Supercars.net

Currently one of the most exclusive motorcars is being built in Affalterbach, Germany. Little known to the press, a motor sport firm is producing five CLK GTR Roadsters which are nearing completion. The car you see here is the first Roadster, chassis #0001, and it is ready for public sale.

The company behind the GTR Roadster is H.W.A. GmbH. They have a long history developing Mercedes-Benz race cars: Since 1967, HWA have been producing Mercedes-driven cars such as the CLK DTM touring cars and other one-of creations. HWA also have a large history with AMG. Together, HWA and AMG have been creating cars for FIA GT1 motor sport. HWA has been specifically responsible for the manufacture and design of these machines.

Back in 1999, DaimlerChrysler acquired AMG, renaming it to Mercedes AMG GmbH. In doing so, they effectively separated HWA from AMG developments. This left the 170-employee firm with independence over its products. Such freedom has let the company produce the stunning CLK GTR Roadster.

In November of 1998 the very first road-going CLK GTRs were completed. These cars were part of a limited series necessary to homologate the GT1 racecar. GTRs competed in every round of the 1997 FIA GT Championship against the Porsche GT1, BMW LMR and McLaren F1. That season Mercedes dominated, bringing the championship to Mercedes and HWA.

The technology used to beat McLaren on the track is currently bred into the new CLK GTR Roadster. The basis of our roadster is a race-proven, carbon fibre monocoque. Protection for the occupants is provided by an integrated steel roll cage with rigid crash-impact boxes.

A familiar six-liter, Mercedes V12 is the center piece of the roadster. AMG have refined this engine to include an increase in capacity from 6.0 to 6.9 liters. Other key features include an entirely new intake system and revised exhaust headers. The complete system allows the GTR to lash out 610 horsepower to it's rear wheels.

A six-speed transmission is fitted to the power plant. Gear changes are made sequentially by two paddles behind the steering wheel.

Behind the GTR Roadster is a wealth of experience attained through motors port practice. Each CLK GTR reflects the successful heritage which includes the 1997 FIA championship. Only five cars will be produced by HWA, the same company which developed and raced the 1997 GTR. With such expertise and exclusivity we can boldly claim the CLK GTR Roadster is one of the greatest modern-day supercars ever offered.

Of the five examples, only one will be available for public sale. Our car, chassis number one, is being sold by the Classic Car Collection in Switzerland. For more information on the sale, please contact HWA via their website: http://www.carclassic.com