The new tire testing vehicles at The Tire Rack

[Luke@tirerack]

We have just recieved our new cars which will be used for all of our tire testing. In the past we have used BMW's exclusively but, this year the vehicle of choice is a 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230 Kompressor. We have a red one, a white one and a black one. We will be using them for track testing and road testing of all of the new tires.

Yes, The Tire Rack has gone MBZ

Wahoo!!!!!

Luke

[yal]

Good to hear

[MBenzNL]

Luke,

What does tirerack has to test? Just the performance of the tires during hard driving or longevity as well?
Testing the longevity of the tires should be a nice job to perform during the weekends...especially with the SLK's!

greetingz,

Just an excuse to buy three SLK 230Ks and write off as a business expense !!!

[Luke@tirerack]

The Tire Rack's sales team evaluates the blend of comfort and performance provided by tires,
wheels and suspension components by participating in our Ride & Drive program.
Approximately 80 hours a year is spent in the classroom or behind the steering wheels of our
test vehicles at The Tire Rack's on-site test track and on the road in "Real World" driving
sessions. Our team - a combination of racers, autocrossers and enthusiasts - and their driving
experience and insight, accurately reflects that of our customers.

On the road in our "Real World Road Ride" we evaluate everyday tire characteristics such as ride
comfort and noise quality. The Real World Road Ride follows a seven-mile driving loop that
combines expressway, four-lane, two-lane, and rural roads. This allows the members of our
sales team to experience the tires in the same conditions you do every day. This is 90% of the
lesson.

On the track, we explore the limits of a tire's traction and handling capabilities. Our
Performance Test Track Drive consists of multiple, timed laps of an 1/3 mile per lap test course.
This tests the tire's response, handling, braking and cornering capabilities in conditions you
might encounter in emergency situations on the road. This, admittedly, is 90% of the fun.

In the rain, under the summer's hottest sun, through the winter's worst snow and even on the
ice at a local ice rink, the products we sell are thoroughly tested. Then, following every Ride &
Drive, we rate each product's comfort and performance and make that information available to
you here.

[Ashman]

Wow luke, sounds like you guys go beyond the normal call of duty to find out which tires are the best.

So which SLK do you want to drive the most? The red one the black one or the white one.

Alon

[E55 KEV]

That is Great! Now take those SLK's and upgrade them with all the available Carlsson aftermarket parts.

[Luke@tirerack]

and you wonder why we know so much about tires, wheels and suspension products. And, let me tell you, it's a blast to go out to the track and break out with a few fast laps every friday afternoon.

[Ashman]

Luke where are you guys and can I come out to do a test of my new wheels and tires on my car if I buy em from you?

BTW, I don't plan on buying just yet, but you know I will buy sooner or later.

Alon

Luke,
Iam an old custumer of Tire Rack.
Since 1987 Ive been buying tires from
you guys.Sample ST.Remember? Ive been
to the new location about 5 times
and wondering where do you conduct
the car testing.Is it inside the compound?

Clauser1

[Bill Wood]

Luke-
If you will send me some pictures of the SLK's being tested, we'll post them. It would also be good if I had a few comments from you that describes what is going on in each pic.