NOVAwhiteTypeS

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=01954881

The good folks at Mercedes-Benz appear to crave our attention, because lately it seems we can't go more than a few weeks before another set of spy shots appears on our doorstep. These photos reveal the most exclusive Mercedes since, er, the SLR-actually, even more exclusive. We hear this CLK-DTM will be limited to perhaps as few as 100 examples worldwide when European deliveries begin in August or September.

The CLK-DTM is intend-ed as a road-going link to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters sports car series in which the CLK competed (a race version of the C-Class replaced it for the '04 season), as well as a tribute to Hans Werner Aufrecht. Aufrecht is the "A" in AMG, having founded (along with Erhard Melcher) what is now Mercedes' in-house tuning arm. The car was developed by HWA, Aufrecht's independent racing company. HWA prepares and campaigns Mercedes-AMG's factory DTM effort.



Details about the $250,000-plus CLK-DTM are scarce. Besides the obvious exterior links to the race version, expect the car to weigh about 100 pounds less than the standard CLK55 AMG's 3635 pounds, due in part to the removal of the rear seats.

Power comes from a jacked-up version of the 5.4-liter supercharged AMG-tuned V8 linked to a five-speed automatic. Our sources say we should expect 582 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Such mojo should easily propel the CLK-DTM from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds, and to a 199-mph top speed. We expect suspension, brake, wheel and tire upgrades above and beyond those offered on typical AMG cars. The roll cage visible in our photos is intended for production and not just as a Nordschleife safety precaution.

Alas, the CLK-DTM likely won't be offered to North American customers. Mercedes told us: "We have no plans for the U.S. market. It would simply be far too expensive and even too obscure for the U.S. audience, partly because DTM has very little exposure here."

That is the official line, but we hear rumblings at least two cars are U.S.-bound. Either way, we can't help but wonder whether SLR owners will feel cheated. We certainly will if the CLK-DTM remains a Europe-only special

phil2

charliemike

Hmm ... While 568hp seems pretty cool, I dunno that it's worth $180k for it and a body kit.

N.O.6speed

thats bad ass, i want one

titan

Ditto.

dragon084

available in Europe only







US$ 250,000

5.4 Liter supercharged AMG-Tuned V8

3635 LBS

100 lb less than the standard CLK55 AMG

Sub 4 second 0-60 mph speeds

199-mph top speed

no plans to be offered to the U.S. Market

ItalianStallion

so yeah, where'd you get that article about the P8? im pretty sure an SL55 is about 130k not 370k.

dragon084

i dont even remember to tell u the truth.

i saw a article on the clkdtm in autoweek and found one site

that had something on it .

then i saw the p8.. try google and type clk dtm

Yumcha

More shtuff about the CLK-DTM...mmm, nice...!

==========

Mercedes Benz CLK-DTM AMG




Affalterbach, Apr 30, 2004 - The most successful car in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) race series is set to transform its dominance on the track into a conquest of the roads. The CLK DTM AMG has inherited the genes of the DTM-winning Mercedes and possesses all the ingredients necessary to set the pulses of car and motorsport enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. This exclusive AMG high-performance speedster is modelled both stylistically and technically on the car that romped away with the DTM title in 2003.

Bernd Schneider drove the race-trim Mercedes-Benz CLK to the drivers' championship, but was pushed all the way by team-mate Christijan Albers. AMG-Mercedes had previously topped the team standings in 2002 and 2003, also with the CLK. Last year, the impressive Coupr celebrated victory in nine out of the ten races on the calendar, ensuring that Mercedes-Benz also won the constructors' championship.

You need look no further than the exterior design of the new CLK DTM AMG to find the first traces of its racing pedigree, the transfer of high-end motorsport technology to the road given visual expression by the low slung front apron with large cooling air inlets, striking fender flarings, 19 and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and the diffusor-look rear section with rear wing, all of which recall the head-turning muscularity of the successful CLK racing touring cars competing in the DTM. Added to which, a host of body components have been constructed from the high-strength and ex-tremely lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced material CFRP.

AMG Power

Under the bonnet lurks a specially revised version of the AMG supercharged eight-cylinder engine familiar from the SL 55 AMG, featuring modifications to the crank-case, pistons, valve train, cooling system, intake duct, supercharger and exhaust system. Its torque development is particularly outstanding, with 690 Newton metres of pulling power on tap as low down as 2000 revolutions per minute and the 750-Nm mark reached and breached just 500 rpm further around the dial.

