Chris Harris becomes a modern-day Salman Rushdie
Discussion
Anyone ever see Chris's DREAM car which apparently he personally commissioned to be custom built?...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2HjaHS51hk
On DR he said it was the best road going 911 (I read that CAR ever) he ever drove- of course only I practically begged him to answer the question. j
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2HjaHS51hk
On DR he said it was the best road going 911 (I read that CAR ever) he ever drove- of course only I practically begged him to answer the question. j
Mr. Potato Head said:
To suspect yourself of being the only person in the known universe to hold a particular belief can be both frustrating and, in a strange way, enormously liberating.
It seems I am alone in being completely ambivalent as to the existence of Evo magazine. Apparently it's one of the most respected car magazines around, which means there will be yet more public outpourings of emotion for a magazine which is so far up it's own arse it hasn't seen daylight in years.
Truth be told, I think Evo magazine and its writers are, well, sh*t.
This will not endear me to anyone who has ever had a subscrition, and it isn’t intended as some dramatic broadside to wind-them-up. I just always judge car magazines on their breadth of their coverage, and I’ve always found Evo magazine transparently biased, snooty and unsatisfying. Of course the principle behind Evo magazine is fantastic: the joy of driving captured in well written text, and presented in an arty well produced manner, but the reality when considering the real world of petrolheads has never even approached delivering on that promise. And the amount of adverts is terrible.
In fact, beyond the magazine’s outward specification, I don’t really see it as a car magazine at all - it's just wonderful ego boosting exercise for its writers to demonstrate just how much better and richer than you they are. And Chris Harris just isn’t exciting. Tiff Needell is exciting because he’s a proper bundle of joy in any car, whereas Chris Harris is just a monotone voiced dullard with a superiority complex.
So, gather round and have a good pop at me for being rude about a national treasure. Or, use this opportunity to finally admit in public that you too think the Evo magazine is pants.
Opinions eh?
You are not alone!It seems I am alone in being completely ambivalent as to the existence of Evo magazine. Apparently it's one of the most respected car magazines around, which means there will be yet more public outpourings of emotion for a magazine which is so far up it's own arse it hasn't seen daylight in years.
Truth be told, I think Evo magazine and its writers are, well, sh*t.
This will not endear me to anyone who has ever had a subscrition, and it isn’t intended as some dramatic broadside to wind-them-up. I just always judge car magazines on their breadth of their coverage, and I’ve always found Evo magazine transparently biased, snooty and unsatisfying. Of course the principle behind Evo magazine is fantastic: the joy of driving captured in well written text, and presented in an arty well produced manner, but the reality when considering the real world of petrolheads has never even approached delivering on that promise. And the amount of adverts is terrible.
In fact, beyond the magazine’s outward specification, I don’t really see it as a car magazine at all - it's just wonderful ego boosting exercise for its writers to demonstrate just how much better and richer than you they are. And Chris Harris just isn’t exciting. Tiff Needell is exciting because he’s a proper bundle of joy in any car, whereas Chris Harris is just a monotone voiced dullard with a superiority complex.
So, gather round and have a good pop at me for being rude about a national treasure. Or, use this opportunity to finally admit in public that you too think the Evo magazine is pants.
Opinions eh?
NiceCupOfTea said:
Mr. Potato Head said:
To suspect yourself of being the only person in the known universe to hold a particular belief can be both frustrating and, in a strange way, enormously liberating.
It seems I am alone in being completely ambivalent as to the existence of Evo magazine. Apparently it's one of the most respected car magazines around, which means there will be yet more public outpourings of emotion for a magazine which is so far up it's own arse it hasn't seen daylight in years.
Truth be told, I think Evo magazine and its writers are, well, sh*t.
This will not endear me to anyone who has ever had a subscrition, and it isn’t intended as some dramatic broadside to wind-them-up. I just always judge car magazines on their breadth of their coverage, and I’ve always found Evo magazine transparently biased, snooty and unsatisfying. Of course the principle behind Evo magazine is fantastic: the joy of driving captured in well written text, and presented in an arty well produced manner, but the reality when considering the real world of petrolheads has never even approached delivering on that promise. And the amount of adverts is terrible.
In fact, beyond the magazine’s outward specification, I don’t really see it as a car magazine at all - it's just wonderful ego boosting exercise for its writers to demonstrate just how much better and richer than you they are. And Chris Harris just isn’t exciting. Tiff Needell is exciting because he’s a proper bundle of joy in any car, whereas Chris Harris is just a monotone voiced dullard with a superiority complex.
