The “Top Gear” machine is officially kicking into over drive.
Details about History’s highly anticipated (and long-awaited) take on the famed British “Top Gear” motoring show are leaking out in advance of its Nov. 21 premiere.
The American version will feature new takes on all the things that fans love about its BBC forebear, including test-driving supercars, kooky car stunts, car reviews and the mysterious Stig — a masked racecar driver who sets the lap time for the cars featured in each episode.
There will even be a takeoff on the original’s “star in a reasonably priced car” segment, in which celebrities take the wheel, driving around a track as fast as they can in an effort to best each other’s times.
Stateside, the stunt has been translated into the “big star in a small car” segment. This season’s featured car will be the 2011 Suzuki SX4, according to the car manufacturer.
The 13.5 foot-long sporty hatch — about two feet shorter than the average sedan — which retails for $15,200, will be driven by stars including skateboard pro Tony Hawk, “Home Improvement‘s” Tim Allen and “Life As I Know It’s” Bret Michaels. They’ll be taking turns zooming around “Top Gear’s” 1.6-mile test track at El Toro, Cali., trying to reach top speed in the small car and be the one who scores the fastest lap time.
Other guests who’ll be spilling about their love of the automobile during the 10-episode season include astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Ty Burrell (“Modern Family“), musician Kid Rock and “Lost” stars Michelle Rodriguez and Dominic Monaghan.
History’s “Top Gear” is hosted by comedian and car buff Adam Ferrara, champion rally and drift racer Tanner Foust and racing analyst Rutledge Wood.
In a nod to the network’s name, they’ll be providing historical information alongside humorous, chortle-filled, wacky adventures with the cars of the week.
One history-based stunt involves the trio taking a $1,000 Cadillac on a Moonshine run — the activity that gave rise to NASCAR — hurtling over dirt ramps and lumpy grass routes.
Watched by an estimated 350 million viewers in 170 countries a week, the BBC’s “Top Gear” has become such a cultural touchstone since its revival in 2002, that CBS’ “60 Minutes” sent Steve Kroft to take a 130 mph joy ride with the UK Stig in a segment airing this Sunday.