Jeremy Clarkson exclusive interview
About this episode
Jeremy Clarkson shares his candid views on modern cars, expressing frustration with the overcomplicated technology and lack of character in new models. He cherishes older vehicles like his 18-year-old Range Rover for their simplicity and ruggedness, especially for farm use. Clarkson discusses his enduring passion for cars despite the industry's shift towards electric vehicles, which he remains skeptical about, emphasizing the importance of engine sound and soul. The conversation also touches on memorable motoring journalism, the challenges of reviewing new cars, and the nostalgic appeal of classic models.
On the latest episode of the Autocar podcast My Week In Cars Steve Cropley and Matt Prior talk to Jeremy Clarkson, the world's most famous motoring journalist. He was the star of Top Gear, The Grand Tour and countless other motoring programmes and books, and is still a motoring correspondent for the Sunday Times.
And the three of them talk cars. Lots of cars, from the Ford Cortina and Toyota Hilux to the Lexus LFA and Ferrari F355, and everything in between. They talk the cars Clarkson has owned, driven, and would still like to own. Have we had 'peak car'? Would he buy an EV? Does he like classics or restomods? For answers to all this and more, discussed with traditional Clarkson style and humour, do tune in.
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active safety features
"Anything that bombs and beeps at me, or takes control of the steering or the braking. I'm just not interested in that."
Some cars today have technology that helps keep you safe by steering or braking for you if something is wrong. They also beep or warn you if you need to pay attention.
Active safety features in modern cars include systems that can take control of steering, braking, or provide alerts to the driver to prevent accidents. Examples include lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and driver attention alerts.
Land Rover Range Rover
"... of a transit van that car. Yeah. I mean, Lisa's Range Rover, which is new, pretty much new, you'd feel guilt..."
The Range Rover is a fancy, big car that can drive on rough roads but also feels very comfortable inside. People like it because it looks nice and can go almost anywhere. If someone just got a new one, they might feel proud or a bit guilty about having such an expensive car.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its blend of off-road capability and high-end comfort. It's often discussed for its status symbol appeal and advanced technology in a premium package. The mention of a 'new, pretty much new' Range Rover highlights its desirability and the owner's pride or guilt in owning such a vehicle.
Toyota Camry
"... chocolate factory when, if you went to work for Camrys or Bournville, or whoever it might be, they allow..."
The Camry is a very common and reliable car that many people use for daily driving. It’s comfortable and doesn’t usually have many problems, so it’s a safe choice for most drivers.
The Toyota Camry is a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and practicality. It’s often referenced as a dependable daily driver and a benchmark for mainstream family cars. The context suggests its ubiquity and steady reputation in everyday life.
Byd Seal
"...h. A car called for. And to complain that the BYD Seal 6, which is named after that he complained that ..."
The BYD Seal is a new electric car made in China that tries to be modern and good for the environment. Someone was complaining about it for some reason.
The BYD Seal is an electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD, representing their push into the EV market with modern design and technology. The mention likely involves opinions or complaints about the model or its naming.
V12
"understood why they had those V12s and the firing order written out on the top of the engine and so on"
A V12 is a type of engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a V shape. It helps the car go very fast and run smoothly.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder piston engine where the cylinders are arranged in two banks of six forming a 'V' shape. This configuration is known for smooth power delivery and high performance, commonly used in luxury and sports cars.
firing order
"understood why they had those V12s and the firing order written out on the top of the engine and so on"
Firing order is the order in which the engine's cylinders fire to make the car go. It helps the engine run smoothly.
The firing order is the specific sequence in which the cylinders in an engine ignite their fuel-air mixture. It affects engine smoothness, performance, and sound.
EVs
"there's still a still mass confusion about EVs, forever running into people who say, well, I'll never get into one."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They use big batteries to power electric motors, which makes them cleaner and quieter than regular cars.
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars powered entirely or partially by electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. They use batteries to store electricity and produce zero tailpipe emissions.
Renault 5
"But what do you think when you're actually, there must be times when you get in one, Renault five, you get out. You know, if that had a nice proper little engine, that would be a great car."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault, a French car company. It was popular because it was easy to drive and park, and many people liked how it looked.
The Renault 5 is a popular supermini produced by the French automaker Renault from 1972 to 1985, known for its compact size and distinctive design. It has a strong enthusiast following and has been praised for its handling and practicality.
Renault 4
"I really, it looks fantastic. Does. Really looks fantastic. And Lisa loved the Renault four that they did, because her dad used to have a Renault four."
The Renault 4 is a small and simple car made by Renault. It was popular because it could be used for many things and was easy to fix.
