The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM stands as a monument to Mercedes-Benz’s racing heritage and a testament to extreme automotive engineering. Born from the victorious spirit of the German Touring Car Masters championship (DTM), where Mercedes dominated from 2000 to 2003 with the racing CLK, this road car is an ultra-rare gem. With only 100 coupe versions meticulously crafted for a select group of VIP customers back in 2005, acquiring a CLK DTM was an exclusive privilege that came with a price tag nearing $300,000. This exclusivity and raw performance placed the Mercedes Dtm Clk squarely in the territory of contemporary supercars like the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT.
Often overshadowed by its legendary sibling, the CLK GTR, the mercedes dtm clk remains a relatively enigmatic figure in the automotive world. Its limited production run and initial absence from the U.S. market have contributed to its “wolf in sheep’s clothing” persona. Many car enthusiasts are simply unaware of the sheer capabilities hidden beneath its Mercedes-Benz badge. However, in 2005, its performance figures were nothing short of breathtaking, boasting 574 horsepower and an electronically limited top speed of 200 MPH, placing it firmly among the era’s elite high-performance vehicles.
While sharing some visual cues with standard CLK models, the mercedes dtm clk is fundamentally a different beast. Its aggressively widened wheel arches and distinctive three-piece wheels are unique to the DTM variant. These elements not only enhance its menacing stance but also accommodate a significantly wider track compared to any previous CLK iteration. The extensive use of carbon fiber is another defining characteristic. Most of the exterior panels are fashioned from this lightweight material, extending to much of the interior. Inside the cabin, the rear seats have been replaced by a carbon fiber panel, further emphasizing its performance-focused nature. The front occupants are treated to carbon fiber racing seats equipped with six-point harnesses, a feature that ironically contributed to its initial unavailability in the U.S. due to seatbelt regulations. The alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, along with the uniquely designed dashboard and center console, are further bespoke touches exclusive to the mercedes dtm clk.
Mercedes-AMG entrusted the production of the DTM model to HWA, the very team responsible for managing the Mercedes DTM racing team. The heart of the mercedes dtm clk is a heavily reworked version of the M113K supercharged V8 engine, originally found in models like the E55 and SL55. HWA engineers significantly modified and reinforced this engine to unleash its full potential. Forged pistons and more aggressive camshafts were implemented to ensure durability under extreme temperatures. The cylinder heads were optimized for improved airflow, complemented by a free-flowing exhaust system. A higher-revving twin-screw supercharger was installed, substantially increasing boost pressure. The ECU was recalibrated to manage the increased power output, the entire cooling system was upgraded, and the limited-slip differential received its own external cooler, all in pursuit of maximizing performance and reliability.
Specifications:
- Engine: 5.5 Liter Supercharged V8
- Horsepower: 574 @ 6100 RPM
- Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
- 0-60 MPH: 3.9 Seconds
- Top Speed: 200 MPH (limited)
- Transmission: Five-Speed Automatic w/ Paddle Shifters
- Weight: 3854 lbs.
