Just weeks after Jeremy Clarkson's contract with the BBC was terminated, his "Top Gear" co-host James May has confirmed he will not be returning to front the motoring show.

Speculation as to whether May would return to the presenting role has been rife since Clarkson was involved in a "fracas" with one of the show's producers last month.

"Me and Hammond with a surrogate Jeremy is a non-starter. It has to be the three of us,"he told The Guardian. "You can’t just put a surrogate Jeremy in and expect it to carry on. It would be forced. I don’t believe they would be stupid enough to try that."

However, May didn't completely rule out a return to "Top Gear," and even suggested all three may find themselves back on the show at a later point: "It doesn’t mean I won’t go back — we may all go back in the future. It might just be we have a break from it. I don’t know. It would be a bloody tough call to do Top Gear without Jeremy."

Whether or not Richard Hammond will be returning to 'Top Gear' is not yet known, although May has suggested that it's unlikely, saying that him and Hammond "come as a package."

In his weekly column for The Sunday Times, Clarkson hinted at a return to television and a new show.

Clarkson said: "I have lost my baby but I shall create another. I don’t know who the other parent will be or what the baby will be like, but I cannot sit around any more organising my photograph albums." 

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Another one bites the dust. Top Gear's executive producer has quit the motoring show following the termination of frontman Jeremy Clarkson's contract with the BBC last month.

Andy Wilman, who is an old friend of Clarkson and was responsible for reinvigorating the now widely successful show in 2002, had previously denied he was leaving the production team after he sent an email to the Top Gear crew with the subject line "au revoir," earlier this month.

In the email, Wilman wrote: "Our stint as guardians of Top Gear was a good one, but we were only part of the show's history, not the whole of it."

The producer's departure adds fuel to rumours that Clarkson is intending to create another motoring show away from the BBC, after he wrote "I have lost my baby but I shall create another," in his weekly column in The Sunday Times.

James May also said he would not want to return to Top Gear without co-hosts Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson, however, he tweeted shortly afterwards saying he has not quit the BBC. A rep for the presenter told the Press Association that conversations regarding the future of Top Gear are ongoing, and that May is very much "involved in those conversations."

I have not quit the BBC, just so you know.

— James May (@MrJamesMay) April 23, 2015

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The BBC has reportedly selected its "dream team" for the next season of its hit car show, "Top Gear."

According to the Telegraph's James Rothwell, the trio will consist of model Jodie Kidd, actor Philip Glenister, and television host Guy Martin. 

Kidd, 36, is a a noted fashion model and TV personality who currently hosts "The Classic Car Show" on the UK's Channel 5. Kidd is a well-known car enthusiast and has appeared on "Top Gear" twice as guest.

Glenister, 52, has had leading roles on the British TV shows "Life on Mars" and "Ashes to Ashes." The actor currently hosts "For the Love of Cars" on Channel 4 in the UK.

Martin, 33, is a successful TV host and motorcycle racer. He's made nearly a dozen appearances at the prestigious Tourist Trophy motorcycle race on the Isle of Man.

The new hosts will take over for Jeremy Clarkson –  removed from the show after nearly 30 years at the helm due to a fracas with a producer – as well as Richard Hammond and James May, both of whom chose not to renew their contracts.

Longtime executive producer Andy Wilman has also left the show.

The BBC has not set a formal date for season 23 of "Top Gear."

SEE ALSO: 10 reasons why BBC's 'Top Gear' is the greatest show on TV

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Jeremy Clarkson may be off the airwaves, but the bombastic former host of "Top Gear," is still making a lot of noise on Twitter. 

Clarkson tweeted out a photo this week of a bright yellow Corvette Z06 on what looks to be a race track along with the words " I took this today..." Also in the photo are a film crew and a figure that looks a lot like fellow deposed "Top Gear" host Richard Hammond.

Apart from the presence of James May — the third member of the hosting trio — all of the ingredients are here for a new "Top Gear"-style car show. 

There's been some buzz lately about a new program, featuring the hosting trio that turned "Top Gear" from pokey automotive news magazine to a international media juggernaut.

Although Clarkson has hinted at a new car show, rumors of deals with Netflix and ITV haven't been confirmed. 

The reality is that no one is really sure what the future holds for the former hosts. But it's certainly fun to keep track of their exploits and wait for something more definitive to be announced.

