Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Owner's Guide Video Details Public Road Racing Car

There have been many racing homologation specials over the years, but few as extreme as the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, and DK Engineering has put together a detailed video showing how different this almost tame racer is from the standard CLK, which was the Mercedes lineup of the time and is roughly equivalent to the current E-Class coupe. DK Engineering has put together a detailed video showing how different this almost tame racer is from the standard CLK, which is roughly equivalent to the current E-Class coupe in the Mercedes lineup at the time.

The CLK GTR racing car debuted in 1997 in the FIA GT1 class, the top international sports car racing class of the late 1990s. the GT1 class was ostensibly a modified production car, but in reality only a limited number of cars were sold featured full-scale racing cars with road-going variants.

Some manufacturers did not go that far: the CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1 were actually sold to customers for public road use in a few instances, while the rival Nissan R390 GT1 and Toyota GT-ONE never reached private hands.

Mercedes, however, sought to follow not only the letter of the law but also its spirit, and attempted to civilize the CLK GTR for street use. For starters, it was equipped with air conditioning and central locking, the latter using the same key fob as the regular CLK.

One feature not found on the normal CLK, however, is the built-in fire suppression system. Its controls are located behind a panel on the very thick driver's side sill (DK Engineering recommends activating this before going out for a drive). To enter the cockpit, one must climb over this sill.

Once inside, the same standard CLK key starts the mid-mounted 6.0-liter V-12 engine. Either way, it produces a glorious sound. Mercedes also built a CLK LM version with a 6.0-liter V-8, which was considered more durable, for the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans race, but both cars suffered engine problems.

Shifting is handled by a paddle-shifted six-speed sequential gearbox. Unlike modern flappy paddle gearboxes, the clutch remains in place and the gear indicator light does not always illuminate when a new gear is selected. Reverse is also activated by pulling a lever on the center console.

The bodywork is a honeycomb construction of aluminum and carbon fiber with removable front and rear clamshells. The rear clamshell can be removed to enjoy the V12 engine, while the front space is occupied by the front suspension and air ducts. Fuel, oil, and washer fluid inlets are located on the roof pillar.

Unlike the 911 GT1, the CLK GTR was sold with a functional race car-style air jack. Watch the full video to see it in action and learn more about this amazing Mercedes.