Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR#CLK LM

File:D2 Mannesmann DTM Mercedes W202 Goodwood 2010.jpg

Following the 1955 Le Mans disaster, Mercedes-Benz had withdrawn its factory-backed race team from all motorsport activities.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/a2145596/walk-through-125-years-mercedes-motorsport-history/|issn=0192-9674|title=Walk through 125 years of Mercedes motorsport history|first=Robin|last=Warner|date=31 July 2019|magazine=Autoweek|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=17 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617201017/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/a2145596/walk-through-125-years-mercedes-motorsport-history/|url-status=live}} It was not until 1985 that Mercedes reintroduced itself to motorsport, entering the 1985 World Sportscar Championship. Starting off as an engine supplier to Sauber, this partnership bloomed into a full-time factory-backed effort. Despite Mercedes winning the World Sportscar Championship twice in 1989 and 1990, they eventually withdrew at the end of 1991 following disappointing results.{{cite magazine|magazine=Hemmings Motor News|first=Kurt|last=Ernst|date=11 June 2015|title=Six decades on, a look back at the tragedy of the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans|issn=0049-1845|access-date=31 August 2022|url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2015/06/11/six-decades-on-a-look-back-at-the-tragedy-of-the-1955-24-hours-of-le-mans|archive-date=24 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124003653/https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2015/06/11/six-decades-on-a-look-back-at-the-tragedy-of-the-1955-24-hours-of-le-mans|url-status=live}}

However, Mercedes saw success elsewhere, with a burgeoning touring car program in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, where the 190 E and its Evolution I and II siblings were climbing up the ranks. The 1991 season would see the 190 E Evo II take the honours in the constructors' championship. Klaus Ludwig piloted the car to the 1992 drivers' championship, with the 190 E being replaced by the W202 C-Class following the conclusion of the 1993 season. The C-Class went on to dominate both drivers and constructors championships from 1994 to 1996; as a result of the domination the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft/International Touring Car Championship folded in late 1996, with both remaining competitors Opel and Alfa Romeo withdrawing due to the rising costs.{{cite web|url=https://customerracing.mercedes-amg.com/en/race-series/DTM.html|work=Mercedes-AMG|title=DTM {{!}} A Success Story|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103348/https://customerracing.mercedes-amg.com/en/race-series/DTM.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/a-short-history-of-the-mercedes-benz-c-class-in-dtm-photo-gallery-77856.html|work=autoevolution|date=3 March 2014|first=Alex|last=Oagana|title=A Short History of The Mercedes-Benz C-Class in DTM|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=15 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515015706/http://www.autoevolution.com/news/a-short-history-of-the-mercedes-benz-c-class-in-dtm-photo-gallery-77856.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/same-mistakes-itc-1996-reuter/4798286/|work=motorsport.com|title=DTM made the "same mistakes" as ITC – 1996 champion Reuter|first=James|last=Newbold|date=30 May 2020|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919164002/https://www.motorsport.com/dtm/news/same-mistakes-itc-1996-reuter/4798286/|url-status=live}}