So, gather round and have a good pop at me for being rude about a national treasure. Or, use this opportunity to finally admit in public that you too think the Evo magazine is pants.
Opinions eh?
You are not alone!It seems I am alone in being completely ambivalent as to the existence of Evo magazine. Apparently it's one of the most respected car magazines around, which means there will be yet more public outpourings of emotion for a magazine which is so far up it's own arse it hasn't seen daylight in years.
Truth be told, I think Evo magazine and its writers are, well, sh*t.
This will not endear me to anyone who has ever had a subscrition, and it isn’t intended as some dramatic broadside to wind-them-up. I just always judge car magazines on their breadth of their coverage, and I’ve always found Evo magazine transparently biased, snooty and unsatisfying. Of course the principle behind Evo magazine is fantastic: the joy of driving captured in well written text, and presented in an arty well produced manner, but the reality when considering the real world of petrolheads has never even approached delivering on that promise. And the amount of adverts is terrible.
In fact, beyond the magazine’s outward specification, I don’t really see it as a car magazine at all - it's just wonderful ego boosting exercise for its writers to demonstrate just how much better and richer than you they are. And Chris Harris just isn’t exciting. Tiff Needell is exciting because he’s a proper bundle of joy in any car, whereas Chris Harris is just a monotone voiced dullard with a superiority complex.
So, gather round and have a good pop at me for being rude about a national treasure. Or, use this opportunity to finally admit in public that you too think the Evo magazine is pants.
Opinions eh?
) this month. Top Gear was better.hornetrider said:
Would it be a massive leap to suggest it was a cheap shot to generate traffic for the Evo blog?!
I had the same thought, anybody less well-known posting those comments on a forum would seem such obvious trolling that nobody would even take them seriously.
As for some of the supposed 'preferred alternatives' suggested by bandwagon-jumpers, a BMW 318? Seriously?
Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 8th February 04:48
I bought a lovely BRG Mk 1 1.8 a couple of years back because I'd wanted one since the 1990 British Motor Show and thought it was fun. But that was about it.
Pound for pound (stirling) it is up there but as an out and out sports car I'd say that they are a tad underpowered to say the least. The newer ones, so anything after a Mk 1 do nothing for me.
Pound for pound (stirling) it is up there but as an out and out sports car I'd say that they are a tad underpowered to say the least. The newer ones, so anything after a Mk 1 do nothing for me.
TrophyMax said:
Debaser said:
I drove a Mk.3 and it didn't feel sporty at all. It was quite unimpressive and a disappointment after reading all the hype.
Did it have the cheap suspension upgrade and a decent Geo set up? The ones that run around looking as if they are on stilts are not how Mazda originally designed them.Ayahuasca said:
We live in an age where handling, throttle response, drive train, where the power goes (FWD or RWD) plays complete second fiddle to "'ow much BHP then?".900,000 sold.
So 900,000 people (plus all the subsequent used car buyers) got it wrong.
It is a great car and fun if you drive it like you stole it but yes they are much better with a power upgrade - fortunately there are many super charger, turbo charger and V8 conversions available.
Blatant self promotion by Harris - unfortunately as a TW@T !
So 900,000 people (plus all the subsequent used car buyers) got it wrong.
It is a great car and fun if you drive it like you stole it but yes they are much better with a power upgrade - fortunately there are many super charger, turbo charger and V8 conversions available.
Blatant self promotion by Harris - unfortunately as a TW@T !
redgriff500 said:
900,000 sold.
So 900,000 people (plus all the subsequent used car buyers) got it wrong.
This is a crap argument. Look at the sales figures for the Ford Escort or the world's best-selling car, the Corolla, or the viewing figures for Top Gear. Come on, man, popular fashion was never based on star quality.So 900,000 people (plus all the subsequent used car buyers) got it wrong.
There's a couple of things Harris has said which are just plain wrong, which puzzles me 'cos harris doesn't normally get thins wrong.
He says the MX5 is imprecise - which it isn't, so long as it has the geo set as it should be (they are if it's not), and that it has a poor driving position. Well i reckon my Mk1 had the perfect driving position, it's pedals, steering wheel, gear lever and arm rests were in the perfect position/relationship. Better than my Boxster and better than the Audi R8 (and RS6) i've driven at least.
