NBC orders pilot for US 'Top Gear'

NBC has put in a pilot order for an American version of Top Gear.

The original UK version of the show already airs in the United States on BBC America, and an American version of the show has been rumoured for several months.

BBC Worldwide will produce the show in Los Angeles, and plans to film it at a Dunsfold-like location complete with aircraft hangar and race track. The US version will follow the cars, celebrities and wacky challenges format of the UK original but will have its own hosts; it is understood that although BBC Worldwide was keen for the presenting triumvirate of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May to hop the pond and host the US version, Clarkson wanted to focus on the British show.

NBC's Craig Plestis, who oversees reality and alternative programming at the network, said he had long been a fan of Top Gear and added it was "very compelling for us because we have a great platform and space on the network to have such a show".