Without a top series to compete in, Mercedes-Benz looked towards the BPR Global GT Series, which had recently become an FIA-sanctioned championship, the FIA GT Championship, where Mercedes-Benz saw an opportunity to go against manufacturers such as Porsche and McLaren.{{cite web|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/582706/mclaren-f1-911-gt1-clk-gtr/|work=motor1|date=28 April 2022|first=Anthony|last=Alaniz|title=McLaren F1, Porsche 911 GT1, Mercedes CLK GTR Compared In Detailed Video|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615121246/https://www.motor1.com/news/582706/mclaren-f1-911-gt1-clk-gtr/|url-status=live}} The McLaren F1 GTR was the dominant car in this series, and in order to defeat it fellow German marque Porsche built a dedicated racecar,{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysportscar.com/2020/05/24/all-the-gt1s-every-make-and-model.html|work=Daily Sportscar|title=All The GT1s: Every Make & Model|date=24 May 2020|access-date=1 September 2022|first=Graham|last=Goodwin|archive-date=27 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427120654/http://www.dailysportscar.com/2020/05/24/all-the-gt1s-every-make-and-model.html|url-status=live}} the 911 GT1. It became the first of the manufacturer's "homologation specials", with Norbert Singer modifying a Porsche 962 chassis to accommodate the front fascia of a Porsche 993, leaving other things such as the suspension and engine largely intact.{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-evolution-of-the-street-legal-911-gt1-the-most-outrageous-porsche-of-the-90s-179710.html|title=The Evolution of the Street Legal 911 GT1, the Most Outrageous Porsche of the '90s|first=Vlad|last=Radu|date=21 January 2022|access-date=31 August 2022|work=autoevolution|archive-date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525151131/https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-evolution-of-the-street-legal-911-gt1-the-most-outrageous-porsche-of-the-90s-179710.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/porsche/956-962/|magazine=car|issn=0008-5987|first=Ben|last=Pulman|title=Porsche 956/962: all but perfect|date=2 May 2019|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516063930/https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/porsche/956-962/|url-status=live}} Only two units of the 993-based 911 GT1 were actually completed by the end of 1996. Seeing this, AMG was tasked by Mercedes-Benz with creating a car akin to the 911 GT1, an almost purebred racing machine with a resemblance to a road car.{{cite news|url=https://www.autozeitung.de/porsche-911-gt1-strassenversion-auktion-183590.html|newspaper=Autozeitung|language=de|date=31 January 2022|first=Johannes|last=Riegsinger|title=Porsche-Hyper-Flunder der 1990er-Jahre|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007221513/https://www.autozeitung.de/porsche-911-gt1-strassenversion-auktion-183590.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hagerty.com/media/motorsports/uplifting-tale-of-mercedes-troubled-clk-race-car/|title=The "uplifting" tale of Mercedes' troubled CLK race car program|date=4 October 2019|first=Nathan|last=Petroelje|access-date=31 August 2022|work=Hagerty|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924024454/https://www.hagerty.com/media/motorsports/uplifting-tale-of-mercedes-troubled-clk-race-car/|url-status=live}} The CLK GTR was the result, sharing nothing mechanically except the headlights, rear taillights and grille with the road-going Mercedes-Benz CLK.{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-amg-1998.html#aeng_mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-amg-1998-69-v12|work=autoevolution|date=28 June 2021|access-date=1 September 2022|title=Mercedes Benz CLK GTR AMG specs & photos – 1998, 1999|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609225357/https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-amg-1998.html#aeng_mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-amg-1998-69-v12|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://sportscardigest.com/mercedes-benz-clk-gtr/|work=Sportscar Digest|title=Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR – The Glorious Return to Top Tier Racing|first=Djordje|last=Sugaris|date=14 December 2020|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=23 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123192656/https://sportscardigest.com/mercedes-benz-clk-gtr/|url-status=live}}

