U.S. version of 'Top Gear' on its way

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Production has begun on the U.S. version of the hit British television show "Top Gear," the History channel announced.

Comedian and car buff Adam Ferrara, champion rally and drift racer Tanner Foust and racing analyst Rutledge Wood will be the hosts of the American spin-off, which is to premiere next month.

Among the guests lined up for the show, which showcases "an offbeat celebration of automobiles and driving," are astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actors Tim Allen, Ty Burrell and Dominic Monaghan, skateboarder Tony Hawk, musicians Bret Michaels and Kid Rock, and actress Michelle Rodriguez.

The network also confirmed Tuesday the new series will feature a "Stig," which it calls "a key figure in the 'Top Gear' brand." A mystery masked stunt driver will take each one of the featured cars on a test run that sets the benchmark time by which each car will be judged.

"Featuring super-cars, extreme stunts and challenges, car reviews and celebrity interviews, 'Top Gear' is the home for anyone with a love of cars," the network release said. "The U.S. version will be chock-full of high-adrenaline action entertainment as it tracks the colorful history of the automobile as well as the eccentric adventures of its hosts with 'Top Gear's' customary wit and humor."

"Top Gear" is a co-production between History and BBC Worldwide.