225TTR

"Based on recent rumors and leaks, our artists have provided us with a computer-illustration that predicts what we believe the next-generation Mercedes SLK will look like.

"The 2004 SLK has just received the green light from Stuttgart's product team, and the general design has already been approved. Insiders informed us the car will shre some design elements with the SLR concept, such as the F1-inspired nose, the twin pairs of round headlights and the sculpted rear end. Both length and wheelbase will be stretched about four inches, while width and height will be left unchanged. This should give the car a longer, more elegant appearance compared to the current SLK. Also new will be the mechanics of the roof, which is said to fold into a more compact space and thus allow a bigger luggage compartment.

"Based on the shortened floorpan of the current C-Class, the new SLK will be offered with a wide range of engines, starting with a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant, with six-cylinder and AMG versions to follow."

EighTT

There were security guys everywhere watching every movement very closely. I wish I could have snuck in a camera, but there was no way in hell. Security was surprisingly tight.

Larrytt

Did the car have an auto of some sort or a manual? How was the shifter if you were able to move it?

What is the expected price point? How roomy was the interior? Did the seats have plenty fo travel? Were the seats power everything?

What more can you tell us about the different cars? How would you rank the cars they had there to compare it to?

Sounds like lots of fun! How were you picked for this?

miTTch

Brad, I'm scheduled to go tomorrow. If it's the same one, it's at Del Mar Fairgrounds, right?

miTTch

I filled out some surveys from Oracle a while back, and got the crisp new dollar.

The invite for this evaluation came from Oracle, and they must be doing the eval in San Diego.

Just a guess.

EighTT

I didn't fill out anything for them. Sounds like you're going to the same thing though.

cubstter

"You have been selected....etc., etc" It was a blast and I actually got to drive the cars, and the $150 was a nice gift...just to play with
cars!

miTTch

"clay model" ,although it looked like a real car until you looked REAL close. (I never would have guessed, but then you could not drive it). The headlights were different, single lens module. They never said the price or what motor will be in it.