| Top Gear | |
|---|---|
| Series 16 | |
 Promotional poster | |
| Starring | |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC Two |
| Original release | 21 December 2010 – 27 February 2011 |
| Series chronology | |
Series 16 of Top Gear, a British motoring magazine and factual television programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2011, consisting of six episodes that were aired between 23 January and 27 February. Following the previous series, the BBC discontinued their involvement with Ben Collins on the programme, after he breached an agreement in his contract that forbid him disclosing his role as "The Stig" with the publication of his autobiography, The Man in the White Suit, in August 2010.[1] His departure led to his replacement by a new driver by the beginning of the first episode.
This series' highlights included a comparison test of the three similar second-hand convertibles, an attempt by the presenters to create a snowplough with a combine harvester, and a crossover piece with Top Gear Australia. The sixteenth series was preceded by two specials aired in December 2010. The first on 21 December, titled "East Coast Road Trip", featured studio segments and a celebrity segment, unlike other specials, while the second on 26 December, titled Top Gear: Middle East Special, was a feature-length special with the presenters travelling across the Middle East on a festive trip.[2] The sixteenth series faced some criticism for comments regarding Mexicans and stereotypical views of Albanians.
- ^ Hough, Andrew (3 September 2010). "The Stig: Ben Collins 'could become face of new Top Gear style TV show'". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 4 September 2010.
- ^ "Top Gear Specials 2010 - Episode 2". bbc.co.uk. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 13 December 2010.