These initials come from Sporty, Light, and Short (or Kurz in German). This car, the SLK R170, was Mercedes first attempt at a smaller version of its SLK sports car. The SLK R170 was first produced in 1996, and its fans were immediate. Initial sales jumped to 50,000 units. Though, time and other competitors moving forward aged the SLK. The car was going up directly against the Audi TT, unfavorably. Furthermore, time was dating its technology.

The SLK gets the most praise for the hard top design, while the engine garners the most giggles and snickers. The SLK’s steering came fro the C-class, which wasn’t the best choice either.

Making comparisons to members of its class, the TT Roadster, the BMW Z3, and the Alfa Romero Spider, the SLK wins hands down with its body lines. While the engine was uninspiring, they say North American drivers wanted the better gas millage over the power.

Riders got their piece of the sun in this Mercedes SLK 170 with its retractable hardtop. For those who don’t like backwash, you’ll want to pick up a windscreen. This lazy-man hard top has roots in the Mitsubishi 3000 GT Spyder, Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes SL Class, and the Chrysler Sebring.

The 2/3 liter Kompressor came out in 2000 to address these initial nits. This newer SLK took on some extra power under the hood, refined body styling, and lost some of its body weight. The engine fixed some of its initial roughness. Mercedes did improve the transmission experience, smoothing out the shifting. There was a new close-ratio six-speed manual, borrowed from the E-class of Mercedes. The five speed transmission came out in the automatic. Putting the top down makes you drown in wind, unless you have a need a windscreen. Furthermore, the chassis got a long needed upgrade with a smoother ride and safety enhancement.

These changes are subtle, adding up to nothing revolutionary. The Mercedes SLK R170 is a classic car that holds up well with time.

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When the author isn’t driving her SLK around, she’s a fan of the Mercedes Benz SLK windscreen windblocker wind deflector, the psychic readings, and theSeattle HCG Diet.

The strings attached to its government sponsored loans requires General Motors to ruthlessly shed unprofitable divisions, including Saturn, Hummer, Saab, and Pontiac. The best car chase scenes seemed to include Pontiac’s GTO or Trans Am muscle cars.  Who can ever forget the movies Smokey and the BanditorTwo Lane Blacktop with a raging GTO?  The Pontiac Solstice is now on the block to be cut. While a popular car, it’s apparently not popular enough to save the Pontiac name badge. The eliminate of the Pontiac Solstice effects not only the entire assembly, but also those business which also sell after market parts.

Convertible owners love their car. The Pontiac Solstice had a great premiere with positive editorial words and buyers ready to purchase. No quicker than Pontiac’s end came about, did its fan base answer to save the Solstice . This website came up afterwards to propel owners into useful action to save their great convertible.  Although brand new, fans are already flocking to this website, and activity will certainly pick up as the Solstice’s demise becomes near.

Unfortunately, it’s simply too early to tell what might happen. There are still a lot of gyrations left to play out in this interwoven business drama.  The eventual fate of the Pontiac Solstice itself is still to be written. Right now, General Motors envisions shutting the Pontiac division down by 2010, yet perhaps keeping profitable lines active. Keeping the Solstice going would be a great relief for the fans, the workers, and the businesses dedicated to this convertible. While this car’s fate is up in the air and it’s too soon to predict its death, no matter what, the Pontiac Solstice will always have a supported fan base.

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When the author is tootling around in her own Solstice, she’s a fan of thePontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector, the psychic reviews, and the Seattle HCG Diet & Weight Loss.

The Crossfire comes in two flavors: a coupe or roadster (in which case, you’ll need a Crossfire windscreen (windblocker wind deflector). The Crossfire is build upon the Mercedes Benz SLK underpinning, a somewhat older choice. The Crossfire was heavy on its feet, the steering much to loose, the it was as aerodynamic as a rock. While the exterior design caught eyes, the interior was underwhelming. Other competing vehicles provided a much more appealing interior. Finally, the Crossfire’s performance in uninspiring. The Crossfire isn’t as zippy as it looks, and the gas millage isn’t worth bragging about either.

Chrysler gave birth to the Crossfire in summer 2003, with a coupe only version. Then, the two seater roadster came out to popularity in 2005. To garner the performance buyers, the SRT6 version was introduced latter in fall, providing a supercharged 3/2 liter, V6 engine. Under the hood, the Crossfire churns out a respectable 330 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. One minor bummer was the SRT6 came only with an awkward five speed automatic transmission. Next, the underpinnings of the car were upgraded, improving performance, but making the ride as rough as a tractor.  Finally, performance tires can significantly improve the performance characteristics of the Crossfire, adding a lot more wow-factor and glees of fun.

