R_Rated

Anyone watch last weeks Grand Tour episode? This trio is typically far from educational and the ape hates 911s... but the gist this week was modded vs stock cars. In this case we're talking >$50K builds on american cars but still, no disputing the yankees are making cars that are much more capable now days. The 3 cars they modded increased the factory HP 30-50% in addition to suspension tuning, brakes, etc. Even after all that, the cars only did 2 or 3 seconds better around a track.

The power is interesting and all but this is also a thought when saying things like - "get the GTS > GT3 since you can throw a tune on it..." Let this be a reminder that it takes A LOT to have tangible gains over an already stellar factory platform in any meaningful way.

Also interesting that they used a 991.1 for the drag race benchmark. The 911 didn't have S/C so no launch control or else it may have won a couple races. The 991.2S with launch control would have consistently won.

Valvefloat991

I haven't yet seen the episode, but did they actually perform any dyno or acceleration tests on the cars, or simply accept the tuners claims for the power increases? Most tuners seem generous with their power claims. That might explain the seemingly small lap time increases.

Then again, GT is a comedy show.

R_Rated

No laboratory testing to support HP claims but very reputable tuners. Even so, spending 75K or more on a build (on an american car which is way cheaper to mod) would lead anyone to desire substantial performance gains and it's just not the case.

That being said - the cars sounded unbelievable and the experience alone is 90% of the value

-Ryan-

It might be true but I wouldn't take grand tour as a factual show. It's more of a comedy show.

Last week they were talking about sand rails in the US only having 200-300 horsepower. That was so wrong it literally made me lol at the screen.

snake eyes

Did I miss this episode? Confused...
Last episode I saw of the GT was with Lamborghini Performente , fueling a car on the go, and Rally history of Lancia beating Audi...

was this weekends?

daberlin

That's what I thought as well reading this. Walter Rohrl. He is SO German. Haha.

R_Rated

You know what -.... it was Top Gear US now that I went looking. Wow do I feel like an idiot. I have trouble sleeping and put dumb car stuff on late at night. Still an equal source for factual information (or lack thereof.)

LavaGTS

Whatever helps you sleep at night, OP.

R_Rated

LOL thanks.

R_Rated

Top Gear US
Season 8 Episode 6

wareaglescott

Are you watching this online? OR what source?

R_Rated

Was on BBCAmerica I think. Cable TV.

snake eyes

Walter Rohrl - I don't like jumps... I don't want to be world rally champion... I want to race five events only..
so so German indeed!

MJBird993

I thought TG USA had been cancelled. Why would it be on BBC? Maybe he meant the new BBC TG with the American (Matt LeBlanc) on it?

For the record, the original TG guys, two of the three own 911s. Clarkson doesn't own one because he can't fit in it.

wareaglescott

I found the episode on my Amazon fire stick. It was actually season 6 episode 6 and the original air date was a couple years ago.
He probably meant BBC america as that channel plays some old episodes of some of the top gear series.
I tried to watch it but when I clicked on the link it unfortunately was a bad link and took me to an old episode of British Top Gear. Still would like to see it.