Top Gear: The Perfect Road Trip

Hammond and Jeremy kick off the Venice to Pau road trip with a choice of cars for the first leg. Jeremy opts for the Mercedes AMG SLS as the ultimate grand tour vehicle, while Hammond bets on the Ferrari F12. The pair debate which car best suits a modern grand tour across Europe.

The Ferrari F12 is noted to have around 730 BHP versus the Mercedes SLS at about 622 BHP. Hammond argues the F12 offers superior performance for a long road trip, while Jeremy respects the Merc’s refined speed. The discussion centers on raw torque, handling, and the feel of a true grand tourer.

Jeremy takes a detour through the Italian lakes where the twisty roads demand precise handling. The Ferrari’s massive power starts to prove hard to control on the tight bends. Jeremy eases off the throttle as the scenery becomes part of the challenge.

At an overnight rest stop, Hammond and Jeremy debate the Ferrari options list and its price tag. The exchange highlights different values between performance and practicality. The conversation foreshadows forthcoming car swaps on the journey.

They reach the Monza Grand Prix track and choose their machines for the next leg. Hammond selects the Pagani Viara while Jeremy goes for the Porsche Cayenne S. The Pagani packs a 6.3 L V12 while the Porsche uses a 3.4 L flat V6, underscoring different approaches to speed and handling.

The track session reveals the Porsche Cayenne S is driven by the Stig to a 2:13 lap, while Hammond watches. Jeremy notes that the Porsche can balance speed and control even as the Pagani remains formidable. The moment demonstrates how on track performance can diverge from expectations on paper.

Leaving Monza, Jeremy selects the VW Golf GTI with a 2.0 L turbo for the next leg, while Hammond argues the Golf is an all rounder. They compare it to the pure hatchback Ford Fiesta ST as a benchmark for driving purity. The leg emphasizes everyday performance versus outright raw power.

In Monte Carlo they switch cars: Hammond takes the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Jeremy the Bugatti Veyron. Valet parking becomes a running joke as the line of elite cars grows, so they arrive in a 1914 Model T Ford to outwit the doormen. The stunt captures the theater of Monte Carlo’s car culture.

Along the French Riviera Hammond selects the Jaguar E-Type 1962 and Jeremy the Jaguar F-Type V8 for style and speed. They lunch at a seaside eatery and then stroll a topless beach, enjoying a moment of leisure amid the competition. The atmosphere shifts from showy performance to coastal relaxation.

They race to St Tropez with a bet that the loser must wear an I love James May T-shirt for the next day. Hammond rides a Ducati Diavel motorcycle while Jeremy opts for a speed boat to gain an edge. Jeremy wins again, and Hammond is obliged to wear the shirt.

The next stage features the two in a convertible Bentley cruising the St Tropez waterfront. Jeremy stops by the harbor and the car is towed away, only to be retrieved after two hours. The incident underscores the fragility and attention that come with flashy open-top motoring.

Hammond and Jeremy convert their cars into rally contenders for a French rally drive. Hammond takes a Nissan 350Z and Jeremy a BMW convertible, both modified to squeeze extra performance. They push to beat each other, with Jeremy delivering a notably fast lap of 28 seconds against Hammond’s 1:17.

For the last leg to Pau, Jeremy chooses a V12 Aston Martin Vanquish while Hammond selects a Porsche 991 with longer wheelbase and electric steering. The cars feel very different in comfort and precision, highlighting contrasting tastes as the trip nears its end.

The drivers swap for the Pau race, with Hammond opting for a Porsche 911 GT3 and Jeremy piloting the VAC Inono single seater. The switch sets up a dramatic last showdown that tests both speed and handling at the route’s finish.

Before the final race in Pau, French police arrest them for driving without permits. The journey ends with the pair heading back to London seeking lifts, marking an abrupt detour from their grand plan across Europe.