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’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.