OWINGS MILLS, MD — Season 36 of MotorWeek, television’s original and longest-running automotive series, premieres on public television stations across the country on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

MotorWeek will drive into season 36 with a hands-on exploration of the future of autonomous driving. Host John Davis and the MotorWeek crew will examine how the push toward driverless vehicles is already impacting the cars we drive today. 

This exploration will include reviews of emerging Congested Traffic Self-Drive systems and examination of how safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist are maturing as well as influencing new car buying decisions. 

In season 36, MotorWeek also will review additional new advanced safety systems, along with complete semi-autonomous vehicles, such as the Tesla Model X and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, to see if today’s rapid rise in technology will also mean a rapid rise in cost of ownership.

As always, new vehicle road tests remain the core of the series. In season 36, MotorWeek will continue to monitor the march toward higher mandated fuel economy and how the latest powertrain technologies, from turbocharging to all-electrics, are impacting new car designs. From sedans to sport utility vehicles, from exotics to economy cars, the MotorWeek crew gets comfortable behind the wheel of more than 150 vehicles annually. This season, MotorWeek will test the rankings of new entries such as the Jaguar XJL Portfolio, Toyota Prius Prime, the Nissan Titan XD, the Genesis G90, GMC Acadia, and the Audi TTS Coupe.

In season 36, MotorWeek’s feature line-up will continue with the return of popular segments such as Goss’ Garage with master technician Pat Goss offering know-it-yourself car care advice.  Yolanda Vazquez also keeps viewers in the know with consumer news and trends in the “Motor News” segment.  “Over the Edge” reporter Zach Maskell turns up the fun with a look at the auto world in overdrive, while feature reporter Lauren Morrison delivers information on driving and automotive safety, money-saving advice, as well as the latest technological advances in her “FYI” reports.  Finally, MotorWeek’s Brian Robinson takes a very hands-on look at the two-wheel experience, reviewing the newest motorcycles and scooters in his “Two Wheelin’” reports. 

Produced and distributed by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek airs on 92% of PBS stations nationwide and can also be seen on the V-me Spanish-language network.  Winner of dozens of prestigious automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is also seen on the Velocity channel.  Program excerpts are available to viewers on the program’s website, motorweek.org, and on its YouTube Channel, youtube.com/Motorweek.

To find out which public television station in your area airs MotorWeek, go to motorweek.org and click on find your station. MotorWeek can also be seen on pbs.org, Discovery’s Velocity channel and the V-me Spanish language television network. You can also find MotorWeek on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and iTunes.

MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by RockAuto.com, and the TireRack.com.

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