Car Wars: BBC, ITV and Amazon do Battle with New Motoring Shows

Last year, Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson got into a spot of bother. At first, the BBC described it as a “fracas” – then they described it as an “unprovoked physical and verbal attack” on a Top Gear producer. The press descended. David Cameron said on live TV that he hoped the situation could be resolved. Russell Crowe said that he could understand Clarkson’s actions. Still, the BBC chose not to renew Clarkson’s contract. In solidarity, co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May walked, leaving the BBC flailing. Top Gear might have caused an annual racism debate in the press, but it was a big moneyspinner – and now, rivals are racing to fill the gap in the schedules. So what can car enthusiasts expect to be watching in 2016?

Top Gear

Top Gear began in 1977 as a car and motoring information and review programme, but Jeremy Clarkson and his production team gave the show a complete overhaul in 2002. Since then, Top Gear steadily grew to become a world-recognised brand. But, after 22 series, will it survive another reformatting? (Whether or not it should is another matter entirely.) That’s very much down to the new presenters, BBC Radio’s Chris Evans and the newly announced Matt LeBlanc, an actor best known for his role in US sitcom Friends. It remains to be seen whether the new duo will win over audiences, but the fans are certainly loyal to Clarkson: over a million people signed a petition calling for the BBC to reinstate him. (Someone dressed as the Stig even turned up at the BBC to deliver it. In a tank.)

The Drive

The production company that produced Splash! and The Hotel Inspectors are hoping for another hit for ITV with celebrity driving knockout The Drive. In what appears to be a show-length rip off of The Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment of the old Top Gear, the show will feature celebrities ragging cars around racecourses. In a tiny nod to originality, the finalists get behind the steering wheels of two Formula 4000 racing cars. And Peter Kay will be presenting it. Naturally.

Gear Knobs?

The three former presenters of Top Gear and key members of their production team (presumably the ones that don’t object to being punched) have been hired by Amazon Prime for the princely sum of £160 million. 

The new show, which is rumoured to be called Gear Knobs, will not be broadcast via traditional media (thanks in part to a clause in the BBC’s contracts), but instead be available to subscribers in an entertainment package similar to Netflix. Filming has begun, and the show is likely to be aired in autumn this year. In the meantime, Clarkson is happy to use his new job as an opportunity to have a dig at his former employer.

If you are a motoring enthusiast, you certainly have a few treats in store this year. Why not treat your car to a new garage door as well. Call 01603 787069 or drop by our showroom on the Sweet Briar Industrial Estate to see them in action.