Top Gear doesn't do things by halves, which is completely apparent in Top Gear: The Challenges. Not only do they attempt to drive on water, send a car into space and race a bunch of jumping French men only to lose, they also manage to embroil several celebrities. Top Gear: The Challenges features the most ludicrous stunts ever undertaken in a TV show and is available on DVD from 4th June.
In an effort to do things a bit differently, Jeremy, Richard and James are asked to go out and buy their own everyday cars, before converting them into stretch limos. Jeremy opts for a tiny Fiat Panda, Richard decides to use an MGF roadster and James, meanwhile, goes for an Alfa Romeo 164 and a Saab 9000, with the intention of making a sort of Alfa Romeaab. After a series of challenges our presenters are sent to collect some high-profile celebs that need a lift to the Brit Awards. Richard collects R&B star Jamelia, who is visibly alarmed by the low quality and open-air nature of her evening's ride. James takes best male nominee Lemar for a tour of every one-way system in West London, whilst Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles is happy just to survive the journey as Jeremy's giant Panda falls in half.
Who say's cars can't go into space? Well quite frankly everyone, but that doesn't deter the Top Gear team. Using the scientific principle that 'it's a bit pointy at the front', a Reliant Robin is selected as the shuttle. The British Amateur Rocket Society is recruited to assist the team as they attempt to launch the largest non-commercial rocket in European history. Everything seems to be working perfectly, but at the last moment the Robin spirals out of control, and crashes into a hillside, becoming Top Gear's biggest ever explosion.
The team also attempts to turn a boring multiple person transporter into a fashionable 'drop top', by putting a working convertible roof on an ageing Renault Espace. You can do it, but you probably shouldn't.