Top Gear series 16

{{Infobox television season | series_number = 16 | bgcolour = #B0E0E6 | image = Top Gear Series 16 Promo 2011.jpg | image_upright = 1.13 | image_alt = | caption = Promotional poster | starring = {{Plainlist| *[[Jeremy Clarkson]] *[[Richard Hammond]] *[[James May]] *[[The Stig]] }} | num_episodes = 8 | network = [[BBC Two]] | first_aired = {{Start date|2010|12|21|df=y}} | last_aired = {{end date|2011|02|27|df=y}} | episode_list = List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes }}

Series 16 of ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', a British motoring magazine and [[factual television]] programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on [[BBC Two]] during 2011, consisting of six episodes that were aired between 23 January and 27 February. Following the previous series, the [[BBC]] discontinued their involvement with [[Ben Collins (racing driver)|Ben Collins]] on the programme, after he breached an agreement in his contract that forbid him disclosing his role as "[[The Stig]]" with the publication of his autobiography, ''The Man in the White Suit'', in August 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/7979090/The-Stig-Ben-Collins-could-become-face-of-new-Top-Gear-style-TV-show.html |title=The Stig: Ben Collins 'could become face of new Top Gear style TV show' |work=The Telegraph |date=3 Sep 2010 |access-date=4 Sep 2010 |location=London |first=Andrew |last=Hough}}</ref> His departure led to his replacement by a new driver by the beginning of the first episode, which was revealed as [[Phil Keen]] in 2024.

This series' highlights included a comparison test of the three similar second-hand convertibles, an attempt by the presenters to create a snowplough with a combine harvester, and a crossover piece with ''[[Top Gear Australia]]''. The sixteenth series was preceded by two specials aired in December 2010. The first on 21 December, titled "East Coast Road Trip", featured studio segments and a celebrity segment, unlike other specials, while the second on 26 December, titled ''[[Top Gear: Middle East Special]]'', was a feature-length special with the presenters travelling across the Middle East on a festive trip.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj59/episodes/upcoming |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724163143/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj59/episodes/upcoming |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 July 2010 |title=Top Gear Specials 2010 - Episode 2 |publisher=bbc.co.uk |date=13 December 2010|accessdate=13 December 2010}}</ref> The sixteenth series faced some criticism for comments regarding [[Mexicans]] and stereotypical views of [[Albanians]].

==Episodes== {{Main|List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes}} {{See also|Top Gear test track#Cee'd leaderboard}} <onlyinclude> {{Episode table |background=#B0E0E6 |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=24 |aux2=34 |aux3=11 |airdate=11 |viewers=10 |country=UK |aux1T=Reviews |aux2T=Features/challenges |aux3T=Guest(s) |viewersR=<ref name="BARB10">{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-10?|title=Weekly Top 10 Programmes|publisher=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]]}}</ref> |episodes= {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 126 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Aux1 = None | Aux2 = "East Coast Road Trip": ([[Ferrari 458 Italia]] • [[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]] • [[Porsche 911 GT3#997.1 GT3 RS|Porsche 911 GT3 RS]]) | Aux3 = [[Danny Boyle]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|12|21|df=y}} | Viewers = 7.13{{refn|6.62 million on BBC Two, 506,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = Clarkson, Hammond and May head for a road trip along the [[East Coast of the United States]] in three different cars - Clarkson in a [[Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG]], May in a [[Ferrari 458 Italia]], and Hammond in a [[Porsche 911 GT3#997.1 GT3 RS|Porsche 911 GT3 RS]]. Beginning in [[North Carolina]], the trio test out their choices on a former NASCAR circuit, a lap around the [[Virginia International Raceway]], and in a [[drive-by shooting]] challenge, before reaching [[New York City]] where they race across [[Manhattan]] to see who can land a spot on an American TV Show. Meanwhile, the boys take a look at some toys in the studio, while director [[Danny Boyle]] sees how he fares in the reasonably priced car.

