Aussie Top Gear!

[Grum]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/071119/2/1504n.html

Monday November 19, 12:25 PM
SBS to produce Aussie Top Gear show
SBS will produce a "quintessentially Australian" version of the top-rating BBC motoring program Top Gear to hit local screens next year.

Australia is the first country in the world to secure the rights to make a local version of the show, which mixes performance cars with comedy and celebrities.

"This is fantastic news for SBS, for Top Gear fans and for Australian audiences," SBS director of content Matt Campbell said.

"Top Gear is a unique show and one of the BBC Worldwide's biggest global properties."

The British show is known for test driving and brutally appraising the world's most popular cars and performing breathtaking stunts.

Mr Campbell said the Australian version would add local flavour to the successful formula.

"In making it we won't simply replicate the UK series with an Australian version of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond or James May," he said.

"SBS plans to make a program that is uniquely and quintessentially Australian."

SBS, which has screened the program since 2005, has also extended its commitment to the UK version for the life of the series.

BBC Worldwide Australasia's head of sales Julie Dowding said the deal was very exciting.

"We are very proud that the first global deal for a local version of Top Gear has been done here in Australia," she said.

Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson added: "I'm delighted that Top Gear is going to Australia. Maybe the first guest could by Jonny Wilkinson" referring to Britain's rugby player and World Cup hero.

The series will be produced by Freehand Productions, BBC Worldwide's Australasian partner, which will transmit on SBS in 2008.