The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM stands as a monument to exclusivity and raw power, a vehicle born from motorsport pedigree and engineered for the ultimate driving enthusiast. This exceptional model is not just a car; it’s a statement, a rare gem in the Mercedes-Benz lineage, designed to echo the triumphs of the German Touring Car Masters championship (DTM) where Mercedes dominated from 2000 to 2003. With only 100 coupe versions ever produced, the CLK DTM was offered to a select clientele, carrying a price tag nearing $300,000 and delivering performance figures that rivaled contemporary supercars like the Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT.
Unlike some of its more publicly recognized counterparts, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM often flies under the radar. Its limited production run and initial market focus outside the U.S. have contributed to its enigmatic status. For those in the know, however, the CLK DTM represents a formidable machine, a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ capable of unleashing breathtaking performance. Back in 2005, its specifications placed it firmly in the realm of high-performance vehicles, boasting 574 horsepower and an electronically limited top speed of 200 mph.
While sharing some visual cues with standard CLK models, the DTM variant is fundamentally transformed beneath the surface. The widened wheel arches and distinctive three-piece wheels are immediately noticeable, signaling a significantly broader track than standard CLK models. Weight reduction was a key focus, with extensive use of carbon fiber for most exterior panels and much of the interior trim. Inside, the rear seats were sacrificed in favor of a carbon fiber panel, and the front occupants are treated to carbon fiber racing seats equipped with six-point harnesses. This track-focused setup, particularly the racing harnesses instead of standard seatbelts, contributed to the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM not being originally certified for sale in the U.S. The alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, along with a unique dashboard and center console, further distinguishes the cockpit of this rare machine.
The production of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM was entrusted to HWA, the very team responsible for managing Mercedes’ successful DTM racing program, highlighting the direct link to motorsport engineering. The heart of the beast is the M113K supercharged V8 engine, derived from the engines found in the E55 and SL55 AMG models. However, HWA significantly enhanced this powerplant to reliably handle the increased output. Modifications included forged pistons, more aggressive camshafts designed for high-temperature durability, and cylinder heads optimized for improved airflow, complemented by a free-flowing exhaust system. A higher-revving twin-screw supercharger was implemented to elevate boost pressure. To manage the substantial power increase, the engine control unit (ECU) was recalibrated, the entire cooling system was upgraded, and the limited-slip differential was equipped with its own dedicated external cooler, ensuring peak performance even under demanding conditions.
Specifications:
- Engine: 5.5 Liter Supercharged V8
- Horsepower: 574 @ 6100 RPM
- Torque: 590 ft./lbs. @ 3500 RPM
- 0-60 MPH: 3.9 Seconds
- Top Speed: 200 MPH (limited)
- Transmission: Five-Speed Automatic w/ Paddle Shifters
- Weight: 3854 lbs.