Hearing the chants of the mob about high prices, Chrysler constructed a simpler Crossfire in 2005 with a smaller price tag. Not to become stale, the Crossfire added new new colors, trim levels, and aluminum wheels. With no shortage of options and choices, the roadster was the king Crossfire.

Since Crossfire sales have been dropping like the proverbial lead zeppelin, 2009 may be the car’s last year.  The roadster will most likely remain the most popular version of the Crossfire.  There isn’t a strong prosepct for this car in the collector marketplace.  This car will certainly be missed by its fans and the auto industry alike.

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When the author isn’t driving her own Crossfire, she’s a fan of the ChryslerCrossfire windscreen windblocker wind deflector, psychic readings, and the  Seattle HCG Diet.

Drooling over the Solstice on the show room floor is not unheard of. The Pontiac Solstice adds up near superhero power, plenty of options, and looks that cause people to gap open mouthed. One needs to go back into the time machine until the 1959 Bonneville to refer back to any other worthy Pontiac split-screen. This car rivals the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, yet carries only half of the price tag.

As far as options go, the Solstice is available in two different trim packages, the basic and the GXP. The basic package includes a 173 horse power, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that pleasantly conserves the gas. The deluxe GPX upgrade amps the engine into a 260 horse power turbocharged engine into a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. With either engine, it will be pair with a five speed automatic or manual transmission. The basic model includes electronic traction and stability control, limited slip rear differential, four anti-lock disc brakes, impressive 18 inch alloy wheels, and satellite radio. The GXP adds onto the base package, and then adds dual exhaust tips, a sport transmission, leather shift know and steering wheel, and upgraded floor mats.

While there’s a lot to like about this car, it does have some deficiencies. The steering can be sloppy. The Solstice tips the scale at over 3000 pounds, so being quick-and-lite is not upon the abilities of this car. Also, when zipping out of curves, the Solstice is sticky. Starting from zero, the take-off is certainly not overwhelming. The car is also not ergonomically friends, with components in awkward positions, composed of parts made of plastic from third world countries. Trunk space is sparse, hardly holding enough for a weekend trip.

Despite the minor draw backs, the clear asset of the Solstice is its exterior style. Pontiac hasn’t styled a great car for decades; in the Solstice, they get it right. The Solstice’s styling evokes exotic images that wi ll appear in your nightly dreams. People walking by will turn their heads and check your car out. On the balance, the positives outweigh the negatives. Those looking for top-down driving excitement will certainly be pleased with this choice.

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When the author isn’t driving her Pontiac Solstice, she’s a fan of best psychics, the Seattle HCG Diet, and the Pontiac Solstice windscreen windblocker wind deflector.

The BMW Z4 still leaves mouths open. The next evolution forward past the Z3, the Z4 is still the only duel-seat sports car in BMW’s lineup. This car was crafted to answer to the BMW Z3’s criticisms, that it is a larger vehicle, tigher chassis, and a mutli-link rear suspension. It’s not totally unexpected, the Z4 is very much your vintage sports car. The Z4 styles a front engine sending power to rear wheels, a long and sexy hood leading to the driver, and ample legroom for driver and passenger. The total experience is powerful, thanks in part to its tight handling and powerful straight six cylinder engine. If you’re considering the Porsche Boxster or Honda S200, then stop – this is your winner.

Though BMW produced a coupe version of the Z4 in 2005, the convertible version remains the most popular and fulfilling. Though with the top down, one should purchase a BMW Z4 wind deflector, the most popular accessory. Another worthy enhacenement is from the standard five gear box transmission to the six speed automatic. Two different trim levels are provided for the BMW Z4, the 3.0i and 3.0si, with the later being the more popular selection.

Not resting on its progress, BMW Z4 is introducing a new Z4 style in 2009. The biggest upgrade is the retractable hard top. This new two piece hard top opens and closes within twenty seconds, just by clicking a button. With the new top, aBMW Z4 wind deflector, is still a must have purchase. Of course, this new hard top convenience comes at the sacrifice of trunk space. A most subtle evolution is the swept back headlamp style, front air dame details, and hood creases, giving the overall look of the 2009 Z4 a more aggressive look. In the 2009, go for the 16 speaker system, and you’ll practically think you’re at the symphony hall.

With a BMW Z4, you will have an exhilarating driving time. The enthusiansts note the car’s quick reflexing and whiplash inducing acceleration. You will not be disappointed with the BMW Z4.

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When the author isn’t driving her own Z4, she’s a fan of psychic reviews, the Seattle HCG Diet & Weight Loss, and the BMW Z4 windscreen windblocker wind deflector.