National Geographic has handled a wide variety of subjects over the years. Many of these have been related to nature, but you'd probably be surprised how many haven't. The upcoming “Driving America” will encapsulate the history of the American automobile and its impact on our society in a two-hour special. Some of it will be technical in nature, looking at early steam-powered versions of the automobile or the much newer Tesla->ke1842 electric cars.->ke1030 But it seems that it will focus much more on car culture, and how it has shaped our lives.

It is surprisingly difficult to make television shows about cars that will be watched by anyone other than hardcore enthusiasts. Top Gear->ke1860 had a good formula, but there are only so many copies of the same format that you can watch. National Geographic has dealt with cars in the past, but many of these shows have relied heavily on archival footage and overly dramatic music and voiceovers to cover for what is ultimately pretty boring stuff. But this being a special and not a part of series, it will hopefully be treated differently, and some real money will be spent making it.

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Why it matters

The special will cover several aspects of American automotive life, from Eisenhower's building of the massive interstate highway system to the invention of the motel. Curiously, the press release only mentions the Model T, arguably the most important of all American automotive innovations, in the context of the Volkswagen Beetle->ke318 being a German take on it.

But we have faith that the special will be worth watching. It is being produced by Silent Crow Arts, which is no stranger to the world of automotive television, and well-produced television at that. National Geographic has also named the 24 Hours of Le Mans->ke1591 as the greatest sporting event in the world, putting it ahead of the Super Bowl and the Olympics. And that is something you only do if you're really into cars.