A lot of cars have some offset between seat, wheel and pedals but on the Mk1 5 at least, they're all bang in line with each other.
He says the MX5 is imprecise - which it isn't, so long as it has the geo set as it should be (they are if it's not), and that it has a poor driving position. Well i reckon my Mk1 had the perfect driving position, it's pedals, steering wheel, gear lever and arm rests were in the perfect position/relationship. Better than my Boxster and better than the Audi R8 (and RS6) i've driven at least.
A lot of cars have some offset between seat, wheel and pedals but on the Mk1 5 at least, they're all bang in line with each other.
Having read just about everything Harris has written from his day one (to be honest I read most all the rags) the main thing I'm left with after all these years, are that he very rarely offers insight into much of anything- his writing style and descriptive ability seem one of each: very good/bad/black/white. He doesn't do story, narrative, suspense or context much at all. He's a pedal down, counter steering, sound bite guy who is as pleased as punch hes got great work, gets paid for what he loves, gets to race, loves to talk fast and sound off on a few gripes and likes. And at the same time he loves buying, running and and trading cars just about more than anyone else in the free world. And to some extent I can appreciate that. But sadly he rarely writes anything insightful about his admittedly great cast of cars, its almost as if hes saying this is my private stuff and its for me; if you want me to tell you about cars you'd better get a press car video cam and mic and a pay check, then we can talk; and even then its just mostly vague proclamations about how great or whatever this one feature of X car is. And that limited scope just sucks a (fill in). His descriptive ability was only apparent once when he went to the ring with the 911 and GTR - indeed that was his standout work to date.
Last he seems at the same time to be motivated solely by weekend racing, money, and the buying and selling of cars; a hobby which takes good sums of money to fuel. And yet he simply doesn't seem to have a lot of money nor anyone willing to really pay him that much- indeed hes not the face of evo or anyone, in fact hes a free-lancer. So having the habit without the funding- while having to raise a family, are a frustrating combination. So I can understand his bent towards well angled blurbs.
Basically hes no gift to journalism nor is he a gift to automotive entertainment. Hes a very talented driver and speaker willing and able to set up shop for anyone; and bottom line hes just not a terribly open-minded person- not willing to take criticism nor improve his descriptive craft for anyone. Maybe his temper and lack of want to get into much detail is due to his narrow minded bosses? That seems part of it. Anyway I have a feeling he'll be trading top custom cars from the 90's and 00's as a profession in a few years, racing with some success, having fun, and finally doing what he should be. Fair warning I've communicated with him on line several times, and I've never interacted with someone so full of himself, j
Last he seems at the same time to be motivated solely by weekend racing, money, and the buying and selling of cars; a hobby which takes good sums of money to fuel. And yet he simply doesn't seem to have a lot of money nor anyone willing to really pay him that much- indeed hes not the face of evo or anyone, in fact hes a free-lancer. So having the habit without the funding- while having to raise a family, are a frustrating combination. So I can understand his bent towards well angled blurbs.
Basically hes no gift to journalism nor is he a gift to automotive entertainment. Hes a very talented driver and speaker willing and able to set up shop for anyone; and bottom line hes just not a terribly open-minded person- not willing to take criticism nor improve his descriptive craft for anyone. Maybe his temper and lack of want to get into much detail is due to his narrow minded bosses? That seems part of it. Anyway I have a feeling he'll be trading top custom cars from the 90's and 00's as a profession in a few years, racing with some success, having fun, and finally doing what he should be. Fair warning I've communicated with him on line several times, and I've never interacted with someone so full of himself, j
Edited by j123 on Tuesday 8th February 09:26
LuS1fer said:
redgriff500 said:
900,000 sold.
So 900,000 people (plus all the subsequent used car buyers) got it wrong.
This is a crap argument. Look at the sales figures for the Ford Escort or the world's best-selling car, the Corolla, or the viewing figures for Top Gear. Come on, man, popular fashion was never based on star quality.So 900,000 people (plus all the subsequent used car buyers) got it wrong.
People who bought these did so rather than buy a coupe or other sportscar.
I bought mine after a string of 2 litre turbo cars the last being a Integrale and 3dr Cosworth. I bought it as it was fun at sensible speeds rather than 120+
I then bought the Griffith (but kept the 5) and sold the Griffith due to terrible reliability and its hard to live with as an everyday car.
