Ep 1. Motown Funk

The Grand Tour season 3 episode 1, titled "Motown Funk," takes the trio of presenters - Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May - to Detroit, the birthplace of Motown and the heart of the American car industry. The episode opens with a humorous bit that sees the guys attempting to navigate the streets of Detroit in a trio of beat-up American cars, each with its own set of hilarious issues. As they traverse the city, they take in some of Detroit's iconic landmarks, including the abandoned Packard plant, before arriving at the Michigan Theater, the site of their first big challenge of the season.

There, the guys unveil their latest creations: three "muscle" cars designed to pay tribute to the glory days of the American car industry. Richard's car is a 1971 Dodge Challenger with a demonic red paint job and a massive engine that spits flames out of the back. James' car is a 1973 Cadillac Eldorado painted in a shimmering gold that looks like it was pulled straight from the disco era. And Jeremy's car is a 1970s Lincoln Continental with custom paint and a monster engine that makes it the most powerful of the bunch.

The challenge is simple - the guys must race their cars across Detroit to the Motown Museum, with the winner receiving a special prize. Of course, things don't go quite as planned, and the race becomes a chaotic, hilarious mess that sees the guys taking shortcuts, getting lost, and even running into each other. Along the way, they encounter a number of Detroit locals who show them the true spirit of the city, from a gospel choir to a group of bikers.

Once they finally arrive at the museum, the guys engage in a series of challenges that put their cars to the test, from a drag race to a drift competition. But the highlight of the episode comes when they take their cars to the streets of Detroit for a massive parade, complete with hundreds of local cars and custom floats created just for the occasion. It's a fitting tribute to the city that gave birth to the American car industry, and a fitting way to kick off the new season of The Grand Tour.

Overall, "Motown Funk" is a hilarious and action-packed episode that sees the guys at their best. With stunning cinematography, incredible cars, and some genuinely heartwarming moments, it's a perfect example of what makes The Grand Tour such a great show. Whether you're a fan of cars, comedy, or just great TV in general, this is an episode you won't want to miss.