SEE ALSO: Report: The BBC has chosen its new 'Top Gear' hosts

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South Africa does not mess around with its military equipment. Witness the Marauder, an armored mine-protected vehicle produced by Paramount Group in Johannesburg. 

Introduced in 2008, the Marauder is capable of carrying ten crew members, command and control systems, mounted cannon weapons, and missile launchers. Developed and outfitted for peacekeeping and reconnaissance missions, the Marauder has an operational range of 430 miles. 

Currently, the Marauder is also operated by militaries in Azerbaijan, South Africa, Jordan, and the Republic of Congo. 

In 2011, Richard Hammond test drove a civilian version of the Marauder in South Africa for Top Gear. We have highlighted some of the most amazing features of the demonstration below. 

Built for potential combat situations, every inch of the Marauder is reinforced to withstand the harshest possible conditions. Its windows are 3.5 inches thick. 

It's frame has been built to withstand heavy shocks. The Marauder can serve as an armored transport vehicle in urban combat situations. 

This engineering also allows the Marauder to handle off-road missions without difficulty. 

The Marauder has a 290-brake horsepower engine with 1,100 newton meters of torque. This is enough for the Marauder to haul a tow truck attempting to drive in the opposite direction.

The Marauder also comes equipped with a vertical climbing system for driving over inhospitable terrain, and even other vehicles. 

The Marauder can withstand explosives and external attacks, too.

In a test by Top Gear, 7 pounds of plastic explosives damaged the vehicle's back bumper and destroyed a tire. But the Marauder was easily able to drive off even after withstanding the damage.

SEE ALSO: The Marine Corps is testing a monster of a new amphibious assault vehicle

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Getting kicked off "Top Gear" was "my own silly fault," Jeremy Clarkson told BBC2 Radio's Chris Evans last week.

In his first live interview since his unceremonious dismissal from the popular BBC2 car show in March, the bombastic TV personality and automotive journalist proved to be surprisingly contrite and honest.

During the interview, Clarkson described his departure from the show he helped build into a global media juggernaut as "leaving a big hole in his life."

"Top Gear was absolutely my baby," Clarkson said. "I absolutely adored it and I worked all the time on it and paid attention to every little detail."

In recent weeks, rumors of a potential new car show featuring Clarkson along with his former co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond have made their way through the internet.

Potential suitors for the high-octane troika's services include such heavy hitters as British broadcaster ITV and internet streaming service Netflix.

Although his departure from the BBC may have comer under less-than-ideal conditions, the long-time automotive journalist spoke glowingly of his time with the network.

"I think it's a great organization," Clarkson gushed about the Beeb. "I'll never complain about it and I thank them for giving me such a long time there."

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

In addition, the fracas with the producer came on the heels of a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson — which saw the TV host mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments. 

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the Top Gear brand also includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and website.

Although their involvement with the "Top Gear" television program may be over, the show's trio of former-hosts will continue with its live stadium appearances. However, the tour will no longer be able carry the "Top Gear" name. Instead, it will be named after the show's three hosts — "Clarkson, Hammond, and May Live"

Listen here for an excerpt of Jeremy Clarkson's interview with Chris Evans:

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The BBC's flagship entertainment program could be set for a Have I Got News For You? style makeover, according to reports.

The broadcaster is believed to have offered the show's two remaining presenters — James May and Richard Hammond — £1million a year to keep Top Gear going after Jeremy Clarkson's departure.

The BBC's plan is to have a different guest hosting each episode of the show along the lines of its news quiz show Have I Got News For You?, a source told in the Independent.

"Who knows what will happen."

Yet despite their pronouncements of loyalty to Clarkson, the BBC remains hopeful that it can persuade the pair to continue on Top Gear.

Presenter Angela Rippon has also put herself forward to be the next Top Gear presenter - 38 years after she became the show's first presenter.

The former newsreader, who was the show's first presenter in 1977, says it would be "great" if the BBC invited her back to host the show following Jeremy Clarkson's departure.

Jeremy Clarkson's gaffes

July 2008: Drink-driving BBC bosses told Clarkson off for supping a gin and tonic while behind the wheel of a pick-up truck November 2008: Lorry drivers With reference to convicted killer Steve Wright, Clarkson joked on the show about how lorry drivers "murder prostitutes" February 2009: Gordon Brown The then prime minister was dismissed as a "one-eyed Scottish idiot" during a press conference in Australia.

