Frank, I've talked to one magazine already and I'm sure as something like this gets more concrete, there will be even more interest.
I think before we get too worried about the rules and classes, we need to hammer out a location and a date. Once we know we have a venue, the rest will come together quickly. Texas Motor Speedway sounds like a great place if you guys have the connections.
I agree with Tony, I think we should have magazine type tests:
0-60
1/4 mile
Lateral-g
Scale the car (total and front/rear split)
These type tests are not subjective nor would the drivers experience play too big of a role.
There are also some subjective areas like fit and finish, ride quality, etc, etc. Time on a road course would be fantastic, something to definitely shoot for, but I believe the numbers would be skewed towards the drivers with serious driving skills and not really showcase what does and what doesn't work.