The Renault 4 is a small economy car produced by Renault from 1961 to 1994. It was one of the first hatchbacks and was known for its versatility and ruggedness, making it popular in rural and urban areas alike.
electric car
"And she likes electric cars. So she thought they were great. Do you see one in the family? Do you imagine one in the family? No, we're never, I've never had an electric car, not in a million years."
An electric car runs on electricity stored in batteries instead of using gasoline or diesel. This means it doesn't produce smoke or pollution when you drive it.
An electric car is a vehicle powered entirely or primarily by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, rather than an internal combustion engine. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are becoming increasingly popular due to environmental concerns.
Cosworth
"We're impressed by just at the moment by Cosworth, who have engineered the Aston V12, the Murray V12 and the working on the Bugatti V16,"
Cosworth is a company that makes very powerful and special car engines, often used in racing and fast cars.
Cosworth is a British engineering company known for designing and manufacturing high-performance engines, especially for motorsport and high-end automotive applications.
V16 engine
"We're impressed by just at the moment by Cosworth, who have engineered the Aston V12, the Murray V12 and the working on the Bugatti V16,"
A V16 engine is a very big and powerful car engine with 16 cylinders that help the car go super fast.
A V16 engine is a sixteen-cylinder piston engine with two banks of eight cylinders arranged in a 'V' shape, extremely rare and powerful in automotive applications.
Cadillac V16
"...12, the Murray V12 and the working on the Bugatti V16, which is a hell of a thing for one company, one..."
The Cadillac V16 was a very fancy and powerful car made a long time ago with a huge engine. It was one of the best cars of its time.
The Cadillac V16 was a luxury car from the 1930s featuring a powerful 16-cylinder engine, representing the pinnacle of American automotive engineering of its time. It’s notable for its exclusivity and engineering ambition. The mention relates to rare and complex engines.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"... GTB6 that we used in Scotland. And I've got the Monte Carlo, that Monte Carlo, in fact, from the last covers...."
The Monte Carlo is an old American car that was powerful and looked nice. It was popular for racing and cruising.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a classic American coupe known for its V8 power and popularity in NASCAR racing. It was a staple of American muscle and personal luxury cars. The mention suggests a nostalgic or collector interest.
V6
""So V6, but it's 100,000 pound car. And I said to the guy, well, how much do you want?""
A V6 is a type of car engine with six cylinders shaped like a V. It helps the car have good power and use fuel well.
A V6 is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, commonly used in many cars for a balance of power and efficiency.
convertible
""Christ, that's fantastic, because I like convertibles. Yeah. And so you could pinkle around in the summer, you whiz around everywhere in the Jag and never go further afield.""
A convertible is a car where you can fold down or take off the roof so you can drive with the open sky above you.
A convertible is a car with a roof structure that can be retracted or removed, allowing for open-air driving.
V8
"No, it's V8. V8. Okay. I've never liked V12s. No, too complicated, unnecessarily complicated."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders shaped like a V. This design helps the car have more power and a cool engine noise.
A V8 engine is an internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It is known for delivering strong power and a distinctive sound.
Audi RS4
"Yeah. It's a good, I think it's shared with Audi certainly. Well, the RS4 engine was that's one of my favorite, but that was a 4.2, wasn't it? Possibly. That was that was a hell of an engine."
The Audi RS4 is a fast and sporty version of the Audi A4 car. It has a strong 4.2-liter V8 engine that makes it quick and fun to drive.
The Audi RS4 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A4, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. The 4.2-liter V8 engine is especially praised for its performance and sound.
Volkswagen Group
"Yeah. But I get muddled with the Volkswagen group. Oh, don't blame you. V8's and who's got what? You've got the Uruses or the Porsches and the Bentley's and you know, I don't really know."
Volkswagen Group is a big company that owns many car brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Bentley. They share parts and engines between these brands.
Volkswagen Group is a large German automotive conglomerate that owns multiple brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and others. They often share technology and engines across brands.
inheriting cars
"Yeah, yeah. But no, so, so I've got a few cars, but they're not really, I don't go out and buy them. I just inherited them. Obviously, no more Grand Tour now, no more inheriting old interesting cars that cost a fortune to ensure and run."
Inheriting cars means getting cars from family or someone who passed away. These cars can be old and expensive to take care of.
Inheriting cars refers to receiving vehicles as part of an estate or from family members, often classic or valuable cars that may require costly maintenance and insurance.
Audi A2
"... it goes past a car every time. Yeah. I've got an Audi A2 that costs 30 quid every time it goes wrong and ..."
The A2 is a small car that’s very light and uses less fuel. It’s clever but can be expensive to fix when something goes wrong.
