of the most talked-about supercars of 2013, maintaining its appeal to enthusiasts keen to see the latest automotive technology in action. The format remains familiar, with studio discussions, celebrity guests, and power laps on the test track. The Stig returns to set lap times in the new machinery, providing a benchmark for the season’s featured cars.
- Pan-European race across multiple countries
- Segments filmed in Asia and Italy
- Appearances by the updated Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Aston Martin Vanquish, and other 2013 supercars
- Return of the Stig for power laps
- Celebrity guests in the studio
International interest in Top Gear remains strong, with the show reaching audiences worldwide. Following the UK premiere, BBC America scheduled the first episode for early February 2013, ensuring US viewers could watch the new season with only a brief delay. This global reach helps cement Top Gear’s status as one of the most popular motoring shows.
Further Viewing and Related Episodes
For those interested in comparing the new season to earlier outings, previous episodes such as Top Gear Season 13 Episode 2 and Top Gear Season 15 Episode 4 provide additional context on the show’s evolution and recurring themes. These episodes highlight the presenters’ dynamic and the variety of challenges and vehicles that have become hallmarks of the series.
Top Gear’s nineteenth season opens with a blend of familiar elements and new adventures, promising plenty for fans to look forward to as the series continues. With high-profile cars, international locations, and the return of the full presenting team, Season 19, Episode 1 sets the stage for another memorable run.
