By Lucy Caulkett-
British musician, Tinie Tempah, (pictured) is to host a new Gmotoring series for Channel 4 entitled: “Bangers: Mad for Cars,” debuting tonight, promises to celebrate classic cars from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s in a way that’s set to redefine the motoring TV landscape.
The British artist, known for his chart-topping hits and energetic performances, is now revving up to take viewers on an exhilarating ride into the world of beloved classic automobiles.
Tempah is not alone on this journey; he’s joined by F1 analyst and stunt driver Naomi Schiff. Together, they’ll guide us through a thrilling exploration of vehicles many of us remember fondly, including the Citroen Saxo, Ford Sierra Cosworth, and Peugeot 205 GTI.
In true “Top Gear” fashion, “Bangers: Mad for Cars” promises its fair share of mishaps. The series even dares to show the Brit Award-winning artist crashing a rare 1990s Honda NSX supercar. Such audacious stunts are what keep viewers at the edge of their seats, and Tinie Tempah delivers just that.
This four-episode series pits some of the finest modern classic cars against each other in a “Battle of the Bangers.” Tempah, 34, and Schiff, 29, will each nominate their favorites from a range of vehicle sectors and go head-to-head to determine which one is most deserving of the crown.
Yet, “Bangers: Mad for Cars” offers more than just high-speed showdowns. The show will delve into the performance, history, culture, and iconography of each featured vehicle. It will highlight what made these cars not just machines but symbols of an era.
And the charismatic rapper himself will step into the driver’s seat, taking on numerous challenges. We’ll see Tempah squeezing a six-wheeled Land Rover Defender through the affluent streets of Chelsea, navigating treacherous quarry slopes in a Suzuki Jimny, and even trying his hand at rallying in a Peugeot 205 GTI.
However, the most talked-about moment is undoubtedly when Tempah crashes a 1990s Honda NSX supercar on the track. In a gripping trailer, we witness the singer losing control and colliding bumper-first with a stack of tires.
It’s a heart-pounding moment, even more so because the NSX in question is no ordinary vehicle. While early 1991 versions of this Japanese supercar are now highly coveted and can command prices up to £110,000, the one Tinie Tempah crashes has clocked over 168,000 miles.
Its MOT history reveals a few minor issues, including a leak and a noisy wheel bearing, but it had recently been declared SORN, possibly due to its unfortunate on-camera mishap.
Tinie Tempah is not just about car crashes; he’ll also meet passionate car owners in the UK who will try to convince him to champion their chosen models.
With cars like the BMW Z3, Lotus Carlton, Mazda MX-5, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Renault Espace, Saab 900 Turbo, and TVR Cerbera on the roster, the show promises to trigger waves of nostalgia among its audience.
Furthermore, “Bangers: Mad for Cars” will champion the use of quality used vehicle parts purchased from eBay’s Certified Recycled Hub. The marketplace giant reports that UK shoppers have collectively saved £99 million and reduced CO2 emissions by over 16,000 tonnes by opting for recycled parts instead of new ones.
Each week, a different celebrity guest will join Tinie Tempah and Naomi Schiff to discuss their experiences with cars, from their first rides to the cars they wish they’d owned. Former footballers turned pundits Ian Wright and Patrice Evra, comedian Guz Khan, and chef Tom Kerridge are among those set to share their car-related stories.
In Tinie Tempah’s own words, “Cars are so embedded in pop culture, they’re more than just a mode of transportation; they say a bit about who we are. I’m excited to explore the origins of some of the most iconic cars and learn how the industry became so interlinked with the British psyche. And of course – to drive some serious bangers.”
With the fate of “Top Gear” still uncertain, “Bangers: Mad for Cars” and Tinie Tempah are set to inject new life into the world of motoring television.
This nostalgic journey through the world of classic cars promises not only exciting races and daring stunts but also an exploration of the cultural significance of these vehicles. Buckle up, car enthusiasts, this promises to be a wild ride!
As the motoring world waits to see what the future holds for “Top Gear,” fans and newcomers alike can look forward to “Bangers: Mad for Cars” and its fresh take on celebrating the automobiles that have become icons of their eras.
In a year that has seen the record-breaking sale of classic cars, nostalgia for these iconic vehicles is at an all-time high, and this series is poised to tap into that sentiment.
It appears Tinie Tempah and Channel 4 are here to redefine our love for cars.