The CLK GTR was developed in a mere 128 days, this development time hastened by the purchase of McLaren F1 GTR chassis #11R from then-reigning FIA GT Championship champions Larbre Compétition. The car served as AMG's mule, the F1's bodywork was replaced by AMG's own, and the BMW S70 engine replaced by Mercedes' own powerplant, a M120 V12.{{cite web|work=Hagerty|url=https://www.hagerty.com/media/auctions/mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-captures-the-barely-tamed-spirit-of-90s-endurance-racing/|title=Mercedes-Benz' CLK GTR captures the barely-tamed spirit of '90s endurance racing|first=Grace|last=Houghton|date=21 July 2021|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808225606/https://www.hagerty.com/media/auctions/mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-captures-the-barely-tamed-spirit-of-90s-endurance-racing/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a12030447/mercedes-developed-its-championship-winning-clk-gtr-in-128-days/|magazine=Road & Track|date=18 August 2017|access-date=1 September 2022|title=Mercedes Developed Its Championship-Winning CLK GTR in 128 Days|first=Chris|last=Perkins|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027232818/https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a12030447/mercedes-developed-its-championship-winning-clk-gtr-in-128-days/|url-status=live}} The car was eventually restored to its original mechanical condition, and was auctioned off in Monaco in 2000 by RM Sotheby's.{{cite web|url=https://jalopnik.com/the-original-prototype-for-the-mercedes-clk-gtr-was-a-m-321212058|work=Jalopnik|first=Máté|last=Petrány|title=The Original Prototype For The Mercedes CLK-GTR Was A McLaren F1 GTR|date=21 February 2013|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119201148/https://jalopnik.com/the-original-prototype-for-the-mercedes-clk-gtr-was-a-m-321212058|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2019/12/these-seven-mclaren-f1-stories-will-leave-you-stunned/|work=Car Scoops|title=These Seven McLaren F1 Stories Will Leave You Stunned|first=Brad|last=Anderson|date=29 December 2019|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=16 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716075031/https://www.carscoops.com/2019/12/these-seven-mclaren-f1-stories-will-leave-you-stunned/|url-status=live}}

The chassis of the CLK GTR was a carbon-fibre monocoque mated to an aluminium honeycomb frame, constructed by Lola Composites, a division of Lola Cars. The engine was a derivative of the M120 engine found in the R129 SL-Class and W140 S-Class, retitled the LS600, or GT 112.{{cite web|url=https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/375220425|work=車誌|via=知乎|date=26 May 2021|access-date=4 September 2022|title=奔驰超跑回归之作: 再看Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR AMG|language=zh|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103346/https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/375220425|url-status=live}} The bore and stroke were kept the same at {{cvt|89|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{cvt|80.2|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, however, the connecting rods were manufactured from titanium, and the compression ratio was increased from 10.0:1 to 12.0:1. These modifications boosted power to {{cvt|600|PS|hp kW|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 7,000 rpm, and torque to {{cvt|516|lbft|Nm|order=flip|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 3,900 rpm, allowing the car to reach a top speed of {{cvt|205|mph|km/h|order=flip|0|abbr=on}}. The engine (which also served as a stressed member) was mounted amidships behind the driver, with power being sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential manual transmission, giving the car a {{cvt|0–62|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} time of 3.8 seconds. Several driving aids such as traction control, ABS, active suspension, drive by wire throttle control, were banned, with fore-aft brake bias the only aid allowed. The front and rear suspension were identical, consisting of double wishbones, with pull-rod actuated coil springs with adjustable shocks.

File:Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 10.jpg]]

The CLK GTR debuted at Mercedes' home track, the Hockenheimring, at the 1997 FIA GT Hockenheim 4 Hours. Bernd Schneider qualified on pole and took the fastest lap, but had to retire due to braking problems. The sister No. 10 CLK GTR only mustered a 27th-place finish, also battling mechanical woes.{{cite magazine|magazine=Road & Track|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a22073254/the-mercedes-clk-gtr-was-homologated-six-days-before-its-first-race/|date=6 July 2018|first=Chris|last=Perkins|title=The Mercedes CLK GTR Was Homologated Six Days Before its First Race|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=9 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309040319/https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a22073254/the-mercedes-clk-gtr-was-homologated-six-days-before-its-first-race/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://windingroad.com/articles/news/classic-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr/|work=Winding Road|title=Classic: Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR|first=Ronan|last=Glon|date=2 February 2015|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619031720/https://www.windingroad.com/articles/news/classic-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/MO18/Monterey/lots/r0144-1998-mercedes-benz-amg-clk-gtr/699386|work=RM Sotheby's|date=24 August 2018|title=1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR|access-date=1 September 2022|archive-date=14 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214121749/https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo18/monterey/lots/r0144-1998-mercedes-benz-amg-clk-gtr/699386|url-status=live}} Still, the pace of the car was promising, and after intense development over the summer break, Mercedes would score their first 1–2 finish at the 1997 FIA GT Nürburgring 4 Hours with Schneider and Klaus Ludwig taking the win.

