The relaunched Top Gear eventually became the most widely-broadcast factual television program in the world, airing in more than 200 territories at its peak. It successfully reached beyond a niche audience of "petrol-heads" to a broader demographic by prioritizing entertainment and chemistry over technical specifications.
: Celebrities were interviewed and then drove a budget car (initially a Suzuki Liana) around the track to record a lap time.
: The Stig drove featured cars around the test track to set timed laps for a leaderboard. 2002 - Top Gear
: Motoring journalist and the primary face of the show's revival.
: A used-car expert who appeared only in the first series before being replaced by James May in Series 2. The relaunched Top Gear eventually became the most
The 2002 revamp debuted several features that became iconic hallmarks of the series:
: An anonymous, silent test driver portrayed by Perry McCarthy (wearing a black suit) for the first two series. Signature Segments Introduced : The Stig drove featured cars around the
: Radio and television presenter who became a staple of the show's most popular era.