October 2009: Black Muslim Lesbians Clarkson said that the BBC was obsessed with hiring black, Muslim lesbians to counter the number of white heterosexuals in its ranks. July 2010: Burkas and lingerie During a Top Gear discussion on distractions while driving: “Honestly, the burka doesn’t work. I was in a cab in Piccadilly the other day when a woman in a full burka crossing the road in front of me tripped over the pavement, went head over heels and up it came, red g-string and stockings.”

August 2010: Special needs Clarkson referred to a Ferrari as 'special needs' and a 'simpleton' as a way of giving it a bad review.

February 2011: Mexico Clarkson sparked a diplomatic incident, and was forced to apologize to the Mexican ambassador.

January 2012: India Viewers complained about Clarkson's provocative remarks concerning the country's clothing, trains, food and history.

May 2014: The 'N'-word Clarkson was forced into a apology after appearing to mumble the word as he sang a nursery rhyme on Top Gear. July 2014: Slope Ofcom said he had breached their guidelines, when he referred to an Asian person as a 'slope'.

October 2014: Falklands Jeremy Clarkson caused offense this time by driving through Argentina using a number plate apparently referring to the Falklands War. 

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Two months after the BBC unceremoniously ended its hit car show "Top Gear," the network has scrambled to find replacements for the show's three departed hosts.

Now it looks like network executives are heading in a different direction.

According to the Daily Mail's Jennifer Newton, the BBC has reportedly offered former "Top Gear" hosts Richard Hammond and James May a $7.1 million deal to return to the show.

Sources said the BBC's offer could pay the duo each as much $1.2 million to $1.8 million a year to host the show for another two or three series.

According to the Daily Mail, the reported offer would make Hammond and May two of the BBC's highest-paid personalities and would put their compensation on par with that of Jeremy Clarkson's last contract.

The proposed new incarnation of "Top Gear" would likely feature Hammond and May along with a rotating lineup of guest hosts. 

This latest report runs counter to recent rumors that Top Gear's star trio of Hammond, May, and Clarkson would reunite for a new show on a rival network or internet-streaming service.  

The Telegraph's James Rothwell reported last month that BBC executives offered the "Top Gear" hosting job to the trio of model Jodie Kidd, actor Philip Glenister, and TV personality Guy Martin. There's been no follow-up reporting on whether that's the actual direction in which the BBC will take the show.

Top Gear's 22nd season ended abruptly in March after only seven of the nine planned episodes had aired, due to the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Clarkson. 

Hammond and May followed Clarkson out the door by voluntarily declining to renew their respective BBC contracts, which expired in April. Longtime executive producer and close friend of Jeremy Clarkson also left the BBC in the wake of the hosts' dismissal. 

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

In addition, the fracas with the producer came on the heels of a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson — which saw the TV host mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments. 

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the Top Gear brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website. 

Although their involvement with the "Top Gear" television program may be over, the show's trio of former hosts will continue with its live stadium appearances. However, the tour will no longer be able carry the "Top Gear" name. Instead, it will be named after the show's three hosts — "Clarkson, Hammond, and May Live"

According to the Guardian's John Plunkett, the reported offer could also pave the way for Jeremy Clarkson to return as a host on a future series of the show. 

But it should be noted that Clarkson was never actually fired from the BBC. Rather, the network simply declined to renew the veteran journalist's expiring contract. 

In addition, BBC executives have stressed that Clarkson is still very much welcome to return to the network, the Guardian reported. 

SEE ALSO: Jeremy Clarkson: Getting fired from 'Top Gear' was my 'own silly fault'

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Three months after the abrupt end of "Top Gear" on BBC2, reports indicate that the show's trio of hosts are headed for Netflix.

According to the Daily Mirror's Nigel Pauley, a source claims that ex-"Top Gear" hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond — along with former showrunner Andy Wilman — are "very close" to a deal with Netflix.

The source also told the publication that Hammond and May will also reject the BBC's reported $7.1-million offer to return to the show.  

Sources claim that the BBC's offer would have paid the duo each as much $1.2 million to $1.8 million a year to host "Top Gear" for another two or three series, the Daily Mail's Jennifer Newton reported last week.

According to the Daily Mirror, the hosts made it clear that "no amount of money could persuade them to return to the BBC2 show without Clarkson." 

In recent weeks, the foursome have held meetings with a number of potential suitors including British broadcasters ITV. But it seems that Netflix has come out on top. 