The Audi A2 is a compact, lightweight hatchback known for its aluminum construction and fuel efficiency. It was innovative for its time but had a mixed market reception. The mention of repair costs reflects its sometimes expensive maintenance.
Toyota Hilux
"...l and couldn't, wasn't there? There was a Toyota Hilux we tried to kill on top. Yeah. Where's that now? ..."
The Hilux is a very strong and tough truck that can handle hard work and rough places. People trust it because it lasts a long time.
The Toyota Hilux is a rugged and durable pickup truck famous worldwide for its reliability and toughness in extreme conditions. It has a strong reputation for being nearly indestructible. The mention refers to testing its durability.
Ford Mustang
"...is one out only the other day. It was almost the Mustang. You know, even Mark, Mark, what would they be? W..."
The Mustang is a fast and sporty car from America that lots of people know and love. It looks cool and is fun to drive, often seen as a symbol of speed and style.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American sports car known for its powerful engines and classic muscle car styling. It holds a significant place in automotive culture as a symbol of performance and freedom. The mention likely refers to its enduring popularity and recognizable status.
Volvo P1800
"...h. Yeah. But late 60s. I think the maybe 70. The P1800 was the first and then the ES came late. Yeah, th..."
The P1800 is an old, good-looking sports car from Sweden that was strong and lasted a long time. It’s famous from a TV show.
The Volvo P1800 is a classic sports car from the 1960s and early 1970s, famous for its stylish design and durability. It gained fame as the car driven by the TV character Simon Templar. The mention places it in a timeline of Volvo’s classic models.
Jaguar Etype
"than Porsche. So I would Jaguar want to go and make a Porsche. Now, I, there lives in my mind, the ideal Jaguar, which is a sort of halfway between the E-Type and the series three XJ on Peppa Pots with that, with the little pencil tray. Yeah. You remember that? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah."
The E-Type is an old, very pretty sports car from Britain that many people think looks amazing. It was fast and special when it was made.
The Jaguar E-Type is a classic British sports car celebrated for its stunning design and impressive performance in the 1960s. It is often cited as one of the most beautiful cars ever made and a symbol of automotive elegance. The context compares it with other Jaguar models to define an ideal.
Ford Cortina
"... done it a few times. Have you? What was it? Ford Cortina 1600E, 10 years old when I got it. 1600E, good c..."
The Cortina was a common car in Britain many years ago, easy to own and use. The 1600E was a nicer version with some extra features.
The Ford Cortina was a popular family car in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s, known for its simplicity and affordability. The 1600E variant offered a sportier trim with better features. The reference to a 10-year-old Cortina suggests a nostalgic or classic car context.
tank slapper
"Holden, which got into the sort of terminal tank slapper. Irrecoverable. Just went back and forth, back and forth until it finally fell over."
A tank slapper is when the back of a car swings side to side very quickly, making it hard to control and sometimes causing crashes.
A tank slapper is a violent oscillation of a vehicle's rear end, causing it to sway rapidly from side to side. It often occurs at high speeds or during loss of traction and can lead to loss of control.
Volkswagen Scirocco
"...I got a job selling pannington bears, and I had a Scirocco Mart 1 GLI. This has been really pedantic. Peopl..."
The Scirocco is a small sporty car that looks cool and is fun to drive. The first version was especially liked for being quick.
The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sporty compact coupe known for its sharp styling and engaging driving experience. The mention of the Mark 1 GLI highlights an early performance-oriented version. It’s often discussed among enthusiasts for its character.
Volkswagen Gtis
"...has been really pedantic. People think of them as GTIs, but the original Mart 1 Scirocco. Was that a lo..."
The Golf is a small, popular car that many people like because it’s easy to drive and useful. Some people confuse it with other sporty cars that look similar.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that has been a global bestseller due to its practicality, quality, and driving dynamics. The mention clarifies distinctions between the Golf and similar sporty models like the Scirocco and GTI.
Honda Crx
"... can spot these future transitions. Then I had an Honda CRX, then an Alpha GTB6. Oh, that's a proper car. Th..."
The CRX is a small, sporty car that’s easy to drive and fun. It was popular a long time ago and still liked by many people.
The Honda CRX is a compact, sporty hatchback from the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its nimble handling and efficiency. It’s a favorite among enthusiasts for its fun driving dynamics and simplicity. The mention places it among notable cars for future transitions.
Bentley Bentayga
"...t up to smile, I said, bloody review the Bentley Bentayga. Yeah. And then you start writing, actually, if I..."
The Bentayga is a very fancy and expensive SUV that is both comfortable and strong. People sometimes change their minds after trying it and like it more.
