Top Gear series 4

{{Use British English|date=December 2011}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox television season | series_number = 4 | bgcolour = #98FB98 | image = | image_alt = | caption = | starring = {{Plainlist| *[[Jeremy Clarkson]] *[[Richard Hammond]] *[[James May]] *[[The Stig]] }} | num_episodes = 10 | network = [[BBC Two]] | first_aired = {{Start date|2004|05|09|df=y}} | last_aired = {{end date|2004|08|01|df=y}} | episode_list = List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes }}

Series 4 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 2004, consisting of ten episodes between 9 May and 1 August;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/entertainment/top-gear/episode-guides/series-4/|title=Top Gear Series 4|publisher=topgearbox.com|date=1 May 2005}}</ref> a compilation episode featuring the best moments of the series, titled "Best of Top Gear", was aired on 8 August.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N5biAbjzL8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1N5biAbjzL8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Top Gear - Stars In Fast Cars - Sports Relief (2005)|publisher=youtube.com|date=16 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This series saw the introduction of elements that would become a key part of the programme's formats, including races and special motoring budget challenges.

This series' highlights included a fuel endurance test between London and Edinburgh, the first major race between a car and public transport, and the presenters conducting their first budget car challenge. After the series concluded, a special edition for [[Sport Relief]], titled "Stars in Fast Cars", was aired on 1 August, which later spawned a spin-off series for the [[BBC]].

