Watching A Mercedes CLK DTM Growl Its Way Around The 'Ring Is A Rare Treat
If Mercedes came out with something like the CLK DTM AMG today, no one would bat an eye. But AMG was a very different animal back when the car was released in 2005 - it didn’t really make anything that could dynamically hassle a BMW M car, so the ultra-focused DTM seemed pretty alien.
It used the 5.5-litre supercharged V8 found in the likes of the SL55 and E55, but with extensive modifications to bring the power to 574bhp and the torque to a monstrous 590lb ft. It had radically altered suspension, fatter tyres and would do 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, topping out 1mph shy of 200. AMG went to all that work, then made just 100 coupes (followed up by 80 convertibles) as a celebration of the firm winning the 2004 DTM championship.
As such, it’s not something you’re likely to spot, particularly in the high-risk environment of the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Thankfully, this example was captured on camera at a recent Scuderia Hanseat event, meaning we all get to enjoy its rumbly V8 noises and delicious supercharger whine.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Proper
[prop-er]
Adjective
adapted or appropriate to the purpose or circumstances; fit;
Eg: This merc around the ‘ring is proper usage.
It should be, but rich car collectors often have other ideas…
Friday afternoon work with headphones: WIN
It’s nice how the 956 has been at the top for 35 years
this man’s midlife crisis is rocking!
Somebody who lives sorta near me has a clk63. Something like that.