The Bentley Bentayga is a luxury SUV combining Bentley’s craftsmanship with off-road capability and powerful engines. It is often reviewed for its blend of opulence and performance. The mention suggests a positive reassessment after initial impressions.
Revuelto Lamborghini Revuelta
"...re desperate to own that you don't own? Yes, LFA, Lamborghini Revuelta, which actually is the exception that proves the..."
The Revuelto is a new and very fast Lamborghini car that many people want but don’t have. It’s special and exciting.
The Lamborghini Revuelto is a recent supercar model from Lamborghini, representing the latest in their lineup with cutting-edge performance and design. The mention suggests it as a highly desirable but elusive car.
Ford Gt
"Of course I had a Ferrari's, what about that as well? And a Ford GT. Yeah, I remember the Ford GT, didn't you?"
The Ford GT is a very fast and special car made by Ford that looks like a race car and has the engine in the middle of the car.
The Ford GT is a mid-engine supercar produced by Ford, known for its aerodynamic design and racing heritage inspired by the GT40 race cars.
mid-engine supercar
"I skipped from, I've missed my mid-engine supercar phase. I'm never going back there."
A mid-engine supercar is a very fast car where the engine is placed in the middle of the car, helping it drive better and faster.
A mid-engine supercar is a high-performance sports car with its engine located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle, which improves balance and handling.
Lexus LFA
"...o, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, that's it. But an LFA still lives in my head as a. Is there a market in..."
The LFA is a very special and fast car made by Lexus, with only a few ever made. It’s like a dream car for many people.
The Lexus LFA is a rare, high-performance supercar developed by Lexus, known for its advanced engineering and exotic design. It represents the brand’s pinnacle of technology and exclusivity. The mention suggests it remains a memorable and aspirational vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz CLK
"the CLK black to a Golf GTI. Wow. My spine had been so s..."
The CLK is a nice and comfortable Mercedes car that looks good and drives well. It’s different from smaller sporty cars like the Golf.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a mid-size luxury coupe or convertible produced in the late 1990s and 2000s, combining elegance with performance. It is often compared to sportier hatchbacks like the Golf GTI for its driving experience. The mention contrasts comfort and sportiness.
Lexus LFA
"He's the only young guy at Toyota who they put in charge of the project. And when the LFA came out, the reviews were kind of..."
The Toyota LFA is a very fast and special car made by Toyota. It has a loud and exciting engine noise that many people love.
The Toyota LFA is a limited-production supercar developed by Toyota, known for its high-revving V10 engine and advanced engineering. It was Toyota's flagship performance car, praised for its sound and driving dynamics.
restomod
"...Where are you with with Resto mods? Love them. Absolutely. What do you particularly like in a way?..."
A restomod is an old car that has been fixed up and updated with new parts to make it work better and be safer, but it still looks like the old car.
A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern parts and technology to improve performance, safety, and reliability while retaining its original style.
Toyota MR2
"... was a captioning car magazine of the second gen MR2. And it was cornering. And it said, it said, good..."
The MR2 is a small sporty car that’s good at turning corners and fun to drive. The second version of it is especially liked for this.
The Toyota MR2 is a small, mid-engine sports car known for its sharp handling and affordability. The second generation, in particular, is praised for its cornering abilities and fun driving experience. The mention highlights its positive driving reputation.
Volkswagen Touareg
"...that interest us, and you're left with Volkswagen Touaregs, well, Volkswagen is not in a million years goin..."
The Touareg is a big, fancy SUV from Volkswagen that can drive on rough roads and is comfortable inside. Some people don’t think Volkswagen will keep making it forever.
The Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size luxury SUV known for its solid build, off-road capability, and premium features. It is often seen as a competitor to other luxury SUVs but sometimes criticized for complexity. The mention implies skepticism about Volkswagen’s future in this segment.
Formula One
"I enjoy watching Formula One and you know, much the same as I'm sure everybody watching does."
Formula One is a type of car racing with very fast cars that race on special tracks all over the world. It's the top level of car racing and lots of people watch it.
Formula One is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. It features the fastest and most technologically advanced race cars competing in a series of Grand Prix events worldwide.
Ford Ranger
"...rt of think, Oh, quite fancy you go and then you ranger about or something. No, I'm often quite surprised..."
The Ranger is a smaller truck that can carry things and drive on rough roads but is also comfortable for regular driving. People sometimes don’t expect it to be as nice as it is.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck valued for its versatility, toughness, and everyday usability. It’s often praised for balancing work capability with comfort and modern features. The context suggests surprise at its practicality or appeal.
