2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG

Jan 23

Written By Katelyn McSherry

100 produced, 574 HP, limited to 200 MPH. Is it super?

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The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM is one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz models of all time, and offered one of the most extreme driving experiences in 2005. The car was built to pay tribute to the racing version of the CLK that won the German Touring Car Masters championship (DTM) from 2000-2003. Just 100 CLK DTM coupes were produced for the world, and all were offered to VIP customers for purchase at nearly $300,000. The CLK DTM offered comparable performance to supercars of the period, such as the Ferrari Enzo or Porsche Carrera GT.

Unlike the CLK GTR on display, the CLK DTM is a relatively unknown car. With just 100 examples produced and none sold new in the U.S., it represents a wolf in sheep’s clothing as many enthusiasts are simply unaware of its potential. Its performance capabilities in 2005 were on par with the most high-performance cars of the time, with 574 horsepower and a limited top speed of 200 MPH.

Several aspects of the CLK DTM are shared with standard CLK models, though the car is drastically different as well. Wide wheel arches and the three-piece wheels are each unique to the DTM, allowing the car to use a much wider track than any previous CLK models. Most of the exterior panels are made of carbon fiber, as is much of the interior. Inside, the rear seats were removed in place of a carbon fiber panel. Front seats are carbon fiber racing seats with six-point harnesses in each seat. This is one reason the car was not allowed to be sold new in the U.S. as it was not equipped with normal seatbelts. The alcantara wrapped steering wheel is unique to the CLK DTM, as is the dashboard and center console.

Mercedes AMG outsourced production of the DTM to HWA, the team who managed the Mercedes DTM racing team. The M113K supercharged V8 engine is based on the E55 and SL55, though was heavily modified and reinforced by HWA to manage the additional power. Forged pistons and more aggressive camshafts help to increase longevity at high temperatures, and cylinder heads optimized for better airflow along with a free-flowing exhaust. A higher revving twin-screw supercharger was added, which raises boost pressure. The ECU was tuned to manage the additional power, the entire cooling system was improved, and the limited slip differential has its own external cooler.