The rest of the season saw the CLK GTR take three more 1–2 finishes, and wins at the 1997 FIA GT Sebring 3 Hours and 1997 FIA GT Laguna Seca 3 Hours would secure Mercedes the constructors' and drivers' championship with Schneider in their maiden season. Mercedes opted not to enter that year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, as AMG understood that the V12 in the CLK GTR was better tailored to the 4-hour sprints of the FIA GT Championship rather than the 24-hour gruel of the Circuit de la Sarthe. Instead, Mercedes and AMG decided to develop a bespoke car for next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, an evolution of the CLK GTR dubbed the CLK LM, LM for Le Mans.

{{clear}}

{{Infobox automobile

| name = Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Straßenversion

| image = Paris - Bonhams 2016 - Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR coupé - 2000 - 001.jpg

| caption = The CLK GTR Straßenversion at the Grand Palais in 2010

| manufacturer = Mercedes-AMG, with HWA AG

| production = {{unbulleted list

| 1998–1999 (28 produced){{cite magazine|magazine=Octane|issn=1740-0023|first=Henry|last=Catchpole|title=The Ones Wild|page=68|issue=217|date=July 2021|url=https://www.scribd.com/issue/509768726/July-2021|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103346/https://www.scribd.com/issue/509768726/July-2021|url-status=live}}

| 2 prototypes

| 20 coupés

| 6 roadsters

}}

| assembly = Affalterbach, Germany

| designer =

| doors = Dihedral

| class = Sports car (S)

| body_style = 2-door coupé
2-door roadster

| powerout = {{unbulleted list

| Coupé: {{cvt|631|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}, {{cvt|731|Nm|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}

| Roadster: {{cvt|612|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}, {{cvt|775|Nm|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106174545/http://www.hwaag.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Startseite/Geschaeftsbereiche/Strassensportwagen/CLK_GTR/datenblatt_clk_gtr_roadster.pdf|title=Mercedes-CLK-GTR Roadster|archive-date=6 January 2009|date=6 January 2009|access-date=4 September 2022|work=HWA AG|url=http://www.hwaag.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Startseite/Geschaeftsbereiche/Strassensportwagen/CLK_GTR/datenblatt_clk_gtr_roadster.pdf}}

| SuperSport: {{cvt|664|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}, {{cvt|786|Nm|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106145251/http://www.hwaag.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Startseite/Geschaeftsbereiche/Strassensportwagen/CLK_GTR/Datenblatt_CLK_GTR_73.pdf|title=Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Coupe 7,3 Ltr.|url=http://www.hwaag.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Startseite/Geschaeftsbereiche/Strassensportwagen/CLK_GTR/Datenblatt_CLK_GTR_73.pdf|archive-date=6 January 2009|date=6 January 2009|work=HWA AG|access-date=4 September 2022}}

}}

| related =

| layout = Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive

| engine = {{convert|6898|/|7291|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} M297 E69/E73 V12

| transmission = 6-speed sequential manual transmission

| wheelbase = {{cvt|2670|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| length = {{cvt|4854|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| width = {{cvt|1951|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

| height = {{cvt|1164|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
{{cvt|1100|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (roadster)

| weight = {{convert|1440|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}}
{{cvt|1410|kg|lbs|0|abbr=on}} (roadster)

| predecessor = Mercedes-Benz C112 (spiritual)