{{-}} == Episodes == {{Main|List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes}} <onlyinclude> {{Episode table |background=#98FB98 |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>{{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 4 | EpisodeNumber = 30 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Aux1 = [[Lotus Exige]] • [[Rover CityRover]] • [[Aston Martin DB9]] | Aux2 = Epic race: [[Aston Martin DB9]] vs. [[Eurostar]] and [[TGV]] fast trains – Surrey to [[Monte Carlo]] • [[AgustaWestland Apache|Apache]] Gunship helicopter vs. Lotus Exige – can the helicopter get missile lock? • James attempts to record a review of the [[Rover CityRover|CityRover]] during a test drive | Aux3 = [[Fay Ripley]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|5|9|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.28 | ShortSummary = The presenters conduct a race to [[Monte Carlo]], with Hammond and May travelling via the [[Eurostar]] and the [[TGV]], and Clarkson racing against them in the [[Aston Martin DB9]]. Meanwhile, Clarkson sees if the super-lightweight [[Lotus Exige]] can evade [[missile lock-on]] from an [[Westland WAH-64 Apache|Apache]] attack helicopter, and May goes undercover to see how rubbish the [[Rover CityRover|CityRover]] is. Finally, [[Fay Ripley]] steps in the [[Suzuki Aerio|Suzuki Liana]] to set a lap time on a mildly moist track. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 31 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Aux1 = [[Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren]] • [[Alfa Romeo 166]] • [[Cadillac Escalade#Second generation|Cadillac Escalade]] • [[FAB1#Thunderbirds (2004 live action film)|Ford FAB-1]] | Aux2 = A nun in a [[monster truck]] • Hammond gets hypnotised | Aux3 = [[Paul McKenna]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|5|16|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.31 | ShortSummary = Clarkson reviews the [[Alfa Romeo 166]] and the [[Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren]], while assessing how the [[Volvo XC90]] compares with the [[Land Rover Discovery]]. Meanwhile, May takes a drive in the 2004 [[Thunderbirds (2004 film)|Thunderbirds]] movie version of ''FAB 1'' to see how it fares on the road, and a [[nun]] attempts to prove they can drive a [[monster truck]]. Finally, hypnotist [[Paul McKenna]] has a go in the Liana before causing mischief for one of the presenters. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 32 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Aux1 = [[Porsche 911 GT3#996.2 GT3 RS|Porsche 911 GT3 RS]] • [[Ferrari 360#Challenge Stradale|Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale]] • [[Dodge Charger (B-body)#1968|Dodge Charger R/T]] | Aux2 = £100 car challenge. ([[Volvo 700 Series#Volvo 760|Volvo 760]] • [[Audi 80#B3/Typ 89 (1986–91)|Audi 80]] • [[Rover 400 / 45#Rover 400 (R8, 1990–95)|Rover 416GTi]]) | Aux3 = [[Katie Price|Jordan]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|5|23|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.36 | ShortSummary = The presenters each buy a road-legal car for less than £100 - a [[Volvo 700 Series#760|Volvo 760]], a [[Rover 400 Series|Rover 416GTi]] and an [[Audi 80#Audi 80 .28B3.29 .281986.E2.80.9391.29|Audi 80 1.8E]] - and put them through their paces with a series of challenges to see who got the better deal. Meanwhile, Hammond reviews the 1968 [[Dodge Charger (B-body)|Dodge Charger]] 440 R/T, and Clarkson tries out the [[Porsche 911 GT3|Porsche 996 GT3 RS]] against the [[Ferrari 360#Challenge Stradale|Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale]] with a track day. Finally, supermodel [[Katie Price|Jordan]] is the latest star in the Liana to do a lap. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 33 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Aux1 = [[Porsche Carrera GT]] • [[Audi A8#D3 (Typ 4E; 2002–2009)|Audi A8 4.0 TDI]] • [[Ford Ka#StreetKa and SportKa|Ford SportKa]] | Aux2 = 'Car darts' • [[Audi A8#D3 (Typ 4E; 2002–2009)|Audi A8]] [[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel engines#4.0 (Technically – 3.9 L) V8 32v TDI CR 202kW|4.0 TDI]] endurance challenge (London to Edinburgh and back on one tank) • Ford SportKa vs. [[racing pigeon]]s • [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution#Evolution VIII|Evo]] vs. [[Subaru Impreza WRX STI#WR1 (2004)|STi]] battle revised | Aux3 = [[Ronnie O'Sullivan]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|5|30|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.24 | ShortSummary = Clarkson sees if an [[Audi A8#D3 (Typ 4E; 2002–2009)|Audi A8]] [[List of discontinued Volkswagen Group diesel engines#4.0 (Technically – 3.9 L) V8 32v TDI CR 202kW|4.0 TDI]] can do a drive from [[London]] to [[Edinburgh]] and back on one tankful of fuel. Meanwhile, there is a race between the [[Ford Ka#StreetKa and SportKa|Ford SportKa]] and a flock of racing pigeons, a review of the [[Porsche Carrera GT]], the [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ320]] and the [[Subaru Impreza|Subaru Impreza STI WRX WR1]], and a game of "car darts" between Hammond and May. Finally, snooker player [[Ronnie O'Sullivan]] does a lap in the Liana. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 34 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Aux1 = [[MG ZT|MG ZT 260]] • Hatchbacks: ([[Vauxhall Astra#Vauxhall Astra Mark 5|Vauxhall Astra]] • [[Mazda3#First generation (BK; 2003)|Mazda3]] • [[Volkswagen Golf#Fifth generation (Mk5/A5, Typ 1K; 2003)|Volkswagen Golf]]) | Aux2 = Shootout: Performance sport coupes ([[Jaguar XK (X100)#XKR 4.2-S|Jaguar XK-R]] • [[BMW 6 Series (E63)|BMW 645Ci]] • [[Porsche 996|Porsche 911 Carrera 2]]) on the [[Pendine Sands]] • [[Volkswagen Golf#Fifth generation (Mk5/A5, Typ 1K; 2003)|Volkswagen Golf]] gets electrocuted | Aux3 = [[Johnny Vaughan]] • [[Denise van Outen]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|6|6|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.39 | ShortSummary = The trio head to [[Pendine Sands]] to conduct a comparison challenge between the [[BMW 6-Series|BMW 645Ci]], the [[Jaguar XK|Jaguar XK-R]], and the [[Porsche 996|Porsche 996 Carrera 2]]. Meanwhile, Hammond sees how a safe a car if it is struck by lightning, and there are reviews of the [[Vauxhall Astra]], the [[Mazda 3]], and the [[MG ZT|MG ZT 260]]. Finally, [[Johnny Vaughan]] is driving in the Liana this time, with [[Denise Van Outen]] tagging along. