Chris Harris and ex-BMW Ring Taxi Queen Sabine Schmitz chosen as new Top Gear hosts

Jason · 12-23-2015, 08:45 AM

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Chris Harris and ex-BMW Ring Taxi Queen Sabine Schmitz chosen as new Top Gear hosts

115
COMMENTS

Many have written off Top Gear for dead when its trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May left to start a new show on Amazon, but if this report out of The Telegraph becomes true, Top Gear still has a shot at continuing its past success.

And that's because Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz have reportedly been chosen as Top Gear's new hosts. They would join Chris Evans, who was already previously named as host. If that wasn't enough star power, former Formula One star, David Coulthard, has also been named as a presenter.

Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz need little introduction to most BMW enthusiasts. Chris Harris is of course currently one of the (if not THE) most popular and respected automotive journalists in the world. And most know Sabine Schmitz formerly as the entertaining driver of the BMW M5 Ring Taxi until 2011. According to her own estimates, Schmitz has lapped the track 40-50,000 times, earning her the nicknames "Queen of the Nürburgring" and "the fastest taxi driver in the world". Before becoming the face and feet behind BMW's famous Ring Taxi, she was an accomplished pro driver, becoming the first woman to win the 24 Hours Nurburgring race. Schmitz has previously appeared on Top Gear as a guest driver.

Sabine Schmitz videos:

protecon · 12-23-2015, 08:54 AM

So it's not really Top Gear then.
The reason why it was more successful than Fifth Gear was due to the hosts and format.

e92ben · 12-23-2015, 08:57 AM

Wow. Well maybe I'll watch now with Chris on board.

Red Bread · 12-23-2015, 08:58 AM

Wow, actually about as good as they could have done. Just add Nick Frost for Captain Slow.

auf Deutsch · 12-23-2015, 09:00 AM

I'll definitely be tuning in, two great personalities and even better driving skills.... Although, they may be a bit biased towards M cars which is fine by me. I'm also a fan.

tdott · 12-23-2015, 09:01 AM

I almost thought this was a hoax.

While I am a fan of Chris Harris, I'm not sure how it will work out for them, I don't see him fitting in with the old format, so hopefully they don'y try to duplicate that but instead make it a new top gear with their own format. We shall wait and see what happens...

Hasek9339 · 12-23-2015, 09:05 AM

Sabine is sooooo hot....
Cute chick that can drive ?

den525 · 12-23-2015, 09:06 AM

A German on bbc top gear??

PRUVEIT · 12-23-2015, 09:07 AM

Good on them for picking some big automotive scene talent.

Chris Harris should be a big draw for a portion of the audience as well as Sabine.

Looking forward to seeing this reboot and heck if the position had to go to someone who arguably seems like a guy I would want to hang out with and talk about cars with - Congrats Chris Harris!

JP

DeeKay · 12-23-2015, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdott

I almost thought this was a hoax.

While I am a fan of Chris Harris, I'm not sure how it will work out for them, I don't see him fitting in with the old format, so hopefully they don'y try to duplicate that but instead make it a new top gear with their own format. We shall wait and see what happens...

Read somewhere that they wouldn't try to copy the old format.

But must say as much as I love Harris, this is terrible news. His reviews and awesome videos will now be a lot less in numbers, saves for a few episodes per season and a lot shorter and maybe even more "polished" and less raw. Worked for "the guys" in the format they had but will miss all the Chris Harris videos

stefan · 12-23-2015, 09:15 AM

Perfect! Two shows I'll be downloading I guess then instead of one! I'd pay but.. idiotic restrictions mean everyone will just be downloading both shows as usual.

spuntyb · 12-23-2015, 09:25 AM

Couldn't ask for a better crew imho.

BMW GENIUS · 12-23-2015, 09:29 AM

Of course I'll be the first to say, nobody will be able to replicate what the original cast was able to put out, however, I truly do think they chose some of the best candidates for the new cast. (with the exception of Chris Evans of course)

bjcarls · 12-23-2015, 09:30 AM

Sabine doesn't really have the right personality imo. And I thought David was a rather dull dude?? Chris is as entertaining as any of the old hosts.

marcva · 12-23-2015, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeKay

Read somewhere that they wouldn't try to copy the old format.

