In 1997 Team AMG won the FIA-GT Championship with the GT racing sports car Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. From this competition vehicle AMG derived a road-legal version – the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR super sports car. This was presented in April 1997.

The CLK-GTR was powered by a V12 mid-engine delivering a total of 612 HP and 731 NM of torque. The supercar had a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.

One of the innovative details realized by the engineers in this car was a body made of carbon-fiber composite. In contrast to the sports and performance-optimized racing car, the super sports car came with air-conditioning, a hi-fi system and leather appointments.

Nevertheless, the CLK-GTR did not for a moment disown the legacy it had been left by the competition vehicle. The super sports car delivered extreme performance, and the tight cockpit allowed both driver and passenger to experience a racing atmosphere at first hand. This vehicle enabled AMG to underline its expertise in the technology transfer from motor racing to elegant, sporty series production.

Specifications after the jump.

1998 Mercedes CLK-GTR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1998 Mercedes CLK-GTR

Specifications

 

  • Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
  • Model CLK-GTR Coupe 1998
  • Powertrain Layout Mid Engine / RWD
  • Base Price $1,573,000

Dimensions

  • Length 4855 mm / 191.1 in
  • Width 1950 mm / 76.8 in
  • Height 1154 mm / 45.4 in
  • Wheelbase 2670 mm / 105.1 in
  • Weight 1410 kg / 3,109 lbs
  • Front /Rear Track F 1665 mm / 65.6 in
  • R 1594 mm / 62.8 in

Engine

  • Configuration 6.9 Liter 60° V12
  • Valvetrain DOHC 4 Valves / Cylinder
  • Displacement  6898 cc / 420.9 cu
  • Power 456.4 kW / 612.0 bhp at 6800 rpm
  • Bore 89 mm / 3.5 in
  • Stroke 92.4 mm / 3.6 in
  • Compression Ratio 10.5:1
  • Bhp / Liter 88.72 bhp
  • Redline 7200 rpm

Classis & Body

  • Body / Frame Carbon Fiber Monocoque w/ Integrated Steel Roll-Cage, Front Energy Absorbing Crash-Box, Carbon Fiber Bodywork and Aerodynamic Parts
  • Steering Rack & Pinion w/ Power Assist
  • Brake Type Hydraulic Dual Circuit Brakes w/ Four-Piston Front Calipers, Six-Piston rear Calipers, Hydraulic Servo, Vented Brake Discs, ASR & ABS
  • Brake Size F 355 mm / 14.0 in
  • R 330 mm / 13.0 in
  • Wheels  F 45.7 x 26.7 cm / 18.0 x 10.5 in
  • R 45.7 x 31.8 cm / 18.0 x 12.5 in
  • Tyres  F 295/35ZR-18
  • R 345/35ZR-18

Transmission

  • Gear Type  6 Speed Sequential
  • Final Drive 2.29:1
  • 1st Gear Ratio 3.24:1
  • 2nd Gear Ratio 2.1:1
  • 3rd Gear Ratio 1.56:1
  • 4th Gear Ratio 1.23:1
  • 5th Gear Ratio 1.02:1
  • 6th Gear Ratio  0.87:1

Performance

  • Top Speed 319.9 kph / 198.8 mph
  • 0 - 62 mph 3.8 seconds