Jay Leno "Tests" McLaren MP4-12C. Of Course.
I like Jay Leno. Who doesn’t like Jay Leno? Everyone likes Jay Leno. But Jay Leno is not an automotive journalist. He’s a comedian who makes so much money he could buy the entire first year’s production run of the McLaren MP4-12C and still have enough cash to maintain the 4,356 other rare and important (and just plain dumb) vehicles stacked in his airplane hangars like relics in King Tut’s tomb. Yes, yes, he drives them all. He’s a humble, knowledgeable and passionate collector—who’s as far from acerbic on the subject of cars as you can get without working for Motor Trend. Like I said, everyone loves Jay. But the enthusiast is sucking all the oxygen out of the car review business, getting access to shit I can’t even dream about test driving, never mind owning. In other words, PR flack James Nichols, we’ll run this item. But you had better come across with that interview with Leno stat or I’m going to go all Marvin the Martian on him. And you don’t want that.
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Jay Leno has achieved a rare status in automotive journalism - one I expect Jermey Clarkson could see after top gear if his career continues. That is, they don't actually review cars they don't want to. And they only really want to review the interesting or cool ones. Reviews and Previews like this generate interest in a site, or show, or magazine. That generates ad revenue. I would imagine that every "review" of the new Mercedes generates enough income on its own to pay for whatever happens to be carrying it. Leno - keep rocking.
Check out this interview with Jay about his own cars. He is very knowledgeable about cars, and is a true car guy. This article gives you a rare listen into the stories behind some of his cars. It's digital so there is actual audio! ( www.powerblockmag.com)
I still prefer Jeremy Clarkson...
It's rough to be Jay. What a life!