But must say as much as I love Harris, this is terrible news. His reviews and awesome videos will now be a lot less in numbers, saves for a few episodes per season and a lot shorter and maybe even more "polished" and less raw. Worked for "the guys" in the format they had but will miss all the Chris Harris videos

+100. The Chris Harris brand was great, and now that will be muddled in a collision with the Top Gear brand. Hoping this isn't a disaster, and realizing that all of his great DRIVE work is lost. Hopefully they'll let him continue those reviews with the Top Gear moniker and distribution.

DeeKay · 12-23-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcva

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeKay

Read somewhere that they wouldn't try to copy the old format.

But must say as much as I love Harris, this is terrible news. His reviews and awesome videos will now be a lot less in numbers, saves for a few episodes per season and a lot shorter and maybe even more "polished" and less raw. Worked for "the guys" in the format they had but will miss all the Chris Harris videos

+100. The Chris Harris brand was great, and now that will be muddled in a collision with the Top Gear brand. Hoping this isn't a disaster, and realizing that all of his great DRIVE work is lost. Hopefully they'll let him continue those reviews with the Top Gear moniker and distribution.

I really doubt they will allow that

MKSixer · 12-23-2015, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjcarls

Sabine doesn't really have the right personality imo. And I thought David was a rather dull dude?? Chris is as entertaining as any of the old hosts.

I have met and hung out with DC a couple of times. He is an absolute riot! Don't let the BBC-F1 stodginess fool you. He will provide great analysis of the cars and be a great straight man while dropping pretty funny lines in the process.

I think that this line-up will start pretty well and get better as it matures and the presenters gain more rapport with one another. If you need corroboration of this, please watch some of the early episodes with Jeremy, Richard, and Captain Slow...they are painful compared to the latter years. Give the new team a chance!!

Cheers-mk

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 12-23-2015, 09:47 AM

Show will never be the same without the trio, that being said, at least they picked some decent talent. Looking forward to what they come up with.

MightyMouseTech · 12-23-2015, 09:47 AM

Won't be Top Gear, but could be worth watching.

JoeKixxon · 12-23-2015, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Wow, actually about as good as they could have done. Just add Nick Frost for Captain Slow.

I think they should get Nick Murray

FilipMPower · 12-23-2015, 09:59 AM

HARRIS!

ChrisK · 12-23-2015, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Show will never be the same without the trio, that being said, at least they picked some decent talent. Looking forward to what they come up with.

+1

100% Agreed! - Great Talent

12-23-2015, 08:45 AM	#1
Jason Administrator 40700 Rep 21,238 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Chris Harris and ex-BMW Ring Taxi Queen Sabine Schmitz chosen as new Top Gear hosts BIMMERPOST NEWS Chris Harris and ex-BMW Ring Taxi Queen Sabine Schmitz chosen as new Top Gear hosts 115 COMMENTS Tweet Many have written off Top Gear for dead when its trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May left to start a new show on Amazon, but if this report out of The Telegraph becomes true, Top Gear still has a shot at continuing its past success. And that's because Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz have reportedly been chosen as Top Gear's new hosts. They would join Chris Evans, who was already previously named as host. If that wasn't enough star power, former Formula One star, David Coulthard, has also been named as a presenter. Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz need little introduction to most BMW enthusiasts. Chris Harris is of course currently one of the (if not THE) most popular and respected automotive journalists in the world. And most know Sabine Schmitz formerly as the entertaining driver of the BMW M5 Ring Taxi until 2011. According to her own estimates, Schmitz has lapped the track 40-50,000 times, earning her the nicknames "Queen of the Nürburgring" and "the fastest taxi driver in the world". Before becoming the face and feet behind BMW's famous Ring Taxi, she was an accomplished pro driver, becoming the first woman to win the 24 Hours Nurburgring race. Schmitz has previously appeared on Top Gear as a guest driver. Sabine Schmitz videos:
	Appreciate 3 Tweet Quote

12-23-2015, 08:54 AM	#2
protecon *May contain nuts 193 Rep 286 Posts Drives: 2010 X5M MCB Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Downunder iTrader: (1)	So it's not really Top Gear then. The reason why it was more successful than Fifth Gear was due to the hosts and format.
	Appreciate 6 Quote

12-23-2015, 08:57 AM	#3
e92ben Brigadier General 1053 Rep 3,205 Posts Drives: BMW M3 BMW 635csi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kenosha Wi iTrader: (7)	Wow. Well maybe I'll watch now with Chris on board. __________________ e92 ///M3
	Appreciate 3 Quote

