There have been many racing homologation specials over time, however few as excessive because the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. DK Engineering put collectively detailed movies displaying simply how a lot this barely tamed racer differs from the usual CLK, which was roughly equal to in the present day’s E-Class Coupe within the Mercedes lineup of the time.

The CLK GTR race automotive debuted in 1997 within the FIA GT1 class, the highest worldwide class in sports activities automotive racing throughout the late Nineties. The GT1 class was ostensibly for modified manufacturing vehicles, however in actuality featured full-on race vehicles that had road-going variants bought in restricted numbers.

Some producers did not even go that far. Whereas a couple of examples of the CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1 had been truly bought to clients for highway use, the rival Nissan R390 GT1 and Toyota GT-One by no means made it into personal palms. 

Mercedes aimed to observe the letter of the regulation in addition to its spirit, nevertheless, attempting to civilize the CLK GTR for avenue use. It has air-con and central locking, for starters, the latter utilizing the identical key fob as a traditional CLK.

One characteristic you will not discover on a traditional CLK, nevertheless, is a built-in fire-suppression system, the controls for that are situated behind a panel within the very thick driver’s facet sill (DK Engineering recommends arming this earlier than you go for a drive). Sliding over that sill to get into the cockpit is a little bit of course of.

As soon as inside, that very same commonplace CLK key fires up a mid-mounted 6.0-liter V-12 that produces roughly 600 hp in early vehicles, however was later upped to round 630 hp. Both means, it produces a wonderful sound. Mercedes additionally constructed a CLK LM model for the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans with a 6.0-liter V-8 that was regarded as extra sturdy, however each vehicles entered suffered engine failures. 

Shifting duties are dealt with by a paddle-shifted 6-speed sequential gearbox that has a couple of quirks. Not like trendy flappy-paddle gearboxes, it nonetheless has a clutch, and the gear indicator gentle would not all the time register when a brand new gear has been chosen. Reverse is activated by pulling a lever on the middle console.

The bodywork is an aluminum and carbon-fiber honeycomb, with detachable entrance and rear clamshells. Eradicating the rear clamshell helps you to admire that V-12, whereas the house up entrance is usually occupied by the entrance suspension and a few air ducts. Filler ports for gas, oil, and washer fluid are situated within the roof pillars.

Not like the 911 GT1, the CLK GTR was bought with useful race car-style air jacks. Watch the total video to see them in motion, and to study extra particulars about this marvelous Mercedes.