Motor City Masters

Motor City Masters, a reality competition series that aired on truTV in 2014, is a visually spectacular, high-stakes, and high-energy exploration of the exciting world of automotive design. A conjunction of creativity, technology, and craftsmanship, this show captures the unique thrill of turning an automotive dream into a reality.

Motor City Masters is based in the epicenter of American automobile production, Detroit, often referred to as the "Motor City". It's a fitting location for the stage of this competition, which has contestants racing against the clock, and each other, to create innovative, aesthetic, and functional designs for both concept and existing vehicles. The show seamlessly marries America's rich automotive history and future, giving viewers an inside look into the captivating process of car design, from pencil sketch to polished product.

At the heart of Motor City Masters is a diverse mix of ten talented designers from diverse backgrounds. These men and women, both seasoned professionals and eager talents on the rise, compete in a series of rigorous weekly challenges designed to test their creativity, innovation, and practical skills. The competitors come from all walks of life, including independent car designers, automotive design students, and even some who have worked for major automobile manufacturers, intricately thinking and tinkering to solve design problems while adhering to the ever-present ticking clock.

While the focus of the show heavily leans towards car design, it also delves into the personal stories, trials, and triumphs of the participants, lending a human element to the competition. This blend of technical expertise, fierce competition, and human connection is what sets Motor City Masters apart from your average reality show, giving viewers a mix of drama, emotion, and spectacle.

Motor City Masters is also teeming with side-profiles of automotive industry heavyweights, providing educational moments about the history and evolution of car design. This allows viewers to not just passively watch the competition but to also learn about the industry's lineage and legacy.

Renowned automotive journalist and former editor-in-chief of Motor Trend magazine, Angus MacKenzie, headlines the show as the host while car designer Harald Belker and former NASCAR driver Robbie Gordon serve as resident judges. The judging panel also boasts guest judges, including renowned actors, design legends and more, all giving their insightful critique, adding multiple layers and nuanced perspectives to the competition.

The contestants are tasked with a wide variety of challenges that ultimately result in the unveiling of a newly designed car. These challenges range from modifying the exterior aesthetics of a vehicle to improving its performance to even designing a car for an imagined future. Each episode concludes with the nerve-racking elimination of one designer, heightening the stakes as the competition progresses.

The winner of Motor City Masters earns the prestigious title of being America's next great car designer along with a cash prize of $100,000 and a chance to showcase their work at a major international auto show. An added thrill is the opportunity to start or further their career in the elite automotive design industry.

Motor City Masters holds enough allure for car enthusiasts while also creating an engaging experience for those unfamiliar with the automotive industry, courtesy of its skillfully crafted narrative interwoven with personal stories of the designers who all dream of leaving their mark on the world's auto design landscape.

From the enrapturing conceptual transformations to the palpable tension in the competition, Motor City Masters is more than just a reality competition series—it's an expansive tour into the world of automobile design. This show brings the grit, thrill, and passion of automobile design and manufacturing to your living room, scratching an itch you might not have known you had. It's a love letter to car design, aptly capturing the passion and dedication that drives the pursuit of automotive excellence.

With a unique premise, unexpected twists and turns, compelling character stories, and a lot of high-octane fun, Motor City Masters delivers a distinct viewing experience that genuinely encapsulates the excitement, dedication, and raw talent that goes into designing the cars of our dreams.