The American online media streaming service is home to such award winning original programming as "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black."

Top Gear's 22nd-season ended abruptly in March after only seven of the nine planned episodes had aired, due to the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Clarkson. 

Hammond and May followed Clarkson out the door by voluntarily declining to renew their respective BBC contracts, which expired in April. Andy Wilman — longtime executive producer and close friend of Clarkson — also left the BBC in the wake of the hosts' dismissal. 

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

In addition, the fracas with the producer came on the heels of a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson — which saw the TV host mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments. 

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the Top Gear brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website. 

Although their involvement with the "Top Gear" television program may be over, the show's trio of former hosts will continue with its live stadium appearances. However, the tour will no longer be able carry the "Top Gear" name. Instead, it will be named after the show's three hosts — "Clarkson, Hammond, and May Live"

SEE ALSO: Jeremy Clarkson: Getting fired from 'Top Gear' was my 'own silly fault'

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Jeremy Clarkson recently returned to the BBC's "Top Gear" for a special one-off performance just months after his dismissal from the show.

According to The Week, the network confirmed that Clarkson dropped by the BBC studios to complete voice-over work for unaired footage from the show's 22nd season that was cut short in March. 

A BBC spokesperson told the Guardian's John Plunkett that Clarkson was not paid for the work, which was part of the host's network contract that was not renewed in March.

The remaining footage shot for "Top Gear's" season 22 was cobbled together into a special 75-minute episode that will air on June 28 on BBC2, the Guardian reported.

The episode is expected to be the final appearance for Clarkson, as well as co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond. The trio turned "Top Gear" into global media phenomenon. 

According to the Guardian, the special episode is expected to BBC2's most watched show of the year.

So what happens to the high-octane trio after "Top Gear?"

Last week, reports out of the UK indicated that the troika are headed for Netflix.

According to the Daily Mirror's Nigel Pauley, a source claims the team was "very close" to a deal with Netflix.

The source also told the publication that Hammond and May will reject the BBC's reported $7.1-million offer to return to the show.  

Sources claim that the BBC's offer would have paid the duo each as much $1.2 million to $1.8 million a year to host "Top Gear" for another two or three series, the Daily Mail's Jennifer Newton reported last week.

According to the Daily Mirror, the hosts made it clear that "no amount of money could persuade them to return to the BBC2 show without Clarkson." 

Top Gear's 22nd-season ended abruptly in March after only seven of the nine planned episodes had aired, due to the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Clarkson. 

Hammond and May followed Clarkson out the door by voluntarily declining to renew their respective BBC contracts, which expired in April. Andy Wilman — longtime executive producer and close friend of Clarkson — also left the BBC in the wake of the hosts' dismissal. 

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

In addition, the fracas with the producer came on the heels of a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson — which saw the TV host mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments. 

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the Top Gear brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website. 

Although their involvement with the "Top Gear" television program may be over, the show's trio of former hosts will continue with its live stadium appearances. However, the tour will no longer be able carry the "Top Gear" name. Instead, it will be named after the show's three hosts — "Clarkson, Hammond, and May Live"

Here's the trailer for the special episode of "Top Gear":

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English radio and TV personality Chris Evans will be the new host of BBC's "Top Gear." 

In a statement on Tuesday, the network confirmed that Evans signed a three-year contract and will lead a new team of hosts.

"I’m thrilled, Top Gear is my favourite programme of all time," Evans said in the statement. 

"I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward."

Evans currently hosts the popular morning show on BBC2 radio.

(Not to be confused with the Hollywood actor and star of "Captain America.")

"I am so delighted that Chris will be presenting the next series of Top Gear," BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw said in the same statement.

"His knowledge of and passion for cars are well-known and combined with his sheer inventiveness and cheeky unpredictability he is the perfect choice to take our much-loved show into the future."

According to the BBC, production of the new season of "Top Gear" is expected to begin in the next few weeks. 

Here's the complete statement from the BBC:

Chris Evans says: "I’m thrilled, Top Gear is my favourite programme of all time. Created by a host of brilliant minds who love cars and understand how to make the massively complicated come across as fun, devil-may-care and effortless. When in fact of course, it's anything but and that's the genius of Top Gear's global success.

“I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward."

