karl k

The "media" has has been actively pre-viewing this premiere Detroit Auto Show, which opens today to the public and runs through the 1/21.

http://autoshow2002.carpoint.msn.com/

http://www2.naias.com/

Any insights seen through the eyes of a CLK owner?

Norm C32

karl k, I was there today. I took about 20 pics of the BM display and it's cars, Cadillac Cien, Saab' 93x and 9-X which will compete DC's Crossfire. Both of which show a new niche market.

http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...id=30318290303

Attendance was done signifigantly down from years past when I attended. The MB display was nice but nothing out of the ordinary. I got there early to avoid people are walking in front of the camera(new Sony Cybershot 2.1).

The SL is very sharp! I didn't know they made a convertible CLK 55. The color was steel gray.

The presentations given by each manufacturer are very interesting as you can see vehicle up close and it's basic architecture and unique features. I go every since the early-to-mid 90's.

Norm

Norm C32

karl k, I just returned from the Detroit. I took about 20 pics of the MB display and it's cars, Cadillac Cien, Saab' 93x and 9-X which will compete DC's Crossfire. Both of which show a new niche market.

http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...id=30318290303

Attendance was done signifigantly down from years past when I attended. The MB display was nice but nothing out of the ordinary. I got there early to avoid people are walking in front of the camera(new Sony Cybershot 2.1).

The SL is very sharp! I didn't know they made a convertible CLK 55. The color was steel gray.

The presentations given by each manufacturer are very interesting as you can see vehicle up close and it's basic architecture and unique features. I go every since the early-to-mid 90's.

Norm

Drew

NORM !!!

Thanks for the pics ... looks like it was a good show.

One question: What is "Mercedes Benz Guard"?

In one of your pics of the SL ... I noticed the phrase written on the wall behind the car:

"Mercedes Benz Guard. Complete Discretion".

mbtech208

The S500 Guard is a special-order armored S-class. It has things like bulletproof windows, armored sheetmetal, run-flat tires, shielded fuel tank. The rear windows are so thick, they are permanently fixed into place. Rear power windows are optional. I haven't worked on one yet.

karl k

Norm C32:

Thanks for the extensive MB coverage at this premiere show. The Mercedes Benz Vision Grand Sports Tourer(GST) must be a concept car - way out!

I also note that a lot of the new GM models have stylistic resemblances to the Pontiac Aztec. :o

The DC's Crossfire to be made in Germany caught me by surprise, as a new MB sports car (pix 19-22).

The caption reads:

The Crossfire will be using many C-class parts including platform and drive train. To be built by Karmann in Osnabruck, Germany for late 2003 delivery.

I wonder what DC stands for, certainly not District of Colombia (Wash. DC). Obviously, the car shown must be a prototype.

Down here in Miami, at its annual International Auto Show two months ago, MB did not even have the 2003 Sl 500. It was a bare bones MB display.

Again Norm, thank you for your fine journalistic efforts.

Karl

Norm C32

karl k, DC = Diamler-Chysler.

The NAIAS is pretty extensive when it comes to new products but some manufacturers will not release their latest as the media gets a bit overwhelmed. So they release new product around the autoshows.

Norm

Howard

I'm going to the Viper plant on Friday A.M. then onto the Detroit show in the afternoon and Saturday. If anyone needs pictures or info on any model please let me know....then the CANADIAN BALLET