Focus on the Mercedes CLK-GTR

Manufactured by the German automaker to compete in the FIA GT championship, the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR is now considered one of the most beautiful hypercars ever created. Innova-Box, specialists in luxury garage design, presents this car built for all challenges.

Genesis of the Mercedes CLK-GTR

1996: Mercedes-Benz found itself alone in its category in the ITC championship. The other competitors had withdrawn, leaving the German brand on its own. It then decided to join the FIA GT championship, but this championship had new rules. Mercedes now needed to own a racing prototype that had been developed into a production car, with at least 20 units produced, to participate. However, the German manufacturer didn't have such a car. What to do? Time was tight. The championship started in six months. The brand didn't give up.

Then began a race against time. AMG, the German performance tuner, and its team drew inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz CLK for the design of the new race car, paying particular attention to aerodynamics. On the mechanical side, they equipped it with the company's largest engine, the 6-liter M120 V12, which was boosted to 600 hp. Thus, the Mercedes CLK-GTR was born and made its debut in April 1997 at the Hockenheimring. This was a disappointing result, which led to a return to Silverstone in the UK, where it finally achieved real success. The German manufacturer won five of the remaining seven races, becoming both the 1997 World Champion and the 1997 World Drivers' Champion.

Mercedes CLK-GTR: a spectacular supercar in every respect

While the German manufacturer achieved a true feat in competition, it was no less impressive with its production version. Of course, some modifications were necessary for road homologation, but this did not detract from its superb appearance. The interior boasts a premium feel worthy of the brand, with an Alcantara-covered dashboard, black leather bucket seats, enhanced soundproofing, and more. But it is above all the car's mechanics and performance that ensured its success. A naturally aspirated 612 hp V12 engine, a 5-speed sequential gearbox, and the use of carbon fiber and titanium to reduce weight as much as possible... The Mercedes CLK-GTR blends efficiency, lightness, and safety. Such a high level of finish inevitably implies a relatively high price, a primary consequence of unsold units. But the German manufacturer once again had a solution. To sell the remaining chassis, it created the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster and produced only six examples.

The Mercedes CLK-GTR underwent numerous evolutions. To tackle the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the manufacturer created the Mercedes CLR. This was a longer and lowered car with a carbon fiber and aluminum structure designed to be as light as possible. Its aerodynamics were also revised. However, while the prototypes showed no reliability issues, once on the track, problems arose and the Mercedes CLRs literally flew off the track. The front and rear overhangs, being longer than average, were blamed. Mercedes then announced its withdrawal from endurance racing.

Mercedes-Benz: a prestigious brand to preserve

Whether you own a Mercedes CLK-GTR or another model from the three-pointed star brand, you possess a prestigious vehicle. Indeed, Mercedes is positioned as one of the most powerful luxury car brands in the world. A symbol of prestige, a Mercedes-Benz vehicle must be preserved. It cannot be relegated to just any storage space. It cannot be left in an ordinary garage, where its beauty would be obscured and where humidity would diminish its value. For owners of prestige vehicles like the Mercedes CLK-GTR, Innova-Box has created a brand-new concept: transforming your garage into a unique space. “Thanks to quality materials, genuine expertise, and an innovative and modern vision, we transform even the simplest garages into veritable private showrooms where parking your vehicle becomes a pure pleasure,” says General Mouret, founder and manager of Innova-Box. “ We are able to create unique spaces, designed around your desires and the personality of your vehicle.”

The Mercedes CLK-GTR is one of the rarest and most sought-after cars in the world. Owning such a supercar is therefore extremely difficult. But, regardless of the prestige vehicle you possess, it's important to preserve it. To bring your garage up to standard, opt for the Innova-Box concept.