Kim Shillinglaw, Controller, BBC Two and BBC Four, added: "I am so delighted that Chris will be presenting the next series of Top Gear. His knowledge of and passion for cars are well-known and combined with his sheer inventiveness and cheeky unpredictability he is the perfect choice to take our much-loved show into the future. Chris is a huge fan of Top Gear and has great respect for the craft and work ethic of one of the best production teams in the world. He knows the phenomenal attention to detail it takes to make a single sequence of Top Gear, let alone a whole series. He is already full of brilliant ideas and I can't wait for him to get started."

Production on the new series of Top Gear will start in the next few weeks and more information will be announced in due course.

Top Gear is made by BBC Productions.

SEE ALSO: Jeremy Clarkson returned to the BBC's 'Top Gear' for one last show

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Clarkson, Hammond, and May are back.

Jeremy Clarkson has confirmed to the Sunday Times that he will return to TV with a new car show.

Joining the bombastic Brit on the new show will be his former "Top Gear" cohosts Richard Hammond and James May.

Though the publication reports that an announcement is expected in a matter of weeks, the exact network on which the show will air has yet to be confirmed.

Sources told the Daily Mirror's Nigel Pauley, however, that the ex-"Top Gear" trio — along with former showrunner Andy Wilman — were "very close" to a deal with Netflix.

In recent weeks, the foursome has held meetings with numerous potential suitors including the British broadcaster ITV. But Netflix seems to have come out on top.

This development comes on the heels of the BBC's introduction of radio DJ Chris Evans as the new front man for "Top Gear." As a result, the 23rd season of the "Top Gear" will most likely feature a lineup of all-new hosts and be the first to not feature Jeremy Clarkson since 2000.

Netflix, the American online media-streaming service, is home to such award-winning original programming as "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black."

According to the Sunday Times, the new Clarkson-fronted car show will probably debut sometime after next March.

The 22nd season of "Top Gear" ended abruptly in March after only seven of the nine planned episodes had aired because of the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Clarkson.

Hammond and May followed Clarkson out the door by voluntarily declining to renew their respective BBC contracts, which expired in April. Wilman — longtime executive producer and close friend of Clarkson — also left the BBC after the host's dismissal.

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

The fracas with the producer came after a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson, who was mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments.

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World Record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the "Top Gear" brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website.

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Earlier this month, the BBC hired radio DJ Chris Evans to host season 23 of "Top Gear."

But first, a final episode of the show featuring the hosting trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will hit the air.

Sunday's final episode is comprised of previously unseen footage shot before Clarkson was dismissed from the BBC in March.

According to the Daily Mail's Imogen Calderwood, the episode is expected to draw 8.4 million viewers — the highest-rated in show history.

In his latest column for the Sun, Clarkson wrote that the episode features two films shot for season 22 of the show, the Daily Mail reported.

So what's next for the hosting trio?

Last week, Jeremy Clarkson confirmed to the Sunday Times that he — along with his cohosts — will return to TV with a new car show.

Though the publication reported that an announcement is expected in a matter of weeks, the exact network on which the show will air has yet to be confirmed.

Sources told the Daily Mirror's Nigel Pauley, however, that the ex-"Top Gear" trio — along with former showrunner Andy Wilman — were "very close" to a deal with Netflix.

In recent weeks, the foursome has held meetings with numerous potential suitors including the British broadcaster ITV. But Netflix seems to have come out on top.

Netflix, the American online media-streaming service, is home to such award-winning original programming as "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black."

According to the Sunday Times, the new Clarkson-fronted car show will probably debut sometime after next March.

The 22nd season of "Top Gear" ended abruptly in March after only seven of the nine planned episodes had aired because of the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Clarkson.

Hammond and May followed Clarkson out the door by voluntarily declining to renew their respective BBC contracts, which expired in April. Wilman — longtime executive producer and close friend of Clarkson — also left the BBC after the host's dismissal.

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

The fracas with the producer came after a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson, who was mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments.

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World Record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the "Top Gear" brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website.

SEE ALSO: Jeremy Clarkson confirms he will host a new car show and will be joined by former 'Top Gear' mates

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It's official. The "Top Gear" that became a global media phenomenon is over. 

Over the weekend, the BBC aired the final episode of the car show featuring the hosting trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

Unfortunately, the episode's 5.3 million viewers was much lower than originally anticipated, The Hollywood Reporter's Alex Ritman reported. 

In fact, according to the Daily Mail's Imogen Calderwood, the episode was expected to draw 8.4 million viewers — the highest-rated in single show history.

The actual viewership for the episode was the lowest of show's 22nd season. 