| successor = Mercedes-Benz CLK LM Straßenversion

| sp = uk

}}

The road-legal homologated version of the CLK-GTR would simply gain the suffix Straßenversion, German for Street version. In a similar fashion to the Porsche 911 GT1 in 1996, only a singular road car was completed in 1997 and was shown in that year's Frankfurt Motor Show.{{cite news|newspaper=Automotive News Europe|date=1 September 1997|access-date=30 January 2023|location=Frankfurt|first1=Diana|last1=Kurylko|first2=Stephane|last2=Farhi|first3=Luca|last3=Ciferri|first4=Greg|last4=Kable|first5=Mark|last5=Bursa|url=https://europe.autonews.com/article/19970901/ANE/709010860/plenty-to-see-at-the-frankfurt-show|title=Plenty To See At the Frankfurt Motor Show}} The rest of the road cars were built at Affalterbach by AMG in collaboration with HWA over 1998, and production ceased in mid-1999. Many components of the road car were lifted directly from the racecar, including the suspension, the sequential transmission, and the carbon-fibre monocoque.{{cite magazine|magazine=Motor Trend|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/1998-mercedes-benz-amg-clk-gtr-added-rm-sothebys-monterey-auction/|title=1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR Added to RM Sotheby's Monterey Auction|first=Rory|last=Jurnecka|date=31 July 2018|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601100327/https://www.motortrend.com/news/1998-mercedes-benz-amg-clk-gtr-added-rm-sothebys-monterey-auction/|url-status=live}} Of the 28 produced, 2 were prototypes, 6 were roadsters, and 20 were coupés, 2 of which left the factory in "SuperSport" specification.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/videos/a26518/listen-to-the-roar-of-this-mercedes-clk-gtr-amg-ss/|magazine=Road & Track|title=Listen to the Roar of this Mercedes CLK GTR AMG Super Sport|first=Kristen|last=Lee|date=27 August 2015|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929000005/https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/videos/a26518/listen-to-the-roar-of-this-mercedes-clk-gtr-amg-ss/|url-status=live}} Two cars, one coupé and one roadster, also left the factory as right-hand drive for the 29th Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.{{cite magazine|url=https://blog.dupontregistry.com/sponsored/mercedes-clk-gtr-true-supercar-unicorn/|first=Edward|last=Jones|title=Mercedes CLK GTR: A True Supercar Unicorn|date=31 October 2017|access-date=3 September 2022|magazine=duPont Registry|issn=0890-362X|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601100331/https://blog.dupontregistry.com/sponsored/mercedes-clk-gtr-true-supercar-unicorn/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.sportscarmarket.com/profile/1998-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster|magazine=Sports Car Market|issn=1527-859X|date=October 2015|title=1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster|first=Jeff|last=Zurschmeide|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410200355/https://www.sportscarmarket.com/profile/1998-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster|url-status=live}}

Former racing driver and motoring journalist Paul Frère test drove the CLK GTR around the Hockenheimring. Writing for Road & Track magazine, he praised the car's {{Linktext|tractability}}, despite its immense power. He also applauded the effort put in by Mercedes-Benz to make the car more user-friendly, including large amounts of soundproofing to reduce the mechanical noise from the transmission and engine, although critiqued the cramped cockpit space despite the large width of the car, and its driveability in city conditions, due to its non-synchronous transmission and large amount of torque available from low rpm. He ended his review describing the car as a "real work of art".{{cite magazine|first=Paul|last=Frère|author-link=Paul Frère|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a28257/archived-drive-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr/|access-date=12 November 2022|title=Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR: A Race Car You Can Drive on the Street|date=22 February 2016|magazine=Road & Track|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723204900/https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a28257/archived-drive-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr/|url-status=live}}