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 35 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Aux1 = [[Renault Clio Renault Sport#Clio II RS (182)|Renault Clio RenaultSport]] • [[Jaguar XJS#1980s|Jaguar XJS]] • [[Cadillac CTS#First generation (2003)|Cadillac CTS]] • [[Nissan Cube#Second generation|Nissan Cube]] | Aux2 = Can you run a car on poo? Hammond Investigates. | Aux3 = [[Terry Wogan|Sir Terry Wogan]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|6|13|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.19 | ShortSummary = The presenters review two cars not available in Britain - the [[Nissan Cube]], and the [[Cadillac CTS#First generation (2003)|Cadillac CTS]] - and determine which other vehicles they want in the country. Meanwhile, May sees how a modernised version of the [[Jaguar XJS]] compares to the original, Clarkson reviews the [[Renault Clio]] 182, and Hammond sees if a car can run on "poo". Finally, broadcaster [[Terry Wogan]] sees whether he can be good around the track in the Liana. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 36 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Aux1 = [[Spyker C8|Spyker C8 Spyder]] • [[Mercedes-Benz C215|Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG]] | Aux2 = MPVs as minicabs: ([[Renault Scénic#Second generation (2003–2009)|Renault Scénic]] • [[Ford C-Max#Mk I - Ford Focus C-Max (2003–2010)|Ford C-Max]]) | Aux3 = [[Lionel Richie]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|7|11|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.47 | ShortSummary = Clarkson pits the [[Mercedes-Benz CL-Class|Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG]] in a drag race against the [[Bentley Continental GT#First generation (2003–2011)|Bentley Continental GT]] and the [[Aston Martin DB9]], before reviewing the [[Spyker C8|Spyker C8 Spyder]] to see how good it drives. Elsewhere, Hammond and May test out the [[Renault Scénic]] and the [[Ford C-MAX]] with a unique challenge - to see how well they fare as minicabs. Finally, [[Lionel Richie]] breaks a wheel off the Liana when he takes to the track. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 37 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Aux1 = [[Ford GT]] • [[Maserati Quattroporte#Quattroporte V|Maserati Quattroporte]] | Aux2 = Diesel versus Petrol hot hatch race • Blowing over cars using [[Boeing 747]] jetblast • Tribute to the Rover V8 engine | Aux3 = [[Martin Clunes]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|7|18|df=y}} | Viewers = 4.01 | ShortSummary = Hammond pays tribute to the [[Rover V8 engine]], and tests a [[Boeing 747]]'s engine jetblast against two unmanned cars - a [[Ford Mondeo]] and a [[Citroen 2CV]]. Meanwhile, Clarkson gets to grips with the [[Ford GT]], May questions what type of car the [[Maserati Quattroporte]] wants to be, and a [[Diesel engine|diesel]] [[Škoda Fabia|Škoda Fabia VRS]] races against a [[petrol]] [[Mini (marque)|Mini Cooper]]. Finally, [[Martin Clunes]] takes the Liana around the track. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 38 | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | Aux1 = Two Seater Roadsters: ([[Mazda MX-5#Second generation (NB)|Mazda MX-5]] • [[Toyota MR2#Third generation (W30; 1999–2007)|Toyota MR2]] • [[Fiat Barchetta]] • [[Mercedes-Benz R230#SL600|Mercedes-Benz SL600]]) • Convertibles: ([[Mini (marque)#Convertible|Mini Cooper Cabriolet]] • [[Opel Tigra|Vauxhall Tigra]] • [[Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class|Mercedes-Benz SLK350]] • [[Audi S4|Audi S4 Cabriolet]]) • [[Jaguar X-Type#Estate|Jaguar X-Type Estate]] | Aux2 = Can you parachute into a moving car? | Aux3 = [[Ranulph Fiennes|Sir Ranulph Fiennes]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|7|25|df=y}} | Viewers = 4.01 | ShortSummary = There are comparison tests between two seater roadsters - the [[Mercedes-Benz SL-Class|Mercedes-Benz SL600]], the [[Mazda MX-5]], the [[Fiat Barchetta]] and the [[Toyota MR2]] - and between cabriolets - the [[Mini (marque)#Convertible|Mini Cooper Cabriolet]], the [[Opel Tigra|Vauxhall Tigra]], the [[Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class|Mercedes-Benz SLK350]], and the [[Audi S4|Audi S4 Cabriolet]]. Clarkson reviews the [[Jaguar X-Type]] estate, while May sees if you can parachute into a moving car. Finally, [[Sir Ranulph Fiennes]] tackles driving the Liana around the Test Track. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | EpisodeNumber = 39 | EpisodeNumber2 = 10 | Aux1 = [[Volvo S40#Second generation (2004–2012)|Volvo V50]] • [[Peugeot 407]] • [[BMW X3#First generation (E83; 2003)|BMW X3]] • [[Chevrolet Corvette (C6)|Chevrolet Corvette]] | Aux2 = Hammond drives the [[Peugeot 407]] as a [[pace car]] | Aux3 = [[Patrick Kielty]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|8|1|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.54 | ShortSummary = Hammond tests to see if the [[Peugeot 407]] works a pace car, and compares the [[Chevrolet Corvette C6]] to older models in the Corvette range. Meanwhile, May tests the boot space of the [[Volvo V50]] by seeing what he can get into it from an antique sale and Clarkson reviews the [[BMW X3]]. Finally, [[Patrick Kielty]] sees if he can put in a fast lap with the Liana. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} }}</onlyinclude>

===Spin-Off Special=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%;" |- ! scope="col" style="background:#98FB98;" | Title ! scope="col" style="background:#98FB98;" | Guest(s) ! scope="col" style="background:#98FB98;" | Original air date {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 4 | RTitle = [[Stars in Fast Cars]] | Aux1 = [[Jodie Kidd]], [[Patrick Kielty]], [[Jimmy Carr]] and [[Darren Jordon]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2004|7|10|df=y}} | ShortSummary = Hammond and May host a special edition of Top Gear, in which several well-known celebrities take on each other in a series of challenges to see who is best. The show's competitors included [[Jeremy Clarkson|Clarkson]], [[Jodie Kidd]], [[Patrick Kielty]], [[Jimmy Carr]] and [[Darren Jordon]]. | LineColor = 98FB98 }} |}

==References== {{reflist}}

[[Category:2004 British television seasons]] [[Category:Top Gear (2002 TV series) series]]