''Note'': Due to [[Ben Collins (racing driver)|Ben Collins]]' departure, [[Tiff Needell]] was brought in to train Danny Boyle for his lap in the Kia Cee'd. | LineColor = B0E0E6 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 127 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Aux1 = N/A – [[Top Gear: Middle East Special|Middle East Special]] | Aux2 = [[Top Gear: Middle East Special|Middle East Special]]: ([[BMW Z3]] • [[Mazda MX-5#Second generation (NB)|Mazda MX-5]] • [[Fiat Barchetta]]) | Aux3 = None | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2010|12|26|df=y}} | Viewers = 7.68{{refn|6.84 million on BBC Two, 836,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = The presenters opt to re-enact the [[Biblical Magi|Three Wise Men]]'s journey to [[Bethlehem]] with three second-hand two-seater convertibles bought on a budget of £3,500 - Clarkson picks a [[Mazda MX-5#Second generation (NB)|Mazda MX-5]], Hammond chooses a [[Fiat Barchetta]] and May goes for a [[BMW Z3]]. Starting from northern [[Iraq]], the trio try to make their way westward, dealing with war-torn landscapes, political borders, and tough terrain, along the way buying gifts in [[Damascus]], testing out their cars in [[Jordan]], and visiting the [[Sea of Galilee]] in [[Israel]], before determining which is the best of the three as they close in on their destination and something unexpected neither of them expect to find.

''Note'': The closing credits played out to the song "[[When a Child is Born]]" by [[Johnny Mathis]], rather than the ''Top Gear'' theme tune. | LineColor = B0E0E6 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 128 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Aux1 = [[Ariel Atom#Ariel Atom 500|Ariel Atom V8]] • [[Škoda Yeti]] | Aux2 = History of the Porsche 911: [[Porsche 997#Turbo S (2010–2013)|Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet]] vs [[Volkswagen Beetle]] | Aux3 = [[John Bishop (comedian)|John Bishop]] • [[Sienna Miller]] • [[Tiff Needell]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|01|23|df=y}} | Viewers = 7.38{{refn|6.48 million on BBC Two, 903,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = May heads to the track to look at the latest edition of the Atom, the [[Ariel Atom]] V8, while Clarkson decides to do a proper road test on the [[Skoda Yeti]] and see if a helicopter can land on it. Elsewhere, the boys introduce their new [[The Stig|Stig]], Hammond, while in [[South Africa]], races against a [[Porsche 997#Turbo S (2010–2013)|Porsche 997 Turbo S Cabriolet]] in a one mile drag race against a [[Volkswagen Beetle]] with a difference, while comedian John Bishop gets his turn in the [[Kia Cee'd]]. | LineColor = B0E0E6 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 129 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Aux1 = [[Ferrari 599#599 GTO|Ferrari 599 GTO]] | Aux2 = "[[Top Gear Australia: Ashes Special|Top Gear Ashes]]": British Hosts vs [[Top Gear Australia]] Hosts | Aux3 = [[Boris Becker]] • [[Jodie Kidd]] • [[Darryn Lyons]] • [[Steve Pizzati]] • [[Ewen Page]] • [[Shane Jacobson]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|01|30|df=y}} | Viewers = 7.31{{refn|6.38 million on BBC Two, 925,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = Clarkson, Hammond and May have challenged the newest hosts of [[Top Gear Australia]] - [[Steve Pizzati]], [[Ewen Page]] and [[Shane Jacobson]] - to a series of contests in the "[[Top Gear Australia: Ashes Special|Top Gear Ashes]]". Events include a Utility Vehicle Drag Race, a Double-Decker Race, Synchronized Donuts, and Sheep Herding, before ending with a Rally Race to see who will win the Ashes. Meanwhile, Clarkson showcases the extremely rare 1963 [[Ferrari 250 GTO]] and the 1980s era [[Ferrari 288 GTO]], before handling the tricky [[Ferrari 599 GTO]], while [[Boris Becker]] is aiming to get the Kia to a fast time on the track.

''Note'': The main feature of this episode was part of a crossover with a special episode for ''[[Top Gear Australia]]'', which featured additional footage of events involving the Australian presenters, including exclusive content for the special. | LineColor = B0E0E6 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 130 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Aux1 = Super Hatchbacks: ([[Subaru Impreza WRX STI#Cosworth Impreza STI CS400|Cosworth Impreza STI CS400]] • [[Ford Focus (second generation, Europe)#Focus RS 500|Ford Focus RS500]] • [[Volvo C30#C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype (2010)|Volvo C30 PCP]]) | Aux2 = "[[Albania]] Road Trip": ([[Rolls-Royce Ghost]] • [[Zastava Skala|Zastava/Yugo Skala]] (substituting for a [[Bentley Mulsanne (2010)|Bentley Mulsanne]]) • [[Mercedes-Benz W221#S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG|Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG]]) | Aux3 = [[Jonathan Ross]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|02|06|df=y}} | Viewers = 7.33{{refn|6.42 million on BBC Two, 912,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = The trio head to [[Albania]] on a road trip with three cars to see which will be best for the "Albanian Mafia" - May believes the new [[Rolls-Royce Ghost]] will be suitable, Hammond thinks it will be the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG]], while Clarkson proves it will be the "[[Bentley Mulsanne (2010)|Bentley Mulsanne]]" (in reality, Bentley pulled out, so the Mulsanne was represented by a [[Zastava Skala|Zastava/Yugo Skala]]). On their trip, they see if they squeeze the "body" of a fat man into each car's boot, hold a drag race on an airfield, and try to escape from the Albanian police after "[[Bank robbery|robbing a bank]]". Meanwhile, Clarkson compares the [[Subaru Impreza WRX STI#Cosworth Impreza STI CS400|Cosworth Impreza STI CS400]] with the [[Ford Focus (second generation, Europe)#Focus RS 500|Ford Focus RS500]] and the one-off [[Volvo C30#C30 Polestar Performance Concept Prototype (2010)|Volvo C30 PCP]], while chat show host, [[Jonathan Ross]], returns after 15 seasons to see how much improved he will be in the Kia Cee'd.

