Grand Tour Sand Job

In the thrilling world of automotive adventures, the Grand Tour's Sand Job episode stands as a testament to the challenges and excitement that lie beyond the tarmac. As part of the popular Amazon Prime series, The Grand Tour, this particular episode takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through the deserts of Dubai, offering a unique blend of car culture, exploration, and extreme driving.

The Sand Job episode, airing in 2017 as part of the show's second season, saw the hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May embark on a quest to discover the limits of their vehicles in the unforgiving sand dunes of the Arabian Peninsula. With their characteristic blend of humor, expertise, and a healthy dose of reckless abandon, the trio navigated the challenges of desert driving, showcasing the unique capabilities of their chosen automobiles.

The Vehicles: Desert-Ready Machines

For this epic desert adventure, the hosts selected vehicles that were not only capable of handling the harsh conditions but also reflected their individual personalities and driving styles. Here’s a breakdown of the machines they chose for the Sand Job:

Jeremy Clarkson: The Range Rover Sport SVR

As the self-proclaimed “most important man in motoring,” Jeremy Clarkson opted for a vehicle that offered a perfect blend of luxury and performance. The Range Rover Sport SVR, with its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivered a breathtaking 550 horsepower. This powerful SUV showcased Clarkson’s affinity for combining refinement with raw power, a theme that would prove crucial in the desert’s unforgiving environment.

Richard Hammond: The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Richard Hammond, known for his love of high-performance American muscle cars, chose the mighty Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. With a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, this beast delivered an astonishing 662 horsepower. The Shelby GT500, with its aggressive styling and formidable power, embodied Hammond’s enthusiasm for pure, unadulterated speed.

James May: The Audi Q7 V12 TDI

James May, the level-headed and practical member of the trio, selected a vehicle that prioritized comfort and capability. He chose the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, powered by a 6.0-liter turbodiesel V12 engine, offering a substantial 500 horsepower and a massive 738 lb-ft of torque. This luxurious SUV provided a smooth and refined driving experience, a contrast to the other two hosts’ more aggressive choices.

The Adventure: Navigating the Desert Dunes

With their vehicles prepped and ready, the hosts set off on their desert expedition. The Sand Job episode showcased the unique challenges of driving in the desert, from navigating towering sand dunes to coping with the harsh elements. Each host’s driving style and vehicle choice came into play as they encountered the ever-shifting landscape of Dubai’s desert.

Clarkson’s Luxury and Performance

Jeremy Clarkson’s Range Rover Sport SVR proved to be a formidable machine in the desert. With its advanced four-wheel-drive system and powerful engine, the SVR effortlessly climbed and descended the sand dunes, showcasing the vehicle’s capabilities. Clarkson’s expertise and love for luxury cars were on full display as he navigated the harsh terrain with style and precision.

Hammond’s Muscle Car Adrenaline

Richard Hammond’s choice of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 added a touch of American muscle to the desert adventure. The Shelby’s powerful V8 engine provided an exhilarating driving experience, but the vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive layout proved to be a challenge in the loose sand. Hammond’s enthusiasm and thrill-seeking nature were evident as he pushed the limits of his car in the desert.

May’s Comfort and Control

James May’s Audi Q7 V12 TDI offered a different perspective on desert driving. With its comfortable interior and powerful turbodiesel engine, the Q7 provided a smooth and controlled driving experience. May’s practical approach and focus on comfort were evident as he navigated the dunes with ease, showcasing the versatility of his chosen vehicle.

Performance and Results: A Desert Driving Test

As the Sand Job episode progressed, the hosts not only explored the beauty of the desert but also put their vehicles to the test. They raced across the dunes, tackled steep inclines, and even participated in a unique sand-based challenge, all while showcasing the capabilities and limitations of their chosen cars.

The Range Rover Sport SVR, with its advanced off-road technology, proved to be a consistent performer, handling the desert with ease. The Audi Q7 V12 TDI, despite its size, demonstrated impressive agility and comfort. However, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, with its powerful engine, struggled in the loose sand, highlighting the challenges of rear-wheel-drive vehicles in such conditions.

Conclusion: A Desert Adventure to Remember

The Sand Job episode of The Grand Tour offered viewers an exhilarating journey into the world of desert driving. Through their unique vehicle choices and adventurous spirit, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May showcased the challenges and thrills of navigating the sand dunes of Dubai. This episode not only entertained but also educated viewers about the capabilities and limitations of different vehicles in extreme off-road conditions.

From the powerful Range Rover Sport SVR to the muscle-bound Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the refined Audi Q7 V12 TDI, each vehicle brought something unique to the desert adventure. The Sand Job stands as a testament to the diverse world of automotive experiences, where the right vehicle can make all the difference in the harshest of environments.