The eight-episode season will air later this year.
It’s not just audiences in the UK and Ireland that will get to experience an updated version of Top Gear because BBC America have ordered a new version of the beloved show.
The US version will be hosted by actor William Fichtner (Prison Break, The Dark Knight), champion drag racer Antron Brown and British car journalist Tom “Wookie” Ford.
ANNOUNCING: new series #TopGear America w/ hosts William Fichtner, @AntronBrown, & @tomwookieford premieres later this year on @BBCAmerica! pic.twitter.com/xUuaofUqzZ
— BBC America (@BBCAMERICA) March 20, 2017
William Fichtner is an interesting choice as lead presenter. We’re told that the actor is both a car enthusiast and a competitive racer, however we’re curious to see how he’ll get on in this new role.
Just like the Matt LeBlanc-hosted version, Top Gear America has promised to feature state-of-the-art vehicles and the muscle cars that helped define America’s motor culture.
Each week will feature a different celebrity who will compete for top honor on the leader board at the new Top Gear studio and track, Speed Vegas. Of course, the one and only Stig, Top Gear’s mysterious test driver, will be leaving everyone in his petrol-hazed wake.
This is the third time that a US version of Top Gear has been pursued. Previous installments included History’s version which ended its six-season run in 2016. Prior to that, NBC also did their best to adapt the beloved property in 2008 with mixed results.
Can another US version work? You’ll have to tune in and see.
