MotorWeek
MotorWeek is an American half-hour automotive television series. The program premiered on October 15, 1981 and was hosted by automotive journalist John H. Davis, who is also the series’ creator and executive producer.[1] MotorWeek is produced by Maryland Public Television and is seen nationwide on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the Motor Trend network, V-me and internationally on the American Forces Network.
| MotorWeek | |
|---|---|
 MotorWeek Logo | |
| Genre | Automotive |
| Created by | John H. Davis |
| Starring | John H. Davis Pat Goss Zach Maskell Yolanda Vazquez (past) Joyce Braga (past) Elizabeth A. Nardone (past) Charlotte Nichols (past) Craig Singhaus (past) Lisa Barrow (past) Jennifer Khasnabis (past) Anquionette Crosby (past) Jessica Choksey (past) Henry Kopacz (past) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 39 |
| No. of episodes | 1,820 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | John H. Davis |
| Production location(s) | Owings Mills, Maryland |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | Maryland Public Television (PBS) |
| Picture format | 480i SDTV (1981-2009; seasons 1-28) 1080i HDTV (2009-present; seasons 29-present) |
| Audio format | Stereo |
| Original release | October 15, 1981 – present |
| External links | |
| Website | |
The half-hour program is presented in a magazine style format, with reviews, comparisons, news, and features. MotorWeek's first slogan was "Television's automotive magazine" from 1981 to 1995, and was changed to "Television's original automotive magazine" in Season 15 (1995-1996), although the BBC's Top Gear debuted in 1977.
Syndication
On September 11, 1993, during the premiere of Season 13 (1993-1994), MotorWeek began syndicating to local stations, and was first syndicated by ITC Entertainment from 1993 to 1998. It has also aired on Speedvision, Speed Channel, Velocity, Velocity by Discovery, the Spanish-language network V-me, and Motor Trend.
Synopsis
Each year, MotorWeek puts more than 150 new cars, trucks, and SUVs to the test, providing consumer-oriented vehicle reviews. Its video Road Test segments focus on performance, technology, practicality and dollar value, and feature MotorWeek's exclusive energy efficient rating system which compares each vehicle’s fuel economy to the best-rated vehicle in its class. The MotorWeek team includes master technician Pat Goss who brings viewers practical advice for keeping cars on the road and out of the shop. Reporters present timely reports on consumer trends, safety issues and the environment, along with innovative, offbeat stories on the automotive world gone extreme. Beginning in 1983, MotorWeek launched its Drivers’ Choice Awards which are among the auto industry’s most prestigious honors. The Drivers’ Choice Awards are unique for their consumer focus and represent the definitive list of best automotive picks in the most popular vehicle categories, including the coveted “Best of the Year” award. They are presented annually during the Chicago Auto Show. Beginning in season 29 (2009-2010), MotorWeek began broadcasting in widescreen 1080i HDTV.
Episodes
MotorWeek started on October 15, 1981 and is still continuing today. They have over 1,820 episodes with road tests, comparison tests, first impressions, and more. They post older episodes and clips onto YouTube with the Retro Review name. From Season 1-6, they produced 26 episodes each season. Season 7-Present produced 52 episodes each season. Complete episodes are available on PBS by donations.
Podcasts
MotorWeek started a Podcast on September 3, 2008. There is more content on the podcasts to express opinions, new, and upcoming vehicles.
Segments
Active Segments
Road Test
One of the staples of MotorWeek is the Road Test, where the team of testers puts a new car through various conditions to see how it operates. Most of these tests are done on the strip at 75-80 Dragway in Frederick, Maryland, but the show has also done tests at the Ford and General Motors proving grounds in the past.
Each test starts with an overview of the car’s engine and features, as well as other options that are available. This portion is comprehensive, ranging from how much power the engine has to how the interior of the car is set up.
The car is then taken out onto the drag strip. Here, tests are done to measure its zero-to-sixty time, how long it takes to traverse the quarter-mile drag strip, how the car handles a slalom course, how it handles quick turns, and how much distance it takes for the car to come to a complete stop from the speed limit. A test is also done to determine fuel economy ratings against the ones provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. Older episodes also tested a car’s speed at 500 feet to simulate entering a highway as well as its turning diameter.
Other segments
- Goss' Garage: Pat Goss would teach viewers on how to keep automobiles in good repair.
- Quick Spin: Take a quick spin on new vehicles.
- Two Wheelin': A two wheel review on motorcycles.
- First Drive: A first look at new vehicles.
- Muscle Car Memories: A wide variety of vintage, classic, and memorable muscle cars.
- Behind The Wall: The MotorWeek staff takes behind the wall for their high speed driving skills.
- Car of the Week: Featuring a photo album of automobiles sent in by viewers.
- Stomp, Stay, and Steer: John Davis teaches viewers on how to stomp, stay, and steer.
- A Quick Look: Featuring a quick look at new vehicles.
- Long Term Test Update: News on cars loaned to MotorWeek for tests.
- MotorNews: An in-depth report on new vehicles.
- Over The Edge: An automotive industry on overdrive.
- FYI: Featuring an in-depth report on consumer trending.
- Retro Review: A look back at MotorWeek reviews from past seasons.
- Eye Spy: Featuring photographic closeups of automobiles.
- Taking the High Road: Featuring automobiles from the past and present.
Discontinued/Rennamed Segments
- The Exotics Spot: Reviewing older vehicles.
- Motorshop: Rennamed to Goss' Garage. First seen on the unaired pilot. Hosted by Craig Singhaus.
- What's New on Wheels: A close look at new products on the automotive scene. Renamed to MotorNews
Theme music
From the show's premiere in 1981 until 1987, MotorWeek's original theme music was composed by Don Barto. Beginning with the Season 7 (1987–88), Mark Roumelis took over as music composer. The unaired pilot also featured music from Mark Roumelis, but it is different than the piece he made for the 1987-1988 season.
Sets
When MotorWeek premiered in 1981, the show emanated from a specially designed studio which featured various car related decorations and also had room for a featured automobile to be displayed. Beginning with its seventh season, MotorWeek stopped using the studio and instead began filming its segments outdoors.
Track
From its 1981 premiere to present day, MotorWeek has used the 75-80 Dragaway.
References
- "Who's Who". MotorWeek. Maryland Public Television. Retrieved 23 January 2016.