Top Gear (series 26)

The twenty-sixth series of Top Gear aired in early 2019 on BBC Two and BBC Two HD. It was the third presented by Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid, with Sabine Schmitz making an appearance as a co-presenter in the series. This was the final series presented by LeBlanc, whose departure was primarily down to the star having to spend too much time away from his family; and Reid, who was demoted from the main show but was at the time announced as continuing to present Extra Gear, which ultimately did not return. Reid would instead present Speed Freaks on ITV4. [1] They were replaced by Paddy McGuiness and Freddie Flintoff in Series 27.

Top Gear
Season 26
Starring
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of episodes5
Release
Original networkBBC Two
Original release17 February (2019-02-17) –
17 March 2019 (2019-03-17)
Series chronology

Production

Production on the series began in 2017 with a trip to Norway[2] and concluded in 2018.[3]

Episodes
Main article: List of Top Gear episodes
No.
overall		No. in
series		ReviewsFeatures/challengesGuest(s)Original air dateUK viewers
(millions) [4]
1981Suzuki IgnisFast Estate Cars in Norway: (Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo • Ferrari GTC4Lusso) • Ignis vs Fiat Panda Cross up Gurlet HillJames Marsden17 February 2019 (2019-02-17)2.61
Harris and LeBlanc head to Norway to look at alternative Estates to the Class Leading Skoda Superb - Harris brings the Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo and LeBlanc takes the Ferrari GTC4Lusso. They put them through as series of challenges testing the speed, practicality and cabability of their choices. Meanwhile, Reid attempts to prove the Suzuki Ignis is all the car one needs by climbing and christening Gurlet Hill with assistance from Sabine, and actor James Marsden has a go in the GT86.
1992BMW M5 • Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG STuk-Tuk Trip across Sri LankaProfessor Green24 February 2019 (2019-02-24)2.27
Heading to Sri Lanka, Harris attempts to prove to LeBlanc that the Tuk-Tuk is "the most versatile vehicle in the world" through a road trip with several challenges along the way. Meanwhile, at the Track, Harris compares the new BMW M5 to the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S to see which is the best alternative to HS2, and rapper Professor Green sets a lap in the Reasonably Fast Car.
2003Bentley Continental GT • Mégane Renault Sport • Porsche 911 GT2 RSContinental GT vs Speed 8Gregory Porter3 March 2019 (2019-03-03)2.28
Harris and LeBlanc head to Spain for a dual review of the latest Bentley Continental GT driving it through many roads and conditions before racing it against the 2003 Bentley Speed 8 at the Ascari Race Resort. Meanwhile, at the Track, Harris reviews the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS questioning if it's the best 911, Reid wonders if the latest Mégane Renault Sport captures the Magic of old Renault Hot Hatches, and singer Gregory Porter sees how fast he is in the GT86.
2014NoneSecond Hand Luxury Car Challenge: (Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow • Mercedes-Benz 600SEL • Bentley Turbo R)Matt Baker10 March 2019 (2019-03-10)2.20
The presenters attempt to prove that Second Hand Luxury Cars are better than an equivalently priced Dacia Sandero - LeBlanc purchases a Bentley Turbo R, Reid buys a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Harris acquires a Mercedes-Benz 600SEL. After several comparison tests against the Sandero at the Track, they modify their cars for racing at the 6 Hour Birkett Race at Silverstone. Meanwhile, presenter Matt Baker challenges LeBlanc to a digger contest before setting a lap in the Reasonably Fast Car.
2025Aston Martin V8 Vantage • Rolls-Royce Phantom • Ford Fiesta STFiesta ST vs. Lamborghini Aventador S • Automatic Brake TestingStephen Mangan17 March 2019 (2019-03-17)2.40

Harris tests the new Ford Fiesta ST in Wales and proves through many thorough tests that it's better than a Lamborghini Aventador S before showing the best ordinary cars one can buy. Elsewhere Reid sees if the newest Rolls-Royce Phantom is "the best car in the world" and tests automatic braking[5] using a Volkswagen Arteon. Meanwhile, LeBLanc is at the Track to review the latest Aston Martin V8 Vantage questioning if it is better than equivalent sports cars and Stephen Mangan attempts to drive the GT86 faster than LeBlanc drove a Kia Cee'd. The presenters end their final series by showing many outtakes.

Note: Final appearance of presenters Matt LeBlanc and Rory Reid.

References
  1. "BBC News - Matt LeBlanc to leave Top Gear". BBC. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  2. "Top Gear caught Speeding". 25 June 2017 – via www.motoringbox.com.
  3. "McGuinness and Flintoff join Top Gear". BBC News. 22 October 2018 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  4. "Four-screen dashboard". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  5. "Top Gear: End of an Era". 17 March 2019 – via www.carobsession.co.uk.
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