''Note'': Jonathan Ross' Power Lap was originally planned for Series 15,<ref>Sky TV listings for 25 July 2010.</ref> but for unknown reasons it was postponed until this series. | LineColor = B0E0E6 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 131 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Aux1 = [[Pagani Zonda R]] • [[Pagani Zonda#Zonda Tricolore|Pagani Zonda Tricolore]] | Aux2 = Second-hand, four seater convertibles for £2,000: ([[BMW 3 Series (E30)#Body styles|BMW 325i Convertible]]) | Aux3 = [[Simon Pegg]] • [[Nick Frost]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|02|13|df=y}} | Viewers = 7.28{{refn|6.39 million on BBC Two, 893,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = The presenters mistakenly buy the same second-hand car for a challenge - a [[BMW 3 Series (E30)#Body styles|BMW 325i]] within a budget of £2,000 - and thus create a new one to see how different their purchases are. Their tests soon see how different each car is, including in terms of performance, condition, and cost to repair, before they attempt to take their cars and become a stunt driving show for the [[Essex County Fairgrounds|Essex County Fair]]. Meanwhile, Clarkson tries out a high performance version of the Zonda, the [[Pagani Zonda#Zonda R|Pagani Zonda R]], along with a scaled-down version of the R, the [[Pagani Zonda#Zonda Tricolore|Pagani Zonda Tricolore]], while actors [[Simon Pegg]] and [[Nick Frost]] see who was fastest in the Kia.

| LineColor = B0E0E6 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 132 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Aux1 = [[BMW M3#E90/E92/E93 M3|BMW M3 Competition Pack]] • [[Audi A5#RS5 (2010–2015)|Audi RS5]] | Aux2 = Convert a [[combine harvester]] into a [[snowplow|snow plough]]: ([[Claas]] Dominator) | Aux3 = [[Amber Heard]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|02|20|df=y}} | Viewers = 6.87{{refn|5.88 million on BBC Two, 989,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = Following the snow problems caused in 2010 by a lack of snowplows and the money to run them, the presenters wonder if it might be cheaper to convert and utilise combine harvesters for the job when they are not helping to harvest crops. To find out, the trio convert a [[Claas]] combine harvester into a "snow-bine", complete with gritter and a flamethrower at the back (thanks to Clarkson). Finding that England is not expecting snow anytime soon, upon completing their creation, the trio opt to take it over to [[Norway]], where in a series of tests, they struggle to clear a runway on a frozen lake, make a mess of things in a local village, before attempting to open up a mountain pass with the snow-bine. Elsewhere, Clarkson tries out both the [[BMW M3#E90/E92/E93 M3|BMW M3 Competition Pack]] and the [[Audi A5#RS5 (2010–2015)|Audi RS5]] on the track, while [[Amber Heard]] is the latest star setting a lap time in the Kia Cee'd. | LineColor = B0E0E6 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 16 | EpisodeNumber = 133 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Aux1 = [[Porsche 959]] • [[Ferrari F40]] • [[Jaguar XJ (X351)|Jaguar XJ 5.0 V8 Supersport]] | Aux2 = [[Top Gear Races#s16e6|Sunset to sunrise race]] in a [[Jaguar XJ (X351)|Jaguar XJ 5.0 V8 Supersport]] across England • [[NASA]]'s latest [[Space Exploration Vehicle]] | Aux3 = [[John Prescott]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2011|02|27|df=y}} | Viewers = 6.53{{refn|5.63 million on BBC Two, 902,000 on BBC HD.|group=nb}} | ShortSummary = Clarkson is in a race against "God", as he sets off from England's westernmost point at [[Land's End]], [[Cornwall]] in a [[Jaguar XJ (X351)|Jaguar XJ 5.0 V8 Supersport]] at sunset, and attempts to get to its most easterly point at [[Ness Point]], [[Suffolk]], before sunrise on the shortest night of Summer. Clarkson mistakenly says this is Britain's most westerly point. The most Westerly point in Britain is in fact [[Ardnamurchan Point]] in Scotland. Meanwhile, Hammond takes a look at his childhood heroes the [[Porsche 959]] and the [[Ferrari F40]], May gets to drive the [[Space Exploration Vehicle]] from [[NASA]], and [[John Prescott]] arrives in a chorus of boos as he sees how he fared in the reasonably priced car.

