High technology derived from motorsport, the handling dynamism of the racetrack, a sensational visual appearance and the utmost exclusivity – the AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM is guaranteed to make the hearts of true car lovers beat faster.
This special version of the CLK looks similar to the full racecar for the German Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) racing series. Only 100 streetcars were released for sale with only 60 being left hand drive and only five imported to the United States.
This particular car is one of the five that was delivered to the US and features an engine upgrade producing an extra 51 hp over a standard DTM this car. It is also fitted with an un-restricted carbon fiber ground effect under tray for greater down force and top speed.
The DTM is based on the CLK55 AMG, with the style and performance that evokes the spirit of the racing CLK that won the DTM racing series. It certainly looks the part, with its deep front spoiler, deck-lid wing, brawny wheel-arch extensions, and nineteen-inch front and twenty-inch rear wheels, shod with 225/35 and 285/30 Dunlop tires.
The interior is a study in carbon fiber. The stock CLK instrument panel remains, but there’s a new gauge cluster, and carbon fiber door panels. The center console, and the space where the rear seats used to live are all fitted with carbon fiber panels. Carbon-fiber bucket sport seats with leather trim, four-point harnesses, a suede-covered steering wheel with alloy paddle shifters complete the interior.
Powered by a special version of the SL55 AMG’s 5.4-liter, supercharged V-8 cranking out 625 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Modified cam timing, more boost, a stiffer crankcase, and a new exhaust system help to hike power and torque over the SL55’s 493 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a high tech five-speed “manu-matic” transmission controlled by Formula One inspired paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.
625 Horsepower — 590 ft/lbs Torque
The front and rear track has been widened by 2.9 and 4.2 inches respectively, and special tires and suspension modification allow the car to corner at an incredible 1.35 g. The MacPherson-strut front and multilink rear suspensions have adjustable springs and gas-filled dampers, there is a stiffer rear antiroll bar and new rear hub carriers and drive shafts. New metal-to-metal joints have replaced the standard CLK rubber units through out the suspension. A multiplate limited-slip differential helps put the power to the ground, and the stability and traction control systems have been recalibrated. Finally, there are huge 14.2-inch-diameter front and 13.0-inch rear discs, with six-piston calipers up front and four pistons out back providing eye popping stopping power!
The result of these changes is an absolutely stunning car. The engine makes 86 percent of its torque from 2000 rpm, so it goes with real alacrity: Mercedes claims 0 to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds. It sounds fabulous, too, with an awesome growl that’s an octave higher than that of a stock AMG blown engine.
But the car's most outstanding features are its composure and the telepathic nature of all the controls. The steering is near perfection, a great ally to a chassis that is sure-footed when you want it to be yet goes sideways at will without losing its cool or being tricky on the limit.
Despite a performance potential worthy of the racetrack, the CLK DTM AMG has all the virtues typical of any Mercedes model: everyday suitability, durability, safety, quality and standards of service to satisfy even the most demanding requirements. The DTM was hand-assembled in close cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and H.W.A. GmbH. The latter is one of the most successful touring car racing teams, and is also responsible for assembly and operation of the current C-Class DTM racing cars.