Prior to airing on Sunday, Jeremy Clarkson sent out a tweet accusing the BBC of downplaying the episode.

"Strange that BBC News is talking down the last Top Gear tonight,"Clarkson tweeted. "Do they not want big ratings for some reason?"

Sunday's final episode is comprised of previously unseen footage shot before Clarkson was dismissed from the BBC in March.

The 75-minute long episode featured two films that was originally destined for season 22 of "Top Gear" Although, Clarkson returned to the show for voice over work, only Hammond and May were tasked with the hosting duties.

But in true "Top Gear" fashion, Clarkson's presence — or lack thereof — was addressed in the form of a large elephant figure in the room.

Also missing from the episode was the show's signature studio audience, who would frequently interact with the show's hosts. 

After the episode aired, Clarkson, thanked the show's fans on twitter and lamented the unfortunate way his tenure came to an end. 

So what's next for the hosting trio?

Last week, Jeremy Clarkson confirmed to the Sunday Times that he — along with his cohosts — will return to TV with a new car show.

Though the publication reported that an announcement is expected in a matter of weeks, the exact network on which the show will air has yet to be confirmed.

Sources told the Daily Mirror's Nigel Pauley, however, that the ex-"Top Gear" trio — along with former showrunner Andy Wilman — were "very close" to a deal with Netflix.

In recent months, the foursome has held meetings with numerous potential suitors including the British broadcaster ITV. But Netflix seems to have come out on top.

Netflix, the American online media-streaming service, is home to such award-winning original programming as "House of Cards" and "Orange is the New Black."

According to the Sunday Times, the new Clarkson-fronted car show will probably debut sometime after next March.

The 22nd season of "Top Gear" ended abruptly in March after only seven of the nine planned episodes had aired because of the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Clarkson.

Hammond and May followed Clarkson out the door by voluntarily declining to renew their respective BBC contracts, which expired in April. Wilman — longtime executive producer and close friend of Clarkson — also left the BBC after the host's dismissal.

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

The fracas with the producer came after a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson, who was mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments.

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

In June, the BBC introduced radio DJ Chris Evans as the new front man for "Top Gear." As a result, the 23rd season of the "Top Gear" will most likely feature a lineup of all-new hosts and be the first to not feature Jeremy Clarkson since 2000. Clarkson made his first appearance on "Top Gear" in 1988 and presided over the show's transformation from an automotive news magazine to its current entertainment-centric format. 

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World Record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the "Top Gear" brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website.

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Jeremy Clarkson's days at "Top Gear" may be over, but that doesn't mean the bombastic former host will turn down one last lap around the show's famous test track.

This week, the Clarkson tweeted a photo of a Mercedes-AMG GT, Ferrari LaFerrari, and a Ferrari 488 GTB.

Along with the photo, Clarkson tweeted the caption "Right. About to do my last ever lap of the Top Gear test track. What car should I use?"

Earlier this year, before his fate at the BBC2 car show was decided, Clarkson auctioned off the chance to ride in the passenger seat for a lap around the show's famed track. According to the Mirror, Clarkson's final lap raised around $160,000 for charities benefiting young people in the arts.   

The identity of the lucky person who got the chance ride in the passenger seat has not been officially announced. However, based on a on picture retweeted by Clarkson, we know that Pink Floyd drummer and well-known Ferrari aficionado Nick Mason, as well as Scottish racecar driver Marino Franchitti, were present for the occasion. 

We aren't sure sure exactly which of the three world-beating exotics Clarkson chose to use for his last lap. The long-time journalist did, however, express his happiness on Twitter about raising a large sum of money for charity, as well as a particularly satisfying powerslide around one of the track's curves. 

In the end, Clarkson's final turn around the "Top Gear" proved to be bittersweet for the former host. "My last ever lap of the 'Top Gear' track is done," the former host wrote on Twitter. "Bit sad leaving the place for the final time."

The BBC's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

The fracas with the producer came after a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson, who was mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments.

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World Record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the "Top Gear" brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website.

Last month, the BBC announced that radio DJ and TV personality Chris Evans will take over hosting duties for "Top Gear's" 23rd season. 

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Late last week, Jeremy Clarkson let it be known that he had driven his final lap on the famous Top Gear Test Track, the 1.75-mile loop at the old Dunsfold Aerodrome in the U.K., and that he had used one of three cars—either a Mercedes-AMG GT, Ferrari LaFerrari or 488 GTB.

