Top Gear Tunnel Runs with X4: The Stig Runs Legendary Vehicles in 360

A household name when it comes to car content, Top Gear has stood the test of time. So when we saw our Insta360 X4 used in shooting one of their latest projects, we knew it had to be for something special...

In their recent series, Top Gear took several iconic cars – the BRM P15, Audi Sport Quattro S1, and Lamborghini Huracan STO (and more!) – and unleashed them in a dark, atmospheric tunnel.

But they didn't just film this with any camera, they equipped the cars with our latest 360° action cam, Insta360 X4, to capture the sprints like nothing else out there.

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We spoke with Rowan Horncastle, Head of Content at Top Gear, to get the inside scoop on why they chose Insta360 X4 and how it elevated their production.

Why opt for 360 for this project?

"For Top Gear Tunnel Run, the main objective was to make the experience as immersive as possible for our audience," Rowan explained. "We wanted to put them in the cars they'd possibly never see – or hear – in real life."

This meant capturing not just the visuals, but the full sensory experience. X4 delivered on both fronts, with binaural audio and a 360° view that puts you right in the passenger seat alongside The Stig (try scrolling around the YouTube video and see for yourself, and check out the rear seat for an easter egg!)

You were shooting in a dark tunnel. Were you expecting it to be tricky to film?

"We're always looking for new and innovative ways to shoot cars," Rowan said. "When X4 was announced and offered not only a 360° solution, but a new way to use an action camera for dynamic shots, we had to add it to our arsenal. Shooting in a dark Victorian railway tunnel wasn't easy but the result turned out great.

The X4 Advantage: A Must-Have for Immersive Car Content

Our Insta360 X4 rose to the challenge of capturing Top Gear's Tunnel Run series. Its exceptional 8K 360° gets better capture both inside and out of vehicles, and when coupled with our Invisible Selfie Stick effect, it becomes easier than ever to make immersive content that sucks viewers in (about as close as getting to the real thing is possible nowadays!).

It's worth shouting out X4's FlowState Stabilization, too - able to deliver incredibly smooth footage even while going flat out in a supercar.

All of this without mentioning the challenging low-light conditions of the tunnel. That's where X4's large sensor and AI-powered image processing stand out, ensuring a bright, detailed final result.

Capture Your Ride in 360

If you're a fellow petrolhead and looking to capture immersive 360° content, look no further than X4. For the casual car enthusiast looking to capture a road trip, you can also check out our Double/Triple Suction Cup Car Mount, a beast when it comes to capturing on the road.