Once again we’re looking to Driving Emotions, an exotics dealer in Palm Beach, Florida, best known for their unique supercars and exotic offerings. Today’s topic is a 2005 CLK DTM that can be found listed here on the Driving Emotions website. Although no price is given, we can assume it will be in the 300k range based on other recent listings. Take a look at the photos and you’ll quickly see why this CLK stands out from the pack.
If you’re unfamiliar with why these are so cool, let’s start with the basics. In the early 2000’s, Mercedes-Benz dominated the German Touring Car Championships or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM). As a celebration and engineering flex, the masterminds at AMG created a homologated edition of the then-new W209 CLK. 200 units of these cars were destined for market, half of which would be cabriolets. Although the CLK DTM was never sold for the North American market, it is still possible to title and register it here with a few hurdles (Previously tackled by another owner). While the better-known younger brother CLK63 Black Series was powered by the 6.2 litre M156, the CLK DTM borrowed its powerplant from the SL55 at the time. AMG waved a wand over the already-hot supercharged 5.4 litre engine and stuffed 582 horsepower into this W209. With forged pistons, new intake and exhaust, revised cam duration and more boost for the supercharger it produces 572bhp at 6100rpm and 590lb ft at 3500rpm. The CLK DTM was then made lighter, wider, and stiffer to best resemble a true DTM race car for the road... or the track.
Finished in Obsidian Black, this specific CLK DTM exudes sophistication while presenting itself as a visceral track car. The interior, also trimmed in Black, dually manages to let the driver know this car means business while maintaining, in true Mercedes fashion, the idea that creature comforts don’t need to be sacrificed in order to have a competent and poised track toy. The gauge cluster manages to simplify its readout for the driver in about half the space typically allotted on Mercedes of this era. In combining the tachometer and speedo while leaving room for larger, more visible oil and coolant temp readouts this is purely a feature most usable on the track or at high speeds. Climate and a basic non-COMMAND infotainment are positioned in the as normal but an auxiliary switch-gear is hidden under a panel just ahead of the shifter. ESP and EDW are controlled with airplane toggle switches instead of those over-sized panels typically used. The seats, trim, and even the tiny shift knob are created with weight savings in mind.
Sure, true track cars or weekend warriors can be found for less money and are certainly less painful to beat around, but when you consider the rarity of the CLK DTM and the option to have just as much fun with on the street, this car shouldn’t be categorized with track cars, it should fall in line with the Porsche GT3 RS or GT2RS. The difference is, when driving a CLK DTM, you’re almost guaranteed you won’t see another at your local cars and coffee.
Comments