Audi RS5
"...'re all. So what's been launched in Morocco? Audi RS5. RS5? Yeah, which is a plug-in now it's a plug-i..."
The RS5 is a fast and sporty Audi car that now uses both gas and electric power to go quickly and save fuel. It’s a new and exciting model.
The Audi RS5 is a high-performance version of the A5 coupe, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. The latest models include plug-in hybrid technology, blending performance with efficiency. The mention highlights its recent launch and technological advancements.
plug-in hybrid
"now it's a plug-in hybrid. So it's and of course they've got the new name, which you may not know if you don't, they've decided that the even numbers were going to be electric and odd numbers were going to be combustion,"
A plug-in hybrid car uses both gas and electricity. You can charge it by plugging it in, so it can drive some distance using only electricity.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source. This allows for limited electric-only driving and improved fuel efficiency.
Nissan Gtr
"...ere. But then when you drove, I drove that Eagle GTR, Lightweight GTR the other day, it was 995 kg. Wo..."
The GT-R is a very fast and smart sports car from Nissan that can drive well on all kinds of roads. Some special versions are even lighter and quicker.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology, all-wheel drive, and impressive speed. Lightweight versions like the Eagle GTR are especially prized for their agility. The mention highlights its performance credentials.
5 Renault 5
"...g to be there a lot longer than if you were in a Renault 5. Yeah, yeah. Have you owned a Porsche? Have you o..."
The 5 E-Tech is a new electric car that looks like an old Renault 5 but uses electricity instead of gas. It’s meant to last a long time and be easy to own.
The Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is a modern electric reinterpretation of the classic Renault 5, focusing on compact size and zero emissions. The mention compares its longevity to previous Renault models and hints at ownership experiences.
Porsche 911
"...inst James and Richard on that one. They love the 911, so it was sort of my duty to not love it. Even ..."
The 911 is a famous sports car that looks different because its engine is in the back. Some people love it a lot, while others don’t like it as much.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional driving dynamics. It is highly regarded by enthusiasts and often debated for its unique characteristics. The mention hints at a cultural divide in opinions about the car.
Alfa Romeo
"...it's funny, this Alfa Romeo day that we have every summer. Yeah. And it's just, you know,..."
Alfa Romeo is a car company from Italy that makes sporty and stylish cars. People like them because they look cool and drive well.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian car manufacturer known for its sporty vehicles and rich motorsport heritage. The brand is famous for combining performance with distinctive Italian design.
Ford Raptor
"... don't you? Yeah. Because, I mean, I bought this Ford Raptor, Ranger. Matt had this, had an orange Ford Ranger..."
The F-150 is a big and strong truck that many people in America use for work and fun. The Raptor is a faster, sportier version of it.
The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling full-size pickup truck, known for its toughness, versatility, and wide range of trims including the performance-oriented Raptor. The mention contrasts it with the smaller Ranger and highlights its popularity.
Toyota Prius
"...you go around and play, everybody's got a Toyota Prius except you. So wherever you go, you have to apolo..."
The Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to save fuel and help the environment. Lots of people drive them, so if you don’t have one, you might feel left out.
The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle known for its fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. It became a cultural icon for eco-conscious driving and is commonly seen in urban areas. The context reflects its widespread adoption and social perception.
Opel Astra
"...aid, I love the Lamborghini Eurus. Or a Vauxhall Astra. She said, we had a perfectly boggo 2-liter Astra..."
The Astra is a normal, simple car that many people drive because it’s easy and not too expensive. It’s not fancy like some sports cars or big SUVs.
The Opel Astra is a compact hatchback popular in Europe, known for its practicality and affordability. The mention contrasts it humorously with luxury SUVs and sports cars, emphasizing its everyday nature.
Lamborghini Eurus
"...ity, Lisa's choosing between an electric F-150, a Lamborghini Eurus, for a Vauxhall Astra. And she's going on. I won..."
The Urus is a very fast and expensive SUV made by Lamborghini. It looks cool and is powerful like their sports cars but bigger inside.
The Lamborghini Urus is a high-performance luxury SUV combining Lamborghini’s supercar DNA with SUV practicality. It’s notable for its speed, aggressive styling, and exclusivity. The mention places it among other high-end vehicle choices.
Fiat Uno
"...d when I was a freelancer and I set off to buy a Fiat Uno and came back with a Jaguar, sorry, Daimler Doubl..."
The Uno is a small and cheap car that many people used to drive because it didn’t cost much. The story talks about buying one but ending up with a different car.
The Fiat Uno is a small, economical hatchback popular in the 1980s and 1990s, known for its practicality and affordability. The context suggests a humorous or unexpected purchase story involving a Fiat Uno.
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