It’s now been confirmed that the car Clarkson used was the Ferrari 488 GTB. The car was a brand new example just shipped over from Italy, and the stunt helped raise £100,000 (approximately $156,188) for the Camden Roundhouse performing arts center.

“I was feeling a bit choked as I went through the gates for the very last time,” Clarkson later said in an article in The Sunday Times.

He also mentioned that the Top Gear offices located at the site were locked to stop him from taking home a souvenir, though he added that he had enough memories to keep him going on the day.

“It was time for the last lap. And I made it a good one. A smooth one. The sort of lap that would have made the Stig proud,” he said.

In related news, Clarkson, together with fellow former Top Gear hosts Richard Hammond and James May, possibly hinted at a new show on America’s Netflix. During their recent Clarkson, Hammond and May Live show in the Australian city of Perth, their first public appearance together since leaving Top Gear, Clarkson teased the audience with: "Who knows, very soon once more you will be seeing us on a television or an internet near where you live."

And also during the show, Clarkson made fun of Hammond’s American-style pronunciation of the letter Z, stating: “You're not in America."

And in response, Hammond quipped: "Not yet."

The news comes just weeks after it was reported that the trio’s contractual agreements with Top Gear broadcaster the BBC bars them from entering into a deal to create a new car show for a terrestrial network, such as rival broadcaster ITV. However, online networks such as Netflix are fair game.

Stay tuned.

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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, the former presenters of BBC motoring series "Top Gear," will star in a new online show for Amazon Prime customers.

The trio's new series will premiere next year, Amazon announced in a press release.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon has won the global rights for the show, and is able to license the content to TV networks around the world.

The presenters have signed a three-year deal with Amazon that will see them create three seasons of the show, starting in 2016. Amazon has not yet announced a name for the new series.

Former "Top Gear" executive producer Andy Wilman is also on board with the new project. The producer, who has known Clarkson since they went to school together, left the BBC following Clarkson's departure. He will now manage the series, and is part of the new production company for the show, named "W. Chump & Sons Limited."

Clarkson left "Top Gear" earlier this year after reports of a "fracas" between him and producer Oisin Tymon. The presenter was accused of punching Tymon following a meal, and Clarkson subsequently left the show, along with his fellow presenters.

Rival streaming service Netflix had been touted as a possible home for the presenters following their departure from the BBC. However, it looks like the company was outbid by Amazon. A source close to the deal told The Wall Street Journal that "we’ve never seen a horse race like this," hinting that there was a bidding war for the series.

The BBC has already set about finding a replacement team to present "Top Gear."It has signed up veteran TV presenter and radio DJ Chris Evans as the lead presenter. Evans is known for his love of cars, so the BBC will be hoping that he can become a likeable face for the motoring show.

Amazon Studios is the division of Amazon which creates original online shows for subscribers to the site's Amazon Prime subscription service. CEO Jeff Bezos explained in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter earlier this month that the company is searching for TV shows that will become people's favourite:

One way you can think about TV is you can say, 'I want to make something that millions and millions of people are going to watch.' If that's your starting point, you paint yourself into a corner and you often end up with homogenized, uninteresting content. If you say, 'Let's hire the world's greatest storytellers. Let's encourage them to take risks,' then you're going to end up with a remarkable story, and remarkable stories always find an audience.

Amazon's video subscription service is catching up with Netflix for subscribers in the US. But it's not as popular in the UK, as this chart from BARB shows:

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Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond have a new show. The Guardian and other news outlets are reporting that former "Top Gear" hosts have signed a deal with Amazon to create a program for Amazon Prime.

According to the FT, sources say the former "Top Gear" hosts' deal with Amazon is worth a reported $250 million for three years and 36 episodes. 

"The trio’s new show will be broadcast on Amazon’s on-demand TV service, with the US giant beating off competition from ITV and its online rival, Netflix," the Guardian reported, along with this typically edgy and amusing quote from Clarkson: “I feel like I’ve climbed out of a biplane and into a spaceship.”

The Amazon announcement comes as a bit of surprise, as the odd-on favorite to garner the talents of the "Top Gear" triumverate was Netflix. But regardless, Clarkson, Hammond, and May have left the familiar realms of broadcast TV behind and joined the brave new world of content creation.

