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15/11/2007- Honda powers Top Gear trio across the English Channel

Viewers of BBC2's motoring programme Top Gear were treated to one of the madcap presenters' most ambitious and entertaining challenges (Sunday 14th October) as hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May attempted to cross the English Channel in amphibious converted vehicles.

With a united ambition to beat Richard Branson’s record-breaking crossing in 2004, which he achieved in the amphibious ‘Gibbs Aquada Vehicle’, the lads risked their creations and their lives by dodging passing vessels in the world’s busiest shipping lane. Never one to settle for second best, it didn’t take Clarkson long to jump on the phone and ask eight times Class 1 World Powerboat Champion Steve Curtis for his expert advice on how to power his converted pick-up truck.

"Jeremy called to ask my advice on which Honda outboard would best suit the challenge," said Curtis.

"I suggested a Honda BF225 as it seemed the obvious choice considering the nature of the attempt and the requirement for a powerful and reliable outboard. It was fantastic to see Jeremy make it all the way to France, he did a great job."

The trio had a score to settle and departed Dover heading out to open waters. Poor sea conditions forced the voyagers back to shore several times. As May’s rather unsuccessful 'Triumph Herald' assisted by a sail began to sink, it became clear there were only two vehicles in the running for the challenge. By the fourth attempt Hammond’s propellerpowered 'VW Camper' gave up a valiant fight against the choppy sea conditions and it became obvious that Clarkson’s Honda outboard-powered construction was proving the fastest and most reliable.

Further out at sea, and two sunken vehicles later, it was Clarkson to the rescue as he graciously collected his fellow competitors from the water and headed back to the English shore in preparation for one final attempt.

Despite previous challenging waters, calm seas prevailed as the boys continued the journey towards France with the Honda BF225 behind them.

With land in sight, and the 'Nissan' quickly filling with water, the 225hp Honda outboard kept propelling the vehicle towards its destination. Despite grudgingly missing out on Richard Branson's record, the trio made it onto French soil and out on to a busy beach of bemused holiday makers.

With only Clarkson’s Honda outboard-powered vehicle successfully crossing the channel, BBC2's Top Gear feature presented an unusual but nevertheless entertaining way of proving the reliability of Honda’s 4-stroke outboards.

Honda is the only manufacturer to produce such a wide variety of 4-stroke outboard engines, from compact models such as the 2.3hp to the latest and most powerful 225hp model as demonstrated by Clarkson. Honda also offers an industry leading five-year warranty. For more information on Honda's range of outboards please visit www.honda.co.uk.