For a brief interval, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR dominated FIA GT1 racing, the costliest manufacturing automotive, and among the many quickest vehicles on the planet, all on the identical time.
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Is Not the Identical because the CLR
Let’s get one thing out of the best way first – the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR and CLR are completely totally different vehicles. The CLK GTR was Mercedes’s reply to the McLaren F1 GTR, Ferrari F40 LM, and Porsche 911 GT1 within the GT1 racing sequence. It competed in 22 races, successful 17 outright, and back-to-back championships in 1997 and 1998. The CLR was a successor of kinds, constructed to run at Le Mans as soon as the GT1 class disbanded. The CLR is notorious for flipping finish over finish within the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, its first and solely race.
Picture: Autocar
Developed in 128 Days
Automobile improvement is a prolonged course of, taking years to plan and construct the ultimate product. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz took 128 days to create two prototypes in time for the 1997 season. To hurry up the method, they bought a McLaren F1 GTR to benchmark efficiency. Then they modified the McLaren by becoming it with the AMG 6.0-liter V12 and working gear. Lastly, in addition they modified the physique, attaching elements developed for the CLK GTR to check aerodynamics in real-world circumstances. By the point the precise CLK GTR prototypes noticed daylight, they already had in depth testing beneath their belts.
Picture: Gooding and Firm
The CLK GTR had quick however very profitable racing profession
The CLK GTR was developed for the brand new FIA GT Championship and to instantly compete with the Porsche 911 GT1. The bodywork shared some design components of the CLK street automotive together with the entrance finish and roof profile however was made fully out of carbon fiber. With its 6.0 liter M120 V12 engine, it dominated the FIA GT Championship. Mercedes-Benz additionally entered two vehicles within the 1998 Le Mans 24 Hours, the place they began on the pole. Early on, the CLK GTRs set a blistering tempo till engine hassle sidelined each vehicles. Mercedes-Benz regarded ahead to a different nice yr in 1999 however sadly, FIA canceled the GT Championship sequence on account of a scarcity of contributors.
Picture: Motorsport Photographs
A Tremendous Uncommon Highway Automobile
Despite the fact that the 1999 FIA GT was canceled, Mercedes-Benz was required to construct a minimal of 25 road-going variations of the automotive. A complete of 28 had been constructed, together with two prototypes, 20 coupes, and 6 roadsters. On the time, it was the costliest manufacturing automotive ever constructed with a price ticket of $1,547,620 – which is about $2.63 million in 2021 cash. As we speak, nevertheless, the CLK GTR fetches upwards of 10 million {dollars} at public sale, however hardly ever does one come up on the market.
Picture: Supercars
Gorgeous Efficiency
The road-going Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was a thinly veiled model of the FIA GT automotive. Powered by a naturally-aspirated 6.9-liter V12 engine that produced 600 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, it reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds earlier than topping out at 214 mph. These numbers are spectacular right this moment, however in 1999 they had been astonishing. Plus the pace is accompanied by the sound of that monster V12.
Picture: The Collector’s Circle
Spartan Racecar Inside
The worth of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR places it in the identical vary as a yacht or personal jet. However do not anticipate the identical luxurious appointments as these automobiles. Contained in the dashboard format is just like the W208 CLK coupe and convertible, however the remainder of the CLK GTR’s inside is all enterprise. The carbon-fiber tub is trimmed in leather-based and Alacantara, however the leather-based seats are tightly bolstered with four-point harnesses. Nonetheless, you do get air-con and a stereo, although I do not know why you’d ever cowl up the sounds the automotive makes.
Picture: MercedesBlog.com
Finest Mercedes-Benz Automobile Ever?
Over time, Mercedes-Benz has produced a variety of nice vehicles. Some, like the unique 300 SL Gullwing, 300 SEL 6.3, 500E Hammer, SLR McLaren, and AMG GT are iconic. The CLK GTR additionally belongs to that firm. Is It the very best Mercedes-Benz automotive ever? Which may be open to debate. However with its efficiency and exclusivity, its complete dominance at one of many highest ranges of motorsports, you can also make the case it’s.
Picture: Girardo & Co.
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