The engine was stroked out to {{cvt|6898|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} by Ilmor, resulting in a power and torque bump to {{cvt|622|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 6,500 rpm and {{cvt|731|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 5,250 rpm.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106153630/http://www.hwaag.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Startseite/Geschaeftsbereiche/Strassensportwagen/CLK_GTR/Datenblatt_CLK_GTR_69.pdf|archive-date=6 January 2009|date=6 January 2009|title=Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR 6,9 Ltr.|url=http://www.hwaag.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Downloads/Startseite/Geschaeftsbereiche/Strassensportwagen/CLK_GTR/Datenblatt_CLK_GTR_69.pdf|work=HWA|access-date=3 September 2022}} Sending this power to the rear wheels was a 6-speed sequential manual transmission with a four-plate carbon fibre clutch. This gave the GTR a {{cvt|0–62|mph|km/h|order=flip|0|abbr=on}} of 3.8 seconds, and a claimed top speed of over {{cvt|320|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}, depending on gearing. The 18-inch centrelocking wheels were fitted with 295/35ZR18 Bridgestone tyres at the front and 345/35ZR18 at the rear. Stopping power was provided by 6-piston calipers and carbon-composite rotors measuring {{cvt|380|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} at the front and {{cvt|335|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} at the rear.

The road car received several amenities such as ABS, air-conditioning and an audio system. Bins for luggage were located under each door, as was the control for the fire suppression system on the driver side.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp-I5cRFrZU|work=DK Engineering|title=CLK GTR User's Guide|date=17 April 2021|access-date=3 September 2022|via=YouTube|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815081027/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp-I5cRFrZU|url-status=live}} Owners had the option of fitting their seats with tartan, leather, or Alcantara, with four-point harnesses for safety. Like the race car, the CLK GTR only shared the headlights, taillights and grille with the roadgoing CLK, and many exterior design elements such as the roof-mounted air dams, and NACA ducts on the sills were retained. Mercedes decided not to modify the CLK GTR to comply with United States safety regulations, and all examples imported to the U.S. were under Show or Display exemptions.{{cite magazine|url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=138039&site=eds-live&scope=site|title=No CLK GTR|magazine=Autoweek|volume=48|issue=3|issn=0192-9674|date=19 January 1998|access-date=4 September 2022|via=EBSCO Information Services}}

When the first production run of 20 CLK GTR coupés ended in 1999,{{cite news|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=wikipedia&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA58568566&inPS=true&linkSource=interlink&sid=bookmark-AONE|newspaper=The Times|date=9 August 1999|title=Pounds 1m for the car you may never drive|first=Kevin|last=Eason|access-date=4 September 2022|via=EBSCO Information Services, Gale|page=3|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103348/https://galeapps.gale.com/apps/auth?userGroupName=wikipedia&sid=bookmark-AONE&da=true&origURL=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.gale.com%2Fps%2Fi.do%3Fp%3DAONE%26u%3Dwikipedia%26v%3D2.1%26it%3Dr%26id%3DGALE%257CA58568566%26inPS%3Dtrue%26linkSource%3Dinterlink%26sid%3Dbookmark-AONE&prodId=AONE|url-status=live}} one roadster was also produced and held onto by AMG until 2002, when it was purchased by Mark Johnston.{{cite news|newspaper=PR Newswire|via=EBSCO Information Services, Gale|date=14 June 2006|title=Mercedes Benz and DaimlerChrysler Sued for Failing to Fix World's Most Expensive 'Broken' Production Car|access-date=4 September 2022|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A147007877/AONE?u=wikipedia&sid=ebsco&xid=d6400757|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103348/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=wikipedia&id=GALE{{!}}A147007877&v=2.1&it=r&sid=ebsco&asid=d6400757|url-status=live}} Johnston attempted to sue DaimlerChrysler in 2006, claiming that when he had taken it for a test drive with a customer, the oil gauge lit up and the transmission promptly failed.{{cite news|url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bwh&AN=200606161038308214&site=eds-live&scope=site|title=Supercar leaves sour taste|newspaper=Herald Sun|edition=1|page=38|date=16 June 2006|access-date=4 September 2022|via=EBSCO Information Services}} The next five would be converted from coupés to roadsters based on existing GTR chassis by HWA, and were made available in 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/world-s-rarest-and-most-mysterious-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-hits-the-track-193092.html|title=World's Rarest and Most Mysterious Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Hits the Track|first=Ciprian|last=Florea|date=8 July 2022|access-date=3 September 2022|work=autoevolution|archive-date=4 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804123954/https://www.autoevolution.com/news/world-s-rarest-and-most-mysterious-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-hits-the-track-193092.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22723/lot/340/|work=Bonhams|first=Sholto|last=Gilbertson|location=Goodwood Festival of Speed|title=1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster Chassis no.WDB2973971Y000008|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119211719/https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22723/lot/340/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|magazine=Motor Trend|volume=55|issue=10|page=53|title=CLK GTR: back, just for a few|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A108314270/AONE?u=wikipedia&sid=ebsco&xid=7722786a|via=EBSCO Information Services, Gale|date=October 2003|first=Kevin|last=Smith|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103348/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=wikipedia&id=GALE{{!}}A108314270&v=2.1&it=r&sid=ebsco&asid=7722786a|url-status=live}}