The following components of the engine borrowed from the SL 55 AMG were newly designed and developed:


-The crankcase from the SL 55 AMG power unit has been further strengthened.
-The pistons are forged and made of a special material boasting extreme temperature and pressure-resistant properties.
-The exhaust camshafts have extended valve opening times, which improves the fuel supply to the combustion chambers; in conjunction with the new fan-type exhaust pipes and the new sports exhaust system, exhaust gas backpressure is significantly reduced.
-Optimised intake airflow leads to better air throughput in the cylinder heads.
-The higher-revving screw-type supercharger raises charge pressure from 0.8 bar to 0.85 bar.
-The engine electronics have been adapted to the unit's upgraded performance characteristics.


The cooling system of the supercharged eight-cylinder power unit has also been optimised. The water-cooled intercooler with low-temperature circuit is fitted with additional radiators integrated into the front apron, which help to even out tempera-ture peaks. An efficient engine oil cooler on the left of the system keeps the temperature of the lubricant at low levels even under heavy loads.

Chassis

The chassis, meanwhile, is a more than worthy complement to the beguiling muscle of the powertrain. Already a firm fixture on the race-track, height-adjustable spring and shock absorber units with adjustable coil springs are also an integral feature of the new road car. The rear axle has been redesigned to include totally new spring links and hub carriers, as well as reinforced drive shafts. Uniball joints on both axles replace rubber elements and imbue the car's driving characteristics with unrivalled precision. A multiple-disc limited-slip differential at the rear axle ensures optimum traction, whilst Acceleration Skid Control ASR and the Electronic Stability Program ESP have been adjusted to take into account the enhanced levels of performance.

Flawless responses, impressive sensitivity and unrivalled strength are the principal attributes of the newly developed AMG braking system. This technology, based on axial and radial connections between the grey cast iron discs and aluminium bowls, has the advantage of cutting weight by some 20 percent and increasing heat resistance. All discs are internally ventilated and perforated. The front axle is equipped with 360 x 32-millimetre discs and six-piston fixed callipers, the rear axle fitted with 330 x 26-millimetre discs and four-piston fixed callipers. The standard Brake Assist system has been adjusted according to the characteristics of the new braking system.

Inside

Once inside the CLK DTM AMG, the driver is struck by a functional racing ambience laced with the trademark exclusivity of AMG high-performance cars. Two leather AMG sports bucket seats made from exceptionally lightweight CFRP and fitted with four-point safety belts offer the two occupants optimum lateral support, whilst the thick and oval-shaped rim of the high-grip suede-trimmed AMG racing steering wheel helps to transmit a particularly acute feel for the car. The door panels are made from CFRP, as are many other elements of the interior such as the instrument cluster. The newly designed centre console boasts a selection of eye-catching features, including the silver-coloured selector lever surround, the starter button, four rocker switches for auxiliary functions and a badge bearing the vehicle number.

The racing credentials of the CLK DTM AMG have not in any way diluted its adher-ence to the hallmark virtues shared by all Mercedes models = practicality, durability, safety, quality and service all meet the highest standards. The racing-inspired AMG Coupe will be built by hand as part of a close cooperation between Mercedes-AMG GmbH and H.W.A. GmbH. One of the most successful touring car racing teams of all time, H.W.A. GmbH is also responsible for the development and running of the new C-Class DTM cars. The first examples of the 100-unit limited-edition CLK DTM AMG will be delivered to customers from autumn 2004. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is responsible for marketing, sales and service activities relating to the new car.

Story by DaimerlChrysler

Specifications
Year: 2004
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: CLK DTM AMG

Engine & Tranny
Position: Front Longitudinal
Configuratio: Supercharged V8
Valvetrain : SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
Displacement: 5439 cc / 331.9 cu in
Power: 434.0 kw / 582.0 bhp @ 6100 rpm
Torque: 800 nm / 590.0 ft lbs @ 3500 rpm
Bore: 97 mm / 3.82 in
Stroke: 92 mm / 3.62 in
Redline: 7000
HP / Liter: 107.0 bhp per litre
HP / Curb Weight: 332.95 bhp per weight
Gear Type: 5-Speed Auto w/Speedshift
1st Gear Ratio: 3.59:1
2nd Gear Ratio: 2.19:1
3rd Gear Ratio: 1.41:1
4th Gear Rati: 1.00:1
5th Gear Ratio: 0.83:1

Body/Chassis
Drive Wheels: RWD w.Limited Slip Differential
Curb Weight: 1748 kg / 3854 lbs
Length: 4650 mm / 183.1 in
Width: 1800 mm / 70.9 in
Height: 1360 mm / 53.5 in
Wheelbase: 2722 mm / 107.2 in

Performance
Top Speed: 320 kph / 198.8 mph
0 - 60 mph: 3.8 s

Yumcha

Personally, I hope Opel makes a street version of their Astra DTM car...that'd be really nice as well...

gavriil

You mean this?

http://www.supercarstats.com/car/con...a_xtreme.shtml

Yumcha

Yes! (that's my desktop wallpaper, BTW! )...However, I thought that car was a concept and was never a production vehicle or street legal?

nandowong

I have driven it around the track a couple of times.