''Note'': The 'Car vs. The Sun (and God)' film was originally planned for Series 15, but for unknown reasons the film was postponed until this series. | LineColor = B0E0E6 }} }}</onlyinclude>

==Criticism and controversy== {{Main|Top Gear controversies}}

===Mexican comments=== Following the broadcast of the second episode of Series 16, controversy arose from the episode's News segment and the discussion between the presenters about Mexico's first supercar. During the discussion, two of the hosts described [[Mexican people|Mexican]]s as being lazy and that no-one would complain because they were all too busy [[siesta|sleeping]], provoking the Mexican ambassador, [[Eduardo Medina Mora]], to accuse the presenters of resorting to "outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable insults to stir bigoted feelings against the Mexican people", while stating that the remarks were offensive, [[xenophobic]] and humiliating and reinforced negative [[stereotypes]] of Mexican people.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-topgear-idUSTRE7111AL20110202 | work=Reuters | title=Mexico wants apology after "Top Gear" tirade | date=2 February 2011}}</ref> While the [[BBC]] defended the presenters' anti-Mexican jokes, it apologised about some of the remarks made.<ref name=sick>{{cite news|title=BBC offers apology for Top Gear comments on Mexico|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-12361790|work=BBC|date=3 February 2011}}</ref> Comedian [[Steve Coogan]], however, criticised the programme for its pitiful apology following the broadcast, suggesting that the usual defence of "a bit of a laugh", or "harmless fun" was no longer appropriate, that the insults had gone too far, and described the comments as being "as funny as a cold sweat followed by shooting pains down the left arm".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/feb/05/top-gear-offensive-steve-coogan | title=Top Gear's offensive stereotyping has gone too far, says Steve Coogan | work=Guardian| accessdate=17 February 2011 | location=London | date=5 February 2011}}</ref> However, Mastretta appeared to have brushed off the insults, with general director Carlos Mastretta clarifying that the car was simply used as a pretext for the jokes, and that the controversy has increased interest in the MXT.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mexico's luxury sports car welcomes 'tortilla' jibe |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63k0RUlfAxs |accessdate=7 July 2019 |agency=Agence France-Presse |publisher=YouTube |date=17 February 2011}}</ref>

The Mexican comments were cut when the episode was broadcast in the United States and when the episodes were put on the BBC iPlayer.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12427905 | work=BBC News | title=Top Gear to cut Mexico comments for US broadcast | date=11 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Collins|first1=Martyn|title=Mexican slurs removed from US Top Gear|url=https://www.aol.co.uk/cars/2011/02/11/mexican-slurs-removed-from-us-top-gear/|website=AOL|date=11 February 2011}}</ref>

===Albanian Road Trip film=== After the third episode of Series 16 was aired, the BBC received several complaints in regards to the road trip film, in which the presenters were finding a car suitable for the "Albanian Mafia". A number of complaints were directed to a segment of the film in which the presenters 'murdered' a fat Albanian and attempted to find out which of three car boots he would fit into the best, while the stereotypical views that [[Albania]] was a nest for [[Albanian mafia|mafia]] car thieves, were also criticised.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/feb/07/top-gear-offensive-albania-mafia | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Ben | last=Quinn | title=Top Gear on the offensive again – now it's Albania's turn | date=7 February 2011}}</ref>

==Notes== The viewing figures shown in the Episode Table above, are a combination of the figures from the BBC Two broadcast and the BBC HD broadcast. {{reflist|group=nb}}

==References== {{reflist}}

[[Category:2010 British television seasons]] [[Category:2011 British television seasons]] [[Category:Top Gear (2002 TV series) series]]