Race-bred CLK Muscles In

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.

Auto Express Car Reviews

17th May 2004

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.