(Can't see out the back with hood up, nor down. Roof is a pain so I left it up on short trips, 13mpg when driven hard)
redgriff500 said:
Not comparable - Escorts etc are transport for A-B
People who bought these did so rather than buy a coupe or other sportscar.
I bought mine after a string of 2 litre turbo cars the last being a Integrale and 3dr Cosworth. I bought it as it was fun at sensible speeds rather than 120+
I then bought the Griffith (but kept the 5) and sold the Griffith due to terrible reliability and its hard to live with as an everyday car.
(Can't see out the back with hood up, nor down. Roof is a pain so I left it up on short trips, 13mpg when driven hard)
It's nice to see you pick up the baton for every person who ever bought one but my experience is that "people" who buy these are largely girls or people who want "a convertible" and I can't even recall the last time I saw an MX5 being driven enthisiastically.People who bought these did so rather than buy a coupe or other sportscar.
I bought mine after a string of 2 litre turbo cars the last being a Integrale and 3dr Cosworth. I bought it as it was fun at sensible speeds rather than 120+
I then bought the Griffith (but kept the 5) and sold the Griffith due to terrible reliability and its hard to live with as an everyday car.
(Can't see out the back with hood up, nor down. Roof is a pain so I left it up on short trips, 13mpg when driven hard)
heebeegeetee said:
He says the MX5 is imprecise - which it isn't, so long as it has the geo set as it should be (they are if it's not), and that it has a poor driving position. Well i reckon my Mk1 had the perfect driving position, it's pedals, steering wheel, gear lever and arm rests were in the perfect position/relationship.
I may disagree with a lot of your posts but 100% with on this one!
For an added dose of reality, in my experience the people who think they feel slow are generally (a)those who drive them and don't know how to use a gearbox, or (b)those who are accustomed to 150+ bhp/ton cars. The aforementioned journo obviously falling firmly into (b), and comparing it with a 911 GT3.
Most 'normal' semi-PH types who had a pax or drive of my previous standard Mk1 responded with something along the lines of "I thought these things were supposed to be slow!", and were impressed by how quick it did feel compared to what they'd read or been told.
Incidentally NZ Autocar tested the Mk3 against the Nissan 370Z when it was released, and gave the nod to the MX5 even without considering the significant price difference. Not only did they find the MX5 much more enjoyable to drive, but its pace was also more than a match for the Z on demanding roads, only losing out when there were long enough straights for the Z to really open up.
Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 8th February 09:54
LuS1fer said:
my experience is that "people" who buy these are largely girls or people who want "a convertible" and I can't even recall the last time I saw an MX5 being driven enthisiastically
Ditto, same with my female friends - in fact the same ones who ask me 'how comes you drive a Civic' .. like the CTR is 200% a better drivers car than an MX-5!I do like the MX-5 alot - it's so nicely made for the price - but when the MGF was a rival it also sold in huge numbers, and if they hadn't make the head gasket from chocolate and gear mechanism from porridge it would have sold equally well into the naughties IMO.
Edited by fido on Tuesday 8th February 09:53
fido said:
Ditto, same with my female friends
Funny enough my female friends mostly seem to drive boringly sensible cars like Toyota Corollas, and while they consider the MX5 to be 'cool' the only people I know personally who've considered buying one themselves are male petrolheads, often with an interest in trackdays.fido said:
...but when the MGF was a rival it also sold in huge numbers, and if they hadn't make the head gasket from chocolate and gear mechanism from porridge it would have sold equally well into the naughties IMO.
How many MGF's did they sell outside the UK? 
Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 8th February 10:01
fido said:
like the CTR is 200% a better drivers car than an MX-5!
We had a CTR and an MX-5 at the same time, and I'd put those percentages the other way round. It exposed the CTR as one-dimensional and made me get rid of it for something rear drive and not based on a family shopping car. The CTR is my favourite hot hatch, almost the perfect modern interpretation of the concept, but I guess eventually you get bored of hot hatches.heebeegeetee said:
He says the MX5 is imprecise - which it isn't, so long as it has the geo set as it should be (they are if it's not), and that it has a poor driving position. Well i reckon my Mk1 had the perfect driving position, it's pedals, steering wheel, gear lever and arm rests were in the perfect position/relationship.
To be fair, I wouldn't call them precise either, not compared to something like an Elise, but I don't think precision is really the point of them. Driving position is pretty subjective, I always found it pretty comfortable - maybe Monkey is an odd shape?
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