12-23-2015, 08:58 AM	#4
Red Bread Major General 4463 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Wow, actually about as good as they could have done. Just add Nick Frost for Captain Slow.
	Appreciate 3 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:00 AM	#5
auf Deutsch Colonel 1913 Rep 2,210 Posts Drives: '17 jackrabbit on crystal meth Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Philly burbs iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00]	I'll definitely be tuning in, two great personalities and even better driving skills.... Although, they may be a bit biased towards M cars which is fine by me. I'm also a fan. __________________ 2017 BSM M2\|6MT\|Exec\|black kidneys and gills\|full alcantara wheel\|CF spoiler\|Dinan Stage 4\|Dinan COI\|Dinan free flow exhaust with resonator delete\|Fabspeed sport cat DP\|BMS clutch stop\|465 bhp\|4.75/5 stars retired: 2014 435xi\|MPPK\|335 bhp\|3/5 stars
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:01 AM	#6
tdott Brigadier General 3938 Rep 3,980 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South FL / 6ix iTrader: (4)	I almost thought this was a hoax. While I am a fan of Chris Harris, I'm not sure how it will work out for them, I don't see him fitting in with the old format, so hopefully they don'y try to duplicate that but instead make it a new top gear with their own format. We shall wait and see what happens... __________________ N/A S65 Headers Before/After Dyno Results
	Appreciate 1 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:05 AM	#7
Hasek9339 Lieutenant 48 Rep 569 Posts Drives: 2009 328i Montego Blue Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo NY iTrader: (2)	Sabine is sooooo hot.... Cute chick that can drive ?
	Appreciate 4 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:06 AM	#8
den525 Captain 185 Rep 869 Posts Drives: BMW M235i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	A German on bbc top gear?? __________________ My car build http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1094247
	Appreciate 1 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:07 AM	#9
PRUVEIT Private First Class 59 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 6MT, skyroof Join Date: May 2005 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 M4 [0.00]	Good on them for picking some big automotive scene talent. Chris Harris should be a big draw for a portion of the audience as well as Sabine. Looking forward to seeing this reboot and heck if the position had to go to someone who arguably seems like a guy I would want to hang out with and talk about cars with - Congrats Chris Harris! JP __________________ 2018 i3s Electric Blue 2015 M4 6MT- MG/BLK everything except CCB 2000 323 Ci - sold, 1998 SAAB 900 - hurricane, 1988 SAAB 900 SPG - sold, 1967 Ford Galaxy LTD 390 - stolen
	Appreciate 3 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:15 AM	#11
stefan Brigadier General 2350 Rep 4,253 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North iTrader: (2)	Perfect! Two shows I'll be downloading I guess then instead of one! I'd pay but.. idiotic restrictions mean everyone will just be downloading both shows as usual. __________________ ///M Power
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:25 AM	#12
spuntyb Brigadier General 4055 Rep 4,979 Posts Drives: 2019 F90 Competition Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Couldn't ask for a better crew imho. __________________ <b>2023 M5C SRG\|Aragon \|\| 2018 Macan GTS</b> 2019 F90 Comp MBB\|Black (sold) 2018 F80 ZCP TB\|SS (sold) 2015 F30 335 AW\|CR (sold) 2015 F31 MG\|CR (sold) 2011 E90 JB\|Oyster (sold)
	Appreciate 1 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:29 AM	#13
BMW GENIUS First Lieutenant 153 Rep 397 Posts Drives: 2015 AW M235i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Manly, NSW, Australia iTrader: (0)	Of course I'll be the first to say, nobody will be able to replicate what the original cast was able to put out, however, I truly do think they chose some of the best candidates for the new cast. (with the exception of Chris Evans of course)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:30 AM	#14
bjcarls Lieutenant 459 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 22 Tahoe, 22 R1S, 23 Z07 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Hog Country iTrader: (0)	Sabine doesn't really have the right personality imo. And I thought David was a rather dull dude?? Chris is as entertaining as any of the old hosts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:47 AM	#18
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,212 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	Show will never be the same without the trio, that being said, at least they picked some decent talent. Looking forward to what they come up with.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:47 AM	#19
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Won't be Top Gear, but could be worth watching.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

12-23-2015, 09:59 AM	#21
FilipMPower Second Lieutenant 103 Rep 252 Posts Drives: Anything with a locking diff Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Europe, mainly Germany iTrader: (0)	HARRIS!
	Appreciate 0 Quote