In grand turismo 3.

gavriil

Race-bred CLK Muscles In - - Source: Autoexpress

Forget the SLR, this is the most hardcore Mercedes money can buy. Take a look at the race-bred CLK DTM AMG, which promises to be one of the three-pointed star's most exclusive and sought after models when it goes on sale in the autumn.

Taking its styling cues and name from the CLK that won 2003's DTM German touring car championship, the carbon fibre two-door is powered by a modified version of the SL55 AMG's supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine. Producing 582bhp and 800Nm of torque, the lightweight supercar is capable of 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and a 199mph top speed.

Power is fed through a five-speed sequential shift automatic gearbox, but fully adjustable suspension and an adapted version of ESP stability con- trol should help tame the handling. The cabin gets carbon fibre bucket seats and suede trim.

With production limited to 100 cars, it's not yet known how many will make it to the UK, but buyers can expect to pay around £180,000.

nandowong

nice but ricey wing

gavriil

...from Europe

M-Class Gets In Shape - - By Craig Cheetham - - Source: Autoexpress


Meanwhile, the CLK has had a mild facelift. In a bid to improve handling, both Coupé and Cabriolet get Mer-cedes' Direct Control technology. The package includes improved steering, plus revised ESP and suspension. Keen drivers will also welcome the shorter travel of the standard six-speed manual transmission, while the 7G-Tronic seven-speed auto is fitted to the CLK500. New 'clearcoat' paint is the only external change, but performance fans can choose an AMG model with composite brakes and sports exhaust system.

Zoot

I think the current CLK looks cheap (more C than E). The last gen was much better (more E than C)

phil2

zoot

Rod

It doesn't look as sleek and sporty.

Python2121

yes i agree, but i think the fact that you can open the windows up in back to open the entire side of the car is a really unique (for the segment) feature, and probably is the reason for the dramatic change. ive seen the feature on a bently continental gt, but it was nice to see it on something affordable

gavriil

I agree.

titan

Doesn't give u the same "upper-crust" feeling as the previous gen. car.

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

i agree 110%!!
BTW, are we going to see that manual transmission here? That is one of my biggest beefs with MB. They need manual trannies!!!

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

no pics?

Infamous425

maybe cuz its based on the c-class

1SICKLEX

gavriil

I doubt we will see manuals here. Even in Europe MB is cutting down on the manual offerings. I mean, with 6 and 7 speed auto trannies, the need is getting minimal at this point.

gavriil

No pics from that source. Maybe there are some around.

Beltfed

The CLK is built off the Cclass platform (as Infamous425 stated), the console is also the same in both cars.....so with that no the CLK does not feel up to the same standards as the Eclass.

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

but the old CLK looked much classier and the interior felt more upscale IMO .

av6ent

CLK500, equipped with M-B's five-liter V8 motor featuring twin-spark and variable intake and valve timing, makes 306 horsepower, but it drives through a brand new transmission. Slowly, one by one Benz is dropping its older five-speed automatic for the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Benz claims two bold new performance figures for the CLK equipped with the new transmission, the first being acceleration tests from standstill to 100 km/h which at 5.9 seconds show a 0.1 second improvement over the outgoing car. Secondly, fuel consumption has decreased up to 0.6 L/100 km (0.9 mpg) on the mixed cycle. Like the CLK55 AMG, drivers can swap the gears themselves in a manual mode with buttons mounted on the back of the steering wheel.

Zoot

I am (was) aware of that, but compared to the previous generation it looks cheap

Beltfed

Yeah, but while the 208 was a good looking design......its really starting to show its age.

As far as the interior goes, the previous version really wasn't any better in the materials department.

Design was a little more bank vault solid, but the 209 is a better car overall.

The 05 CLK55 gets 18s, revised dash, and AMG 4 exhaust outlets (coupe only).

gavriil

The World's Baddest Coupe: First drive of AMG's limited-edition CLK-DTM street car - - By Matt Davis - - Source: Autoweek

nandowong

damn

astro

that is a badass fucking car!

KavexTrax

4U4ME

great looking car

1SICKLEX

Goodness that is incredible!

Maximized

Why does Mercedes choose to put an automatic in a road racing car? Put a manual in the car Mercedes.