Modifications to the coupé included moving the engine intake from the roof to the sides, door-mounted mirrors, an integrated rollbar behind the seats, a revised front grille and rear wing which resembled the fixed rear wing of the race cars.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.motortrend.com/news/rare-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-to-be-auctioned-at-goodwood/|magazine=Motor Trend|location=Online|date=29 May 2015|title=Rare 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster to be Auctioned at Goodwood|first=Conner|last=Golden|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103347/https://www.motortrend.com/news/rare-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-to-be-auctioned-at-goodwood/|url-status=live}} Of the six roadsters built, one was painted black and sold in 2015 by Bonhams, and now resides at Dutton Garage in Melbourne.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/black-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-melbourne|title=The only black Mercedes CLK GTR Roadster is in Melbourne|date=17 January 2020|magazine=Motor|issn=2653-374X|first=Chris|last=Thompson|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601100336/https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/black-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-melbourne|url-status=live}} Another was painted dark silver with a purple interior, for the Sultan of Brunei, and was sold to Indian businessman Vijay Mallya in 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.team-bhp.com/news/vijay-mallyas-erstwhile-car-collection|title=Vijay Mallya's erstwhile car collection|work=Team BHP|first=Chirag|last=Moro|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510090933/https://www.team-bhp.com/news/vijay-mallyas-erstwhile-car-collection|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf09/automobiles-of-london/lots/r138-2006-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster/202847|title=2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster {{!}} Automobiles of London|work=RM Sotheby's|date=28 October 2009|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119204155/https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf09/automobiles-of-london/lots/r138-2006-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster/202847|url-status=live}}

File:1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR at Lime Rock, interior.jpg

Two chassis would also leave the AMG factory in SuperSport specification. The original {{cvt|6898|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} E69 engine was superseded with the larger, more powerful {{cvt|7291|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} E73 M297. This same engine was also found in the Pagani Zonda and Mercedes-Benz R129, albeit now producing {{cvt|664|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 6,500 rpm and {{cvt|786|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} at 5,250 rpm.

Visual changes included a speedometer that was etched to {{cvt|400|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and a redesigned front splitter. The increased power and torque figures lowered the {{cvt|0–62|mph|km/h|0|order=flip|abbr=on}} to 3.5 seconds. Three other chassis later received the E73 engine and SuperSport package, with the later models having higher power figures at {{cvt|711|hp|PS kW|0|abbr=on|lk=on}}.{{cite web|url=https://gtspirit.com/2013/08/02/2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-to-be-auctioned-at-monterey-2013/|work=GT Spirit|title=2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster to be Auctioned at Monterey 2013|first=Earl|last=Karanja|date=2 August 2013|access-date=4 September 2022|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021024513/https://gtspirit.com/2013/08/02/2002-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr-roadster-to-be-auctioned-at-monterey-2013/|url-status=live}}

