Finally, a TT in the flesh (Dallas Auto Show and 1/16" thick rotors...)

[Jason Palmer <palmerj@earthlink.net>]

Yup. I like it. So did most everyone who stumbled into the Audi area.
It had the proportions I expected, but the side windows are really
short, sorta looks like a baseball cap pulled over your eyes. Both
(silver and black) were roped off, but the interior looks terrific.
I'll get to the dealer in about a month when they start getting theirs.

The Audi display area was pretty large. I thought I'd never see a
LaserRed A6, but they had one. I made the mistake of wandering to the
A8s. My GF recognized the car from Ronin... so she wants one. She also
likes the MCoupe and the Elantra Wagon. Well, back to training.

The VW area was packed with New Beetle admirers. I played with the Golf
IV for a while... still impressed with how solid these things are.

GM had the Nomad on display. The crystal taillights are very sweet. The
Intimidator was there (the Lumina monster) and the Pronto Spyder. The
Blackwood abomination? Good Lord... it had a million tons towing
capacity, but not one ounce of taste.

In the A4 sized category- The Volvo S40. Looks pretty nice, but the
wagon is really nice. Lexus had the IS on a stand. Sharp edges and a
StarTrek interior. Looked like a tight little package.

Lexus had an GS400 tuned with monster brakes and wheels. Nice for a
Toyota. TRD had a Camry souped up- I think a supercharger. Caddy had a
German tuned Catera. Very BMW like in the result.

Maybe manufacturers ARE getting it? Nope, close. 
Nissan displayed a Sentra with 17" wheels and what looked to be 8"
drilled rotors. Toyota did the same with a Solara and another little
box. Mazda did a Protege up and it looked ok. Olds had some 'ethnic'
derived Alero. Good idea, POOR EXECUTION. Man, it was ugly. Marble-ised
dash cowl?

The 'Our team stood by a mall, and we built this car' award goes to
Mercury- They put together some aftermarket bits on a Cougar- wheels,
springs... but it had what looked to be cross drilled brakes. But no. It
was a piece of sheet metal cut to LOOK like rotors and is installed
between the wheel and hub. I flicked it with my finger, looked at the
gal wearing the Mercury shirt and shook my head. They could probably
sell a million... but my friends won't have one.

Oh, the Jag S-type had the largest audience. I was one of the droolers.

Now I need to win the lottery.

JP
Somewhere in Texas