The team's lengthy and wildly successful run on the BBC came to an end earlier this year when Clarkson, no stranger to controversy, was fired after striking a "Top Gear" producer is a dispute over dinner after a day of filming. 

A protracted public debate over whether the BBC should part ways with Clarkson followed, concluding with the network declining to renew his contract. Hammond and May then joined Clarkson in a period of, as it turns out, brief unemployment.

"Top Gear" was a cash cow for the BBC, and it isn't going away. A new host, Chris Evans, was signed to replace Clarkson. 

 From a business perspective, both the Amazon deal and the Netflix discussion are interesting because they signal the arrival of a new dynamic in creating and distributing entertainment online. Each internet giant has seen how popular "Top Gear" is with its audience, and using data on the behavior of viewers, can position itself to make much stronger wagers on what types of new programming will be successful.

No word yet on what the new show will be called. 

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US and UK fans of "Top Gear" will have to join Amazon Prime if they want to get their fix of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

Amazon announced on Thursday that the former "Top Gear" trio, along with Andy Wilman, who was the longtime executive producer of the BBC show until he left earlier this year, have reached a deal with the online retailing behemoth to make three seasons of a new car show.

The new show, which will stream on Amazon, will begin production soon and premiere next year. It will only be available to subscribers of Amazon Prime, the company's $99 per year free-shipping loyalty program, though according to The Wall Street Journal, which earlier reported the news, Amazon has the rights to license the show to broadcasters and other streaming services around the world, where Amazon's video service isn't available. 

One of the perks that Amazon includes with Prime is unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows on its Prime Instant Video service, which is available in Germany, the UK, and Austria. Other perks include unlimited photo storage, exclusive or early access to some products, and a library of books that Kindle e-reader owners can borrow for free.

Jeremy Clarkson was a longtime host of "Top Gear" on the BBC until he was fired for physically and verbally attacking a producer on the show after he reportedly didn't receieve hot food after a day of filming, according to the BBC. His co-hosts and Wilman left following his departure.

"Top Gear"received a Guinness World Record in 2013 for being the most widely watched factual TV show, reaching people in more than 200 territories around the world. 

Like Netflix, which has been licensing exclusive and original content for years, Amazon uses exclusive shows to try to lure subscribers to its Prime service. Members of Prime spend significantly more money and shop more frequently than non-members, so Amazon wants to attract as many members as it can.

Amazon's biggest streaming hit thus far has been "Transparent," which won two Golden Globes and has been nominated for 11 Emmy Awards.

Amazon, which according to the Financial Times paid a whopping $250 million for the show, was reportedly battling it out against Netflix, among other networks, for the rights to the program.

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Last month, Jeremy Clarkson and the rest of the former "Top Gear" gang signed a monster deal with Amazon to create a new car show.

According to the Financial Times, sources say the deal signed by the former hosts of the popular BBC car show calls for Amazon to sink a reported $250 million into 36 episodes over three years.

Now we know how much lead host Clarkson will be paid for his troubles.

In a report by the Telegraph's Lucy Clarke-Billings, sources say the bombastic TV personality will earn roughly $46 million over the life of the contract.

As a result of the Amazon deal, Clarkson is now one of the highest-paid TV hosts in Britain.

According to the Telegraph, Clarkson's Amazon show will receive a budget of around $7 million an episode.

That's a considerable bump over "Top Gear's" $1.5 million-per-show budget, which was one of the largest on the BBC.

The 22nd season of "Top Gear" ended abruptly in March after only seven of the nine planned episodes had aired because of the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Clarkson.

Co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May followed Clarkson out the door by voluntarily declining to renew their BBC contracts, which expired in April. Andy Wilman — "Top Gear's" longtime executive producer and close friend of Clarkson — also left the BBC after the host's dismissal.

The network's decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a "Top Gear" producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

The fracas with the producer came after a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson, who was mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments.

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades with the BBC as a host on "Top Gear" and is credited with being the driving force behind the show's explosive international success.

In June, the BBC introduced radio DJ Chris Evans as the new frontman for "Top Gear." As a result, the 23rd season of "Top Gear" will most likely feature a lineup of new hosts and be the first to not feature Jeremy Clarkson since 2000. Clarkson made his first appearance on "Top Gear" in 1988 and presided over the show's transformation from an automotive news magazine to its current entertainment-centric format.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, "Top Gear" set the Guinness World Record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the "Top Gear" brand includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and a website.

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Join the conversation about this story »

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