How MERCEDES Built a World Champion in 128 Days — The CLK GTR Madness

Описание: In 1997, Mercedes-Benz did the impossible — they went from zero GT1 racing experience to World Champions in just 128 days. The weapon? The CLK GTR. The method? They bought their enemy's car and studied it down to the last detail.

🔥 SHOCKING FACTS EXPOSED:
How Mercedes purchased McLaren F1 GTR chassis 11R and analyzed every component
Why the FIA approved homologation with only ONE car and a promise for 24 more
The $1.55 million price tag that made Guinness World Records (DM 3,074,000)
How Bernd Schneider won 6 of 11 races in the CLK GTR's debut season
Why only 25-28 road cars were ever built — and they now sell for $4-10 million

🏁 IN THIS EPISODE OF SUPERCAR CHRONICLES:
The desperate corporate decision in late 1996 that started everything
How Lola Composites in the UK built the carbon fiber monocoque
The 6.9-liter M120 V12 producing 612 horsepower — naturally aspirated
Why the sequential gearbox still required a clutch pedal
How the CLK GTR killed the entire GT1 category by being too dominant
The Pagani Zonda connection — same AMG V12 bloodline

This wasn't just a racing program — it was corporate audacity turned into a World Championship. When Mercedes couldn't beat McLaren, they bought one. Then they built something better. In 128 days.

📊 KEY SPECS:
Engine: 6.9L M120 V12 (Ilmor-developed)
Power: 612 PS (604 hp) / 572 lb-ft torque
0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
Weight: ~1,440 kg (dry)
Production: 25-28 units (Strassenversion)
Original Price: DM 3,074,000 ($1.55M USD)
Current Value: $4-10 million at auction

🏆 1997 FIA GT CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:
Constructors' Champion: Mercedes-AMG
Drivers' Champion: Bernd Schneider
Wins: 6 of 11 races
Development time: 128 days

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