The BBC’s Top Gear decided to let a Google Street View car map their test track, and rather than let Google’s Street View car go around the track on its own, they decided to put it up against The Stig.
The Google Street View car went up against a Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black, driven by The Stig. Have a look at the video below.
Duncan Gray, Top Gear’s Commercial Director, BBC Worldwide said: “From anywhere on the planet, Top Gear’s millions of followers can now explore the official track from the show with some spectacular shots, thanks to Google Street View technology. We did have to tell The Stig to slow down a couple of times though.”
Ulf Spitzer, Street View Program Manager, Google commented: “At Google, we’re used to life in the fast lane, so we were thrilled to ride alongside the infamous Stig and capture imagery of what has become a British — and indeed global — institution for automobile fans.”
The Challenge: Street View Car vs. The Stig
The challenge was not just a simple race but a unique blend of technology and high-speed performance. The Google Street View car, typically used for mapping streets and capturing panoramic images, was pitted against one of the fastest cars on the Top Gear test track. The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black, driven by The Stig, is known for its powerful V8 engine and exceptional speed. This made for an interesting and entertaining competition, showcasing the capabilities of both the Street View technology and the high-performance vehicle.
The Google Street View car, equipped with multiple cameras to capture 360-degree images, had to navigate the twists and turns of the track while maintaining a steady pace. On the other hand, The Stig, known for his mysterious identity and exceptional driving skills, pushed the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Black to its limits, demonstrating the car’s agility and speed.
Exploring the Top Gear Test Track
Thanks to this collaboration, fans of Top Gear and car enthusiasts worldwide can now explore the iconic test track from the comfort of their homes. The Google Street View technology allows users to virtually navigate the track, experiencing the same route that has been driven by numerous high-performance cars and celebrity guests on the show.
The Top Gear test track, located at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, England, has become a symbol of automotive excellence. It features various challenging sections, including the Hammerhead, Chicago, and Gambon corners, each testing different aspects of a car’s performance. By using Google Street View, users can get a closer look at these famous sections and appreciate the skill required to navigate them at high speeds.
This initiative not only provides entertainment but also serves as an educational tool for those interested in automotive engineering and driving techniques. By examining the track and understanding the challenges it presents, viewers can gain insights into the complexities of high-speed driving and vehicle dynamics.
You can now check out the Top Gear test track on Google Maps at the link below.
Source Google Maps, Engadget
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