Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster

 

The CLK GTR is one of the coolest, rarest, and most insane Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever made. It was initially created and developed with AMG and HWA to compete for the FIA GT1 racing class. The CLK GTR's production run of 20 coupes lasted from 1998 to 1999, while the remaining CLK GTRs resumed production as roadsters in 2002. Powering the CLK GTR is a 6.9-liter V12 sourced from the SL600 with 622 horsepower and 539 pound-feet of torque in the coupe, and 604 horsepower and 572 pound-feet of torque in the roadster, both of which were paired to a six-speed sequential manual gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 199 mph. Unlike its race car counterpart, the road-going CLK GTR features a softer suspension and a more luxurious interior. It rides on a carbon and aluminum monocoque chassis with an adjustable ride height, while its body is constructed entirely of carbon fiber. Other standard features on the CLK GTR include anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, an audio system, and a luggage set. As for the roadster specifically, it contains side air intakes, a fixed rear wing like that of the CLK GTR race car, a revised front grille design, side mirrors mounted on the doors, and an integrated rollbar behind the seats. On the other hand, the road-going CLK GTR coupe contains an integrated rear wing, a roof-mounted air intake, side mirrors mounted on the front fenders, and a more traditional Mercedes-Benz front grille design. 

Only six Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadsters were built for the entire world, with pricing starting at around $1.7 million when new and current values appreciating to at least $3 million. Mercedes-Benz never modified the CLK GTR to meet US safety regulations, so the few examples that made their way Stateside close to when it was new arrived under the federal show and display exemption. The CLK GTR Roadster pictured in this post appeared at this year's Exotics on Broadway show in Monterey back in August, marking my first time ever seeing any form of the CLK GTR in person. It was one of a few vehicles brought out to Monterey Car Week by Orange County-based tuning firm Boden AutoHaus. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster is an absolutely bonkers and incredibly amazing race car for the road. Besides certain vehicles from Koenigsegg, Pagani, and Bugatti, the CLK GTR Roadster was one of the top vehicles from this year's Exotics on Broadway that I was looking forward to seeing up close for the first time the most. Like many of the ultra-rare supercars on display there, viewing and photographing this one-of-six masterpiece at Exotics on Broadway about two months ago was a completely unreal experience. 

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