Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is not just a car but a legend; the ultimate race car.
The success of Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR wouldn't be clear without it's long time rivalry with McLaren F1 GTR, anyway,Mercedes-Benz displayed it's willingness to be the best among the best manufacturers.
The design of Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR came as a result of Porsche 911 GT1 design.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR had it's time in 1997 FIA GT and 1998 24 hours of Le Man.
Mercedes-Benz produced 35 including prototypes and racing versions.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was designed mainly as a race car and to be a street legal car. First competing in FIA GT successfully then modified to compete in 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Before becoming an extreme race car and competing in 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mercedes AMG, the performance motorsport arm of Mercedes-Benz through discreetness after leaving FIA GT to competing in Le Mans due to competitors (OPEL & Alfa Romeo) leaving due to high cost of their 4WD design, purchased a disused McLaren F1 GTR.
Using McLaren F1 GTR to determine how fast their competitors could run.
F1 GTR was modified by implementing body parts of CLK GTR using Mercedes-Benz LS600 6.0litre V12 engine. Two prototypes were built in 128 days.
Unfortunately the two cars were not able to outperform competitors in 97' FIA GT, as one had a brake problem and the other finishing 20 laps behind the winning McLaren.
At the next round,the CLK GT began showing pace finishing less than 2nd place behind McLaren F1 GTR. At the fourth round,CLK GT Mercedes-Benz finally outperformed all McLarens,taking first and second places.
Making a debut in 24 Hours of Le Mans 98', two modified CLK GTR now CLK LM was ready by replacing M120 V12 engine with M119HL.
Mercedes-Benz CLK LM was impressive during the star of Le Mans but ended up having engine failures.
Anyway, Mercedes Benz returned to FIA GT and easily won six 1-2 places.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR has two variants- a coupe and a roadster.
Top speed of 214mph (346km/h), a rear wheel drive with a 6-speed manual transmission gearbox and dihedral doors.
28 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR were produced:
20- coupe
6- roadster
2-prototype
