NBC reality chief Craig Plestis said he had been swamped with enquiries from U.S. car companies asking about an American version of the show

Top Gear is going stateside – US television network NBC has ordered a pilot of the show to be called ‘Gear’.

The American version of BBC 2’s hit motoring show will be filmed in an aircraft hangar at a secret test track and will feature an American Stig.

But don’t expect to see Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond or James May propping up the US edition – casting has begun to find ‘Gear’ presenters.

NBC reality chief Craig Plestis said he had been swamped with enquiries from U.S car companies asking about an American version of the show.

He said: “This is a favourite of all automobile companies as it shows their cars in such a great light.”

‘Gear’ will copy Top Gear’s most popular segments and features, including road tests, cross-country races, the show’s famous car challenges, including building an amphibious vehicle, and a U.S. version of the ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car’.

The BBC had originally planned to film an American series of Top Gear, but the idea was shelved.

Top Gear has shot to international fame, with hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and the mystery racing driver known only as The Stig.

But the stars have shot to notoriety outside of the show as well.

Jeremy Clarkson was involved in a clash with a group of teenagers, and last week fell victim to an online fraud after printing his bank account details in a national newspaper.