1989 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe (W297) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe (W297) has a curb weight of 1440 kg (3175 lbs) and a maximum weight of 1630 kg (3594 lbs). This relatively low curb weight is quite remarkable for a supercar, as it helps with acceleration, agility, and braking performance, all essential characteristics for a race-bred vehicle. The weight distribution and the use of lightweight materials in construction contribute to the car’s dynamic handling capabilities. The maximum weight figure reflects the total allowable weight including passengers, cargo, and fuel. Keeping the weight close to curb weight during use ensures optimum performance, emphasizing the CLK GTR’s design as a highly specialized, track-oriented vehicle that is also capable on the road.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe (W297) offers a luggage capacity of just 153 liters (approximately 5.4 cubic feet). This limited space reflects the car's primary focus on performance and racing pedigree rather than practicality. The small boot capacity means the CLK GTR is not designed for carrying large amounts of luggage or gear, which typical daily drivers or touring cars might offer. Owners planning to use the vehicle primarily for track days or short drives should find this capacity satisfactory for essentials, but it is not practical for long trips or extensive cargo needs.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe is equipped with distinct rim and tire sizes tailored for optimum performance. The front rims measure 12.5J x 18 inches, while the rear rims are slightly narrower at 10.5J x 18 inches. Corresponding tire sizes are 345/35 R18 at the front and 295/35 R18 at the rear. These wide and low-profile tires provide superior grip and stability, essential for a high-performance car that generates significant downforce and handles extreme speeds. The staggered tire setup enhances traction and balance under the challenging conditions of track driving, making the CLK GTR a true race car for the road.

With dimensions of 4855 mm in length (191.1 inches), 1950 mm in width (76.8 inches), and a very low height of 1164 mm (45.8 inches), the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Most typical single-car garages have widths starting around 2400-2700 mm (94-106 inches) and lengths of 5400-6000 mm (213-236 inches), so the CLK GTR’s size is suitable for standard residential garages. However, due to its low height and wide stance, owners should exercise caution when entering or exiting garages with limited clearance or narrow doorways to avoid scrapes or door dings.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe (W297) was developed as a specialized supercar closely linked to motorsport, and it does not have a direct predecessor within the Mercedes-Benz lineup as it was originally conceived for homologation purposes to compete in the FIA GT Championship in the late 1990s. However, compared to previous high-performance models from Mercedes, the CLK GTR is notably lower, wider, and more focused on aerodynamic efficiency and track performance. Its dimensions and lightweight construction represent a significant step forward in purpose-built racing design, rather than a conventional evolution of a predecessor model. This makes the CLK GTR unique in its size and race-driven engineering.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe stands out among late-1990s supercars for its extreme dimensions and race-focused engineering. Measuring 4855 mm long (191.1 inches) and 1950 mm wide (76.8 inches), it is broader and longer compared to competitors like the McLaren F1 or Ferrari F50. Its very low height of just 1164 mm (45.8 inches) prioritizes aerodynamics, providing a lower center of gravity and enhancing high-speed stability. Unlike many contemporaries that balanced supercar usability with performance, the CLK GTR was essentially a race car made street legal, which is reflected in its minimal luggage capacity and aggressive stance. Its bespoke rims and wide tires also emphasize traction and handling over everyday comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR’s low height of 1164 mm (45.8 inches) plays a critical role in its aerodynamic efficiency and handling characteristics. A lower height reduces the frontal area exposed to air, which decreases aerodynamic drag and enhances the car’s top speed potential as well as fuel efficiency at high speeds. Furthermore, the low profile contributes to a lower center of gravity, significantly improving cornering stability and reducing body roll during aggressive maneuvers. This design choice aligns with the car’s race-bred nature, providing drivers with a connected, responsive driving experience especially suited for track conditions.

Despite its primary racing heritage, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Coupe was homologated for road use, making it an extraordinary but rare street-legal supercar. With a curb weight of 1440 kg (3175 lbs), the car remains lightweight for a production vehicle, which contributes to its agility and responsiveness. Its construction using advanced lightweight materials and aerodynamic design ensures remarkable performance on both track and tarmac. However, due to its racing pedigree, the CLK GTR’s ride comfort, interior amenities, and practicality are significantly compromised compared to typical road cars, making it more suitable for enthusiasts and collectors rather than everyday driving.

The CLK GTR Coupe’s width of 1950 mm (76.8 inches) directly influences its handling characteristics by providing a wider track that enhances lateral stability. A wider stance allows for better grip during high-speed cornering, reducing body roll and aiding in weight distribution across the tires. This width, coupled with its advanced suspension and aerodynamic downforce, results in exceptional precision and confidence when driving at high speeds or on demanding circuits. While the increased width might make maneuvering in tight city environments slightly more challenging compared to narrower sports cars, it's a deliberate trade-off for superior handling and performance on the road or track.