MotorWeek
| MotorWeek | |
|---|---|
 MotorWeek Logo | |
| Genre | Automotive |
| Created by | John H. Davis |
| Starring |
John H. Davis Pat Goss Yolanda Vazquez Zach Maskell Lisa Barrow (past) Jennifer Khasnabis (past) Jessica Choksey (past) Henry Kopacz (past) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 35 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | John H. Davis |
| Location(s) | Owings Mills, Maryland |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | Maryland Public Television (PBS) |
| Picture format |
4:3 (1981-2008) 16:9 (2009-present) |
| Audio format | Stereo |
| Original release | October 15, 1981 – present |
| External links | |
| Website | |
MotorWeek is an American half-hour automotive television series. The program premiered on October 15, 1981 and is 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), Discovery Network, Velocity, V-me and internationally on the American Forces Network.
The half-hour program is presented in a magazine style format, with reviews, comparisons, news, and features. MotorWeek's original slogan was "Television's automotive magazine", later changed to "Television's original automotive magazine", although the BBC's Top Gear debuted in 1977. The show went into national syndication beginning September 11, 1993, originally syndicated by ITC Entertainment.
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 Yolanda Vazquez and Zach Maskell 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.
From 1981-2008 (Season 1-28), the show was available in standard definition. From 2009 onwards, the show is available in HD.
Programming segments
- Road Tests: Vehicle review segment.
- Goss' Garage: Automotive maintenance segment by Pat Goss.
- Quick Spin: Quick reviews of new vehicles.
- Long Term Test Update: News on cars loaned to Motorweek for tests.
- MotorNews: News segment by Yolanda Vazquez. Previous reporters; Lisa Barrow, Jennifer Khasnabis, and Jessica Choksey.
- Over The Edge: Features the automotive industry on overdrive as reported by Zach Maskell
- FYI: Consumer segment covered by Yolanda Vazquez. Previous reporters Lisa Barrow and Jennifer Khasnabis.
- Retro Review: A look back at MotorWeek reviews from past seasons.
Theme music
From the show's premiere in 1981 until 1987, MotorWeek's original theme music was composed by Don Barto. Beginning with the 1987-88 season, Mark Roumelis took over as music composer.
Sets
During the first six seasons of MotorWeek, the set looks like a styling studio with cars, drafting tools, and stuff on the wall was used from 1981 to 1987. Beginning with the 1987-88 season, MotorWeek began taping outdoors rather than a studio.
References
- ↑ "Who's Who". MotorWeek. Maryland Public Television. Retrieved 23 January 2016.