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The prospect of an American version of “Top Gear,” the British TV show dedicated to all things automotive, is appealing, but has failed to materialize even after several attempts (and a call to our own). But now, the producers have offered up the first peek at the show that is moving toward final production.
The trailer features cars of varied vintages and conditions. It opens with brilliant shots of the Lamborghini Murcielago, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and Porsche Panamera, as well as a reverse spin in a Dodge Viper. The trailer’s second half is a preview of a true-to-form comparo of three cheap, ancient automobiles, dominated by what appears to be a ’70s Cadillac Coupe de Ville. And to suit American audiences, the producers added a little moonshine. We’re pretty excited.
Intrigued? You can watch the trailer here to judge for yourself.
The hosts, Adam Ferrara, Tanner Foust, and Rutledge Wood, are an unlikely trio of automotive personalities. As we’ve mentioned before, Ferrara has a career as a dramatic actor; Foust is best known for his work behind the wheel; and Wood is a commentator on the Speed Channel. The trailer is a positive indication that the men will be able to channel their respective energies harmoniously.
The American version of “Top Gear” will air on the History Channel, but a start date has not yet been announced. We’re fans of the original BBC2 version, and an American “Top Gear” outpost should prove some interesting competition.
What do you think? Will America’s “Top Gear” be enough to make it to “ice cold” on the Cool Wall? Or will it be relegated to “American cousin” status? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
@ joela: I dunno. I think Jeremy’s bias is well-founded – and entertaining!
@tumbleweed2. actually, i’m the opposite. i want the U.S. Top Gear to be as biased as Jeremy is about American cars in the U.K.!
what andrew.peterson said. IMO, many folks were expecting the UK version with American cars and setting when the U.S. is clearly not a colony anymore ^_^
Depends on the final product of course and how well it can be tweaked and improved as it goes along.If it concentrates on GM and Ford products at the expense of Chrysler and other makes I hope it falls flat on its face. The hot rod shows on tv are very biased toward the bowtie brand first and Ford second. An unbiased, fair look at all cars along with an unprejudiced report on whats good and whats not with out harping is what would interest me.
I’ll reserve final judgment for when I see it, but it has potential.