Mercedes Needs to Make More Cars Like the CLK DTM
The CLK DTM proves the newer crop of AMG cars is too good for its own good.
Sometimes as evolutions happen, you seem to look at them through rose-colored glasses. All of the good things that come with change are praised, and often, things that are not carried on are forgotten. As such, 20/20 clarity only makes itself apparent when old versions are thrust before us.
This video by Doug DeMuro gives a great overall review of the car, and all the features that make it exceptional, and exceptionally fun.
While the CLK DTM was never officially sold in the United States, most of us recognize it as the Formula 1 safety car, lurking at the back of the grid during race starts. However, it was arguably one of the more extreme road cars ever built by Mercedes and AMG. The DTM marks a departure from the Black Series by being even more extreme in terms of all things measurable: Whether that’s power, the width of the wheel arches, the amount of carbon fiber inside, and the amount of creature comforts removed.
Molded carbon fiber seats and a harness complete the ‘race car for the road’ persona, but despite all the hardware, you almost get the impression AMG still wanted it to be fun. Sure it’s fast, but it’s a darn hoot to drive otherwise. That ability to let its hair down, so to speak, is lost on the newer AMG models which have g-force meters and registered official lap times at the Nürburgring. There’s a whiff of seriousness, which the CLK DTM seems to throw to the wind, in favor of horsepower for the sake of horsepower. It also has some genuine and bespoke differences that you simply wont find on any other CLK AMG. There really should be more goofy cars like this.