At the time of manufacture, Guinness World Records named the CLK Straßenversion and its siblings the world's most expensive production car, retailing for US$1,547,620 (${{inflation|US|1547620|1998|2021|r=-1|fmt=c}} in 2021).{{cite web|work=motor1|url=https://www.motor1.com/news/345166/mercedes-clk-gtr-rendering/|title=Modern-Day CLK GTR Rendered As The One Supercar To Rule Them All|first=Angel|last=Sergeev|date=17 April 2019|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601100337/https://www.motor1.com/news/345166/mercedes-clk-gtr-rendering/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|work=Girado|url=https://girardo.com/car/1998-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr_1|title=2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927134652/https://girardo.com/car/1998-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr_1|url-status=live}} This record stood until the introduction of the Ferrari FXX-K in 2015.{{cite press release|url=https://www.bonhams.com/press_release/19295/|title=Bonhams: 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster Offered at Bonhams Festival of Speed|publisher=Bonhams|location=Chichester|date=26 June 2015|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620063846/http://www.bonhams.com/press_release/19295/|url-status=live}}

Along with its GT1 siblings, the Porsche 911 GT1 and McLaren F1 GTR, the trio were known as the "holy trinity" of Group GT1, and formed what several publications deemed a "golden era" or "pinnacle" of 90s sportscar racing.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a34990201/24-hours-of-le-mans-is-headed-toward-a-new-golden-era/|magazine=Road & Track|issn=0035-7189|title=The 24 Hours of Le Mans Is Headed Toward a New Golden Era|first=Chris|last=Perkins|date=16 December 2020|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615224047/https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a34990201/24-hours-of-le-mans-is-headed-toward-a-new-golden-era/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goodwood.com/grr/event-coverage/members-meeting/2017/3/gallery-gt1-endurance-racers-take-to-goodwood/|work=Goodwood Festival of Speed|date=18 March 2017|first=Adam|last=Wilkins|title=Gallery: GT1 endurance racers take to Goodwood|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103348/https://www.goodwood.com/grr/event-coverage/members-meeting/2017/3/gallery-gt1-endurance-racers-take-to-goodwood/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dkeng.co.uk/news/Latest_News_and_Events/146/the_gt1_era.html|work=DK Engineering|title=The GT1 Era|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=4 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804071555/https://www.dkeng.co.uk/news/Latest_News_and_Events/146/the_gt1_era.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/historic/2022/4/video-this-fia-gt-footage-proves-the-90s-were-better/|work=Goodwood Festival of Speed|first=Ben|last=Miles|date=25 April 2020|title=Video: This FIA GT footage proves the '90s were better|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=28 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428081554/https://www.goodwood.com/grr/race/historic/2022/4/video-this-fia-gt-footage-proves-the-90s-were-better/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/motor-magazine-july-preview|magazine=Motor|issn=2653-374X|title=The three-way car test of your dreams: McLaren F1 v 911 GT1 v CLK GTR|date=8 July 2021|access-date=3 September 2022|first=Andy|last=Enright|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904103357/https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/motor-magazine-july-preview|url-status=live}}

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{{Motorsport driver results legend}}

Bold – Pole position
Italics – Fastest lap

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{{Commons category}}

• Mercedes-Benz in motorsport

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{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR}}

• Carfection, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlLy3Va1a30 Mercedes CLK GTR: The ULTIMATE Group Test Part 3 {{!}} Carfection 4K], YouTube, 22 May 2021. A video review of the CLK GTR in conjunction with the Porsche 911 GT1 and McLaren F1.
• Simanaitis, Dennis; Millen, Steve, [https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a28359/persson-motorsport-mercedes-benz-clk-gtr/ Driving the Championship Winning Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR], Road & Track. Vol. 50, no. 3. November 1998. A review of the CLK GTR racecar.
• Rusz, Joe, Mercedes CLK-GTR: Lose weight fast!, Road & Track. Vol. 49, no. 6. February 1998. Joe Rusz goes along for a ride in the CLK-GTR racecar along with 1997 FIA GT Champion Bernd Schneider.

{{Mercedes-Benz vehicles}}

{{Mercedes-Benz Sportscar Racers}}

CLK-GTR

Category:Sports cars

Category:Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Cars introduced in 1997